A folder is an attachment used on sewing machines to fold fabric prior to sewing. Different types and thicknesses of folders exist for various fabrics, from light folders for silk to heavy folders for thick materials like denim. Folders improve productivity and quality by helping to fold fabric accurately and reducing operator fatigue. Common folders in apparel include those for hemming, sleeve attaching, piping, belt loops, binding, and waistbands.

1. Folders in Apparel Industry
A folder is an attachment to a sewing machine for bending and folding the fabric previous to sewing. It
belongs to the category of work aids (Additional devices that can be added to basic sewing
machines)generally used in situations where fabric must be fold prior to sewing. Can be used for folds
ranging from simple to complex. Different types of folders available in different size and thickness.
The thickness of the folder is selected depends on the type of fabric.
1. Light folder (0.15mm to 0.25mm thickness) – silk, synthetic materials, poplin, shirting, bed
sheet
2. Medium folder (0.27mm to 0.40mm thickness)–single jersey knit, flannelette, Oxford
3. Heavy folder (0.45mm to 1.5mm thickness)–twill, corduroy, rib knit, interlock knit, denim
Features of a Folder in the Apparel Industry
There are some basic features of a folder, these are-
1. It helps to improve the productivity.
2. Improve or maintain quality standards.
3. Reduce training time of operator.
4. Reduce fatigue of the operator.
Different Types of Folders Used in the Apparel Industry
1. Belt loop folder
2. Binding folder
3. Tape folder
4. Hemming folder
5. Collar setting folder
6. Cuff setting folder
7. Waistband folder
8. Piping folder. etc
These are some types of folders used in the garment industry.
Hemming Folder
It is excellent for continuous hemming on automatic sewing operations. It’s suitable for double needle
lockstitch machine. Used to make narrow hems, on prior to ruffling, curtains, and other straight
hemming operations. Output piece seam line diagram is shown in the image.

2. Hemming Folder
Sleeve Attaching Folder
It is used for sleeve attaching operation by using a single needle lock stitch machine. Output piece
seam line diagram is shown in the image.

3. Piping Folder
It is used for preparing piping seam by using a single needle lock stitch machine. Output piece seam
line diagram is shown in the image.
Belt Loop Folder
It is used for preparing belt loop by using a single needle lock stitch machine. Here stripe of fabric
inserted on the folder. Output piece seam line diagram is shown in the image.
Bias Binding Folder
It is used for cover the raw edge by using a single needle lock stitch machine. Here stripe of fabric
inserted on the folder. It binds the fabric edge evenly. Output piece seam line diagram is shown in the
image.

4. Waist Band Folder
It is used for attaching waistband by using double needle lockstitch machine. It binds seam on the
waistband. Output piece seam line diagram is shown in the image.