Triple Panel Gatefold Cards

If you love easy fun fold cards with a “wow” factor, you’re going to love the Triple Panel Gatefold card! This stylish fold is a creative twist on the traditional gatefold. It gives your handmade cards an eye-catching layered look and a unique opening that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to adapt to any occasion and there are two different ways you can use this design in your card making.

Portrait Style Triple Panel Gatefold

First let’s talk about how to create the triple panel gatefold card in portrait style. Start by creating a traditional gatefold card. Cut a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″ piece of cardstock. Score the 8-1/2″ side at 2-1/8 and 6-3/8″ to create the gatefold style card base.

Once you have the gatefold card base, you are ready to make the triple panels. Cut three pieces of cardstock at 1-5/8 x 3-7/8.” Adhere the top and bottom panels to the right flap of the gatefold card. Adhere the middle panel to the left side of the gatefold card. Be sure to watch the video for some tips on this.

Now you are ready to decorate the triple panel gatefold card with any supplies you have on hand. I am featuring the Painted Stripes stamp set for these patriotic cards. Be sure to download the free tutorial for a list of supplies and all the measurements for creating and decorating the card.

Landscape Style

Now let’s look at how to create the triple panel gatefold card in landscape style. The measurements are different for this style of card. Start with a 4-1/4 x 11″ piece of cardstock. Score the 11″ side at 2-3/4 and 8-1/4″ to create the landscape style gatefold card base.

For the landscape style card, I created smaller front panels just for ease in opening. The three panels are 1-1/4 x 4-1/4.” You can certainly make the panels larger if you want them to cover the entire card front. You would simple cut the cardstock for the longer panels at 1-1/4 x 5-1/4.” Once you have created the card base and front panels, you are ready to decorate it!

The cards feature a patriotic theme, as I’m making these cards for veterans participating in the Honor Flight—a heartfelt way to say thank you for their service. But keep in mind this versatile card design can be adapted for any occasion.

Tutorial & Supplies

Whether you choose the landscape or portrait style, the Triple Panel Gatefold card is a fun, impactful design that’s easy to recreate and personalize. For a complete list of supplies and instructions for creating these cards, feel free to download the tutorial (pdf file).

I hope these card ideas inspire you to get creative with supplies you already have on hand. Let me know in the comments which version you’re excited to try! Be sure to watch the video for some tips on creating and assembling the cards. Have a fun and creative day! ~ Lynn