Chinese Thread Book

Hello everyone,  it’s Chinese New Year tomorrow so I have another Chinese inspired project to share with you all.

Chinese Thread Book

These date back hundreds of years and show off the art of Origami beautifully. Check out the link below to read about the history of them in more detail.

The history of a Chinese Thread Book.

I first saw one in a Museum in China but was not allowed to take photos, I put a note of it in my diary as a reminder to look it up later. I was amazed by these gorgeous books and the variations out there.

I had a look on YouTube and found one tutorial by Paper Kawaii, This channel is dedicated to Origami and I found a great one showing how to make this Thread Book.

I was able to master it all pretty well but I really struggled on one part which I ended up leaving out, you can find this piece in my full tutorial below.

To make this you will need…

1 piece of 6″ x 5.1/2 card for the main outer case.

Score along the 6″ side at 2.7/8 & 3.1/8

1 piece of 2.5/8 x 5.1/4 patterned paper to decorate the front.

2 pieces of 7.1/2 x 7.1/2 of light weight paper to do the origami folding for the 2 square pockets, heavy card stock will not work for this due to all the folding.

1 piece of 8 x 8 for the large rectangle pocket.

1 piece of 2.1/2 x 5.1/8 patterned paper to mat inside the rectangle pocket.

1 piece of 2.1/2 x 5 patterned paper to decorate the top of the rectangle pocket.

2 pieces of 2.1/2 x 2.1/2 patterned paper to mat inside the 2 square pockets.

2 pieces of 1.3/4 x 1.3/4 patterned paper to decorate the tops of the square pockets.

Some flower die cuts, embellishments, ribbon and a sentiment to decorate.

Check out my full tutorial below to see how I done all the folding and put it together.

I’m really pleased with how they turned out and think they make a nice alternative to a birthday card. You can put a mini card and gift card inside or a letter, or as I mention in my tutorial some ribbon and embellishments and give it to another crafting buddy!

I’m on the look out for an antique one and will carry on trying to master that extra piece!

Hope you like today’s project and give it a go.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Sam

xoxo