How to Fold Money for Gift

What You’ll Need

One or more crisp banknotes (newer bills fold best)
A flat, clean surface
Optional: a ruler or credit card for sharp creases
Optional: small ribbon or tape if you plan to attach the folded money to a card

Step-by-Step

Choose your bill and orientation. Lay the banknote flat with the portrait side facing up. If the bill is wrinkled, press it under a heavy book for a few hours to flatten it.
Make the first fold. Fold the bill in half lengthwise (hot dog style), bringing the top edge down to the bottom edge. Crease sharply with your thumbnail or a ruler, then unfold.
Fold the corners to the center. With the bill still flat, fold the top left and top right corners inward so they meet the center crease. You should see a triangle shape at the top.
Fold the bottom edge up. Take the bottom edge of the bill and fold it upward to meet the bottom of the triangle. Crease well. Flip the entire piece over.
Fold the remaining flaps. Fold the left and right sides of the rectangle inward to form a smaller square or rectangle, tucking any excess under the triangle. Adjust the folds to create your desired shape—a simple envelope, a bow tie, or a heart.

Common Mistakes

Using crumpled bills: Wrinkled money makes messy folds that don’t hold their shape.
Skipping the crease: Light creases cause the bill to unfold on its own.
Folding too thickly: Trying to fold a bill into a complex shape without enough layers can tear the paper.
Not aligning edges: Misaligned edges make the final shape look lopsided.

Tips

Use a new bill from the bank for the cleanest result.
Press each crease firmly with your fingernail or a ruler to keep the fold sharp.
If you’re making a heart, start with the bill facing you and follow a video tutorial—visual guidance helps for intricate folds.
Practice on a piece of paper first if you’re nervous about ruining the bill.
Attach the folded money to a gift card or a small note with a piece of tape or a ribbon.

Troubleshooting

The bill won’t stay folded: Re-crease all folds with a ruler. If the bill is too stiff, gently bend it in the opposite direction first to loosen the fibers.
The shape looks uneven: Unfold and start over, making sure each fold aligns perfectly with the edges.
The bill tears: Use a new bill or reinforce the fold with clear tape on the back. If it’s a gift, a small tear is often unnoticeable.
I can’t follow the steps: Search for a video tutorial online—seeing the fold in motion helps. Alternatively, try a simpler design like the basic envelope fold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold money into a heart?

Yes, the heart is a popular design. Start with a bill facing you, fold it in half, then make two diagonal folds at the top to form the heart’s curves. It takes practice, so use a spare bill or paper first.

What is the easiest money fold for beginners?

The envelope fold is the easiest. Fold the bill in half, then fold the bottom corners upward to create a triangle, and tuck the top flap inside. It looks neat and takes less than a minute.

Will folded money fit in a standard greeting card?

Most folded bills are slightly smaller than a credit card, so they fit in any card that has a pocket or enough space. If the card is tight, fold the bill into a smaller shape like a bow tie.

Can I use coins in money folding?

Coins are not recommended because they are rigid and don’t fold. Stick to paper money for folding projects.

How do I make the folds crisp without damaging the bill?

Use a ruler or a bone folder to press creases. Avoid using too much pressure that might tear the paper. A few firm passes are better than one hard press.

Is it okay to give folded money as a gift?

Absolutely. Folded money is a creative, personal way to give cash, and the recipient can unfold it and use it normally.

Sources: United States Department of the Treasury. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.