How to Make an Envelope Out of Printer Paper?

When you've prepared a letter, a gift card, or a special note but find you can't find an envelope, impromptu creation is essential. The perfect solution is right next to your computer: a simple sheet of printer paper. Making your own envelope isn't just a clever trick for emergencies; it's also a delightful and eco-friendly craft that adds a unique personal touch to your mail. This blog, designed for beginners, details how to make an envelope out of printer paper, ensuring you end up with a practical and beautiful envelope.

What You Need to Make an Envelope?

Let's start by preparing the materials. The beauty of this project is its simplicity. You'll likely have everything you need on hand:

• A standard sheet of printer paper. Letter paper size (8.5 inches x 11 inches) or A4 size (210 mm x 297 mm) is perfect.
• A ruler and a pencil. The ruler isn't just for measuring; it's your secret weapon for achieving crisp, professional folds. The pencil is used for making gentle guide marks, which can be erased later.
• Scissors (kitchen scissors or craft scissors are fine), or if you want more precision, a craft knife and cutting mat. We only need to make some small, crucial cuts.
• Adhesive. The glue you choose will affect the final result. Solid glue sticks are clean and wrinkle-free. Double-sided tape is very convenient and secure. Liquid glue (such as white polyvinyl alcohol glue) can also be used, but using too much can deform thin paper. It's recommended to have a small piece of clear tape for reinforcement.
• The item you are sending. This is your template. Whether it's a folded letter, card, photo, or gift card, its final size will determine the envelope size.

How to Make an Envelope Out of Printer Paper?

Let's turn this flat piece of paper into a three-dimensional little bag. Please follow the steps carefully. You can practice with an old scrap of paper or a magazine page first.

Step 1: Creating a Template

This step ensures the envelope fits perfectly. Fold the letter or note to the final size. If you are sending a non-paper item, such as a gift card, loosely wrap it in a piece of scrap paper to create a protective "package." This package will be your template. Your final envelope should be slightly larger than this template in all directions to allow for easy insertion and folding.

Step 2: Begin Folding

Lay the printed paper horizontally (long side from left to right) on a clean, flat surface. Then, place the template in the center of the bottom of the paper. Leave enough space above and to the sides of the template.

Fold the Side Flaps: Fold the left and right edges of the paper inwards, covering the template. The side edges should overlap by about 2 cm (3/4 inch) in the middle. Don't press the creases yet—this is just a positioning fold. You need to make sure the template can slide in and out easily: adjust the side folds until they feel right. Then, use a ruler to press down along these vertical fold lines to create clean creases.

Fold the Bottom Flap: Fold the bottom edge of the paper upwards, covering the template and the sides you just folded. The bottom edge should cover about two-thirds of the template's height. Press the creases down with a ruler to create clean creases.

Fold the Top Flap: Finally, fold the top of the paper downwards. It should completely cover the template and overlap the bottom seam by about 2.5 cm (1 inch). Press firmly to create clean creases.

Step 3: Unfolding and Trimming

Carefully unfold all the parts. You will see a central rectangle (the shape of the template) surrounded by four separate folds: left, right, bottom, and top.

Notice the four small, densely packed areas formed where the creases intersect; these form right-angled triangles. These triangles create unnecessary thickness.

Carefully cut off these four triangles with scissors. You don't need to change the shape of the main folds; you are simply removing the excess paper from the corners. This will give you a shape that looks like a thick, symmetrical "+" sign or cross.

Step 4: Assembly

Place the letter or item neatly in the rectangular area in the center of the unfolded paper. Fold the two side flaps inwards, pressing them firmly against the item. Then, fold the bottom flap upwards.

For best results, you can apply a strip of double-sided tape to the outer edge of the bottom flap, or apply a line of glue with a glue stick. You can also apply glue to the inner edges of the side flaps.

Finally, press the bottom flap firmly upwards to adhere it to the side flaps. Press for 10-15 seconds. Your item is now securely wrapped.

Step 5: Sealing and Decorating

When sealing, apply your choice of adhesive (glue stick dots, double-sided tape, or a small amount of liquid glue) to the inside tip of the top seal.

Fold the top seal down, press firmly, and then place it under a thin book for a minute or two to allow it to dry completely.

Next, write the recipient's address clearly with a pen. You can also decorate the envelope with drawings, stickers, patterns, or washi tape. If it's a mailed envelope, don't forget to affix a stamp in the upper right corner.

Watch the video below to learn how to turn printer paper into envelopes.

Final Thoughts

The envelopes we know today didn't become widespread until the 1840s. Before that, people simply folded letters and sealed them with wax—a process known as "sealing." In a way, folding an envelope is participating in a centuries-old tradition of hand-written communication. This simple act is not just about skill, but also about care and wisdom. With just a few folds, a little glue, and a bit of imagination, you can wrap your thoughts in a handmade envelope and send them around the world.