How Can I Bend Cardboard?
While a vast wave of recycling washes over the planet, you can find new uses for old cardboard from new containers to furniture. A good bend and fold could be your key to opening up a creative new world. Create crisp cardboard bends in three simple steps. Learn to avoid wrinkled corners that can detract from your project's good looks. Have fun making cardboard projects take form with this easy bending method.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Long metal rulers make the sharpest bends. Lay your ruler on the cardboard and pencil in a line along the edge of the ruler where you'd like a bend to be.
-
2
Turn your ruler on edge along the line and press down firmly. This will create a dent in the cardboard and help create a smooth corner. Do this along the entire length of the line. Bend the cardboard up toward the dent smoothing the outside of the cardboard as you go to avoid wrinkles.
-
-
3
Score the outside paper of the cardboard in vertical lines if you are trying to bend cardboard into a circular shape rather than just a crisp corner. The cardboard will bend into a curve if the vertical cuts are at regular intervals. The tighter you want the curve to be, the closer the vertical cuts need to be to each other.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Anywhere the cardboard has been previously bent will be weaker so look for pieces that have large areas that are clear of previous folds to ensure a sturdy project.
Plumbing and appliance stores are often very happy to donate their large cardboard shipping crates to you.
Utility knives are extremely sharp. Please use caution. Do not allow children to handle them.
References
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Lifesize/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
