A Simple Guide to Cut and Fold Book Folding
If you’ve ever admired the intricate designs made from cut and fold book folding and wondered how they’re created, this guide is for you. In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics of cut and fold book folding — what it is, the tools you’ll need, how to read a pattern, and the step-by-step process to create your own folded masterpieces. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are truly beautiful.
There are many different methods when it comes to book folding, but in this post I’ll be focusing on my favourite — cut and fold.
What Is Cut and Fold Book Folding?
Traditional book folding involves folding the tops and bottoms of pages to specific measurements to create a design. A pattern usually gives two measurements: one for the top fold and one for the bottom.
Cut and fold patterns, however, are a little more complex — and can be much more detailed. Instead of folding at each measurement, you cut the pages to create small tabs, which are then folded back to form the overall image.
A cut and fold pattern can have as few as two measurements or almost unlimited ones. The more cuts, the more detailed the design.
What Tools Do You Need?
One of the great things about book folding is that it’s a relatively inexpensive hobby. Below are the basic tools you’ll need to get started, along with a few optional upgrades that can make the process easier.
Book
Hardback books work best for cut and fold projects. The size depends on your pattern, so if you already have one, make sure your book matches the page number and page height.
If you don’t have a pattern yet, you can use a pattern maker to design one that fits your book, or ask a pattern designer to adapt one for you.
I usually source books of around 500 pages, though I’ve used both smaller and larger ones. Charity shops are great places to find them (especially those that sell books on multi-buy offers). Library sales, markets, eBay, and local Facebook groups are also worth checking.
It’s often easier to build a small stash of suitable books rather than searching for one when you start a project.
Ruler
A standard 30cm ruler with millimetre markings is fine for beginners. For more accuracy, an Incra T-square ruler is an excellent upgrade once you’re confident this is a hobby you’ll continue.
Pencil
A mechanical pencil (around 0.5mm) is ideal for accuracy and fits neatly into the grooves of the Incra ruler. Avoid pens unless you’re very confident with your measurements — mistakes can happen!
Scissors
Choose sharp, comfortable craft scissors that make clean cuts without cramping your hands. Some projects can involve over a hundred cuts per page, so comfort is key. I personally use Cricut scissors.
Bone Folder
A bone folder helps you achieve a crisp, clean crease — particularly important for a 180° fold. You can also use a firm item like a credit card if you don’t have one.
Craft Light
Good lighting makes a huge difference. I use a simple clamp-on light with adjustable brightness and colour temperature. Any light that helps you see clearly without eye strain will do.
Optional Tools and Accessories
Slide Binder
My favourite tool! This simple, inexpensive item (mine cost 30p from a stationery shop) helps you achieve neat and even 180° folds.
Tweezers
If you’re folding many small tabs, tweezers make it much easier. I use Cricut inverted tweezers with a flat end, which can also double as a creasing tool.
Glue
If you add card to your books, good glue is essential. I recommend Collall, a fast-drying clear glue that doesn’t wrinkle or distort paper. It wipes away easily if you use too much, and a small bottle lasts a long time.
Page Holder
You’ll need something to hold completed pages back. I use a shoelace, but other options include small weights, fabric pouches filled with rice, or purpose-made book folding stands.
Reading your pattern
Patterns usually come in two formats: table form (a list of measurements) and graph form (a visual chart). In this guide, I’ll focus on the table form.
When you first open your pattern you will be greeted with a page full of numbers. This may seem daunting but it is really quite simple.
At the top of the pattern, you’ll see information about how many pages the design needs and the page height. I can always adjusted my patterns to fit your chosen book, but if you’re using someone else’s pattern you may need to find a book to fit.
The column on the left lists page numbers — all odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.). A common question is, “Why are some pages missing?” The answer: page 2 is on the back of page 1, and you can’t fold both sides of the same page.
Each page number has its own set of measurements. Occasionally, you’ll see “skip page” in the pattern. This just means there are no cuts on that page. If the pattern says “skip pages 1–9,” start folding from page 11 — but remember to count both sides of each page.
Starting your book
Once everything’s ready, it’s time to begin! The process is known as Measure, Mark, Cut, and Fold, which describes the order of steps.
I also recommend doing a 180° fold, as it gives the book a fuller, neater appearance and allows space for cardstock if you choose to add it later.
Measure & Mark
Start from the top of the page and mark each measurement listed in your pattern. There will always be an even number of measurements per page.
Cut
Make your cuts about 1cm in from the edge of the page. If you’re doing a 180° fold, cut to the edge of the fold.
Fold
Fold and crease alternating tabs.
- Folding the even tabs creates a design that stands out (embossed or “outie”).
- Folding the odd tabs sets the design inward (debossed or “innie”).
Choose whichever look you prefer — some designs suit one better than the other. If you plan to add cardstock, use a debossed fold.
You can approach your project however works best for you. I like to measure, cut, and fold one page at a time, but you can also mark several pages first and then cut in batches. It’s your craft — do what feels most comfortable.
Adding Colour
Colouring your book is completely optional, but it can make your design stand out beautifully.
I often use black card to enhance the contrast and help hold the folded tabs in place, especially for detailed designs. You can add the card once all your folds are done, or as you complete each page — I prefer the latter.
To do this, fold back the tabs, lay a strip of card behind them, dab a little glue on the folded tabs, and press them down. The colour will show through the gaps, revealing your design.
You can also experiment with markers, coloured card, or washi tape — it’s all about personal preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of cut and fold book folding. It’s an incredibly rewarding craft that combines precision and creativity.
I plan to write more detailed tutorials exploring different aspects of the technique, so please check back soon for more.
Happy folding!
Clare x
