Sending paper letters has become a lot less common these days, but when you actually want to send one, not having an envelope on hand is really inconvenient.

For times like that, we've prepared a kit (a papercraft, of sorts?) that lets you make an envelope easily, even from a single sheet of A4 copy paper.

The downloadable PDF can also be edited in Illustrator, so if you have the software, you can create your own original design.

What you'll need

Tools for making the envelope
  • Scissors (or a craft knife)
  • Glue
  • A4 copy paper (something sturdier is even better)
  • A printer

Please be careful when handling blades.

Download data

Clover envelope template — white paper

Clover — for white paper

Print on regular copy paper.

PDF download
Clover envelope template — kraft paper

Clover — for kraft paper

Recommended if you have brown kraft paper on hand.

PDF download

How to print

Print settings — Fit to page

Open the PDF in something like Google Chrome, check the "Fit to page" option, and print.

How to assemble

1. Cut along the outermost line with scissors or a craft knife.

Cut-out envelope sheet

Once cut out, it should look like this.

2. Mountain-fold along every line.

As shown below, mountain-fold the glue tabs, the bottom, and the opening.

Mountain folds along the marked lines

4. Apply glue to the two glue-tab areas on the left and right.

If there isn't enough glue, the envelope may come apart while in the mail, so spread it on thoroughly.

Glue applied to the tabs

5. Once the glue is applied, fold it into an envelope shape and bond the surfaces together.

Folding the sheet into an envelope

Fold as shown above and bring the surfaces to be glued together.

If they stick together neatly like this, you're good to go.

Surfaces bonded neatly together

6. And with that, the envelope is complete. Let the glue dry completely before using it.

Completed handmade envelope

Please use the envelope at your own risk.