Today, I’m sharing how to line your envelopes to give them some extra special Christmas love! It may be one more thing to add to your Holiday to-do list, but adding the custom liner is very easy. In this step-by-step tutorial, you will learn the best way to add envelope liners to your handmade envelopes. Plus, I am sharing the envelope liner template I used at the bottom of this post.
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Supplies List for DIY Envelope Liners
- Decorative scrapbook paper (the thinner the better)
- Envelopes (I use A2 sized envelopes that I made in this tutorial)
- Paper trimmer (Fiskars is my favorite)
- Scoring Board & Envelope Tool (I use this one by Martha Stewart)
- Adhesive (I love my Scotch ATG Tape Runner)
- A2 envelope liner template (you can download mine from my free resource library – get the password at the bottom of this post)
Make a Standard Size A2 Envelope
First, you will need to make a standard A2 size envelope. I have a whole tutorial that shows you exactly how to create an envelope and card that is this exact size. You can find it here, plus it also has a reference sheet that lists out other envelope and card sizes.
For the DIY lined enveloped tutorial, I will be using an A2 envelope that has a starting base size of 8.5 x 8.5 inches. Once complete, the outside of the envelope measures approximately 4.75 x 6 inches. All of the Christmas cards I have made this year fit perfectly into these envelopes.
How to Line Your Own Envelopes
Step 1: Measure the distance of the envelope top left edge to the right corner crease line in the top flap. You can use a pencil to mark a guideline to be sure the line is straight. I marked the line about a half inch inside the edge of the envelope flap. This will help you determine the exact measurement of the inside square. Once you are done measuring, be sure to erase the guideline.
For the standard size envelope I’m using, the inside liner should measure at 4.75 x 4.75 inches. You can find an A2 size envelope liner measurement chart that has a few other variations for A2 size envelopes at the bottom of this post.
Step 2: Now that you have the inside liner measurement, you can cut a square that same size. For the A2 standard size envelope, cut a 4.75 x 4.75 inch square. Using a thinner scrapbook paper is helpful to prevent the envelope getting too heavy. The paper I used here was from an 8×8 Tim Holtz Paper pad from a few years ago (here is a similar one from Tim Holtz). Each piece of paper was about standard cardstock weight.
Step 3: Fold the inside liner square at a diagonal so that you create a crease line. This crease will align with the crease where the envelope folds over. Be sure to use a bone folding tool to help get a crisp edge.
Step 4: Now it’s time to make some cutting adjustments. Place the folded liner square against the envelope until the two creases meets where the envelope top flap folds over. The edges that stick out to the sides (along the crease) need to be trimmed down. This will make the liner shape mirror the envelope top flap shape (just slightly smaller).
Step 5: Now it’s time to attach the inside liner to the card. Line up the two fold creases of the liner and envelope, then adjust the placement of the center point of the liner. Once you have it positioned, carefully fold down the liner. Then you will put on adhesive (I prefer to use my ATG Tape Runner) and folder the top envelope flap over the liner.
Important tips to when making your own envelope liners
TIP 1: Be sure that before you adhere the liner to the envelope that the crease lines are pushed all the way up to each other. This will assure that when the envelope is folded shut that the liner is in the proper placement. Also, as you adjust along this step, do a double check that your center point is still in line with the envelope flap.
TIP 2: This part is KEY because when I first created custom lined envelopes, I made this mistake. Do NOT attach the inside bottom part of the liner to the inside of the envelope. It will end up in frustration and likely a ripped up envelope while trying to reposition the liner. Because of the movement when opening and closing the envelope that the inside liner needs to move freely. This is why it should NOT be attached. Also, since it’s tucked inside the card, it won’t come out because the full piece of the liner is inside the envelope.
A2 Size Envelope Liner Measurement Chart
Here is a quick size guide for A2 Sized Envelopes and the Inside Liner Square Sizes. If you are looking for more card and envelope sizes, you can find a Card and Envelope Size Guide Printable on my post about how to make your own envelopes and cards.
Make Your Own Envelope Liners
And that’s it! It just takes a little bit of measurement and some cutting adjustments and you have a custom envelope liner. This adds such a classy look to any holiday envelope.
You can also sign up below to receive my weekly crafting newsletter and as a bonus get access to my FREE resource library where you can find a template to follow this tutorial for a standard A2 size card.
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Happy Crafting!
Crafty Julie
I love this!
So helpful
Thank you so much