Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Robert Homayoon. Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 851,765 times.
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.
Steps
Take a square piece of paper 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]- Fold the paper in half, from corner to corner across the square.Advertisement
- Take the top corner of the first layer and fold it down to the bottom edge.[2]
- Fold the right corner one third over to the left. You do not have to be exact, just try to be as accurate as possible.
- Take the left corner and fold it over to the other end. Now the bottom portion should be square shaped.
- Fold the point of the flap over the other flap back to the left edge of the model.
- Fold the point of the flap up to the top corner of the flap. Unfold. This is a crease to help guide the next step.[3]
- Turn the model 180 degrees. The point of view in the photo will now change.
- Open the folded portion of the flap.
- Make a squash fold on this flap. Make sure you flatten it well, as this will help secure the envelope closed.[4]
- Change the position back so it is "upright." Or turn it back 180 degrees.
- Fold the very top point down to the bottom edge. Or, the bottom edge of the square you formed by "squashing."
- Put the top flap (the portion you just folded down) into the "pocket" that was formed by the squash fold.[5]
- Flatten the model. Ensure that the model can hold itself together.If you want , you can decorate with stickers or small drawings ...
- Take a plain piece of printer paper and write or type your message.[6]
- Fold it in half hamburger style so it looks like this. Make sure the message is on the inside.
- Unfold the piece of paper.
- 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.
- Do this with the other side.
- On one side of each right triangle, there is an open space. With one side, fold that space over so that it is touching the right triangle.
- Do this with the other side.
- Then take one side and fold it over at a right angle against the first crease.
- Do this with the other side so it looks like this.
- Then take one of these last triangles. You'll see a small flap under the tip of it. Slide the tip of it underneath the little flap.
- Slide the tip of the other triangle underneath the flap found under it. 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 ...
Community Q&A
- QuestionWhy do I have to use square paper?
Community AnswerIf the paper isn't square, it will not fold correctly and will not be a perfect envelope. - QuestionIf I make it with normal paper, will it mail safely?
Community AnswerThe 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. - QuestionCan you put anything in the gift package?
Community AnswerIf it fits, then yes. Don't post illegal substances in the mail though as it could be dangerous.
Video
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.Thanks
- Use a bone folder to make the creases really sharp.Thanks
- 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.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- 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.
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
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about origami, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Homayoon.
References
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGKpyVhByaY
About This Article
To make an origami envelope, fold a square piece of paper in half like a triangle, then fold the top point of the first layer toward the bottom. Next, fold the outer points toward the center, so the bottom is square. Along the square, fold the left point back to the left edge, fold it again back toward the middle, then unfold the last fold. Next, turn your envelope so the top point is facing you, then take the folded portion and squish it flat. To finish it off, turn it again so the pointy part is on top, then fold the point down and tuck it into the pocket. Keep reading for some creative ways to use your envelope!
Reader Success Stories
"I totally loved these instructions. Usually I avoid How.com.vn but this was one thing I won't be avoiding. Loved it! Totally recommend!"..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
