How to make a bridge fold card

Also known as U-fold cards, bridge fold cards are great for using up your paper scraps and can be folded flat for postage.

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Thomas Poad

Published: April 17, 2020 at 11:30 am

The beauty of a U-fold card is that they offer dimension but can still be flattened, popped into an envelope and posted to the lucky recipient. The folding mechanism of these cards is surprisingly simple to create and adapt to your chosen design. The golden rule for a successful U-fold base is that the bridge across the front should be the same width as the back, plus the two front panels.

If you’re looking for a more challenging make, you can add extra panels behind the bridge piece to add even more depth. The narrow panels on this card fold are perfect for using up your paper scraps, too!

Shopping List:

Die-cutting machine
Fancy border die
White and coloured card
Patterned papers
VersaMark ink
Black ink pad
White embossing powder
Heat tool
Black fineliner pen
Adhesive pearls

You will need:

Die-cutting machine
Coloured card
Patterned papers

Step 1

Score a 22.9x12cm piece of pink card 7cm from each end and fold the side pieces over the middle panel. Partially run the base through a die-cutting machine to cut the top border edge, as shown.

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Step 2

Score 3.5cm from each side of the base. Die cut a fancy border from trellis and floral paper. Attach the trellis piece to the back of the base. Cut the floral piece in half and attach to the end panels, as shown.

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Step 3

Score a 9×2.5cm piece of pink card 10mm from either end. Layer a 7×2.5cm piece of floral paper onto this panel and secure the tabs to the inner front panels. Add bird and flower toppers to this panel.

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Step 4

Layer a 12.6×2.5cm piece of patterned paper onto pink card and attach to the end panels of the card to create a bridge. Add a bird, foliage, flower embellishments and a stamped sentiment, to finish.

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