It’s super easy to make DIY seed envelopes out of paper! These are the perfect size for sharing, gifting, trading, or storing. In this post, I will show you exactly how to make your own DIY seed packets, step-by-step.
One of my favorite activities in the fall is collecting seeds from my garden. I use them to grow my annuals and vegetables every year, which saves me tons of money.
I also love to share them with friends, and use them to trade for other varieties I don’t already have. For sharing and trading, I like to make my own DIY seed envelopes.
It’s very easy to make your own paper seed packets, and inexpensive too! Below I will show you how to make them, step by step.
Easy DIY Seed Envelopes
These instructions are for making 2″ x 2″ square envelopes (approximately), which work great for most types of seeds. It’s simple to adapt the instructions to make your own custom sizes though.
Simply cut the square bigger for larger envelopes (which would work better for bigger seeds). Or cut it smaller if you want tiny ones. Basically, as long as the paper is cut into a square, you can make any size you want.
Supplies Needed:
- Paper (I love using colored paper or some with cute patterns)
- Pen or marker (get creative with colorful markers)
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Tape (optional – you can use clear tape, decorative tape or cute stickers)
How To Make Your Own Seed Packet Envelopes
I encourage you to get creative by using different types of paper, like a mix of bright colors or cute patterns. Just be sure to use something that’s fairly thick, like craft paper.
Thin papers such as newsprint, magazine pages, and wrapping paper are too thin and can break open. Here are the steps for making basic seed envelopes…
Step 1: Measure and cut the paper – Cut the paper into 4″ x 4″ squares. You could cut it with scissors of course.
But if you plan to make a lot of these handmade seed envelopes (and you want them to be straight), I recommend using a paper cutter. That way you can cut several pieces at once too.
Step 2: Fold the paper square in half – First you should fold the square of paper in half, corner to corner. Be sure to take your time lining it up so that the edges are straight.
Step 3: Fold in the bottom corners to form the envelope – Fold the two bottom corners of the paper in so they overlap evenly.
Take care that they align with the bottom of the envelope. Also make sure they are even on both sides so that your packet is square.
Step 4: Tuck in the flap to hold it in place – Tuck the corner of one flap into the fold of the other to securely hold it in place. The harder you make the creases, the tighter the hold of your DIY seed envelope will be.
Customizing Your DIY Seed Packets
Now comes the fun part… making your own custom seed envelopes! This is where you can get really creative, and design your own unique packets.
You can make super fancy ones using stickers, stencils or stamps. Or simply write on your color envelopes like I did.
If you want to decorate them, or you’re planning to write on plain envelopes, it’s much easier to do that before filling them.
Write the plant name on the front of the envelope using a pen, or get creative use fun markers. Or if you want your seed packets to look a bit more formal, use printable labels with your computer instead.
Don’t forget to also include who they are from, and the date they were collected. I like to write that information on the back of my seed envelopes to make it easier to read.
Once you’re done labeling your DIY seed packets (or decorating them if that’s what you want to do) then you can fill them with up.
If the seeds are super tiny, then fold them into a small piece of paper or tissue before putting them into the envelope so they won’t leak out.
When you’re done filling your seed packets, simply fold down the top flap to close it. You can either tuck it into the back of the envelope, or tape the flap shut.
Use some decorative tape or a small sticker to seal them, and dress them up a bit.
Storing Your Seed Envelopes
You can use these as DIY seed envelopes for trading and sharing with friends, or use them for storage.
I like to keep mine in a small plastic bin, like this one. I used to put them in a recipe box back when my stash was much smaller, and that worked great too!
You could also use an old photo album to hold your homemade seed envelopes (the type that has the pockets) if you have one of those.
Otherwise you can get a Seed Keeper, which is specifically made for storing and organizing packets and envelopes!
Making your own DIY seed envelopes is a good way to use up all kinds of scrap paper. Your friends and fellow traders will love the cute packets their seeds come in, and they can throw the envelope into the compost or recycling bin when they’re empty.
If you’re tired of struggling, and want to learn how to grow any plant you want from seed, then enroll in my online Seed Starting Course. It’s a wonderful, fun, self-paced course that will teach you everything you need to know to easily grow your own seedlings. Enroll and get started today!
Or, if you just need a refresher, then my Starting Seeds Indoors eBook is for you! It’s a quick-start guide that will get you planting seeds in no time.
More Seed Saving Posts
- How To Store Seeds The Right Way
- How To Test The Viability Of Old Seeds
- How To Save Bean Seeds From Your Garden
- How To Collect Lavender Seeds From Your Garden
Share your steps for how to make seed packets, or your favorite types of seed envelopes in the comments section below!
Print The Step-By-Step Instructions
How To Make DIY Seed Packets
These small DIY seed packets are perfect for storing the leftovers, sharing with friends, or trading.
Materials
- Paper
- Pen or marker
- Tape (optional)
Tools
- Paper cutter or scissors
Instructions
- Measure and cut the paper – Use either a paper cutter or scissors to cut the paper into 4″ x 4″ squares.
- Fold the square in half – Fold the square of paper in half, corner to corner. Take your time lining it up so that the edges are straight.
- Fold in the bottom corners – Fold the two bottom corners of the paper in so they overlap. Align them with the bottom of the envelope, and make sure they are even on both sides so that your seed packet is square.
- Tuck in the flap – Tuck the corner of one flap into the fold of the other to securely hold it in place. The harder you make the creases, the tighter the hold will be.
Notes
If you plan to make several handmade seed packets, I recommend using a paper cutter rather than a scissors. That way you can cut several pieces at once, and the paper will be perfectly straight.
To avoid making any holes in your packets, write the information on the envelope before filling it with seeds.
When done filling them, simply tuck the top flap into the folds on the back of the packet. Optionally, you could use decorative tape or a small sticker to seal your envelopes, and dress them up a bit.
Sharon says
I don’t understand. There is still a gap in the bottom of my envelop – unless your supposed to tape it?
I mean it looks like yours but there no no reall bottom it just opens up. Anything put in there will fall out.
confused.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If you folded your seed envelops according to the instructions, then there will be an opening in the center for the seeds. The top flap should open up. See the photo above with the caption “Filling my custom envelopes with seeds”, and that should help you see what I mean. 🙂
Amie Guyette Hall says
Love this! The answer to my dilemma!! Have a women’s event coming up and want brand visibility in the 225 bags. This is now happily happening. Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wonderful, so glad I helped you find the perfect addition to your swag bags for the ladies! Have fun making your customized seed envelopes. 🙂
Stephen Coote says
Great idea thanks. I prefer to use paper rather than plastic bags because I see that small seeds can stick to the bag with ‘static electricity’ and that may not be good for them. Best wishes from New Zealand.
Amy Andrychowicz says
The static in plastic bags is definitely annoying (especially for tiny seeds), but shouldn’t hurt the seeds at all.
Stephen Coote says
I guess you are right Amy. A lot of seeds get stored in Ziplok bags and they still seem to grow. I’ve just finished saving and storing my tomato seeds for this last season and they are all my DIY paper bags. Thanks again!
Rose says
Thank you for these instructions! I saved a ton of seeds from my garden this year and made all of my seed packets this way! When my Aunt saw what I was doing, I showed her how to make them too!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, so glad you like my DIY seed envelopes! It’s such a fun way to share seeds with friends.
Tre says
How about a bin to store the envelopes in. Not finding what im looking for
Amy Andrychowicz says
Hi Tre!
I use a small clear plastic bin to store my seed envelopes, like this one
I used to use a recipe box when my seed collection was much smaller, and that worked great. Here’s one that I like.
Hope that helps! 🙂
Pam says
What cute little envelopes! I love this idea.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thank you, I’m glad you love them!
LizZ Holla says
OHHHH I love this!! I was gifted a HUGE box of seed envelopes long ago and still, I’m not even close to finished it…but this is a great DIY for those who don’t want to purchase something like that!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, a huge box of seed envelopes!? What a fantastic gift! 🙂
Kathy Key says
I often use old envelopes that come with bills, etc.
Amy Andrychowicz says
What a great way to recycle envelopes!
PlantPostings says
You are so industrious, Amy! Thanks for the instructions!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Haha, thanks! You're welcome. Hope you’ll make some envelopes for your seeds too!
plantinthings says
Thanks for the instructions…..I too love to collect and trade my seeds with others. Will do this easy crafty idea next seed season.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You're welcome! Have fun making your own seed packets! 🙂