The DIY Pocketfold
Invitations “How to”
Created by: Knottie mgyhra
NOTE: Pocketfold invitations can be made in many different shapes, sizes, colors, etc. I had done some internet and theknot.com research on pocketfolds. My idea was inspired by the following knotties – AnneAlex, KristiT2003, materialsgirl, and PatricksAngel2. Each of their invitations were different, so I was able to customize my pocketfold anyway I wanted. Thank you so much for the ideas, Michelle (aka,mgyhra)!
Good luck if you are going to use these instructions. But please keep in mind that I have made these instructions before I made all 250 invitations. These instructions are based of making my sample invitation. See pictures below.
My 5x7 Pocketfold Invitations
Supplies
-
Strathmore Textured Art Paper for pocketfolds (80 lb. weight)
- Paper for invitation card and inserts (any weight, but heavier than 20 lb.)
- Scissors, Exacto Knife, or Large Paper Cutter
- 5.25” x 7.25” Envelopes for invitation
- Envelopes for RSVP card
- Computer with Microsoft Word
- Double Sided Tape
- Metallic Marker
- Clear Vellum
- Ribbon
- “Love” stickers
- Straightedge or Ruler
- Rotary Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade for straight folds (optional)
- Tape Gun (optional)
Vendors
- Strathmore Textured Art Paper 19”x25” for pocketfolds
o Michael’s Craft Store (poster board section)
o Reuels
Art and Frame website
- Paper for inserts
o Michael’s Craft Store
o Any craft store or paper supply company
- Scissors, Exacto Knife, or Large Paper Cutter
- 5.25” x 7.25” Envelopes for invitation
- Envelopes for RSVP card
- Computer with Microsoft Word
- Double Sided Tape
- Metallic Marker
- Clear Vellum
- Ribbon
- “Love” stickers
- Straightedge or Ruler
- Rotary Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade for straight folds (optional)
- Tape Gun (optional)
Assembling the 5x7
Pocketfold
Figure 1 illustrates the 19” x 25” Strathmore Textured Art Paper for the actual pocketfold. You will need to measure each sheet with these measurements if you would like to make a 5” x 7” pocketfold invitation. The shaded areas of the figure will be leftovers or scraps. You will be able to get 3 pocketfolds out of each sheet of paper. After all your pocketfolds are cut start assembling. The only place to apply the double sided tape is where your pocket will be folded.
Figure 1 - 19" x 25" Strathmore Textured Art Paper
Assembling the Invitation
Card and Inserts
Individual Pieces include: back layer of invitation card, invitation card, RSVP insert, Directions insert, Reception insert. These inserts can be customized to your wedding such as Accommodations insert, Details Insert, etc.
Figure 2 – Invitation Card and back Figure
3 – RSVP, Reception, & Directions Inserts
Individual Pieces:
- 5x7 Back Layer of Invitation card (pictured in taupe in Figure 2)
- 5x7 Invitation card (template)
- 4.5x6.8 Directions insert (template)
- 4.5x6.0 Reception insert (template)
- 4.5x5.2 RSVP insert (template)
Figure 3 shows the inserts that I used. As you can see there is a gold strip-like look at the top of each insert. I took my ruler/straightedge and lined it up to the top of each insert. I then took my gold metallic marker and striped the top of each insert.
Optional Extras
I added a 5x7 piece of vellum with a monogram to lie on top of the invitation card. When the pocketfold is folded up with all pieces, the ink on the inserts can bleed onto the invitation card. So the piece of vellum will keep this from happening.
Also, I added a gold ribbon to close the pocketfold and sealed it with a “Love” sticker.
Resources
AnneAlex’s bio
KristiT2003’s bio
Materialsgirl’s bio
PatricksAngel2’s bio