How to Fold Paper Into a Secret Note Square

Folding a note into a secret square makes it difficult to open, which can make passing notes more secretive and fun. Learning the basics of paper folding may help set you on the road to making other origami creations, too. Here's how to fold a piece of paper into a secret note square.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper

1. Fold a regular piece of paper in half lengthwise. (If you have an 8½ x 11-inch piece of paper, fold it to a 4¼ x 11-inch rectangle.)

2. Fold the paper in half again lengthwise. (Now, you'll have a 2 1/8 x 11-inch rectangle.)

3. Fold down the ends of the paper into triangles, folding the corners down from opposite sides of the rectangle so that you have a parallelogram (with two sets of parallel sides).

4. Fold the triangles again in the same direction on each side, so your paper looks like an “S” turned on its side.

5. Take the two points of the "S" and fold them toward the middle. Fold one side toward the back and the other toward the front. If you have done this right, you will have two triangle shapes sticking out the tops of the square you have just formed.

6. Fold the top triangle toward the middle of the square and tuck its point underneath the main triangle that is already there.

7. Fold the bottom triangle toward the middle and tuck its point underneath the triangle that you just tucked in.

Tips & Warnings

• Write on the paper before you fold it. Folding and refolding will only make the note look sloppy, and make it easier to open.
• If you are working with a custom-sized piece of paper, fold one side to the center first to make the paper have the same shape as an 8½ x 11-inch rectangle (slightly longer one way than the other).