How to Create Your Own Envelope

Creating a handmade envelope adds a personal touch to your thank-you or congratulatory cards. In this Mytour article, we will show you a few easy ways to make your own envelope.

Use a sheet of paper that is twice the size of the envelope you want to create. If you’re unsure, start with the standard size of 22x28 cm. You can fold and cut the paper in half to create a smaller envelope if needed.

Seal the two open sides. Use tape to secure the two open edges of the rectangle, leaving the top open. This will be the opening where the letter is inserted into the envelope.

Fold down the top to form a flap. Create a small flap for the envelope by folding the open edge of the rectangle down. This flap will keep the letter from falling out, and a fold of about 1.25 cm is sufficient.

Insert the letter or card. Unfold the flap and place your letter, card, or any other contents inside the envelope. Once done, fold the flap down again.

Seal the flap to keep your message secure inside the envelope. Apply a thin layer of glue to the inside edge of the flap and press it down. This will keep the envelope sealed until the recipient opens it. You can also secure the flap with decorative tape or a sticker.

Place the rectangular sheet horizontally. You can experiment with different sizes, but if unsure, start with the standard size (22x28 cm).

Fold the paper horizontally in half. Align the edges of the paper to ensure the crease is straight and use your finger to press down along the fold to make a crisp crease. You can then unfold the paper, and the crease will be visible in the center.

Fold the top-right corner along the center crease. When the edge touches the center line, creating a straight line, fold it down to form a triangle in the top-right corner.

Fold the top-left corner along the center crease. Fold it down the same way as the right corner. Be sure to press the paper flat with your fingers to create a straight fold. Now, you should have two small triangles at the top of a rectangle.

Fold the top and bottom edges towards the center by about 2.5 cm. Precision is not crucial here, so you can estimate the fold by eye. Both the top and bottom edges should be folded inward, leaving just enough room for the letter or card to fit snugly in the center – approximately 2.5 cm.

• At this point, your paper should be placed horizontally.
• The triangle's point should face to the left.

Fold the right edge of the paper along the bottom of the triangle. The edge created by the fold on the left should align parallel to the right edge. The triangle shape remains visible. Press down the fold with your fingers, then unfold it again.

Fold the letter to fit into the envelope. Larger cards may be too big for this method, but standard-sized stationery will fit perfectly when folded in half or thirds.

Insert the letter. The letter can be placed between the two vertical folds of the envelope. Use the triangle flap and the two side flaps to secure it along the length.

Seal the envelope. Fold the right side back along the edge of the triangle, as previously done. Then fold the triangle up toward the center of the rectangle. Now, the back of your envelope should resemble one purchased from a store.

Seal the edges. Use small strips of tape to secure the edges of the envelope. Also, don't forget to seal the flap properly.

Hand-deliver the letter. Unfortunately, for letters with edges that are not perfectly square or accurate, postal services tend to charge higher fees. Consider delivering the letter yourself if you want to avoid the additional cost.

Use a square sheet of paper larger than your letter or card. If it's too large, you may need to visit a craft store to find the right size paper. For example, if your card is 22x28 cm, the minimum size you need would be 31x31 cm. For a smaller 10x13 cm card, 18x18 cm paper will be sufficient.

Position the paper so the corners form a diamond shape. The corners should point upward and downward, left and right, forming a diamond shape.

Fold one corner over the opposite corner. This will create a fold from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner and from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner. First, fold so that the two opposite edges align, creating the crease, and then unfold. Repeat the process with the other two corners, unfolding so the paper is flat again in a diamond shape.

Fold the bottom corner up to the center line. Let it touch the point where the two creases intersect in the middle of the paper. Then, press the fold flat.

Fold the bottom edge of the triangle up to the center line. At this point, the paper should form a triangle. The outer edges of the paper should align almost perfectly. Press the fold flat.

Fold the left corner toward the center. Fold the left side of the triangle so that its tip slightly extends beyond the center line.

Fold the right corner toward the center. The right corner of the triangle should also overlap the center line.

Fold back the right corner's edge. Since the right corner doesn't perfectly align with the center line, gently fold the excess back. The edge of the right corner should align with the horizontal fold line, creating a small triangle.

Unfold the small triangle. When you slide your finger inside the small triangle's fold, it will naturally open up into a diamond shape. Spread it out and press it flat. This tiny diamond shape will have a crease going down the center.

Insert the top edge of the envelope into the small opening. The envelope is now complete! You can reopen it to insert your letter or card, then seal the top edge. If you're having trouble keeping the envelope sealed, you might want to secure any loose edges with tape.

• Don't make any folds until you're sure they are exactly where you want them.
• Be careful when handling the paper, as its cuts may cause injury.

• Paper of the appropriate size for writing your letter
• Adhesive tape
• Glue stick