Which Template Library Expansion Pack Should You Add?
By Crafter's Companion | Craft Supplies | Papercraft & Art | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Buying Guides
Compare Crafter's Companion Template Library Expansion Packs 2, 4, 5 and 6 to choose the right set for shaped cards, interactive designs or gift boxes.
Quick answer
Choose Expansion Pack 6 if you want the widest mix of shaped cards, dimensional gift boxes and interactive cards; pick Pack 5 for gift bags, boxes and crackers; Pack 4 for 3D and interactive cards; and Pack 2 if you are continuing from the original set and Pack 1.
Start with your next project, not the pack number
The expansion packs share a common idea—reusable templates plus step-by-step instruction cards for 15 projects—but they differ in the project types they cover. Pack 6 focuses on shaped cards, dimensional gift boxes and interactive cards. Pack 5 adds gift bags, boxes and crackers. Pack 4 leans toward interactive and 3D cards plus shaped celebration cards. Pack 2 is positioned as a follow-on from the original Template Library set and Expansion Pack 1.
If you already own the original set, Pack 2 is the logical next step because it was designed to build on that foundation. If you are starting fresh, any expansion pack can work on its own, but Pack 6 gives you the broadest mix of card and box formats in one set.
Consider the learning curve and instructions
All four packs include beginner-friendly instructions, but the project complexity varies. Pack 4 includes video guides alongside full instructions, which helps if you prefer watching a technique before trying it. Pack 5 and Pack 6 also provide step-by-step instruction cards, so you can work through each design at your own pace.
If you are new to shaped or interactive cards, start with a pack whose project list matches your confidence level. Pack 2 is a gentler follow-on if you have already used the original templates; Pack 6 covers more advanced dimensional builds but still includes beginner-friendly guidance.
Check what you already own before buying
Because Pack 2 is explicitly designed to follow the original Template Library set and Expansion Pack 1, buying it first may feel repetitive if you do not own those earlier sets. Conversely, if you already have Packs 2 and 4, Pack 5 or 6 will add new project types such as crackers or dimensional gift boxes.
There is no supplied information on overlapping templates between packs, so treat each pack as a distinct set of 15 projects and check the project list before you buy if avoiding duplication matters to you.
Decision rules for choosing your expansion pack
- If you want the widest variety of card and box formats: Choose Expansion Pack 6. It covers shaped cards, dimensional gift boxes and interactive cards in one set, giving you the most different project types to try. Check that you have space to store the templates and instructions for 15 projects.
- If you make gift bags, boxes or crackers: Choose Expansion Pack 5. Its project list includes gift bags, boxes and crackers alongside shaped and interactive cards, so it supports gift packaging as well as card making. Stock up on cardstock and adhesive suitable for 3D builds before you start.
- If you are new to interactive or 3D cards: Choose Expansion Pack 4. It includes video guides alongside full instructions, which can help you understand moving mechanisms and dimensional assembly before you try them. Watch the video for a project once before cutting your template.
- If you already own the original Template Library set and Pack 1: Choose Expansion Pack 2. It is designed as a follow-on from those sets, so it fits naturally into your existing collection. Compare the project list with your earlier packs if you want to avoid similar designs.
Product facts
- Crafter's Companion Template Library - Expansion Pack 6: Includes reusable templates and step-by-step instruction cards for 15 projects covering shaped cards, dimensional gift boxes and interactive cards. This is the broadest project mix in the range, so it suits crafters who want variety from a single pack.
Crafter's Companion Template Library - Expansion Pack 6 - Crafter's Companion Template Library - Expansion Pack 5: Covers 15 projects including shaped cards, interactive designs, gift bags, boxes and crackers. Choose this if you make party favours or seasonal crackers alongside cards.
Crafter's Companion Template Library - Expansion Pack 5 - Crafter's Companion Template Library - Expansion Pack 4: Includes full instructions and video guides for 15 interactive and 3D cards, gift boxes and shaped celebration cards. The video guides make it easier to learn interactive mechanisms if you have not tried them before.
- Crafter's Companion Template Library - Expansion Pack 2: Designed to follow on from the original Template Library set and Expansion Pack 1, with 15 templates and instructions for cards and gift boxes. Pick this if you already own the earlier sets and want a consistent next step.
Who should buy which pack?
Best for
- Crafters who want a single pack with shaped cards, dimensional boxes and interactive cards (Pack 6)
- Card makers who also make gift bags and crackers (Pack 5)
- Crafters who learn better with video guides (Pack 4)
- Anyone who already owns the original Template Library set and Pack 1 (Pack 2)
Not for
- Crafters who already own a pack with the same project types and want no overlap
- Anyone looking for a complete beginner's course in papercraft—these are expansion packs, not a full curriculum
- Crafters who prefer digital cutting files over reusable physical templates
