How to Fold and Score Paper

Check out our step-by-step tutorial complete with information on how to fold paper and paper scoring instructions. Learn how to use this technique properly to ensure that you don't crack the surface of coated papers.

Folding And Scoring
 

Materials

• Paper
• Scoring Blade: Personal Trimmer, Rotary Cutter, or craft knife
• Folding Bone

Step by Step

1. Scoring and folding is done for pockets, flaps, card blanks, tea bag folding, origami, and other paper art forms.
    
2. Before scoring and folding, wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Make sure your folding bone is clean. You can fold with your hands, but a folding bones makes a crisper fold especially for making a card blank, tea bag folding and origami.
    
3. Scoring is done by lightly cutting the paper surface with a craft knife or a scoring blade of a personal trimmer or rotary cutter. You want a dull blade to score. If not using a personal trimmer, make sure you have straightedge or ruler to help guide you and keep your score line straight.
    
4. Keep with the score line and fold along this score line gently with your hands.
    
5. Using the folding bone, press down firmly on the fold and slide the bone across the fold. Repeat if needed (cardstock or heavy weight papers).

Tips

• Scoring before folding helps prevent crinkles, cracks, and crooked folds. Paper does have a grain and it’s best to work with the grain than against it. To find the grain tear the paper vertically and horizontally. The smoother, straighter tear is running with the grain.
• A downward fold is called a Mountain Fold while an upward fold (makes a V) is called a Valley fold.
• A score should be wider and deeper than the thickness of the paper being scored. Perforating can also be used as a form of scoring.
• Scoring is a must for all coated papers. Simple folding will crack the surface leaving a messy finish.
• Scoring and folding should be done before any embellishing is done.

Here are some projects that use the Fold and Score Technique: 

• Cupcake Invitation
• Easy Pyramid Boxes
• Matchbook Notepads
• "Hello Spring!" Greeting Card
• Love is a Beautiful Thing Card
• Paper Crafted Vases
• Decorative Picture Cubes

Notes:

If you like these projects, you might also enjoy learning how to score paper with cool projects like Greet Your Friends and How to Make a Customized Christmas Gift Box!