How to Fold an Origami Envelope

Last Updated: September 29, 2022

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

1
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.
2
Fold the paper in half, from corner to corner across the square.

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3
Take the top corner of the first layer and fold it down to the bottom edge.
4
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.
5
Take the left corner and fold it over to the other end. Now the bottom portion should be square shaped.
6
Fold the point of the flap over the other flap back to the left edge of the model.
7
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.
8
Turn the model 180 degrees. The point of view in the photo will now change.
9
Open the folded portion of the flap.
10
Make a squash fold on this flap. Make sure you flatten it well, as this will help secure the envelope closed.
11
Change the position back so it is "upright." Or turn it back 180 degrees.
12
Fold the very top point down to the bottom edge. Or, the bottom edge of the square you formed by "squashing."
13
Put the top flap (the portion you just folded down) into the "pocket" that was formed by the squash fold.
14
Flatten the model. 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

1
Take a plain piece of printer paper and write or type your message.
2
Fold it in half hamburger style so it looks like this. Make sure the message is on the inside.
3
Unfold the piece of paper.
4
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.
5
Do this with the other side.
6
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.
7
Do this with the other side.
8
Then take one side and fold it over at a right angle against the first crease.
9
Do this with the other side so it looks like this.
10
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.
11
Slide the tip of the other triangle underneath the flap found under it. Now it's done. It should look like this.
12
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

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.
Question

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.
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.

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