Design for print - Research Paper Folding

PAPER FOLDING

For my print book i decided to research into paper folding so i know the ins an outs so i can apply an usual paper fold that is appropriate for my print pack.

SIMPLE PAPER FOLDS - 

GATE FOLD

gatefold the left and right edges of the piece of paper fold inward with parallel folds and meet in the middle of the page without overlapping. The paper might be folded again down the middle so that the folded edges meet and a fold is created in center panel of the paper - also known as a double gatefold.

Gatefolds are typically used for large advertising pieces, brochures, and folded inserts for newspapers and magazines. Wedding invitations and greeting cards may sometimes use a gatefold style.

PARALLEL FOLDS

The fold lines in paper with parallel folds all run in the same direction, parallel to each other. Parallel folds are commonly used for all kinds of brochures (such as tri-fold), stationery inserted into business envelopes, and other materials. The specific direction of each of the parallel folds determines the type of folding pattern.

Crossfolds might be considered the opposite of parallel folds because the fold lines cross each other.

SPIRAL FOLDS

Definition: A piece of paper folded in spiral folds has two or more parallel folds that fold in on each other. It may fold in from the left or right. Seen from above, the folds spiral inward.

To allow proper nesting of panels that fold in, inside panels are usually 1/32" to 1/8" smaller than outer panels with the inside end panel being the smallest. Spiral folds are common for brochures and for folding letters.

FRENCH FOLDS

With French folds the paper is folded with crossfolds (right angle folds), often with a short first fold. The shorter portion or head in french folds may be folded to the inside (heads in) or outside (heads out).

Eight-panel french folds with even panels (no short heads) are commonly called quarter-fold or 8-panel right angle folds.

Examples:French folds are often used for greeting cards and wedding invitations.


SOME EXAMPLES - 

MEHTA FOLDING STRUCTURE

A sequential representation of a statement by Rohit Mehta, revealed in steps through the opening of a hexagonal folding system based on a route three rectangle. The statement can be read either in stages of unfolding, or in its entirety as a spread — a duality of reading order that serves as a parallel to Mehta’s words.

http://www.elizcarter.com/mehta_1.php

 http://designspiration.net/image/136957802972/

I would like to try something like this for one of my packs but i would need to consider the stock as it i would still want it to look professional and high end once it had been opened.


http://designspiration.net/image/71365954822/

http://designspiration.net/image/426128230760/

I really like this idea as well where there are lots of sections throughout the poster for different categories.

http://designspiration.net/image/136957802972/

This idea is clever where the other part of the back uses a section from the opposite side as a belly band.

This idea is clever where theres a slit in the bottom and top so it all folds out this is similar to a hot dog book.

I want to look into more paper folding as its important to this print brief and i didn't really consider paper folding last year and it would be nice to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.