How to Fold a Traditional 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 a traditional Japanese 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.
Crafted from beautiful paper, like chiyogami, these envelopes blend functionality with exquisite traditional designs that date back to the Heian period.
Grab any origami paper you have—colorful, patterned, or even a simple white sheet—and let’s fold together a piece of Japanese culture right at your crafting table!
Traditional Origami Envelope Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy
- Folding time: 10 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- 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 and unfold.
Step 2
Fold in half diagonally the other way and unfold.
Step 3
Fold the two opposite corners to the center point.
Step 4
Fold and unfold one of the corners to the center point, only pinching where it intersects the diagonal.
✉️ 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 5
Rotate the paper 45 degrees counterclockwise.
Step 6
Fold and unfold the bottom corner to the pinch mark.
Step 7
Fold the bottom corner to the crease made in the previous step.
Step 8
Fold upwards, aligning the left edge with the crease made in step 6.
Step 9
Repeat the fold on the right side, aligning the right edge with the crease made in step 6.
Step 10
Unfold steps 7-9.
Step 11
Crease along the dotted lines, using the existing folds as references.
✉️ 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 previous step’s creases as references.
Step 13
Collapse along the lines. Dotted lines are valley folds, while dashed lines are mountain folds. Note that no new creases are being made.
✉️ Important: The center flap of the collapsed model should be on top of the two side flaps.
Step 14
Pull up the left flap, releasing the one trapped in the bottom left corner.
Note that the top flap should not lie on the bottom flap yet.
Step 15
Flatten the top flap along the dotted lines. The mountain fold is along the existing crease. The valley fold is a new fold.
✉️ Important: The top triangular flap should be on top of the bottom left flap.
Step 16
Repeat steps 14-16 on the right flap.
Step 17
Mountain fold on the dotted line, along the midpoint of the square. Swing the square backward to avoid making a crease through it.
Step 18
Fold the entire bottom flap upwards along the existing crease.
Step 19
Pull out the left flap, releasing paper trapped in the bottom left corner. No new creases are being made.
Step 20
Tuck the corner of the flap under the square.
Step 21
Repeat steps 20-21 on the right side.
Step 22
Fold and unfold the top corner to the bottom edge.
Step 23
Fold the top corner to the crease made in the previous step.
Step 24
Fold down on the crease made in step 23.
Step 25
Tuck the edge 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
That was really good