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Lace Envelope

Lace Envelope Tutorial, featuring Holly Envelope design

Deliver your notes, photos, and invitations in style with these elegant and simple freestanding lace envelopes! This tutorial will show you how to assemble your lace into a functioning piece of beautiful correspondence.

Supplies & Materials:

First things first: you'll need to download the Lace Envelope design for your embroidery machine. This comes in two sizes – the larger fits a 4"x6" photo or card, and the smaller fits a standard gift card (or up to 2 1/4" x 3 3/8").

You will also need:


  • Hand-sewing needle and thread to match the color of your lace
  • Scissors
  • A button (up to 1" diameter for the larger envelope, or 5/8" diameter for the smaller envelope)

Start Embroidering:

Begin by stitching each of the three pieces of freestanding lace on your water soluble stabilizer, then dry completely (here's more on stitching freestanding lace).


Take your back piece and front bottom envelope piece and stitch them together, right sides facing away from each other.

Hand holding a piece of white lace fabric with floral patterns, stitching a needle and thread through the scalloped edge, on a white background.

If the pieces don't match up perfectly, it's OK! That's the nature of lace. You may need to pinch the sides in together as you stitch around the envelope.

A hand holding a folded piece of white lace fabric with floral patterns, set against a white background with a sewing needle and thread nearby.

Next, stitch along the top edge of the envelope flap and the top of your back piece, leaving the top flap open along the scalloped edge.

Hand holding a white lace envelope against a white background, showing intricate floral lace patterns and scalloped flap edges.

This is what your stitched envelope should look like when you're finished.

White lace envelope with floral and leaf embroidery, featuring a scalloped flap, lying open on a plain white surface.

If you're stitching the Damask Lace Envelope, simply stitch around the three edges of your pocket, either by hand or using a sewing machine.

Black lace piece folded into an envelope shape with swirl and curve embroidery patterns on a white background, dashed stitch line on sides.

If you're stitching the Autumn Baroque Envelope (Lace), lay the pieces side by side, with the straight edges touching. The center piece should face up, while the "wings" should lay face down.

Three delicate laser-cut wooden panels with intricate symmetrical lace-like floral and geometric patterns, arranged on a dark wooden surface.

Stitch the pieces together with a zigzag stitch. Then, fold the wings inward and use a ribbon to close the envelope.

Close-up of an embroidery machine stitching intricate tan lace design with floral and geometric patterns on white fabric. The work area is well lit.

The next step is the most difficult one – find a button that fits the buttonhole. Slide your button through the opening to make sure it will work before stitching it down.

Hand holding a wooden button fastening a white lace envelope with a floral pattern on a white surface.

Use the buttonhole as a guide to place your button – the center of the button should be placed an inch down from the top of your bottom flap on the larger envelope, and 1/2 an inch down on the smaller envelope.

Hand holding a delicate white lace envelope with a wooden button closure on a white background. The lace has floral and heart patterns.

Use the strongest point of your lace to hold your button, on the middle satin line of your bottom flap.

Hand holding a needle threading white lace fabric shaped like an envelope on a white surface, next to a large brown wooden button.

For the Holly Envelope, pick a satin detail to secure your button onto.

Two red quilted fabric envelopes with intricate swirling stitching; one is closed showing scalloped edge, the other open with button closure; white background.

Secure your button firmly on!

Close-up of white lace fabric with floral and swirling embroidery patterns, featuring a single small brown round button sewn with white thread in the center.

This beautiful lace piece will stun any recipient! Stitch this envelope in a variety of colors with fun buttons, and get creative with your stationery – there's no wrong way to do it.

White lace envelope with a wooden button closure featuring a star-shaped cutout, placed on a wooden surface background.

Ta-dah! Your completed envelope, ready to hold handwritten love notes, pictures, cards, and more!

White lace envelope with floral and geometric patterns, closed with a wooden button, holding a photo of a couple outdoors, placed on a wooden surface.

For any occasion, or no occasion at all, these lovely lace envelopes make a beautiful gift in themselves.

Red lace fabric envelope with floral and leaf patterns, sewn edges, and a round antique-style metal button closure, placed on a wooden surface.

Get Inspired:

The Damask Envelope is another option for dressing up photos, invitations, greetings, and gift cards. The open pocket design makes it easy to slide your messages in!

Two black lace envelopes with floral and vine patterns; one is empty with an arrow pointing to it, the other holds a small sepia-toned portrait photo.

This beautiful lace piece will charm any recipient! Stitch this envelope in a variety of colors with fun buttons, and get creative with your stationery – there's no wrong way to do it.

Two black lace envelopes, one larger and one smaller, both with detailed floral embroidery, holding a vintage photo and business cards on a white background.