How to Fold Money: 8 Easy Folds for Gifts & Tricks

Whether you’re making a money origami heart for a birthday card, a shirt for a Father’s Day gift, or just a neat fan for a tip jar, knowing how to fold money cleanly makes the gesture feel more personal. The folds below work with any denomination, though newer, crisper bills are easier to crease and hold their shape better. Start with a clean, flat surface and wash your hands if the bill is old—it’s surprising how much dirt collects on cash.

What You’ll Need

One or more paper bills (any denomination, but crisp ones work best)
A flat, clean surface (table or countertop)
Optional: a ruler or bone folder to sharpen creases
Optional: a small piece of tape or a paperclip if you want to hold the shape temporarily

Step-by-Step

Start with a crisp bill: Lay the bill flat on your surface, face up. If it’s wrinkled, press it under a heavy book for a few minutes—this makes the folds much cleaner. Smooth out any folds that are already there.
Make the first crease: For most folds, you’ll begin by folding the bill in half lengthwise (hot dog style). Bring the top edge down to the bottom edge, press the crease with your thumb, then unfold. This center line guides everything else.
Fold the corners in: Take the top left corner and fold it down to the center crease, making a triangle. Repeat with the top right corner. Do the same for the bottom left and bottom right corners. You’ll now have a shape that looks like an arrowhead at both ends.
Fold the pointed ends inward: Take the left pointed end and fold it toward the center, then do the same with the right pointed end. This creates a square-ish shape. Press firmly so the folds stay.
Flip and fold the sides: Turn the bill over. Fold the left edge to the center line, then the right edge to the center. You’ll have a narrow rectangle. This is the base for many designs like the heart or the shirt.
Shape the final design: For a heart, fold the top corners down to create the two bumps. For a shirt, fold the top edge down to make the collar, then fold the bottom up to tuck under the collar. For a fan, simply accordion-fold the bill back and forth in equal 1 cm strips, then pinch the bottom together.
Press all creases firmly: Use your thumbnail or a ruler to run along every fold. Sharp creases are what make the final shape hold together. If a crease is weak, the bill will spring back.
Let it rest: Place the folded bill under a heavy book for 30 seconds. This sets the folds so the shape stays even when you pick it up. Then present it or use it as a gift topper.

Common Mistakes

Using wrinkled or old bills: Old bills have natural folds that fight your new ones. Always press them flat first.
Not folding exactly in half: If your first crease is off-center, every later fold will be lopsided. Use the bill’s edges as guides.
Skipping the center crease: Many designs rely on that first center line. Skipping it makes the corners uneven.
Folding too quickly: Rushing leads to sloppy, rounded creases. Take a few seconds per fold.
Expecting it to hold without pressure: Paper money has a natural spring. Without firm creases and a little rest time, it will unfold.

Tips

Use a new bill from the bank if you want the cleanest result—they’re stiff and fold like paper.
If you’re making a money gift, fold the bill first, then attach it to a card with a small piece of tape on the back (not over the design).
For a money shirt, use a bill that’s slightly larger than your finger—it’s easier to handle.
Practice with a piece of regular paper first if you’re nervous. Paper is cheaper to waste than cash.
Keep your fingernails short—long nails make it hard to press sharp creases.

Troubleshooting

If the bill won’t stay folded, it’s usually because the creases aren’t sharp enough. Re-fold each crease with a ruler, pressing down hard. If the bill is very old and floppy, try ironing it on a low setting (no steam) between two pieces of cloth—but never iron directly on the bill. If a fold is crooked, unfold completely and start over; trying to fix one fold while others are in place always makes it worse. If the design looks lopsided, check that your first center crease was truly centered—measure with a ruler if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold any denomination the same way?

Yes, all US bills are the same size, so any denomination works. Other currencies may differ in size, so adjust the fold proportions slightly.

Will folding damage the money?

Folding creates creases, but it doesn’t make the bill unusable. Banks accept folded bills, and you can flatten them again with a book.

How do I make a money heart?

Follow the first six steps above, then fold the top corners down to create the two rounded lobes. Press firmly, then open the top slightly to round the shape.

Can I use tape to hold the shape?

Yes, but use a tiny piece on the back or inside a fold. Tape on the front can leave residue that’s hard to remove.

What’s the easiest fold for a beginner?

The fan is easiest—just accordion-fold the bill in equal strips, then pinch the bottom. It takes less than a minute and looks impressive.

Why does my bill keep springing open?

Paper money has a natural memory. Press each crease firmly with your thumbnail or a ruler, then let the bill rest under a heavy book for a minute.

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