Make an easy DIY envelope in any size with this easy step-by-step tutorial.
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Printable DIY Envelope Tutorial
I love making handmade cards. I think the people who receive them enjoy them more and they’re so much fun to make.
One downside of making your own cards is that a lot of times, they are irregular in size or shape making it difficult to find envelopes that fit.
Now you don’t have to worry about that because you can make the perfect envelope to fit your project in any size you need.
If perfect for cards like this Flower Bouquet Mother’s Day card because it’s thicker than the envelopes that came with the card allowed for.
Another perk is that you can make sturdier envelopes when you make your own by using a heavy cardstock like I did below.
DIY Envelope Materials
12×12 Cardstock (I recommend single-sided if using patterned)
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Eraser
Glue Runner
Step 1 – Measure Base Size for Envelope
First, figure out how big you need to make your envelope. To do this, you can trace your card or flat item in the center of the back of your cardstock with a pencil.
Option 2 is to use your ruler to measure the item and then drawing a square or rectangle with those dimensions in the center of your paper.
After your base is drawn, add 1/4 inch to the outside of the base so that the square or rectangle is 1/2 larger. See the photo for reference.
Step 2 – Add Top and Bottom Flaps
Once your base is drawn on the cardstock, measure the height of the base and find what 2/3 of that is. For example, if your base height is 4 inches then 2/3 of that is 3 inches.
Next, use your ruler to measure and mark the center at that 2/3 length from the top and bottom of the base.
Once your marks are made, use the straight edge of your ruler to draw a line from the bottom corners of your base to the centered mark below.
Then do the same for the top center mark. These will be the top and bottom flaps of your envelope. If needed, label them so you don’t forget.
Step 3 – Add Side Flaps
After your top and bottom flaps are drawn, repeat the process for your side flaps. Again, find 2/3 of the width of your base.
Then measure and mark that 2/3 centered on the left and the right.
Once your marks are drawn, use your ruler as a straight edge to draw lines from the corners to those marks.
Step 4 – Cut Out Your Envelope
Next, use your scissors to cut out your envelope. Then go over the lines of your base with your bone folder.
Gently fold the flaps of your envelope. Then unfold them and go back and erase your pencil lines.
Step 5 – Assemble the Envelope
After all of your lines are erased, fold in the side flaps of your envelope.
Then add glue to the bottom edges of your bottom flap. Next, fold the bottom flap up and press firmly to the folded side flaps to adhere.
If desired, cut the excess off of the folded bottom flap so that the top of it is flat and not pointed.
Step 6 – Go Over Folds With Bone Folder
Lastly, run your bone folder over all of the folded edges of your envelope. Remember to fold down your top flat and run over that fold with your bone folder as well.
Tips and Tricks
Some envelopes will require paper larger than 12×12 inches. The principles for making it remain the same, though.
For circles, triangles, and other similar shapes make your envelope base a square. Measure the longest length of the shape and then use that as your measurement base.
If your card or item is very thick, add 1-2 inches in step 2. This will ensure that the envelope can hold the extra bulk. Keep in mind that this might lead to extra postage when mailing.
There are multiple choices for sealing your envelope after it is filled. You can use your glue runner on the top edges of the top flap. You can also use tape, a sticker, or wax seal to name a few more options. Be sure to use sturdy methods such as tape or glue if you plan to mail the envelope.
Printable DIY Envelope Tutorial
Easy DIY Envelope in Any Size
Materials
- 12x12 Cardstock
- Ruler
- Bone Folder
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Eraser
- Glue Runner
Instructions
- First, figure out how big you need to make your envelope. To do this, you can trace your card or flat item in the center of the back of your cardstock with a pencil.
- Option 2 is to use your ruler to measure the item and then drawing a square or rectangle with those dimensions in the center of your paper.
- After your base is drawn, add 1/4 inch to the outside of the base so that the square or rectangle is 1/2 larger.
- Once your base is drawn on the cardstock, measure the height of the base and find what 2/3 of that is. For example, if your base height is 4 inches then 2/3 of that is 3 inches.
- Next, use your ruler to measure and mark the center at that 2/3 length from the top and bottom of the base.
- Once your marks are made, use the straight edge of your ruler to draw a line from the bottom corners of your base to the centered mark below.
- Then do the same for the top center mark. These will be the top and bottom flaps of your envelope. If needed, label them so you don’t forget.
- After your top and bottom flaps are drawn, repeat the process for your side flaps. Again, find 2/3 of the width of your base.
- Then measure and mark that 2/3 centered on the left and the right.
- Once your marks are drawn, use your ruler as a straight edge to draw lines from the corners to those marks.
- Next, use your scissors to cut out your envelope. Then go over the lines of your base with your bone folder.
- Gently fold the flaps of your envelope. Then unfold them and go back and erase your pencil lines.
- After all of your lines are erased, fold in the side flaps of your envelope.
- Then add glue to the bottom edges of your bottom flap. Next, fold the bottom flap up and press firmly to the folded side flaps to adhere.
- If desired, cut the excess off of the folded bottom flap so that the top of it is flat and not pointed.
- Lastly, run your bone folder over all of the folded edges of your envelope. Remember to fold down your top flat and run over that fold with your bone folder as well.
Now you can make a DIY envelope in any size you need quickly and easily. Eventually you’ll have a stockpile of awesome envelopes to choose from any time you need!
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
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