Pleated Origami Envelope

This pleated origami envelope is an elegant way to present small gifts, handwritten notes, or gift cards for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Mother's Day, and more.

Made from just one sheet of paper, it folds beautifully in minutes-no glue or scissors needed!

If you love adding a personalized touch to your gifts, this pleated origami envelope is the perfect way to elevate your presentation.

A pleated origami envelope is a folded paper envelope design that features decorative pleats as part of its structure. It is commonly used for letters, gift notes, and special occasion stationery, and combines functional paper folding with decorative detailing.

Whether you're slipping in a handwritten note, a gift card, money, gifting as a small wedding favor, or small keepsakes, this no-glue origami design is a stunning alternative to store-bought envelopes.

With its intricate pleated design, this envelope looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.

You only need one sheet of paper and within minutes you'll have a beautifully folded envelope.

Plus, you can customize it to match the occasion by choosing different colors, patterns, and textures of paper.

This envelope is perfect for a variety of celebrations, including Valentine's Day, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, or even just to surprise a friend.

If you want to add a little extra charm, try sealing it with a wax seal, ribbon, or decorative sticker.

Whether you're crafting for fun or making a thoughtful handmade touch for a gift, this pleated origami envelope is a must-try.

It's quick, stylish, and a joy to fold!

Other quick and easy envelopes you might like to try include this Paper Leaf Envelope, Origami Heart Envelope, DIY Paper Envelope, or this Square Paper Envelope.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• No glue or scissors needed - Just fold and it's ready!
• Perfect for any occasion - Ideal for Valentine's Day, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
• Stylish & unique - The pleats add a beautiful touch to a simple envelope.
• Beginner-friendly - Easy to fold, even if you're new to origami.
• Customizable - Use different paper types, sizes, and colors to match the occasion.

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

• 1 square sheet of paper

Paper Size Options

Use thin origami paper for crisp folds or decorative cardstock (best for large envelopes) for a sturdier envelope.

Video Tutorial

Want to see this project folded step by step? A full video tutorial for this design is available inside The Fold Collective, so you can follow along in real time and pause or replay each step as needed.

The Collective also includes a growing library of exclusive video tutorials and printable PDFs, giving you even more projects to explore.

Prefer The Photo Tutorial?

No problem. The complete step-by-step photo tutorial is waiting just below.

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the color you want your pouch to be facing down. Arrange your paper to sit like a diamond.

Step 2: Fold the left point to meet the right point.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold both the bottom left and right edges of the paper in to meet the middle crease.

Step 5: Fold the bottom point up to meet the point shown.

Step 6: Fold that same point inside the paper. If you find the point doesn't stay inside the paper, add a bit of glue or double-sided tape.

Step 7: Fold the outer bottom left and right edges in to meet the lines shown.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Tips For Success

• Use thinner paper for easier folding-thick paper may be harder to crease.
• Press down on each fold firmly to keep the pleats sharp and crisp.
• If your paper is stiff, lightly score the folds with a ruler to make them neater.
• For a more secure envelope, use a wax seal, ribbon, double sided tape, or a sticker to keep it closed.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Use red, pink, or pastel colors for a Valentine's Day gift.
• Try Christmas-themed paper or metallic cardstock for holiday gifting.
• Neutral-toned paper with a wax seal for a sophisticated look.
• Use hand-painted or patterned scrapbook paper for a custom design.
• Add calligraphy, stickers, or stamps to the front for extra charm.

FAQ

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• How To Make A Paper Heart
• Easy Paper Wreath
• DIY Diamond Paper Garland
• Rectangle Origami Box
• Origami Masu Box
• Candlesticks From Old Curtain Rings
• Triangle Origami Corner Bookmark
• Easy Talking Origami Fish

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.

Useful Paper Craft Terms

Want to learn a little more about paper crafts and origami?

We've made this helpful printable just for you. It explains common terms and helpful tips you might come across when you are folding origami or making a paper craft project.

You can download the useful paper craft terms printable PDF here.