Work backward from the closed card

Choose the closed size and opening direction

Write the card’s closed width and height, then draw an arrow showing how it opens. A tall side-fold and a top-fold card can share a closed size while using different blank orientations. Add a small front-face mark so the artwork stays on the intended panel.

Double the dimension across the fold

For a basic two-panel card closing to 105 mm wide by 148 mm high, a side fold uses a 210 × 148 mm blank, with the fold 105 mm from the short edge. A top fold uses a 105 × 296 mm blank, with the fold halfway along the longer dimension. These are geometric starting points; the chosen stock and construction may need additional consideration.

Make a fold sample with the actual stock

Use the intended material and check the crease, panel alignment and decoration together. If a machine scores the fold, check its supported scoring tool and the stock-specific process. Cricut’s scoring-wheel instructions distinguish tools and folding directions for their own system; do not transfer one setting or orientation to unrelated equipment.

Cricut: scoring wheel tools ↗ — Manufacturer guidance for Maker-compatible scoring wheels and their required housing.

Count blanks and check packaging separately

Enter the unfolded bounding rectangle in the sheet planner and preserve the required direction of a print or finish. Reserve one complete assembly sample. Then check the real finished card against the envelope, including any raised decoration. A sheet layout can tell you how rectangles fit; it cannot confirm postal thickness, envelope clearance or the quality of the fold.