How to Fold Money for a Graduation Lei

What You’ll Need

Clean, crisp bills (any denomination; $1 and $5 work well for practice)
Ribbon or sturdy string (about 3–4 feet per lei)
Scissors
Optional: tape, glue dots, or a needle with a large eye
Optional: small beads or fake flowers to decorate

Step-by-Step

Prepare your bills. Iron or press each bill flat if it’s wrinkled. Lay the bill face up on a clean surface.
Fold the bill accordion-style. Starting at one short end, fold the bill back and forth in 1/2-inch (about 1 cm) pleats, like a fan. Continue until the whole bill is folded into a narrow strip.
Secure the center. Pinch the folded strip in the middle. Wrap a small piece of tape or a twist tie around the center to hold the pleats together. Alternatively, thread a needle with your ribbon and push it through the center of the folded strip.
Open the fan. Gently pull the two ends of the folded strip apart to create a circular fan shape. The taped center becomes the hub, and the pleats radiate outward. If you want a flower, overlap the ends and tape them together.
Attach to the ribbon. Slide the fan onto your ribbon by threading the ribbon through the center hole (if you used a needle) or by taping the fan to the ribbon. Space each bill about 2–3 inches apart.
Finish the lei. Continue adding folded bills until the lei reaches the desired length (usually 40–50 inches for a full lei). Tie the ends of the ribbon together in a knot or bow.

Common Mistakes

Using wrinkled or damaged bills – they don’t fold neatly and look messy.
Folding pleats unevenly – this makes the fan lopsided.
Not securing the center well – the fan will fall apart.
Attaching bills too close together – the lei becomes stiff and hard to wear.
Using thick ribbon that doesn’t fit through the center hole – make the hole larger or use a thinner ribbon.

Tips

Use new bills from the bank for the crispest folds.
Practice on a dollar bill first to get the hang of the accordion fold.
Add small beads between bills for extra color and weight.
If you’re making multiple leis, set up an assembly line: fold all bills first, then attach them.
For a more traditional lei look, use a needle and thread to string the folded bills directly, skipping the ribbon.

Troubleshooting

Fan won’t stay open: The center tape may be too tight or too loose. Re-tape with a small piece of clear tape, or use a glue dot. If the bill is too thick, try a thinner fold (smaller pleats).
Ribbon won’t go through the hole: Use a needle to push the ribbon through, or make the hole larger with a toothpick. Alternatively, tape the fan to the ribbon instead of threading.
Bills slide around on the ribbon: Add a small dot of glue or tape on the back of each fan to hold it in place on the ribbon.
Lei is too short: Add more bills or extend the ribbon. You can also tie two ribbons together.
Bills look crumpled after folding: Gently press with a warm (not hot) iron on low heat, or use a book to flatten them overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bills do I need for a graduation lei?

A typical lei uses 20–40 bills depending on how full you want it and the length of the ribbon. For a 40-inch lei, about 20–25 bills spaced 2 inches apart works well.

Can I use any denomination?

Yes. $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills all work. Higher denominations are more impressive but can be heavier. Mix denominations for variety.

What if I don’t have ribbon?

You can use yarn, fishing line, or even a shoelace. Just make sure it’s long enough and can pass through the center of the folded bills.

How do I make a money flower instead of a fan?

Fold the bill accordion-style, then bring the two ends together to form a circle and secure with tape. Fluff the pleats to look like petals. You can also add a small bead in the center.

Can I reuse the bills after the lei is taken apart?

Yes, the bills are not damaged. Simply unfold them and press flat. They may have crease lines, but they are still legal tender.

How far in advance can I make the lei?

You can make it a few days ahead. Store it flat in a box or hang it to avoid crushing the folds. Avoid humid areas where bills might curl.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.