How to Fold a Horizontal Pull Tab Note

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Project Summary
  • Skill Level: Suitable for kids

Notes can be folded in numerous ways, and this guide demonstrates a note-folding technique that has remained popular for many years. The pull-tab note forms a little envelope to conceal your private message. The person receiving it can open the note swiftly by pulling the tab. This enjoyable, traditional method of folding notes offers a simple, old-fashioned way to mail someone a letter while also serving as a brief and easy introduction to origami.

Start by practicing the pull-tab note with a plain sheet of paper. Then open it up to compose your letter before folding it again. That way, you avoid using extra paper or spending time on a folded note that may not turn out correctly. Once the folds feel familiar, you can write your message first and fold the sheet afterward.

Supplies You’ll Need

Equipment / Utensils

  • Bone folder (if desired)

Supplies

  • 1 sheet of 8.5×11″ paper

Directions

  1. Crease the Paper Across

    First, crease the sheet in half from side to side. Use a bone folder or your fingernail to make the fold crisp, then unfold the sheet and place it flat.

  2. Bring In the Upper and Lower Right Corners

    Rotate the sheet so it is horizontal. Next, bring the upper-right corner inward toward the middle, followed by the lower-right corner. When finished, the project should display two matching triangles separated by a vertical center line.

  3. Crease the Upper and Lower Left Corners

    Bring the upper-left corner inward to the central crease, then bring the lower-left corner toward that same crease. Four matching triangles will form, divided by a vertical line through the middle.

    Helpful Hint

    As you crease the corners, match the folded edges carefully so the two triangles on either side sit evenly together. Make sure no space remains between the folded edges.

  4. Crease the Upper and Lower Edges

    Bring the straight upper edge down toward the middle, and raise the straight lower edge to meet it. All parts should align with the paper’s central crease.

  5. Turn the Paper to the Other Side

    Turn the sheet over so that the creases are facing downward. The smooth side should now be on top.

  6. Bring the Paper Inward to the Middle

    Bring the paper’s left edge inward toward the middle, roughly one-third of the distance across. The point of the triangle formed on the left should align with the paper’s left edge.

  7. Bring In the Right Edge

    Fold the paper’s right edge inward toward the middle. The two edges you folded should now meet and overlap at the center. Insert the upper-right and lower-right corners into the pockets on the left and right.

  8. Secure the Corners

    With the right fold resting on top, take its corners and slide them into the folds on the left. This will hold the note firmly closed until the recipient pulls the tab. Smooth out your pull-tab note.

  9. Share It!

    The pull tab sits in the note’s middle. Mark it with “pull” or add an arrow. Open the note to compose your message, then fold it closed again. Turn the completed note over to add a “to” and “from” message, or sketch small doodles before handing it to someone special.

Explore More Origami Folding Styles

After completing your first origami note, you may be eager to keep folding and make additional designs. Explore these other origami projects available from The Spruce Crafts. Each charming paper creation would be a wonderful note to share with your friends.

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