How to Make an Easy Origami Envelope

By
Chrissy Pk
Chrissy Pk
Chrissy Pk
Chrissy Pushkin, also known as Chrissy Pk, is an origami and paper craft expert and writer with 15 years of experience. Chrissy founded the popular website and YouTube channel, Paper Kawaii, where she creates tutorials, templates, printable origami paper, and handmade crafts.
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Updated on 07/17/24
origami envelope

Paper Kawaii

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Need an envelope for a card but don't have one handy? This quick origami envelope is a great model to learn. The folds keep the envelope secure (although you can use a bit of glue if you wish) and you can use any paper you have available.

Colorful, patterned, or scrapbooking paper can make great envelopes, and even simple printer paper or a brown paper bag will do. If you need an envelope for a birthday card, you can use the same wrapping paper you use to wrap the gift.

1:36

Watch Now: How to Make an Origami Envelope

What You'll Need

Materials

  • 1 Square piece of paper

Instructions

  1. Begin to Fold

    If your paper has only one colored or printed side, decide if you want it on the inside or the outside of the envelope. If you're sending it in the mail, you may want the plain side to be outside, using the patterned side to add a pop of color when the recipient opens up the envelope. To have the colorful side facing out, start with the white (or plain) side up; begin with the colorful side up if you want the outside to be plain.

    • Take the right corner to the left corner and make a slight pinch in the center.
    • Now, take the bottom corner to the top and make another small pinch in the center. This gives you an X mark.
    • Fold the left and right corners to meet the center of the X.
    Beginning folds of an origami envelope
    Paper Kawaii

  2. Continue to Fold

    • Bring the top corner to the center and make a light mark in the middle. You now have a crease mark.
    • Fold the bottom corner to the crease mark, keeping the left and right edges straight.
    • Unfold your paper.
    Folding an origami paper envelope
    Paper Kawaii

  3. Fold the Flaps

    • Fold the right edge of the bottom section inwards, aligning with the crease you just made, and unfold.
    • Fold the left side in the same way and unfold.
    • Fold the bottom corner to the indicated crease.
    • Re-fold the lower right section. Note the X on the lower central flap underneath. The top right point of the X aligns with the top left corner of the flap on top.
    Folding the flap of an origami envelope
    Paper Kawaii

  4. Make the Mountain Folds

    • Open out the lower section, make a new mountain fold from the central flap, and fold the right section underneath the central flap.
    • The photos show how to make the mountain fold and the results.
    • Do the same on the left side.
    Making mountain folds for an origami envelope
    Paper Kawaii

  5. Complete the Folds

    • Re-fold the lower section back up.
    • Insert the left and right flaps inside the central section that is now on the inside.
    • You could use a dab of glue on the flaps to keep them secure.
    • Fold the top down.
    Final folds of an origami envelope
    Paper Kawaii

Your origami envelope is complete and ready to use. Fill it with your card, note, money, or anything else that fits.