Fold Forming

Fold forming was invented by Charles Lewton-Brain. It is a technique of forming sheet metal quickly into fantastic 3-dimensional shapes without the need for soldering. Sheet metal is cut, folded and then hammered along the fold, to stretch the metal, before being unfolded to reveal wonderful, organic, curved shapes.

             

Fold forms with one fold using different starting shapes.

This was a technique I really enjoyed learning and experimenting with during my course. There are endless possibilities with fold forming depending on the starting shape and number of folds within a piece. The direction of the folds as well as the amount of hammering also varies the outcome of the final form. 

Fold form with two folds to create flower shape.

It was intriguing to cut different shapes and hammer the folds to differing degrees before finally unfolding the pieces to reveal their final form. The more a fold is hammered, the more the metal naturally stretches and curves round. Hammering along the open outer edge also affects the outcome of the form.

Leaf shapes made using fold forming.

This is a great metal-forming technique to uses in jewellery because the 3-D forms can be made so fast. The lack of soldered joints also makes them ideal surfaces to enamel for an added splash of colour.