# Origami

# How to fold a piece of paper into an envelope

[![tE1TU1p.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/WImdEZGDb1zR35Qg-te1tu1p.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/WImdEZGDb1zR35Qg-te1tu1p.jpeg)

> I couldn't find an envelope folding tutorial I liked using a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. They all required squared paper, cutting, gluing, way too much folding or ended up tiny, bulky, asymmetrical, or didn't have a decent spot to place a wax seal. So I tinkered around and came up with a variation I like. Enjoy!

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[![RVLD5EO.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/UTpMEoIqNHe06Gxh-rvld5eo.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/UTpMEoIqNHe06Gxh-rvld5eo.jpeg)

> Standard USA 8.5" x 11" sheet of construction paper. Start in landscape (sideways) orientation.

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[![AzpbqoT.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/k0TRY4ZwsgmfbyXz-azpbqot.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/k0TRY4ZwsgmfbyXz-azpbqot.jpeg)

> (Optional) Bring the bottom up to the top edge and only crease at the left and right edges to make a center line guide.

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[![BzCKJBt.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/ZQVPFhY3hw0dH386-bzckjbt.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/ZQVPFhY3hw0dH386-bzckjbt.jpeg)

> You may or may not be able to see the tiny creases at the sides marking the center line that runs horizontally.

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[![0k4s8Yk.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/02yx2Mvc5XPmVFCq-0k4s8yk.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/02yx2Mvc5XPmVFCq-0k4s8yk.jpeg)

> Fold 1/4 of the page up from the bottom so the bottom edge meets the center of the paper.

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[![LmhEYV7.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/zeYk7jS3lBpNhGJ1-lmheyv7.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/zeYk7jS3lBpNhGJ1-lmheyv7.jpeg)

> Fold up each bottom corner so it's outer edge meets the horizontally running center line and the bottom edge is now perpendicular to that same center line.

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[![A5b4FSo.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/JkHuzE4A0WbF54Pg-a5b4fso.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/JkHuzE4A0WbF54Pg-a5b4fso.jpeg)

> Using the vertical edges of the upturned corners as a guide, fold both sides inward, making sure the tops of these inward flaps remain lined up with the top of the page.

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[![UyX4AwW.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/tSga9eT7ao8VDC9a-uyx4aww.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/tSga9eT7ao8VDC9a-uyx4aww.jpeg)

> Fold the top two corners down and inward, leaving an inch and a quarter or so of the top flat. (Alternatively, you can fold the top down before doing this step to decide where you'd like this envelope flap to be positioned and crease horizontally. That will give you guidelines to fold the upper corners.)

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[![WDhMpH1.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/eig3FsS5WlaNaq66-wdhmph1.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/eig3FsS5WlaNaq66-wdhmph1.jpeg)

> Fold the upper flap down along the bottom of the top corners you just folded inward.

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[![c95p0Pk.jpeg](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/s11hc3ZQBvXdH4qb-c95p0pk.jpeg)](https://docs.jlou.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/s11hc3ZQBvXdH4qb-c95p0pk.jpeg)

> Address, apply postage, and seal! This is a great shape for a wax seal or decorative sticker. Or you can simply put a small amount of glue along the outer edges of the flap. Whatever floats your boat, sailor.

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## Finished!