How to Fold an Origami Envelope

Looking for a creative twist on the ordinary envelope? Whether you’re wrapping a gift card or sending a special note, making your own origami envelope adds a personal and artistic touch.

This easy-to-follow tutorial will show you how to fold an origami envelope. This model is ideal for beginners and fun for crafters of all ages.

Origami envelopes have a rich heritage in Japan. Japanese people use them during celebrations and as elegant and discreet ways to gift money.

Grab any origami paper you have—colorful, patterned, or even a simple white sheet—and let’s fold together this wonderful envelope.

Origami Envelope Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
• Folding time: 10 minutes
• Model designer: Kitamura Keiji
• Recommended paper: Craft 20×20 cm, 80g/m² or above.

Step 1

Start with the white side of the paper facing up. Fold in half diagonally, then unfold.

✉️ Folding tip: Don’t rush the first creases when you’re making the envelope. They’ll set the tone for how the whole model turns out.

Step 2

Fold in half diagonally the other way, then unfold.

Step 3

Fold two opposite corners inward so their tips meet at the center point.

Step 4

Fold the top corner down to the center point, but only press lightly at the intersection with the diagonal to create a small pinch crease. Then unfold.

Step 5

Rotate the paper 45 degrees counterclockwise.

Step 6

Fold the bottom corner up to meet the pinch mark from Step 4, then unfold.

Step 7

Fold the bottom corner up to meet the crease made in Step 6.

Step 8

Fold the bottom left section upward, aligning its left edge with the crease made in Step 6.

Step 9

Repeat on the right side.

Step 10

Unfold the folds made in Steps 7 to 9.

Step 11

Fold along the dotted lines, using the existing creases as guides.

✉️ Folding tip: This is the most tricky fold of this model. However, you can make it very easily before unfolding the model during the previous step. Just turn the model and create a light precrease with a mountain fold at the level of the valley fold shown in step 11. You can then unfold the model as shown in step 10 and create your valley fold by reversing the mountain fold you just created. Crease well, and here are your perfect folds for step 11. Let me know in the comments if you’d like a video about this tip!

Step 12

Fold the bottom corner up, using the creases made in Step 11 as guides.

Step 13

Collapse the paper along the existing creases. Refer to the diagram to identify valley and mountain folds.

✉️ Note: The square flap of the collapsed model is positioned on top of the two side flaps.

Step 14

Open the top left flap while releasing the one trapped in the bottom left corner.

✉️ Note: The top flap should remain raised and should not rest on the bottom flap yet.

Step 15

Close the top left flap over the flap beneath it. The mountain fold follows an existing crease, while the valley fold creates a new crease.

Step 16

Repeat Steps 14 to 15 on the top right flap.

Step 17

Make a mountain fold along the dotted line at the midpoint of the square. Swing the square backward without creasing through it.

Step 18

Fold the entire bottom flap upwards along the existing crease.

Step 19

Gently open the left flap that is trapped under the bottom left flap. Don’t flatten it yet.

Step 20

Tuck the corner of the flap underneath the square.

Step 21

Repeat Steps 19 to 20 on the right side.

Step 22

Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom edge, then unfold.

Step 23

Fold the top corner down to meet the crease made in Step 22.

Step 24

Fold the top edge down along the crease made in Step 22.

Step 25

Tuck the edge of the top flap under the square.

The Completed Origami Envelope

And there you have it—your very own handmade paper envelope! This isn’t just any envelope; it’s a handcrafted envelope that feels both special and personal.

If you want to use patterned paper, I recommend using chiyogami (ready-to-use) or creating your own origami paper by sticking two layers of wrapping paper together.

I hope you enjoyed making your origami envelope as much as I loved sharing this tutorial with you.

Keep these handy for any occasion, or just make them for the simple joy of folding. Either way, you’re keeping a beautiful tradition alive and adding a touch of creativity to your everyday life.

Share your creations with us in the comments or on socials. Happy folding!

Download the Full Origami Envelope Printable PDF Instructions

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Watch the Origami Envelope Video Tutorial

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