An Easy Guide to Making Your Own Origami Envelopes

Create your own personalized origami envelopes with this creative DIY

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

Have you ever wanted to send a letter to somebody, perhaps a small gift or hidden message? Of course, it is best to have something attractive to put it in! To make the gift more personal, you can make an origami envelope. Not only are they simple to make, this nifty design allows you to dip into your creative side.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Gift Package

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with the corner facing you. You can find a range of origami paper on Amazon. If you want a colored envelope, make sure the colored side is facing down.^{[1]
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from corner to corner across the square.

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and fold it down to the bottom edge.^{[2]
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one third over to the left. You do not have to be exact, just try to be as accurate as possible.
and fold it over to the other end. Now the bottom portion should be square shaped.
back to the left edge of the model.
to the top corner of the flap. Unfold. This is a crease to help guide the next step.^{[3]
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The point of view in the photo will now change.
on this flap. Make sure you flatten it well, as this will help secure the envelope closed.^{[4]
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Or turn it back 180 degrees.
down to the bottom edge. Or, the bottom edge of the square you formed by "squashing."
into the "pocket" that was formed by the squash fold.^{[5]
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Ensure that the model can hold itself together.If you want , you can decorate with stickers or small drawings ...

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Hidden Message

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^{[6]
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Make sure the message is on the inside.
With the writing facing you, take one side of the paper, and fold it at a right angle so that the edge is touching the first crease.
With one side, fold that space over so that it is touching the right triangle.
You'll see a small flap under the tip of it. Slide the tip of it underneath the little flap.
Now it's done. It should look like this.
If you plan on mailing the envelope, you can write the address on the back.If you want , you can decorate with stickers or small drawings ...

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Question

Why do I have to use square paper?

Community Answer

If the paper isn't square, it will not fold correctly and will not be a perfect envelope.

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If I make it with normal paper, will it mail safely?

Community Answer

The envelope may open up in the mail if you don't glue or tape it, but if you do that it should be as safe as a regular envelope.

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Question

Can you put anything in the gift package?

Community Answer

If it fits, then yes. Don't post illegal substances in the mail though as it could be dangerous.

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Tips

You can use any kind of paper - try cutting magazine pages into squares, or using leftover squares of wrapping paper. Creativity is key! You can even try to make your own origami paper by painting one side of a square piece of paper.

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Use a bone folder to make the creases really sharp.

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Pick a sheet of paper that has a different color on the front than on the back. Larger sized envelopes are great for handmade cards.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

To make a square out of rectangular paper, take the rectangular paper and fold it into a triangle. Cut off the leftover paper, without cutting the triangle fold, then unfold it for the perfect square.
Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to decorate the envelope and make it look extra special.
If you're having a hard time creating clean folds, look up origami basics on YouTube.

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Things You'll Need

1 square piece of paper. The envelope will end up approximately half as wide as the original square and a third as tall.
Ruler (optional)
For method 2, a piece of printer paper, any color