DIY Origami Paper Pouch Tutorial

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Learn how to make a simple and stylish origami paper pouch with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Perfect for handmade packaging, small gifts, party favours, jewellery, treats, and craft fair products, this beginner-friendly paper craft is quick to make and uses minimal materials. Create beautiful folded paper pouches for eco-friendly gift wrapping and creative packaging ideas.

Last week, as part of a huge rebrand and some big changes, I made the rather major decision to go plastic-free with my packaging choices. It is the right, albeit expensive, thing to do, and I have been looking forward to the challenge. The fact remains that while boxes are freely available to buy, they are a lot pricier than a simple bubble-wrap padded Jiffy bag or packing envelope. Finding ways of making sure items arrive at their destination without getting completely smashed up is definitely tricky, but thankfully, there are eco-friendly options available if you are willing to source them.

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When I studied Graphic Design at college, packaging design was a big part of the (awesome) course, so I was super-excited the other day when I had a brainwave (makes a change from the usual brain farts) and decided to look for some ways of packaging small items inside boxes to keep them safe. I found a few tutorials online – some better than others – and decided to adapt them all into my own version and came up with this unacceptably cute and satisfying origami pouch, or sack. I can’t say sack without smirking because so for this post it’ll be known as a pouch. Yes, I know I am childish. Have you seen my Instagram feed? Pure immaturity!

By the way, if you’re also a knitter or crocheter, why not take a look at all my free patterns as well? You’re bound to find a project you’ll love!

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To make your own pouches, I recommend using recycled paper or paper with a high GSM, meaning heavy paper, to ensure really good, crisp results. Avoid using newspaper or glossy printed pages from magazines because they simply do not fold as well. Quality catalogues, high-quality drawing paper from sketchbooks, thin card, and IKEA’s ‘Måla’ range of papers work brilliantly. You can also try using trendy Kraft paper, though reusing paper you already have around the house is even better.

What You Will Need:

• A ruler, ice lolly stick, or blunt item to score and flatten edges without ripping the paper.
• A clean, flat surface to work on.
• A selection of different-sized, high-quality rectangular papers with designs of your choice.
• A pair of hands and a little bit of patience.

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DIY Origami Paper Pouch Tutorial

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You will need:

• A ruler, ice lolly stick or blunt item to score and flatten edges without ripping the paper.
• A flat surface to work on.
• A selection of different sized, high-quality rectangular papers with designs of your choice.
• A pair of hands.

Written Tutorial (photos below)

Step-by-Step Origami Pouch Tutorial

1. Prep: Place your paper flat on a surface with the prominent side you want facing towards you.
2. First Fold: Fold the paper in half so that the open end is at the top. Remember to press all folds gently but firmly to ensure a sharp, professional look.
3. The Flap: Fold a small flap down from the edge of the paper closest to you.
4. Bottom Corners: Turn the paper over and fold up the two bottom corners as shown in your design layout.
5. Center Fold: Fold the piece in half from right to left to form a sharp crease in the middle, then open it back up once finished.
6. Side Creases: Carefully fold both sides inward toward the centre and crease firmly.
7. Secure: Fold down the flap behind the flap you folded in step three so that it covers it neatly.
8. Shape: Finally, finish the pouch by gently opening it up and shaping it with your hands. Push the bottom end slightly inward to form a pouchy shape, and make it sharper if you wish by pinching the inside crease with your fingers. Finished!

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Photo Tutorial

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1. Place your paper flat on a surface with the prominent side you want facing you.

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2. Fold the paper in half so that the ‘open’ end is at the top. Remember to press all folds you make gently but firmly to ensure a sharp look.

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3. Fold a small flap down from the edge of paper closest to you.

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4. Turn the paper over and fold up the two bottom corners as shown.

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5. Fold the piece in half from right to left to form a sharp fold in the middle. Open up again once you’ve finished this center fold.

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6. Carefully fold both sides in towards the center and crease firmly.

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7. Fold down the flap behind the flap you folded in step three so it covers it.

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8. Finally, finish the pouch by gently opening it up and shaping it with your hands. Push the bottom end slightly inwards to form a more pouchy shape, and make it sharper if you wish by finding the inside crease and pinching it a little with your fingers. Finished!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use these origami pouches for? These little pouches are wonderful for storing seeds, small sweets, party favours, pins, badges, jewellery, or using as festive decorations. You can even string them together to make a gorgeous handmade garland.

What kind of paper works best? Heavyweight papers with a high GSM, thin card, or recycled Kraft papers yield the sharpest folds and the sturdiest finished pouch.

Are these pouches suitable for shipping delicate items? While they are unacceptably cute for presentation and gift packaging, they are best used as inner packaging or for hand-delivered items rather than heavy postal transit without a protective outer box.

And now you’re done and can enjoy your pouch! These little origami pouches are wonder for storing seeds or small sweets in, for party favours, packaging small items such as pins or badges or simply as decoration. Why not try making a garland of them? Let me know what you create by tagging me on Instagram @emmaknitty and I’d love to share what you’ve made.

Have a crafty day!