How to Fold Dollar Bills into Bows

What You’ll Need

One crisp dollar bill per bow (crisper bills fold more cleanly)
Scissors
Tape or glue stick
Optional: ruler or bone folder for sharp creases

Step-by-Step

Start with a crisp bill. Lay the dollar bill flat on a clean, hard surface with the portrait side facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands or a ruler.
Fold in half lengthwise. Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, crease firmly, then unfold. You now have a center horizontal crease.
Fold the two long edges to the center. Bring the top edge down to the center crease and crease. Bring the bottom edge up to the center crease and crease. The bill is now a long, narrow strip about 1 inch wide.
Fold the strip in half. Bring the left end to the right end, crease, then unfold. You now have a center vertical crease on the strip.
Form the bow loops. Fold the left end of the strip down to the center crease, then fold the right end down to the center crease. You should have two angled flaps meeting in the middle, resembling a bow tie.
Create the center knot. Fold the top flap down over the center, then tuck it under the bottom flap. This creates a knot-like overlap. Flip the whole piece over and repeat on the other side.
Shape the tails. Trim the ends of the flaps at a 45-degree angle to create the pointed tails of a bow, or leave them square for a simpler look.
Secure the bow. Use a small piece of tape or a dab of glue on the back to hold the center knot in place. Fluff the loops gently to round them out.

Common Mistakes

Using wrinkled or worn bills: Old, soft bills are harder to crease and won’t hold their shape. Use crisp bills from the bank.
Skipping the center crease: Without the vertical center crease, the loops will be uneven and the bow will look lopsided.
Making the folds too thick: If you fold the edges more than once, the strip becomes too bulky and the final bow looks messy.
Not creasing firmly: Light creases will relax and the bow will fall apart. Use a ruler or your fingernail to make sharp creases.

Tips

Use a new bill for the best result; if you only have used bills, iron them on a low setting (no steam) between two cloths.
For a sturdier bow, spray the bill lightly with starch before folding and let it dry.
Make multiple bows and attach them to gift wrap with double-sided tape.
To make a smaller bow, cut the bill in half widthwise and follow the same steps.
If you plan to attach the bow to a card, use a glue dot instead of tape for a cleaner look.

Troubleshooting

If the bow doesn’t hold its shape, the bill is too soft or the creases aren’t sharp enough. Refold with a crisp bill and press each crease firmly with a ruler. If the loops are uneven, unfold and realign the edges before re-creasing. If the center knot comes loose, add a small piece of tape on the back. If the bill tears, start over with a fresh bill and handle it gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any denomination?

Yes, but larger bills like $5, $10, or $20 are slightly bigger and easier to fold for beginners. The steps are the same.

How do I attach the bow to a gift?

Use double-sided tape or a glue dot on the back of the bow and press it onto the gift wrap. For a more secure hold, use a small piece of clear tape.

Can I make the bow without cutting the bill?

Yes, the basic bow doesn’t require cutting. Only the optional tail trimming uses scissors.

Will the bow damage the bill?

No, folding and unfolding does not damage the bill, though creases may remain. If you want to keep the bill pristine, use a copy or play money instead.

How long does it take to fold one bow?

Once you’ve practiced, it takes about 1–2 minutes per bow. The first few may take longer.

Can I use this technique for other currencies?

Yes, any rectangular paper currency works. Adjust the size of the folds proportionally.

Sources: U.S. Currency Education Program. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.