How to Make a Note into an Envelope

Co-authored by Katharina Tarta

Last Updated: January 30, 2026 References

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.

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Take a piece of notebook paper (any piece of paper) and write your note on the side that will be the interior of the envelope.^{[1]
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2

Position the paper.

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3

Make a triangle with the corners.

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so that they are in the middle. Don't make it too big - you want space at the bottom.^{[2]
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4

Fold up the bottom

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5

Fold up the bottom part in half again.

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6

Fold a bottom side into the middle.

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7

Fold the other bottom side to the middle.

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8

Fold the pointy part down.

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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]
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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)

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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.

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Can I make a long envelope?

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

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

Community Answer

You overlap so it has less chance of opening up.

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Tips

When you make the folds, press them down with your thumb.^{[5]
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Katharina Tarta
Paper Crafting Expert

Expert Interview} It will stay a bit better.

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Find a vintage ticket and paste it where the stamp would go.^{[6]
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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.

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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.

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Warnings

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

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If you make one part uneven, the entire thing will be uneven.

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If you want a bigger envelope use a bigger piece of paper.

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You may make mistakes - just keep trying.

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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.

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