Mastering the Classic 80s Note Folding Trick

Remember the 80s? A time of big hair, neon colors, and iconic movies like "Back to the Future" and "The Breakfast Club"? Well, one of the most recognizable trends from this decade wasn't just in fashion or film, but also in stationery - the art of folding notes. The 80s introduced us to a unique way of folding paper that was both functional and fun. Today, we're going to revisit this classic and learn how to fold a note like they did in the 80s.

someone holding up a piece of paper with writing on it
someone holding up a piece of paper with writing on it

Before we dive into the steps, let's talk about why this folding technique was so popular. In an era of landline phones and snail mail, passing notes was a common way to communicate. The 80s fold allowed for a compact, discreet way to pass messages, perfect for sneaking notes in class or leaving secret love letters. Now, let's get started!

Texting 80s Style + How To Fold A Note : Gen X Blog
Texting 80s Style + How To Fold A Note : Gen X Blog

Preparing Your Note

First things first, you'll need a piece of paper. The 80s fold works best with standard letter-sized paper, but you can use any size you have on hand. The key is to start with a clean, blank sheet.

Note Passing in the Eighties
Note Passing in the Eighties

Next, write your message. This could be a secret note to a friend, a love letter, or even just a grocery list. The content doesn't matter - it's the folding that's the real star here.

Folding the Base

Is It Really Impossible To Fold A Piece Of Paper More Than 7 Times?
Is It Really Impossible To Fold A Piece Of Paper More Than 7 Times?

Now that your message is written, it's time to start folding. Begin by folding the paper in half horizontally. Make sure the crease is as smooth and straight as possible - this will be the base of your folded note.

Next, fold the paper in half vertically. Again, ensure the crease is smooth and straight. You should now have a small rectangle with your message on the inside.

Creating the Pocket

two notebooks with writing on them sitting next to each other, one opened and the other closed
two notebooks with writing on them sitting next to each other, one opened and the other closed

Here's where the 80s fold starts to get interesting. Take the top left corner of your paper and fold it down to meet the bottom edge. This should create a triangle shape on the left side of your paper.

Do the same on the right side, folding the top right corner down to meet the bottom edge. You should now have a small pocket at the top of your paper. This pocket is what makes the 80s fold so unique and useful.

Folding the Note Closed

there are many pieces of paper on top of each other with the words 80's text messages
there are many pieces of paper on top of each other with the words 80's text messages

With the pocket created, it's time to fold your note closed. Start by folding the top edge of your paper down to the bottom edge. This should close your note, hiding your message inside.

Now, here's the tricky part. Take the left edge of your paper and fold it over to the right, tucking it into the pocket you created earlier. This should create a small, flat packet with your message hidden inside.

Old School Note Folding
Old School Note Folding
How to Fold Paper Notes 80s-style
How to Fold Paper Notes 80s-style
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a pile of old envelopes sitting on top of a couch with the words texting in the 90's
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How to Fold a Musical Note with a One-Dollar Bill\

Securing the Fold

To keep your note closed, you'll need to secure the fold. The 80s fold uses a clever little trick for this. Take the bottom edge of your paper and fold it up, tucking it into the pocket from the other side.

This should lock your note closed, with no loose edges or flaps. Your message is now safely hidden inside, ready to be passed or opened when the time is right.

Unfolding Your Note

Of course, the fun of a folded note is in the unfolding. To open your 80s fold, simply pull the bottom edge out of the pocket. This should release the left edge, allowing you to unfold your note and reveal your message.

And there you have it - the classic 80s fold, brought back to life! Whether you're using it to pass secret messages or just for fun, this folding technique is a blast from the past that's sure to bring a smile to your face.

So go ahead, give it a try. Who knows, maybe you'll start a new trend in note-folding. After all, every great trend starts with a single folded note. Happy folding!