Card Making: Common Folds & Layouts Cheatsheet

Introduction: Card Making Basics

This cheatsheet covers 16 essential card folds and layouts for creating professional-looking handmade cards. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced crafter, these designs provide a foundation for endless creative possibilities.

Essential Tools:

• Paper trimmer or craft knife and ruler
• Scoring board/tool or bone folder
• Adhesives (tape runner, glue, double-sided tape)
• Good quality cardstock (minimum 80lb/216gsm for bases)
• Decorative papers and embellishments

Standard Card Sizes

1. Basic Single-Fold Card

Design: The simplest card design with one fold creating a front and inside.

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock to twice the desired width
2. Score at midpoint
3. Fold along score line

Measurements for A6:

• Cut paper: 9″ × 6.25″ (229mm × 159mm)
• Score at: 4.5″ (114mm)

Best for: All-purpose greeting cards, clean designs, beginner crafters

2. Gatefold Card

Design: Card opens from center with two flaps meeting in middle.

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock to desired size
2. Score at ⅓ and ⅔ points
3. Fold both sides inward

Measurements for A6:

• Cut paper: 12″ × 6.25″ (305mm × 159mm)
• Score at: 4″ and 8″ (102mm and 203mm)

Best for: Elegant invitations, announcements, dramatic reveals

3. Z-Fold Card

Design: Zigzag fold creating three panels that open in a Z pattern.

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock to three times desired panel width
2. Score at ⅓ and ⅔ points
3. Fold first score forward, second score backward

Measurements for A6:

• Cut paper: 13.5″ × 6.25″ (343mm × 159mm)
• Score at: 4.5″ and 9″ (114mm and 229mm)

Best for: Interactive designs, storytelling cards, displaying photos

4. Tri-Fold Card

Design: Three panels that fold in same direction (accordion style).

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock to three times desired panel width
2. Score at ⅓ and ⅔ points
3. Fold both scores in same direction

Measurements for A6:

• Cut paper: 13.5″ × 6.25″ (343mm × 159mm)
• Score at: 4.5″ and 9″ (114mm and 229mm)

Best for: Brochure-style cards, sequential messages, multi-photo displays

5. Easel Card

Design: Self-standing card that props up like an artist’s easel.

Instructions:

1. Create basic single-fold card
2. Score top panel at halfway point
3. Fold top section back on itself
4. Add stopper element to base to hold easel position

Measurements for A6:

• Cut paper: 9″ × 6.25″ (229mm × 159mm)
• First score at: 4.5″ (114mm)
• Second score at: 2.25″ (57mm) from top

Best for: Display cards, desk greetings, special occasions

6. Step Card

Design: Multiple tiers creating a dimensional stair-step effect.

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock to desired size
2. Score at 1″, 2″, 4″, and 5″ (for a 6″ card)
3. Cut from edge to second score line at 1″ and 4″ marks
4. Fold mountain-valley-mountain-valley pattern

Measurements for 6″ square:

• Cut paper: 6″ × 12″ (152mm × 305mm)
• Score at: 1″, 2″, 4″, 5″ (25mm, 51mm, 102mm, 127mm)

Best for: Dimensional displays, showcasing multiple elements

7. Pop-Up Card

Design: Interior elements that rise when card is opened.

Instructions:

1. Create basic single-fold card
2. Cut parallel slits in fold line
3. Push tab forward when card is open
4. Attach decorative elements to tab

Measurements for basic pop-up:

• Parallel cuts: 1″ apart (25mm)
• Cut length: 0.5″ (13mm) each

Best for: Interactive cards, surprise elements, children’s cards

8. Pocket Card

Design: Interior pocket that holds a tag, gift card, or message.

Instructions:

1. Create single-fold card
2. Cut decorative paper 0.25″ smaller than interior
3. Apply adhesive to bottom and sides only
4. Attach to interior, leaving top open

Measurements for A6 pocket:

• Interior panel: 4.25″ × 6″ (108mm × 152mm)
• Allow 0.5-1″ (13-25mm) opening at top

Best for: Gift cards, money gifts, interactive messages

9. Side-Step Card

Design: Card with offset side panels creating a dimensional effect.

Instructions:

1. Cut and score as shown in diagram
2. Fold along score lines
3. Attach decorative elements to each level

Measurements for A6:

• Base: 4.5″ × 6.25″ (114mm × 159mm)
• Side panels: 2.25″ × 6.25″ (57mm × 159mm)
• Score side panels at: 1″, 2.5″, 4″ (25mm, 64mm, 102mm)

Best for: Creating depth, showcasing multiple elements

10. Shutter Fold Card

Design: Two panels that open from center revealing interior panels.

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock to desired size
2. Score at ¼, ½, and ¾ points
3. Fold outer panels inward, then fold in half

Measurements for A6:

• Cut paper: 18″ × 6.25″ (457mm × 159mm)
• Score at: 4.5″, 9″, 13.5″ (114mm, 229mm, 343mm)

Best for: Dramatic reveals, interactive designs, surprise elements

11. Diamond Fold Card

Design: Card that opens to reveal a diamond shape.

Instructions:

1. Create square card base
2. Score diagonally from corner to corner
3. Fold corners to center
4. Create decorative front panel

Measurements for 6″ square:

• Cut paper: 6″ × 6″ (152mm × 152mm)
• Score diagonally: corner to corner

Best for: Unique presentations, geometric designs, elegant invitations

12. Circle Card

Design: Circular card with single fold at top.

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock into circle
2. Score at top quarter point
3. Fold along score line

Measurements for standard circle card:

• Circle diameter: 5.5″ (140mm)
• Score at: 1.375″ (35mm) from top

Best for: Unique presentation, wedding/engagement cards, special occasions

13. Twisted Easel Card

Design: Variation of easel card with twisted orientation.

Instructions:

1. Create basic easel card
2. Rotate top decorative panel 45 degrees
3. Add stopper element to base

Measurements for 6″ square:

• Base: 6″ × 6″ (152mm × 152mm)
• Topper: 4.25″ × 4.25″ (108mm × 108mm)

Best for: Advanced crafters, dramatic presentation, special occasions

14. Explosion Box Card

Design: Box that opens to reveal multiple layers and pop-up elements.

Instructions:

1. Create square box base with fold-in sides
2. Create smaller squares for inner layers
3. Attach layers to center of box
4. Create lid slightly larger than box

Measurements for basic explosion box:

• Base: 6″ × 6″ (152mm × 152mm) scored 2″ (51mm) from each edge
• Inner layer 1: 5″ × 5″ (127mm × 127mm)
• Inner layer 2: 4″ × 4″ (102mm × 102mm)
• Lid: 6.25″ × 6.25″ (159mm × 159mm)

Best for: Gift presentations, milestone celebrations, multi-photo displays

15. Tunnel Card

Design: Creates illusion of depth with stacked frame elements.

Instructions:

1. Create single-fold card base
2. Cut 3-4 identical frames with decreasing apertures
3. Use foam tape between layers for dimension
4. Place decorative element at back

Measurements for A6:

• Base: 9″ × 6.25″ (229mm × 159mm)
• Frames: Start at 4″ × 5.75″ (102mm × 146mm), decrease by 0.25″ (6mm) each

Best for: Creating depth and dimension, shadow boxes, scene cards

16. Spinner Card

Design: Features rotating element that spins when card is manipulated.

Instructions:

1. Create single-fold card
2. Cut two parallel slits in front panel
3. Insert brad or string with spinning element
4. Ensure spinner rotates freely

Measurements for spinner element:

• Slits: 2″ (51mm) apart
• Spinner diameter: Less than distance between slits

Best for: Interactive cards, children’s cards, novelty greetings

Layout Design Principles

Focal Point

• Position main image/sentiment at optical center (slightly above true center)
• Use rule of thirds for balanced composition
• Direct eye flow with elements that lead to focal point

White Space

• Allow breathing room around elements
• Avoid cluttering entire card surface
• Use negative space intentionally

Color Harmony

• Limit palette to 3-4 complementary colors
• Use color wheel for harmonious combinations
• Consider color psychology for message reinforcement

Layer Building

• Start with base layer (card blank)
• Add mats 0.25″ (6mm) larger than focal elements
• Build dimension with foam tape or dimensionals
• Keep heaviest elements toward card bottom for stability

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Resources for Further Learning

• Books: “Card Making Techniques” by Judy Balchin
• Websites: Splitcoaststampers.com, Jennifer McGuire Ink blog
• YouTube Channels: Kristina Werner, Jennifer McGuire, Simon Says Stamp
• Templates: Downloadable patterns available on Etsy and craft websites
• Classes: Check local craft stores for card making workshops

Remember that these 16 folds and layouts can be combined and modified to create endless variations. Start with basic folds and progress to more complex designs as your skills improve.