Pre-folded Tapes
Clean and stable edges for process-reliable sewing operations through pre-folded constructions
Pre-folded tapes provide a clean, stable edge finish that does not fray even under mechanical stress. Through precise pre-folding, a ready-to-process tape is created that increases process reliability, extends machine runtimes and reduces downtime in further processing.
What are pre-folded tapes and where are they used?
Pre-folded tapes are textile tapes that are precisely folded at the manufacturer’s site. This pre-folding turns the future edge inward, mechanically protecting and stabilising it. The result is a clean, uniform edge that can be processed in a controlled and reproducible manner during sewing.
Pre-folded tapes are used wherever:
- a visually clean edge is required
- fraying must be reliably prevented
- consistent seam appearance is essential
- industrial or semi-automated processes are applied
Folding at Krass+Wissing – more than just turning over material
At Krass+Wissing, folding does not simply mean turning over the material. The fold is engineered to remain permanently dimensionally stable and not open or shift during the subsequent sewing process.
Depending on material, construction and application, folding is carried out:
- under high mechanical pressure
- with thermal support
- or in combination with functional auxiliaries such as heat-activated or cold-applied adhesives
The goal is always a fold that is process-reliable, durable and optimised for further processing.
Why pre-folded tapes are the superior solution
An unfolded tape requires additional working steps or more complex guiding devices during sewing. This increases the risk of errors and slows down production.
Pre-folded tapes eliminate this step in advance and offer clear advantages:
- reduced complexity in the sewing process
- fewer manual interventions
- reproducible edge quality
- higher process reliability
Pre-folding by Krass+Wissing means for the customer: one process step less – and therefore greater stability in their own production.
Pre-folded tapes as part of an integrated production process
Pre-folded tapes are always designed in the context of the subsequent sewing process. The objective is to create conditions that allow machines at the customer’s site to run as long as possible without interruption.
Several factors interact:
- uniform tape tension
- consistent fold geometry
- material-appropriate design
- optimised packaging format
This significantly reduces downtime, seam starting points and production defects.
Packaging formats and runtime optimisation
A key factor for process reliability is the correct packaging format of the pre-folded tape. Krass+Wissing therefore supplies pre-folded tapes in a wide range of formats tailored to the specific application.
For industrial use, large spools with up to 10,000 metres of tape are available. They enable:
- extended machine runtimes
- fewer spool changes
- consistent material feed
At the same time, we also manufacture small packaging units for haberdashery needs, sampling or special applications. These may be supplied, for example:
- on cards
- on cardboard cores
- in very short lengths
Fold types and structural variants
Pre-folded tapes differ not only in material but primarily in their fold geometry. Depending on the application, different fold types are used to deliberately control function and appearance.
These include, among others:
- simple facings
- facings with or without gap
- offset facings (equal or unequal legs)
- multi-layer folded tapes
- special folds for specific binding attachments
The appropriate variant always depends on product, material and sewing technology.
Materials and combinations
Pre-folded tapes can be manufactured from a wide variety of textile materials – from classic woven constructions to warp-knit and knitted fabrics. In addition, multiple materials can be combined.
Such material combinations enable:
- increased stability
- targeted reduction or control of elasticity
- improved shape retention
- purely visual effects
This turns the pre-folded tape into a functional component that actively contributes to the quality of the final product.
Typical fields of application
Pre-folded tapes are used in many areas of textile processing, including:
- mattresses and toppers
- home textiles
- apparel industry
- technical textiles
- medical applications
- OEM and custom solutions
In summary – your benefits
Pre-folded tapes from Krass+Wissing stand for:
- clean and stable edges
- no fraying under proper mechanical stress
- high process reliability
- optimised runtimes
- flexible packaging formats from small quantities to large spools