Designer: Lindy van der Merwe-Traditional-Unknown
Text-Based Instructions copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
accessorigami.com
Steps: 16
Paper to be used: 2 squares for each variation; any kind of paper will work for this model.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
More information and description:
These models are loosely based on the Woven Cube by Nick Robinson
These simple modular envelopes are not only very secure, but for those not familiar with origami opening the envelope may present an interesting puzzle, since there is no obvious, visible seam to open or flap to pull.
These envelopes are quite thick and very secure, so will also make nice coasters. There are no difficult folds, so making a set of coasters will be a quick children's project, a thoughtful, last-minute gift or can serve as decor for a special occasion.
This fold is also an excellent no-glue wrapping method, in which case the paper can first be tucked in on 3 sides. Once the gift has been placed within the three-sided envelope, the last side may be tucked in securely.
The two variations, which I have called Lilac and Lavender, are folded in exactly the same way. The only difference lies in the assembly.
For a nice effect, you can use two different colors or start folding with one of your squares with the white or plain side facing up, if you are using duo paper.
Instructions for folding both Letterfolds
Step 1
Place your first square down with its edges left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge.
Make only small pinch marks on each side and then unfold.
Step 3
Fold the square in half from left to right.
Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Fold the edges in to meet along the center vertical crease.
Leave folded.
You will be left with a figure like a cupboard with its doors closed, not so surprisingly called the "cupboard fold".
Step 5
Flip the unit over sideways, from left to right.
Step 6
Fold the left edge over to meet the center crease, allowing the flap that will appear to flip out from underneath the unit.
Crease well and leave folded.
Step 7
Repeat this step on the right side so the unit is symmetrical.
Try to make these folds accurately so both units are symmetrical and straight, otherwise the two units will not fit properly into each other.
Step 8
Follow the steps above with a second square to make another unit, exactly like the first.
It may help to place the units on top of each other to check for accuracy.
You will notice that your units are fairly long rectangles. On one side they have a slit at their center, while on the other, a wide band has formed that runs across the entire rectangle.
You may now choose between the Lilac or Lavender Letterfolds below:
Assembly of the Lilac Letterfold
Lilac - Step 9
Position both long rectangles with their short sides at the top and bottom and with the sides showing the slit facing the ceiling.
Lilac - Step 10
Now, using the small pinch marks from Step 2, fold the top and bottom edges of both units to meet along the horizontal center.
Make a nice crease and then open the flaps halfway, so they point up towards the ceiling.
Your units will now look like two upsidedown benches with flat center areas resting on the table and each will have two legs sticking up at a 90 degree angle in relation to the table.
Lilac - Step 11
Keeping your first unit in the upsidedown position, rotate it so it is laying with its standing flaps on the left and right.
The slit will run from left to right now.
Lilac - Step 12
Pick up unit 2 and hold it above unit 1 so its flaps are pointing towards the table, rotating it so one flap is nearest you and the other is furthest away.
The slit will face the table.
Lilac - Step 13
Opening the two flaps of unit 2 all the way, lay the center part of unit 2 down flat on top of unit 1.
Lilac - Step 14
You can now pick up both units, holding them together, while using the existing folds to wrap the flaps of unit 2 away from you, so they meet behind unit 1.
Following the existing creases, the flaps of unit 1 will naturally fold around unit 2 and meet in the front, nearest you.
Lilac - Step 15
To complete the first side of the Lilac Letterfold, tuck the flaps on the front under the wide band that is running from top to bottom.
Make sure the ends of the flaps are tucked in securely and all the way.
Lilac - Step 16
Lastly, flip the assembly over. The band will now lie from left to right across the model.
Repeat the previous step.
You might have to bend the flaps a little in order to tuck them in on this last side.
Just be patient. Once tucked in you will have a perfectly strong, symmetrical, sealed envelope, no tape or glue necessary.
Make sure you have neat, square corners and that all the sides and edges of the bands running across the letterfold are pressed flat, into sharp, strong creases.
Assembly of the Lavender Letterfold
Lavender - Step 9
Position both long rectangles with their short sides at the top and bottom and with the sides showing the band facing the ceiling.
Lavender - Step 10
Now, using the small pinch marks from Step 2, fold the top and bottom edges of both units to meet along the horizontal center.
Make a nice crease and then open the flaps halfway, so they point up towards the ceiling.
Your units will now look like two upsidedown benches with flat center areas resting on the table and each will have two legs sticking up at a 90 degree angle in relation to the table.
Lavender - Step 11
Keeping your first unit in the upsidedown position, rotate it so it is laying with its standing flaps on the left and right.
The band will run from left to right now.
Lavender - Step 12
Pick up unit 2 and hold it above unit 1 so its flaps are pointing towards the table, rotating it so one flap is nearest you and the other is furthest away.
The band will face the table.
Lavender - Step 13
Opening the two flaps of unit 2 all the way, lay the center part of unit 2 down flat on top of unit 1.
Lavender - Step 14
You can now pick up both units, holding them together, while using the existing folds to wrap the flaps of unit 2 away from you, so they meet behind unit 1.
Following the existing creases, the flaps of unit 1 will naturally fold around unit 2 and meet in the front, nearest you.
Lavender - Step 15
To complete the first side of the Lavender Letterfold, tuck the flaps on the left and right under the single top layer of the model and into the pockets you will find underneath on each side.
Make sure the ends of the flaps are tucked into the actual closed pockets and not just on the inside of the model.
Lavender - Step 16
Lastly, flip the assembly over. The pockets will now be at the top and bottom of the model.
Repeat the previous step.
You might have to bend the flaps a little in order to tuck them in on this last side.
Just be patient. Once tucked in you will have a perfectly strong, symmetrical, sealed envelope, no tape or glue necessary.
Make sure you have neat, square corners and that all the sides and edges of the bands running across the letterfold are pressed flat, into sharp, strong creases.
Making origami accessible through text-based instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, March 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
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