How to Fold Money Into Shapes: Easy Origami Guide

Folding money into shapes is a fun way to give a gift, leave a tip, or just show off a little creativity. It turns a plain bill into a memorable keepsake. You don’t need any special tools—just a bill (the crisper the better) and a clean, flat surface. Start with a dollar bill or any denomination; the same folds work for most paper currencies, though size and thickness may vary slightly.

What You’ll Need

A paper bill (any denomination; a crisp one works best)
A flat, clean surface (like a table or book)
Optional: a ruler or credit card to help crease sharp lines
Optional: a flat toothpick or tweezers for fine adjustments

Step-by-Step

Start with the bill face up. Place the bill on your flat surface with the portrait side facing up. If the bill is wrinkled, press it flat with your hands or run a ruler over it gently.
Fold in half lengthwise. Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, making a long, thin rectangle. Crease firmly with your finger or a ruler, then unfold. This center crease is your guide.
Fold the top corners to the center. Take the top left corner and fold it down so it touches the center crease. Do the same with the top right corner. You’ll have a point at the top, like a paper airplane.
Fold the bottom edge up. Take the bottom edge of the bill and fold it up to meet the bottom of the triangle you just made. Crease well. This forms the collar of the shirt.
Flip the bill over. Turn the bill over so the folded collar is at the bottom. Now you’ll see the back of the bill with the triangle pointing down.
Fold the sides inward. Take the left edge and fold it toward the center, about a third of the way. Do the same with the right edge. The two edges should meet in the middle, creating the shirt’s body.
Fold the bottom up to make the shirt’s tail. Take the bottom edge and fold it up about one inch (or the width of your thumb). This will be the bottom hem of the shirt.
Flip it over and shape the collar. Turn the bill back to the front. You’ll see the collar at the top. Fold the top two corners of the collar down slightly to make a V-shape, just like a shirt collar.
Final adjustments. Press all creases firmly. If any edges are uneven, gently adjust them. Your money shirt is done! You can also use it as a base for other shapes, like a heart or a bow tie.

Common Mistakes

Using a wrinkled bill: Wrinkles make it hard to get clean creases, and the final shape looks messy.
Not creasing firmly enough: Light creases will pop back, and the shape won’t hold.
Folding in the wrong direction: Always follow the “fold up” or “fold down” instructions carefully; reversing a fold can ruin the symmetry.
Skipping the center crease: That first crease is your alignment guide. Without it, your folds will be lopsided.

Tips

Use a new, crisp bill from the bank if you have one—it makes folding much easier.
Use a ruler or the edge of a credit card to press creases for sharp, professional-looking lines.
Work on a hard surface like a table, not a soft bed or carpet.
If you’re making a gift, consider folding the bill around a small chocolate bar or gift card for an extra surprise.
Practice with a piece of paper first if you’re nervous about messing up the bill.

Troubleshooting

The bill won’t stay folded. This usually means your creases aren’t sharp enough. Go back and press each fold firmly with a ruler or your thumbnail. If the bill is very new and slippery, it may need a few extra seconds of pressure.

My shirt looks lopsided. Check your center crease—if it wasn’t exactly in the middle, all subsequent folds will be off. Unfold and start over, making sure the edges align perfectly.

The collar won’t form properly. The collar fold requires precision. Make sure you folded the top corners down to the center crease evenly. If they’re uneven, the V-shape will be off. Adjust by gently re-folding one side.

I’m using a larger bill (like a $100) and the proportions seem off. The steps work for any size, but the folds are relative. Just make sure the bottom fold (step 4) is proportional—about one-third of the bill’s height. Adjust the side folds in step 6 accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coins instead of bills?

No, coins are not flexible enough to fold. This technique requires paper currency.

Will folding damage the money?

No, folding is harmless. The bill will have creases, but it remains legal tender and can be spent normally.

What’s the easiest shape for a beginner?

The shirt is the easiest and most common. The heart is also simple—just fold the bill in half, then fold the top corners down to form the heart’s curves.

Can I make a bow tie?

Yes, a bow tie is similar to the shirt but with extra folds at the center. Search for “money origami bow tie” for a specific tutorial.

How do I keep the shape from unfolding in my pocket?

You can use a small piece of tape on the back to hold the folds, or place the shape in a small envelope or gift box.

Is it okay to use foreign currency?

Yes, as long as the bill is paper-like and not too thick. Some currencies have different sizes, but the folding principles apply.

Sources: Origami Resource Center. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.