How to Fold Sweaters: Easy Steps for a Neat Closet

What You’ll Need

A flat surface (table, bed, or clean floor)
Your sweater, buttoned or zipped if it has them
Optional: a sweater folder or a piece of sturdy cardboard (about 12×16 inches) for uniform folds

Step-by-Step

Lay the sweater flat. Place it face down on your surface with the back facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Button or zip it up so the front stays aligned.
Fold one sleeve in. Take the right sleeve and fold it across the back so the cuff meets the opposite shoulder seam. The sleeve should lie flat and straight, parallel to the side seam.
Fold the other sleeve. Do the same with the left sleeve, bringing the cuff to the right shoulder seam. Both sleeves should now be crossed or parallel, lying flat on the back.
Fold the sides inward. Take the right side of the sweater (including the sleeve) and fold it toward the center, about one-third of the way. Repeat with the left side, so the sweater now forms a narrow rectangle. The width should be about the width of your hand or the sweater folder.
Fold the bottom up. Grab the bottom hem and fold it up to about one-third of the way toward the neckline. Press down to crease.
Fold the top down. Bring the neckline down over the folded bottom, creating a neat rectangle. If the sweater is long, you can fold it in half instead of thirds.
Flip and smooth. Turn the folded sweater over so the front (or a smooth side) is facing up. Smooth out any bumps. Now it’s ready to stack or store.

Common Mistakes

Folding too thick: If you fold the sweater into a thick bundle, it takes up more space and can stretch the fibers.
Leaving sleeves bunched: If sleeves are not folded flat, they create lumps that distort the sweater’s shape.
Folding while damp: Folding a sweater that’s still damp can cause mildew and stretching. Always dry it completely first.
Using hangers for heavy knits: Hanging heavy sweaters can stretch the shoulders. Folding is better for them.

Tips

Use a sweater folder or a piece of cardboard to get uniform folds every time. Place the sweater on top, fold the sides over the board, then fold the board in half.
Store folded sweaters on a shelf, not in a drawer, if you have space. It’s easier to see and grab one without disturbing others.
For delicate knits like cashmere, fold in tissue paper to reduce friction and keep them soft.
If you’re traveling, roll your sweaters instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles.
Sort sweaters by color or weight so you can find the one you want quickly.

Troubleshooting

Wrinkles after folding: If your sweater comes out wrinkled, it might be folded too tightly or stored under heavy items. Refold loosely and store on top of other clothes, or use a fabric shaver to remove any pilling that makes wrinkles look worse.

Sweater stretches out of shape: This often happens from hanging or folding too tightly. To fix, lay it flat on a towel, gently reshape it, and let it air dry. For storage, fold it loosely and avoid overstuffing your shelf.

Sleeves keep popping out: Make sure you fold the sleeves all the way to the shoulder seam, not just halfway. Also, press the folds firmly with your hands to set the crease.

Folded sweater takes too much space: If your folded sweaters are bulky, try rolling them instead. Lay the sweater flat, fold sleeves in, then roll from the bottom up. This saves space and reduces wrinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I fold or hang sweaters?

Fold them. Hanging can stretch the shoulders and neckline, especially for heavy knits. Folding keeps their shape and saves space.

How do I fold a sweater so it doesn’t get creases?

Fold it loosely and avoid pressing hard creases. Use tissue paper between folds for delicate fabrics. Also, store it on a flat surface without heavy items on top.

Can I fold a sweater while it’s still warm from the dryer?

It’s best to let it cool completely. Folding while warm can set wrinkles and stretch the fibers. Wait until it’s room temperature.

What’s the best way to fold a hoodie?

Same as a sweater, but fold the hood flat against the back before folding sleeves. Then fold sides in and fold the bottom up. This keeps the hood from bunching.

How do I fold a sweater to fit in a drawer?

Fold it into a rectangle that matches the depth of your drawer. If it’s too wide, fold the sides in more. You can also roll it to fit smaller spaces.

Why does my sweater stretch when I fold it?

Folding shouldn’t stretch it, but pulling the fabric while smoothing can. Be gentle and avoid tugging. Also, don’t store it under heavy items that can stretch it over time.

Sources: The Spruce. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.