If you can find materials that are larger than 18 inches (45. 7 cm) 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 (45. 7 cm), 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] X Research source 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.
If you want slightly sturdier edges, expand the width of each rectangle from 12 inches (30. 5 cm) to 13 inches. This extra inch will make folded edges on each side of the folder. [2] X Research source 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] X Research source
If you are using sturdier material than paper, you might want to score along the 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) 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] X Research source For sturdier edges, you need to glue the sides before you glue the bottom. Make a 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) 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] X Research source
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] X Research source
If you are decorating the folders at work, you might want to think about what type of pattern or look would be most appropriate for the office. If your folders are just going to be in your desk at home, the type of pattern or design doesn’t matter as much as long as you like it. [16] X Research source
If you don’t feel confident in your cutting skills, try the next step, gluing your material to your file folder, first and then cut around the edge of the folder. This will give you a more firm area to cut around and will ensure that it is precise. [18] X Research source If you are adding your paper to the inside of the file folder, you don’t have to make the entire shape of the file folder if you don’t want to waste the material. Just cut around the visible edge and cut off the bottom once it is no longer visible from the outside. [19] X Research source
You may want to run a ruler flat across the surface of the material to get out any air bubbles that might have gathered when you attached the material. If you use fabric to cover your folders, make sure you use a type of adhesive that won’t bleed through the fabric and that will hold the fabric onto the folder, such as a spray adhesive, instead of super glue. If you decided to use contact paper, you just need to pull off the sheet covering the adhesive side after you cut the paper and attach it to the file folder. Contact paper is also great for covering the entire folder, so try covering the whole folder in the contact paper of your choice. Not only does this give your folder a new look, it also makes it more durable and waterproof.
You can add stickers or decorative tape to the front of the folder. Try crisscrossing tape to make designs or using the tape as the backing to your labels. You can glue cut outs along the folder to add more designs to your material. You can also add objects such as buttons or bows to the cover to add extra flare. [21] X Research source You can also use ink pads and stamps to cover areas with more decorative and personal touches. This adds decoration without adding additional bulk or elements that might fall off with extended use. [22] X Research source
