How to make a paper envelope
Three folds and a flap. Send a secret note. Here's a paper envelope from a square, with no glue, step by step: a diagram for every fold below, and every step playing in 3D in Crease, so you can watch the paper move and turn it round.
You need: a square of paper (15 cm or 6 in is ideal). Coloured on one side is best, but any paper works.
Free in your browser. Watch each fold, slow it down, turn it round.
Step by step
The dashed line is a valley fold (fold towards you); dash-dot is a mountain fold (fold behind). The arrow shows where the paper goes.
Fold the left and right corners in so their points meet in the middle.
Fold the bottom corner up, a little past the middle. Put your letter on top.
Fold the top corner down over everything to close it. Seal it with a sticker!
Done! Well folded.
Tips
- Line up the corners or edges first, then press the crease flat from the middle outwards.
- Run a fingernail along every crease: sharp creases make the later steps easier.
- Stuck on a step? Open Envelope in Crease and watch it fold in 3D, as slowly as you like.
More easy origami
Origami for beginners: the folds, the bases and where to start →