How to Make a Note into an Envelope

Last Updated: July 11, 2023 Fact Checked

Here's a creative way to save paper: Instead of putting a note in an envelope, why not fold the note itself into an envelope? That way, there's no additional paper to tear open and throw out. Plus, by using sheets of paper with various designs on one side, you can make some pretty original origami envelopes!

1

Write your note.

Download Article

(any piece of paper) and write your note on the side that will be the interior of the envelope. ^{[1]
X
Research source}

2

Position the paper.

Download Article

so that the beginning of the note is to the right and the end of your note is to the left.

3

Make a triangle with the corners.

Download Article

so that they are in the middle. Don't make it too big - you want space at the bottom. ^{[2]
X
Research source}

4

Fold up the bottom

Download Article

5

Fold up the bottom part in half again.

Download Article

6

Fold a bottom side into the middle.

Download Article

7

Fold the other bottom side to the middle.

Download Article

^{[3]
X
Research source}

8

Fold the pointy part down.

Download Article

You can also use a paper clip to hold it down. Or, make sure enough of the "wings" overlap so that you can tuck one of them into the other and they'll stay that way, too. ^{[4]
X
Research source} You're done! Give it to whomever you wrote the note to! (and make sure you teach them how to do it, so they can make one for you)

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

When using a regular sheet of paper, the envelope is really small. Will the Post Office accept it?

Community Answer

Yes. Postage in the US is weight based. In the UK, it's the size (would be small enough for a 50/60-ish pence stamp). So in the US, it'd be cheaper to send letters without an extra envelope.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 29
Question

Can I make a long envelope?

Community Answer

Yes. Just repeat these steps using a longer piece of paper and do it horizontally.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 34
Question

Why do I have to overlap the bottom of the envelope?

Community Answer

You overlap so it has less chance of opening up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 12

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Find a vintage ticket and paste it where the stamp would go. ^{[5]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When you make the folds, press them down with your thumb. It will stay a bit better.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Put something into the little envelope for a little surprise. However, make sure it isn't too heavy and that it won't fall out.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you write the note in ink, make sure it dries before you fold it so it won't smear and get messed up.
The smaller the paper, the thicker the folds and the harder it will be to make the envelope.
If you want to put something heavier in it, use hot glue to keep it from coming apart.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

The person receiving the envelope may not know that it is a note and rip it apart.

Thanks
Helpful 72 Not Helpful 15
If you make one part uneven, the entire thing will be uneven.

Thanks
Helpful 58 Not Helpful 20
If you want a bigger envelope use a bigger piece of paper.

Thanks
Helpful 31 Not Helpful 10
You may make mistakes - just keep trying.

Thanks
Helpful 51 Not Helpful 23
This size envelope is not mailable in the US. It does not meet the minimum standard for postage and delivery. However is fine for postage in the UK.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

A piece of paper
A pen or pencil
Sticker or tape (optional)

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

Log in

How to Make a Note into an Envelope

Steps

Write your note.

Position the paper.

Make a triangle with the corners.

Fold up the bottom

Fold up the bottom part in half again.

Fold a bottom side into the middle.

Fold the other bottom side to the middle.

Fold the pointy part down.

Community Q&A

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories