What's the best paper for making envelopes at home?

For handmade envelopes, text-weight paper in the 60lb to 80lb range hits the sweet spot. It is sturdy enough to protect what is inside but still folds cleanly without cracking along the creases.

• 60lb to 80lb text: the reliable default. Folds crisply and holds a seal.
• Kraft paper: rustic look, very forgiving to fold, great for a natural aesthetic.
• Scrapbook and patterned sheets: add color and pattern, usually pre-cut to 12" x 12".
• Linen-textured stock: a more formal feel for invitations.

Avoid anything heavier than 80lb cover. Without professional scoring equipment, thick cover stock resists folding and cracks at the seams. If you need a large batch that looks uniform, custom-printed envelopes skip the guesswork entirely.