Crafting Pocketfold Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pocketfold wedding invitations are a stylish way to hold all your wedding information and keep your invitations neat and safe. They can be time-consuming to make, but they are a great option for crafty DIY brides who want to save a bit of money and create unique invitations. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of making your own pocketfold wedding invitations and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create them. We will also explore different customisation options and offer tips for a professional finish.

Choosing the right paper

When choosing the paper for your DIY pocketfold wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of printer you have will determine the kind of paper you can use. Desktop printers are often limited in the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print before committing to a large quantity of paper.

If you're using a home printer, it's best to start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you find the highest weight that your printer can handle without issues like smudging or jamming. Textured cardstock, such as linen stock, can help to hide imperfections and give your invitations a more elegant look.

If you're printing at a local print shop, you'll have access to industrial printers that can handle thicker paper. However, keep in mind that not all printers or locations offer the same quality, and some types of paper may not be compatible with laser printers. Smooth cardstock is generally a better option for laser printers, as too much texture can cause issues.

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm), is another important factor. In general, the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more luxurious your invitations will feel. For home printers, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, while 100# can work for some printers. For professional-looking invitations, aim for 110# to 130# cardstock, which will likely require a commercial printer.

Different types of paper are also available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some popular options:

• Solid white cardstock: This medium to heavyweight paper comes in various colours and weights, making it versatile and budget-friendly.
• Linen cardstock: Features a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and elegance to your invitations.
• Cotton cardstock: Smooth, absorbent, and suitable for both laser and inkjet printing, giving invitations a clean, modern look.
• Parchment: Thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marble effect, perfect for creating a unique, dreamy aesthetic.
• Felt: A thick cardstock with a coarse texture that adds a touch of sophistication to your invitations.
• Kraft or recycled cardstock: Rustic-looking paper with a textured, fibrous appearance, ideal for vintage or outdoor-themed weddings.
• Vellum: Translucent paper that can be printed on or used as an overlay to add depth to your invitations.

Remember, choosing the right paper for your DIY pocketfold wedding invitations involves a bit of trial and error. Don't be afraid to experiment with different papers to find the one that best suits your printer, budget, and desired aesthetic.

Printing and cutting

Once you have designed your invitation, it's time to print and cut out the pieces. Print the 3 card inserts and your invitation, and cut them out using a craft knife or paper cutter. You can also use a print setting that allows you to print out guides, or manually measure each card and print.

If you are printing guides, cut them out using an X-Acto knife or paper cutter. If you don't have printed guides, don't worry—it's still doable! Cut out all the pieces first, and don't get mad at yourself if you can't do it in a day. It's a time-consuming process.

For the main invitation enclosure (the item that holds your invitation and cards), cut 2 pieces of card stock: the first (larger) piece should be 11" x 6.25", and the second (smaller) piece should be 6.75" x 6.25".

Now it's time to score the enclosure pieces. This step is crucial to ensure a perfect fit inside the envelope. Use a scoring board or a ruler with a pointed (but not sharp) edge, like the end of a chopstick. Score the smaller piece at the 4" mark, and the larger piece at 3/8" and 7".

Next, cut out the pocket. Create a template out of card stock that fits inside the smaller, scored section of the enclosure piece. Place the template on the small enclosure piece and make a dot in the middle with your pen or pencil. Use a ruler to connect the dot to the edge and cut with your craft knife. Repeat for the other side, ensuring the triangle you cut faces the correct direction.

Finally, cut out the invitation contrast piece and the monograms. The contrast piece should be slightly smaller than the main invitation to create a border. Cut out 4 1/8" x 5 3/4" rectangles from a contrasting card stock. For the monograms, use a 1.5" and 2" circle paper puncher on contrasting card stock.

Scoring and folding

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

To score your invitations, you'll need a scoring tool like a bone folder and a ruler. A scoring board, such as the Martha Stewart Scoring Board, is highly recommended as it significantly simplifies the process and ensures precision. Alternatively, you can use any tool with a pointed (but not sharp) edge, such as the end of a chopstick.

Step 2: Measure and Mark the Scoring Lines

Before scoring, you need to determine the placement of the score lines. For the main invitation enclosure, which typically consists of a large and a small piece of card stock, you'll need to make precise measurements.

For the smaller piece, use your scoring tool to create a score line at the 4-inch mark. As for the larger piece, score the paper at 3/8 inch and 7 inches. These measurements are crucial to ensure the enclosure fits perfectly into the envelope.

Step 3: Score the Invitation Enclosure

Once you have your measurements, it's time to score the card stock. Place the smaller piece on your scoring board, following the photos in the reference. Using the pointy side of your bone folder, firmly press and drag along the scoring board to create an indentation at the 4-inch mark. Repeat this process for the larger piece, scoring at 3/8 inch and 7 inches.

Step 4: Fold Along the Score Lines

After scoring, it's essential to test the folds. Fold the card stock along the score lines and use your bone folder to sharpen the creases. Run the bone folder along the folds to create crisp, neat edges. This step ensures that your invitation enclosure folds smoothly and fits together perfectly.

Step 5: Tips for Consistency

To ensure consistency across all your invitations, it's recommended to create a template. Make a template out of card stock that fits inside the smaller section where you scored on the smaller enclosure piece. Use this template to mark the dots and cut the triangles for the pocket. This ensures that each invitation has the same precise measurements and folds.

Creating pocketfold wedding invitations can be a time-consuming but rewarding task. Taking the time to score and fold your invitations accurately will result in a professional-looking finish, adding a special touch to your wedding stationery.

Creating the pocket

The first step in creating your pocketfold wedding invitations is to gather your materials. You will need:

• Card stock
• Ribbon
• Paper cutter
• X-Acto knife
• Contrasting card stock for inside and monogram background
• Circle paper punchers
• Score board
• Bone folder
• Permanent double-sided tape
• Envelopes
• Address labels
• Sticker paper
• Pencil or pen
• Ruler
• Paper clips

Once you have all your materials, you can start designing your invitation. Use a program like Microsoft Publisher or a design program such as Photoshop to create your invitation design. The size of your invitation will depend on the size of your envelope, so keep that in mind when designing.

After you have your design, it's time to cut out the pieces. Cut out your invitation and any card inserts using an X-Acto knife or paper cutter. Next, cut out the main invitation enclosure. This will consist of two pieces of card stock: one large piece measuring 11" x 6.25" and one smaller piece measuring 6.75" x 6.25".

Now it's time to score the enclosure pieces. This step is crucial to ensure that your invitation fits perfectly into the envelope. Use your score board and bone folder to score the smaller piece at the 4" mark. For the larger piece, score the paper at 3/8" and 7".

The next step is to cut out the pocket. Create a template out of card stock that fits inside the smaller section where you scored. Place the template on the small enclosure piece and make a dot in the middle. Use a ruler to connect the dot to the edge and cut with your X-Acto knife. Do the same for the other side, ensuring that the triangle you cut is facing the right direction.

Now you can start assembling your pocketfold. Fold the pieces along the score marks and use your bone folder to create crisp edges. Apply adhesive to the underside of the pocket tabs and fold them over, pressing the pocket to the inside of the paper. You can use permanent adhesive glue, double-sided tape, or quick-dry adhesive.

Your pocket is now complete! You can decorate it further with ribbon, stamps, or stickers to match your wedding theme. Simply insert your invitation and any additional cards into the pocket, and your DIY pocketfold wedding invitation is ready to be sent out!

Final assembly

Now that you've cut out and folded all the pieces, it's time to put your invitations together. Start by inserting the main invitation and any additional cards, such as the accommodations card, reception card, and RSVP card, into the pocket. Make sure you have all the necessary cards in the pocket before sealing it.

Next, close the invitation by folding in the sides. You can choose to fold the right side first and then the left, or vice versa. This will ensure that the invitation is securely closed and all the contents are enclosed.

If you are including a monogram, now is the time to adhere it to the invitation. Take the monogram and the larger contrasting circle and use a small piece of double-sided tape to attach them together. Then, using a strip of tape, attach the monogram to the left side of the invitation. This will ensure that the monogram stays in place as your guests open the invitation but doesn't interfere with the opening mechanism.

Finally, insert the completed invitation into the envelope and seal it. If you want to add a personal touch, you can create your own envelope seals by printing your design on sticker paper and cutting them out with a hole punch. Your invitations are now ready to be sent out!

With these steps, you'll have elegant and unique DIY pocketfold wedding invitations that you can be proud of. It's a labour of love, but the end result will be worth the effort.

Frequently asked questions