Think you need a stamp and envelope to send a letter? Think again. There's a clever, time-tested trick to save on envelopes—straight from the Great Patriotic War era.
This method, known as the triangular letter, may have faded from memory, but it's making a comeback. As a seasoned letter writer who prefers email but honors family traditions, I've revived it for holiday greetings—and it works flawlessly.
Invented by WWII soldiers longing to connect with loved ones without scarce envelopes, this simple fold transforms any sheet of paper into a secure, self-mailing envelope. No special materials required—just paper, pen, and ingenuity.
Write your letter on an A4 sheet first to avoid unfolding later. Follow these steps from left to right:
1. Lay the sheet flat.
2. Fold the top right corner to the left edge.
3. Fold the top left corner to the right edge.
4. Tuck in the bottom left and right edges.
5. Fold between the three triangles, leaving one prominent.
6. Write the recipient's address on the large triangle's face. Secure with a small piece of tape at the top for peace of mind.
A set of 100 green letter envelopes costs €100—check your post office site. This fold eliminates that expense entirely.
Travel light: just paper, pen, and a stamp make a complete letter. It's original, heartfelt, and perfect for loved ones.
Bonus: The unique shape often dodges postal machine stamps, letting you reuse yours.
Ready to try? Share your results in the comments or mail us a triangular letter at: Honolulu Media, 78 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris. Need closing phrases? We have polite options ready.
Raphaël from Bagnolet sent us a beautiful one—our team was touched. Here's his envelope-free delivery (details blurred):
