Primp my Present: Tabbed Accordion Fold

Confession: My husband is a better gift wrapper than I. There seems to be a genetic disposition in Ticos (the local term of endearment for Costa Ricans) toward an extraordinary gift-wrapping ability. Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing 10 unique & pretty (simple) gift wrapping technique tutorials for every occasion as the holiday season approaches. Let’s primp that present. Ready for tutorial #2?

If you thought last week’s accordion fold with DIY bow tute was jazzy, wait until you see that same accordion fold with pop-up tabs. The tabbed accordion fold wrap is quick and simple, but the customizability factor is it’s claim to fame. Make tabs wide, narrow, many or few. Fold them elegantly in-line or be a standout with mohawk style tabs. Here’s how to get the look!

Tabbed Accordion Fold Gift Wrap Tutorial

If you can accordion fold, you’ve already got this mastered. Bust out your gift wrapping supplies and check out the photos and step-by-step instructions below. Husband’s sweetest cousin Cindy was my go-to girl for this episode of primp my present.

Disclaimer: I recycled used gift wrap for this tutorial. Don’t judge.

Supplies: gift wrapping paper, tape, scissors

1. Fold scissored edges of wrapping paper inward to create clean lines.

2-3. Begin accordion folding, keeping similar space between the folds until you’ve reached your desired level of “wow” factor. (See more detailed photos here)

4. Tape down the folds on the back side of the paper.

5. Wrap gift:Fold edges of gift wrap over your gift to check how the edge designs align. We’re going for continued seamless pattern here. Fold the edges of the paper as necessary to align the design. Use double stick tape or read # 8 here to hide all tape on the outside of package & really primp your present.

6-7. Snip along each folded seam at an angle, creating tabs. Alternate snips between each seam row. Snip many or few tabs depending on how you’d like your gift to look.

8. Fold alternative tabs backward to create pattern. Tape folded tabs down, if desired. Done!

Stay tuned for more Primp my Present: pretty(simple) gift wrapping techniques for every occasion. If you missed post #1 in the series, click here.