Make a hinged shirt-folding guide from six pieces of corrugated cardboard and tape. Choose the panel size to suit the folded shirts you want to store; the 9-by-12-inch panels in the tutorial are an example, not a required size.
Materials and panel size
You will need six pieces of corrugated cardboard, each at least 9 by 12 inches (23 by 30.5 cm), duct tape or another tape, and a sharp knife such as a box cutter. A ruler or yardstick is optional. Shipping boxes can provide reclaimed cardboard. These materials and measurements come from Jason Poel Smith’s Make: project, published March 11, 2013, and updated April 2, 2015.
The dimensions of the panels determine the approximate size of the finished shirt fold. The tutorial describes 9 by 12 inches as a commonly used size for large shirts, but you can choose another size: fold a shirt to the dimensions you prefer and use it as a template for the panels.
Build the folding board
- Cut six even cardboard rectangles to your chosen dimensions. A sharp knife is the tool specified; use it carefully on a suitable cutting surface.
- Arrange the rectangles in a grid three panels wide and two panels high. Leave about 1/4 inch between adjacent panels so the sections can move.
- Tape the adjacent panels in the top row together, applying tape on both the front and back to create hinges.
The Make: instructions describe the board as complete after the top-row panels are hinged. Keep the gaps clear of excess tape so the panels can pivot.
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#1 Best Overall
- Space-saving: Full size 21.3*25.08 inches, folds to 10.79*8.7 inches for easy storage, particularly beneficial in small living spaces
- Easy to Use: No assembly is required, anyone can achieve consistent, neat folds with the help of a shirt folder
- Premium & Durable PP Material: Crafted from upgraded PP material for long-lasting use. Note that repeated folding may cause normal stress-whitening at creases, which does not impact functionality or strength
- Versatility: The shirt folding board is suitable for T-shirts, shirts, sweaters, pants, jeans, and dresses
- Suitable for almost size clothes: For larger sizes, please fold the portion that extends beyond the clothes folder toward the center
Fold a shirt with the board
- Place the shirt face down and centered on the board.
- Flip one side panel over the shirt, then return it to its original position.
- Repeat with the other side panel.
- Flip the bottom center panel up over the shirt, then return it.
This sequence is the shirt-folding method described in the tutorial; it does not establish a method for every type of clothing.
DIY board or reusable commercial board?
A DIY board lets you choose the panel dimensions and reuse cardboard you already have. If you prefer a ready-made alternative, Brabantia documents a plastic shirt-and-sweater folding board with printed instructions and a hook for storage. Its listed dimensions are 38.2 cm high, 21.3 cm wide, and 0.5 cm long, and it comes with a two-year warranty. Check the dimensions against the garments you fold and the place you plan to store the board; its listed dimensions differ from the DIY tutorial’s example panels. Details are on Brabantia’s official product page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PP composite material is with better toughness, anti-aging, more than 3-year service life.
- Solve the family's troubles that too many T-shirts, sweaters, dresses, towels, pants and other clothes need to be folded.
- No assembly required, 2 silicone buckles firmly connect panels. Even if there is a severe collision, the shirt folder will not fall apart.
- Both adults and children can operate with one hand, making it convenient and simple to fold clothes. The shirt folding board can easily organize the entire wardrobe without too many steps.
- The folded size is 9"x11.4" and 1.3 pounds. Clothes folders can be easily stored in a drawer or a suitcase. The unfolded size is 27.16"x22.44", and clothes of different sizes can be folded.
Rank #4
- Simplified Clothes Organization – Our folding board allows you to effortlessly organize your clothes, turning disorganized piles into neat and uniform stacks, saving you valuable time and effort.
- Space-Saving Design – Fold your clothes more efficiently with our clothing folding board, which reduces their bulk, helping you maximize closet and drawer space for a tidier, more organized storage solution.
- Perfect Fold Every Time – Achieve flawless folds without the need for any expertise. Our tshirt folder board guarantees perfectly folded garments every time, providing a crisp, polished look to your clothing.
- Wide-Ranging Use – More than just for t-shirts! This versatile tool is perfect for folding a variety of items, including shirts, pants, sweaters, towels, and more, making it an essential part of your laundry routine.
- Compact and Travel-Ready – Lightweight and portable, our folding boards for clothing is ideal for travel. Easily pack it in your suitcase and ensure your clothes remain folded and organized while on the go.
Rank #3
- Effortlessly Neat Folds: Simply place your garment on the folding board and follow the easy steps. Anyone can achieve consistently neat folds with ease. Transform your messy piles into an organized, wrinkle-free closet
- Create Extra Storage Space: Neatly folded clothes are compact and organized, allowing you to fit more into your drawers and closets. A must-have solution for dorm rooms, apartments, and any small living space
- Fold Virtually Any Garment: This t shirt folder isn't just for T-shirts! It expertly handles a wide range of clothing, including shirts, sweaters, polos, and pants, making it an essential laundry helper
- Durable & High-Quality: Constructed from upgraded, high-quality PP plastic, our shirt folding board is built to withstand daily use without bending or breaking, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Professional Look: Clothes folded with the tshirt folder board often have a more professional and polished appearance. Perfect for small business
Rank #2
- A Laundry Game Changer – Had a hard time folding shirts? This folding board will up your laundry game! The clothes board makes folding much easier, quicker and fun!
- High Quality Material - Constructed from upgraded environmentally-friendly PP material, this shirt folder is sturdy and durable, built to last for a long time.
- Easy to Use – Fold your clothes nicely in four simple steps, and make your closet and drawers all neat and uniformly. The clothes board helps to save space. Even a five-year-old can fold perfectly.
- Versatile Folding Helper - Suitable for various types of clothing: tee shirts, polo shirts, dress shirts, shorts, jeans, pants, pajama and even towels.
- Compact & Lightweight Design – Full size: 27.56 x 22.44 x 0.08 inches, folds down to a compact size: 11.6 x 9.5 inches. Can be easily stored in a drawer or on a shelf, or hung on the hooks with holes on top of the board, taking up minimal space. Also fits in suitcases when in travel.
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