How to Make Diamond-shaped Boxes

Read all of the steps before starting.

Step 1: Choose a Pattern and Print It

Choose a box to make. The box is offered in plain and harlequin-diamond decorated versions. Download and print the pattern. Each pattern includes a diamond box template and a diamond cutout to re-enforce the box's bottom. The Pink Diamonds pattern includes a black & white option with a harlequin-diamond design you can color.

Tip: Make a lightweight box by printing directly on cardstock. For a stronger box, print the plain black & white pattern on computer paper and trace or transfer the template to cardboard before proceeding.

Diamond Box

Colored - B&W

Pink Diamonds

Colored - B&W

Orange Diamonds

Colored

Multi-color Diamonds

Colored

Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The Adobe Reader is available for free.

All of Aunt Annie's project patterns are designed to be printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5"x11" or A4). When printing from Adobe Reader, you may need to select Auto-Rotate and Center or Choose paper source by PDF page size to ensure the best fit.

Step 2: Cut

Cut around the box pattern and the diamond cutout on the solid black lines. Try to make your cuts very straight. The box will be stronger and go together better if the cuts are very straight.

Using a straight edge and craft knife will make some of the cutting easier, but be sure to protect the table with a cutting mat or thick piece of cardboard. Caution: Be careful. Craft knives are sharp and should not be used by children.

Step 3: Score

Scoring the fold lines makes for easier folding and sharper creases.

To score: Turn the box with the marked lines up. Score along each of the fold lines—red in this illustration. On cardstock use the bone folder or empty ballpoint pen to make an indent, not a cut. If you are using cardboard or poster board, use a straight edge and a craft knife or scissors to make a half-cut.

Step 4: Fold

Fold lids and flaps in on the scored fold lines. Flatten the box out again. Fold the glue tab and each side in on the vertical fold lines, then flatten it.

When using thick cardboard like Bristol board, fold back so that the score is on the outside of the box. Lighter cardboard can be folded either way.

Step 5: Cover with Decorative Paper (optional)

Cut a rectangular piece of decorative paper larger than the box pattern by ¼ to ½ inch all around. Center and glue to what will be the outside of the box. Fold the excess paper over and glue, or just trim away.

Step 6: Make Box Shape and Glue

The box's only glue tab is at the end of the row of box sides. Apply glue down the entire length of the glue tab. Shape the sides into a box shape and glue the tab to the inside of the last side.

Tip: You can use double-sided tape in place of the glue.

Tip: Notice that the box is collapsible and folds flat for easy storage.

Step 7: Complete Diamond Box

Fold the bottom flaps in and close the bottom lid over them. Tuck the bottom lid's flap inside the box. Repeat for the top lid.

Tip: Make the box stronger by putting the diamond cutout in the bottom of the box. You can also glue the bottom flaps to the box's bottom, but the box will no longer be collapsible.