The Ultimate Guide to A2 Envelopes: How To Create Beautiful and Unique Stationery
The A2 envelope is becoming a standard for easy traditional and DIY stationery in America. It seems like they are being used more and more, and we wanted to take a look at how and why. With the correct information, these envelopes can be used for quick and easy stationery.
You’ll have no problem finding a stamp, finding the right insert, or learning how to make your own stationery to fit inside an A2 envelope.
What Is an A2 Envelope?
An A2 envelope is from the A-SIZE category for standard-size Announcement Envelopes in the USA. It is a convenient size, square flap envelope with the following dimensions: 4.375 x 5.75 inches (mm: 111.125 x 146.05).
This is easy to stamp, insert, and write on. The A2 envelopes can also be made with a variety of flap styles, yet the classic structure is a square flap that folds over to seal the envelope shut when you are done inserting your stationery.
Another interesting fact about A2 envelopes is that a 5 1/2-Bar Envelope is the exact same size, and accepts the same insert size yet has a little different structure. Baronial envelopes are converted with diagonal seams and pointed flaps, whereas Announcement envelopes are converted with side seams and square flaps.
Therefore, if you have a preference for a specific envelope style, you can easily follow this article and use 5.5 Baronial envelopes in place of the A2 envelope.
What is the best Insert size for an A2 Envelope?
Think of your envelope as a pocket. It can be used to store something like a card or perhaps a simple hand-written note. A2 envelopes make it easy to just place a letter-size paper, folded 4-ways, neatly inside your envelope.
We recommend using an insert size of 4.25 x 5.5 inches because it’s an ideal fit for the envelope, plus it’s easy to fold and doesn’t leave too much extra space yet is snug enough that your card doesn’t move around. It is also easier to make your own inserts that fit inside this envelope, which is both cost-effective and time-efficient if you know how to make one yourself.
No matter what size envelope you need, be sure to remember this simple hint… Always choose your envelope before designing your card or insert. The envelope size dictates the size of your card as it must be smaller than your envelope to properly fit.
DIY Guides for Creating Your Own Stationery
If you’re interested in customizing your stationery and envelopes, there are many DIY (do-it-yourself) guides available for the A2 envelope. Since an A2 envelope is strategically crafted to hold 1/4 of a standard 8.5×11 paper, it is very easy to select your favorite paper or cardstock and trim it down (or fold it) so it will fit your envelope.
Full creativity is in bloom since you can design and then trim. This allows you to print, draw or paint and then trim down to create a full-bleed image, making it extra professional. This article, “Make Your Own Folded Card” provides a guide that is guaranteed to help you make a beautiful stationery set.
It includes helpful tips on how to choose the right cardstock, as well as how to print, cut, and fold your cardstock paper. You’ll also find helpful hints on how to achieve a professional look with the perfect envelope.
If this is your first DIY card, we recommend starting with the A2 size envelope as it will set you up for the best success.
Conclusion
Now that you know some basic facts about A2 envelopes, what’s next? Incorporating your personal or professional designs and mailings to use A2 Envelopes.
And when you work with a designer, it will be easy for them to make the changes necessary to have your stationery turn out beautifully. Maybe the A2 envelope size is a bit small for your project. View our extensive list on our envelope size chart and plan your next project.
Learn more about other envelope sizes such as, What is an A1 4BAR Envelope?
