Book Folding : A Simple Heart Shape

When people think of book crafts, I think that book folding is one of the first things that comes to mind.  Back in the 1970's people used to take old Readers Digests and fold them into Christmas trees, and then add spray paint and glitter.  If that is what you think of as book folding, think again.  The book folding that is popular now is much more sophisticated. Although they look great, it is really a fairly simple craft. It takes some precision and care, but there isn't anything really hard about it.  When I was a librarian I would offer this as a craft for teens and adults and really anyone over about 12 can make a beautiful craft. 

When I have taught this class before I always start with a heart shaped fold.  It requires just two folds per page, and doesn't require any interior folds. It takes about 1 1/2- 2 hours to complete (though I have had speedy students complete it in an hour), and turns out looking great.

This pattern requires a book with at least 140 pages. Choose a book with a hard cover and a tight binding. Choose a book without yellowed pages, unless you are particularly interested in the aged look. 

Check out my previous blog post for suggestions as to where to find books for crafts. 

I have included printable instructions HERE.  A copy of the pattern is HERE

Print off your pattern

Patterns are designed to fit a standard hardback novel.

        • To enlarge a pattern: Use a copy machine set to print 10–20% larger.
                o You may need to experiment to get the desired size.
        • To shrink a pattern: 
                o Use a copier to print 10-20 % smaller.
                o Be cautious: if made too small, the pattern may become hard to read and work with.

Using the pattern

         • Determine the first page to fold: 

                o Use this formula:
                        (Total number of pages ÷ 2) − Number of folds in the pattern 
                The result is the first page to begin folding.
        There is a copy of the formula on each pattern.
                o   Mark this page with a strip of paper.

Preparing the Pattern

        • Lay the book face up on a flat surface.

        • Place the chosen pattern next to the book.
        • Decide how to center the pattern on the page.
        • Mark where the bottom edge of a page aligns with the pattern. (the page, not the cover)
        • Use a ruler to make a second mark the same distance from the bottom edge.
        • Fold the pattern up along the line connecting the two marks. 

                o Do not cut at the fold — it serves as a guide during the project.

Aligning the Pattern

        • Open the book to the first folding page.
        • Place the pattern behind the page, fitting the bottom of the page into the folded guide.
        • Adjust the pattern horizontally until the first vertical line of the pattern aligns with the outer                     (right) edge of the page.
        • Ensure the bottom of the page still fits into the fold.
        • Use a pencil to mark the top and bottom of the first vertical line on the page.
        • Also mark that first line on the pattern to track progress. 
                o This helps prevent losing track of which lines have already been used.
                        Folding Each Page
        • After marking the page using the pattern, remove the pattern.
        • Fold the bottom corner of the page upward at the mark.
                o The folded piece should make a right triangle, with the top side horizontal and the left                             side vertical. 
                o Try to fold exactly on the mark.
                o Crease with your finger.  
        • Repeat for the top corner:

                o Fold it downward at at the top mark.
                o Top side of the folded part will be horizontal, and left side vertical. 
                o Crease with your finger.
         • Flip the page and repeat the process on the next page, using the next vertical line of the                             pattern as your guide.

Working Through the Pattern

          • Work systematically:
                o Use one vertical line of the pattern for each page.
                o Be precise in both marking and folding.

          • When you have progressed in the pattern so far you can’t align the vertical line on the                             pattern with the outside of the page: 
                o Unfold the bottom of the pattern and then fold back the left side just enough to fit it                                 back into the book.
                o Refold the bottom edge so you can continue using it as a guide.
           • Continue until you’ve folded one page for each vertical line in the pattern.

Finishing the Book Fold

           • After completing all folds:
                o Remove the pattern from the book.
                o Stand the book upright to view the folded design.
                o Inspect the folds and adjust any that are misaligned.
            • Once satisfied with the alignment:
                o Lay the book down and open the front cover.
                o Use a folding bone or a wood or plastic ruler to make the folds sharp and crisp.
                o Close the book and turn the book over. Open the back cover and repeat the creasing                                 process.
            • Stand the book up again:

                o Fan out the pages slightly if needed to help the design display properly.
            • Congratulations! You’ve created a beautiful bookshelf or mantlepiece decoration that celebrates your love of books and learning.