How to Make a Paper Folding Machine
Gather your materials: a file folder, a ruler, scissors, scotch tape, and a pen., Draw a rectangle on the file folder using a ruler., Measure and label the panel divisions., Cut out the rectangle once the measurements are done., Trace out four...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Gather your materials: a file folder
These items can be easily found in business offices.
A file folder is a perfect medium to hold and fold paper.
If you don’t have a file folder, try to avoid using material that’s not too flimsy or too hard.
It is more difficult to create precise folds with materials like cardboard. , Outline the dimensions
8.525″ x
11.025″.
We recommend using these dimensions for folding printing paper (standard printing paper dimensions are
8.5″ x 11″).
It is important for the brochure dimensions to be slightly bigger to avoid adding too much pressure on the triangular folds in step
5. , Use the dimensions
3.5″ for panel A, 4″ for panel B, and
3.525″ for panel C.
It is important for panel B to be wider than the side panels to avoid overlapping the folds.
Also, we recommend to take advantage of the crease on the file folder – because there’s already a pre-developed fold, we used the crease as a division between panels A and B. , Use the outline of the rectangle that you drew using a ruler as a guideline.
Do not throw away the file folder scraps yet! Use the remains for step 5 to create your pocket folds. , Use the remaining folder scraps to create the brochure folds.
One way to draw them is by placing the scraps over the brochure corners to outline the fold edges.
The best way to maintain straight lines is by using a ruler.
If tracing is an issue, we recommend to use the dimensions: 1″ x 1″ x
1.5″. , The hypotenuse side of each triangular fold should face the inside of the tri-folder.
Also, make sure to only tape on the edges of the brochure, not on the inside.
These triangular folds will be used to insert and keep the paper in place.
Make sure to use enough tape to avoid scabbing the paper in the sockets. , Voila! , Make sure to flatten out the paper for a more precise fold. -
Step 2: a ruler
, Ta-da! , This product is great for not only creating business brochures, but also making birthday cards, valentine cards and decorations – the perfect way to have fun with your kids. -
Step 3: scissors
-
Step 4: scotch tape
-
Step 5: and a pen.
-
Step 6: Draw a rectangle on the file folder using a ruler.
-
Step 7: Measure and label the panel divisions.
-
Step 8: Cut out the rectangle once the measurements are done.
-
Step 9: Trace out four triangular folds
-
Step 10: and cut them out.
-
Step 11: Tape the folds on each corner of the tri-folder.
-
Step 12: Form the creases where you marked the panel divisions.
-
Step 13: Insert a piece of paper into the triangular folds.
-
Step 14: Fold panel A onto panel B
-
Step 15: and then close with panel C. The harder you press on the panel folds
-
Step 16: the sharper your paper folds will be.
-
Step 17: Take out your paper from the folds.
-
Step 18: Use it for all your folding needs!
Detailed Guide
These items can be easily found in business offices.
A file folder is a perfect medium to hold and fold paper.
If you don’t have a file folder, try to avoid using material that’s not too flimsy or too hard.
It is more difficult to create precise folds with materials like cardboard. , Outline the dimensions
8.525″ x
11.025″.
We recommend using these dimensions for folding printing paper (standard printing paper dimensions are
8.5″ x 11″).
It is important for the brochure dimensions to be slightly bigger to avoid adding too much pressure on the triangular folds in step
5. , Use the dimensions
3.5″ for panel A, 4″ for panel B, and
3.525″ for panel C.
It is important for panel B to be wider than the side panels to avoid overlapping the folds.
Also, we recommend to take advantage of the crease on the file folder – because there’s already a pre-developed fold, we used the crease as a division between panels A and B. , Use the outline of the rectangle that you drew using a ruler as a guideline.
Do not throw away the file folder scraps yet! Use the remains for step 5 to create your pocket folds. , Use the remaining folder scraps to create the brochure folds.
One way to draw them is by placing the scraps over the brochure corners to outline the fold edges.
The best way to maintain straight lines is by using a ruler.
If tracing is an issue, we recommend to use the dimensions: 1″ x 1″ x
1.5″. , The hypotenuse side of each triangular fold should face the inside of the tri-folder.
Also, make sure to only tape on the edges of the brochure, not on the inside.
These triangular folds will be used to insert and keep the paper in place.
Make sure to use enough tape to avoid scabbing the paper in the sockets. , Voila! , Make sure to flatten out the paper for a more precise fold.
, Ta-da! , This product is great for not only creating business brochures, but also making birthday cards, valentine cards and decorations – the perfect way to have fun with your kids.
About the Author
Sarah Brown
Specializes in breaking down complex organization topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: