- Determine your needs when designing a folder. How many pieces of paper the folder needs to hold, the size of the paper, and future uses for the folder are issues that should all be addressed to determine the size. Folders are only as flexible as you create them to be, think about future uses for the folder and paper that may be added to the folder.
- Once the size and function is determined, think about the material needed to make the folder. If you choose a thick, heavey paper, it is advisable to use a bone folder for folding the edges when making the folder. A typical piece of paper is probably not strong enough to endure the needs of a folder. A heavy card stock is much more durable and flexible for use. There are endless variations on texture and color of paper, so select according to your aesthetic needs.
- Using the materials the folder will hold, create the shape of the folder. Set the stack of papers onto a blank sheet of paper, with plenty of room around all sides. Trace an inch border around the paper, at the bottom and left side of the rectangle, add the thickness of the stack of paper, add extra space if you plan to have more papers added to the folder. At the bottom of the rectangle, create a pocket that will be folded up over the papers. Add tabs to glue to the folder together. Add the left side of the folder to be identical to the right side, including the pocket. Indicate the lines for folds to create the folder. This is the pattern for the folder.
- Create a pattern or design for the outside of the folder. Perhaps an identifying system should be created for the spine of the folder, or patterns can indicate what type of materials inside. Keep in mind your abilities for printing on the paper when designing. Silk screening is a wonderful method for printing on paper, but an extra cost of application will incur.
