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Home » Paper Crafts

How To Make A Paper Envelope

Oct 31, 2024 · Modified: Feb 22, 2025 by Emily · Leave a Comment

Need a quick, DIY envelope for your letter, note or gift card?

Learn how to make a paper envelope with that requires just one square sheet of paper-no glue or scissors needed!

Paper envelopes.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Pattern
  • Skill Level
  • Materials Needed
  • Instructions
  • Tips For Success
  • Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
  • FAQ
  • Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:
  • Helpful Origami Tips
  • Stay Connected
  • Other Patterns You Might Like To Try:
  • Comments

Creating a paper envelope using origami is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to letters, invitations, or small gifts without having to rely on store-bought options.

These paper envelopes have a charm all their own, giving each letter a unique look that stands out from standard envelopes.

This project is not only easy and quick but also allows you to experiment with various types of square paper, adding character through colors, patterns, and textures.

These origami paper envelopes are perfect for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or any event where you want your note to feel a little extra special.

The beauty of this DIY paper craft is in its simplicity: with just a few well-placed folds, you'll have an envelope that securely holds notes or gift cards without any adhesive or additional materials.

It's also highly adaptable-switching between smaller and larger squares allows you to control the envelope size, making this a versatile addition to your DIY craft skills.

Whether you're making an envelope for a holiday card or creating several to match a wedding theme, this easy technique lets you customize each one to suit any purpose.

Stack of paper envelopes.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

  • No glue or scissors needed, just folding!
  • A versatile project that can hold small items like notes, gift cards, or photos.
  • Customizable to any theme or occasion.
  • Easy to make in just a few minutes.

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

Paper Size Options

For most uses, a 6x6-inch (15x15 cm) square will create a perfect size envelope for notes or small cards. Larger sizes like 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) or 10x10-inch (25x25 cm) work well for longer notes or larger items.

Paper Type & GSM

Origami or lightweight paper with 70-90 GSM works well. Avoid thick paper, as it may make the folds difficult and result in a bulky envelope.

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the color you want your envelope to be facing down.

Step 2: Fold the bottom edge to meet the top edge.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the bottom edge to meet the middle crease.

Steps 1 to 4 for folding a paper envelope.

Step 5: Fold the top edge to meet the middle crease.

Step 6: Unfold previous 2 steps.

Step 7: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the nearest crease.

Step 8: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the middle crease line.

Steps 5 to 8 for folding a paper envelope.

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Step 9: Fold the top edge down to meet the 1st crease from the bottom.

Step 10: Unfold previous step.

Step 11: Fold the bottom left corner up to meet the nearest crease.

Step 12: Fold the bottom right corner up to meet the nearest crease.

Steps 9 to 12 for folding a paper envelope.

Step 13: Fold the left and right ledges in, following the edges of the triangles you made in the previous 2 steps.

Step 14: Fold the top left corner to meet the middle (it's edge should line up with the 2nd  crease from the top).

Step 15: Repeat previous step for the top right corner.

Step 16: Fold the top point down and tuck inside the bottom. Completed paper envelope.

Steps 13 to 16 for folding a paper envelope.

Tips For Success

For a more polished look, make sure your folds are crisp and aligned. Using a bone folder or even the edge of a ruler can help smooth and secure creases.

Close up image of pink envelopes.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

Opt for paper that matches the theme or occasion. Pastels work well for spring events, whereas bold colors or patterns can make the envelope stand out as a gift.

You can also use recycled paper for a more eco-friendly approach or decorate plain paper with stamps, stickers, or drawings for a customized look.

FAQ

Can I use regular printer paper?

Yes, you can. Just make sure you cut it into a square before folding.

What if my paper isn't square?

You can trim it into a square before folding.

Or you might like to try this envelope that uses rectangle paper.

How can I close the envelope without glue?

Simply tuck in the final edge securely or use a small sticker for extra hold.

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

  • Origami Masu Box
  • Triangle Origami Corner Bookmark
  • DIY Gift Bags From Wrapping Paper
  • Christmas Tree Napkins Fold
  • Origami Mouse
  • Origami Swan

Helpful Origami Tips

If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.

Start with the valley fold and mountain fold-these are the foundation of most origami models.

Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.

The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.

Stay Connected

Made this pattern? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Pin this post - Pin now to take your paper crafting skills to the next level.

Share on Instagram or Facebook - Capture the beauty of your finished paper craft project and share it on Instagram or Facebook! Tag us @easyfoldablecreations so we can see your work!

A blue paper envelope and a purple paper envelope.

Other Patterns You Might Like To Try:

Looking for other easy patterns like this? Try these:

  • Close up image of an origami ghost with pumpkin hat.
    Origami Ghost With Pumpkin Hat
  • Paper angel.
    DIY Paper Angel
  • Origami ghost.
    How To Make An Easy Origami Ghost
  • Close up image of a leaf napkin fold.
    Maple Leaf Napkin Folding Idea
  • Close up image of an origami garland.
    Origami Crane Garland
  • Close up image of an origami Christmas stocking.
    3D Origami Stocking
  • Close up image of an origami fortune teller.
    Origami Fortune Teller
  • Close up image of a wrapped Christmas present.
    Santa Christmas Gift Wrapping Idea

More Paper Crafts

  • Blue and white spiral napkin fold.
    Standing Spiral Napkin Fold
  • Baby shower gift wrapping ideas.
    Wrapping Ideas For Baby Shower
  • Easy Thanksgiving napkin folds.
    Thanksgiving Napkin Folding Ideas
  • Wedding gift wrapping ideas.
    Wedding Gift Wrapping Ideas

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Hello and welcome to Easy Foldable Creations!

My name is Emily. I am the founder, crafter, and photographer behind Easy Foldable Creations.

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