Question

how to make a file folder

Answer 1

How to Make a File Folder

Buy your materials. There are many different types of materials you can use to make your folder. You can use paper, paper stock, cardstock, or cardboard. You can find many different patterns and designs of these materials in craft and hobby stores. Most documents stored in file folders are 8 1/2 by 11 inches, so make sure you buy pieces that are at least two inches larger on each side.If you can find materials that are larger than 18 inches by 12 inches, you only have to buy one sheet per folder. You will be able to fold it in half. If the paper you find is less than 18 inches, you will need to buy two pieces per folder.Paper isn't the most durable material, so if you are going to be using your file folders a lot, you might want to use the more durable materials like cardstock or cardboard.If you are making the folders for work, think about what type of pattern or look would be most appropriate for the office. If they are just going to be in your desk at home, the type of pattern or design doesn't matter as much.[1]Making your own file folder is a great way to save money, have a little fun, and show your creative side, so feel free to be as creative and crazy as you want to be.

2

Measure and cut your materials. Once you've bought the materials you want to use, measure your materials. Cut one rectangle that is 10 by 12 inches and one that is 9 by 12 inches. If you have one sheet of paper, you need to cut it to 18 1/2 by 12 inches.If you want slightly sturdier edges, expand the width of each rectangle from 12 inches to 13 inches. This extra inch will make folded edges on each side of the folder.[2]If you want your folder to be the exact shape and size of a traditional file folder, trace the shape of a file folder on the underside of the material you are using, matching up the smaller file folder side to the smaller rectangle and the larger folder side to the larger rectangle. Cut around the shape you made to create your two pieces.[3]

3

Fold and glue the pieces. Measure and mark a 1/2 inch strip on the bottom of the 12 inch side of the smaller rectangle. Fold the paper or stock along the line you just drew. Using a glue stick, double-sided tape, or super glue, place the adhesive along the outside flap of the 1/2 inch fold. Take the larger rectangle and line up the bottom of it with the 1/2 inch fold, adhering the glue to the bottom of the larger rectangle. The edges of the two rectangles should be the same size.[4]If you are using sturdier material than paper, you might want to score along the 1/2 inch mark so your material doesn't crack when you fold it. To score the material, place your ruler along the line you just drew. Using a hard object such as a letter opener, gently press along the line you drew, leaving an indention along the line. This will make it easier to fold and your material will not buckle or crack.[5]For sturdier edges, you need to glue the sides before you glue the bottom. Make a 1/2 inch mark on each of the short edges on both rectangles you cut, folding them along the mark. Put glue on the inside flap of each and fold the edges in. This creates a sturdier outside edge for your folder.[6]

4

Finish the folder. Once the glue has dried, you can fold the folder closed. There should be about an inch of the larger rectangle showing underneath the smaller rectangle. You can leave the edge at the top the way it is, with the uniform tab across the entire folder, or you can cut the back edge to look like a traditional file folder. To do this, pick where you want the tab, marking out the place you want to tab to be. Cut along the top of the folder, evening out the folder flaps in all the areas except where your designated tab is. Then you can add a label to your folder, add some files, and you're folder is done.The tabs on traditional file folders vary in placement and can be on the right side, left side, or the center. If you are making multiple, you might want to make some of each so you can stagger where the tabs are.If you picked a stronger cardstock that didn't come in the pattern you wanted, you can always add patterned paper on the front of the file folder to add more flare to the folder. To do this, once your folder is created, cut the pattered paper about a half inch smaller than the size of your folder on all sides. Glue the paper to the outside of the folder, centering the paper in the middle of the folder. The color of the cardstock folder will show along the edges and the pattern will make your folder pop.[7]

I hope it will help you.