Slimline Card Making Made Simple- Printable Guide!

Hi, crafty friends! Slimline cards are a stylish twist on traditional card sizes and a great way to stretch your creativity. Discover everything you need to know to add this fun format to your paper crafting repertoire—common slimline card sizes, layer measurements, the best envelopes to use, and answers to frequently asked questions—all in a free printable guide!

Whether you’re a beginner wanting to try something new or a seasoned crafter looking for fresh inspiration, you’ll find several project ideas to spark your creativity.

SLIMLINE CARD SIZES

Did you know there’s no single ‘universal’ size for slimline cards? Instead, discover a few creative options! Here’s the most common slimline card sizes, layer measurements and the best [standard North American] envelope sizes to use…

• 3-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
  • Most popular (my favorite)! Makes the most of an 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock… the piece that remains after the card base is cut is perfect for a layer on the front. It also best fits a standard envelope.
  • Card Base: 7″ x 8-1/2″, score on short side at 3-1/2″
  • Layers:
    • 3-1/4 x 8-1/4
    • 3 x 8
    • 2-3/4 x 7-3/4
    • 2-1/2 x 7-1/2
  • Envelope #9: 3-7/8″ x 8-7/8″ (best fit) shop what I use under my Favorite Amazon Finds
  • Envelope #10: 4-1/8″ x 9-1/2″ (oversized)

• 3-3/4″ x 8-3/4″
  • A simpler adaptation of the traditional 3-5/8″ x 8-5/8″ size
  • Cardstock: 7-1/2″ x 8-3/4″, score on short side at 3-3/4″
  • Layers:
    • 3-1/2 x 8-1/2
    • 3-1/4 x 8-1/4
    • 3 x 8
    • 2-3/4 x 7-3/4
  • Envelope #9: 3-7/8″ x 8-7/8″ (tight fit… best with single layer cards)
  • Envelope #10: 4-1/8″ x 9-1/2″ (oversized)

• 4″ x 9″
  • The super-sized version!
  • Card Base: 8″ x 9″, score on short side at 4″
  • Layers:
    • 3-3/4 x 8-3/4
    • 3-1/2 x 8-1/2
    • 3-1/4 x 8-1/4
    • 3 x 8
  • Envelope #10: 4-1/8″ x 9-1/2″ (with layers, may be tight on width)

FAQ

What is a slimline card? It’s a card base that’s long and slim- or tall and slender- as opposed to the more traditional rectangle-shaped cards like Note Cards (3-1/2″ x 5″); A2 (4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″); A6 (4-1/2″ x 6-1/4″), A7 (5″ x 7″) or simply 4″ x 6″.

Why are slimline cards popular? The format allows for extra design space and new creative uses for the supplies you own! The layout can be used both vertically and horizontally.

Do I need special paper crafting supplies? No! Most products are easily adaptable. A too-short embossing folder can be used by embossing each end of a layer and covering the middle where the design meets. A too wide (or too short) rectangle die can also be adapted to create a narrower (or longer) die-cut. All it takes is a wee bit of resourcefulness!

What if I don’t have an envelope to fit? Make your own with coordinating paper! (The 3-In-1 Punch Board found in my Favorite Amazon Finds makes it super easy!)

Is there a standard envelope that fits all the slimline card sizes? Yes… #10 envelopes. These are the standard letter-size envelopes businesses use. If you receive one that contains a return envelope, that’s likely a #9 envelope. Re-purpose them!

Is additional postage required to mail a slimline card? No, not with the United States Postal Service! (thickness limitations still apply)

MASCULINE SLIMLINE CARD TUTORIAL

The masculine slimline card below features the 2025–2027 In Color Collection (on sale this month) and our featured Suite of the Month: Floral Impressions (with not a flower in sight!). The included ‘squoval’ (square-oval) stitched die creates the simple geometric design!

• Miss last week’s card tutorial using this same die? FIND IT HERE

MEASUREMENTS (width x length) & INSTRUCTIONS

• Card Base: 7″ x 8-1/2″, score on short side at 3-1/2″ [Secret Sea]
• Embossed Layer: 3-1/4″ x 8-1/4″ [Secret Sea]
  • Emboss on Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (or similar) with Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder (debossed side shown)
• Inside Sentiment Panel: 3″ x 8″ [Basic White]
• Cut three frames with the stitched squoval die included in the Impressions Abloom Dies – see photo above to adhere; trim to card. [Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger and Cloud Cover shown]
• Cut two leaflet stems from Impressions Abloom Dies [Granny Apple Green]
• Stamp sentiment on white cardstock and trim into banner [The Right Words Cling Stamps; Secret Sea Classic Ink Pad; Stylish Shapes Dies]
• Embellish with 2025-27 In Colors Flat Pearls [Secret Sea]

SUPPLIES TO MAKE FEATURED PROJECT

Click any image to add items to your Stampin’ Up! shopping cart …happy crafting!

Impressions Abloom Dies

[165610]

Impressions Abloom Bundle (English)

[165611]

The Right Words Cling Stamp Set (English)

[165316]

Forever Plaid 3 D Embossing Folder

[164049]

2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls

[165192]

2025–2027 In Color™ 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165623]

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad

[165285]

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

BONUS INSPIRATION

Here’s more slimline card ideas from the past…

Pick your favorite designer paper for this simple design!

Substitute your favorite greenery and use any vertical sentiment for an all-season adaptation!

Complete instructions for this card (and an all-season version) found in the HUMBLE HOME Tutorials Class. Make this with the same measurements as the featured card. Click the photo for a list of supplies used.

LAST CHANCE ALERT
Get 40% off retiring Humble Home Photopolymer Stamps (used on card above) while supplies last!

Have fun using your paper crafting supplies to create slimline cards for your own family & friends ❤️ Did you find this article helpful? Leave a comment below… I love hearing from you!

I hope you’ll join me next week for ‘The Guide to MINI Slimline Cards’!

THIS WEEK’S SAVVY SHOPPER SPECIALS

IMPRESSIONS ABLOOM TUTORIALS
Free Gift with $50* Stampin’ Up! Order Aug. 1-31, 2025 or Order Direct with Immed. Download

DETAILS

SAVE ON 2025-2027 IN COLOR PRODUCTS Including cardstock, ink pads, refills, markers, designer paper, ribbon, embellishments & more!

SHOP SALE

LAST CHANCE CLEARANCE UPDATE
Save up to 60% off retiring products before they’re gone for good- NEW ADDITIONS!

SHOP SALE

SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Hover over the graphic below and click the red Pinterest SAVE logo in the upper left corner to save this to your favorite Pinterest board! Enjoy quick & easy access to the tutorial whenever you want.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Enjoy this ‘Slimline Cards Made Simple’ Guide? Let me know by commenting below!
• Visit the GALLERY for more card ideas and free tutorials
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Thanks for shopping with me and supporting our small family business!