Dollar Bill Origami Heart With a Bow | Advanced Money Origami

Hands holding a finished dollar bill heart with a bow folded in the center, on a yellow and blue background

Finding the perfect gift isn’t always as easy as it seems. Sometimes, it’s simple, especially when you know exactly what someone wants and can easily find it in stores. But other times, figuring out what to give can be a real challenge! And when you’re completely out of ideas, giving money is usually the next best option.

However, I know that giving cash can sometimes feel a little too simple or effortless. If you feel the same way, or you simply want to make your money gift look more thoughtful and special, then you should definitely try folding dollar bills into fun origami shapes!

Dollar bill origami heart with a folded bow in the center held between fingertips above a one dollar bill — A dollar bill heart with a bow (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Personally, this is one of my favorite ways to give money as a gift, and it never fails to impress the receiver. There are so many creative ways to fold a dollar bill, and I’ve actually shared a few tutorials before, including two different ways to make a dollar bill heart. If you haven’t tried those yet, you can check them out here and here. Both are pretty simple and beginner-friendly, and I’m sure you can get them right even on your first try!

Now, if you’re ready to try something a little more intricate or want to challenge yourself with a slightly more advanced folding technique, then I have the perfect tutorial for you!

Both hands cradling a finished dollar bill heart with a bow, with a one dollar bill in the background

Today, I’ll show you how to fold a dollar bill into a heart, but not just any heart. This one comes with a bow! Yes, an adorable little bow right in the middle, and I think it makes the whole thing even cuter!

This dollar bill heart with a bow is also perfect for making a DIY money bouquet. Once you’ve finished folding it, you can carefully attach it to a stick and arrange several pieces into a beautiful bouquet. You can even add some chocolates, real flowers, or other small decorations as fillers to make it extra special.

It’s a fun and creative gift idea for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, anniversaries, or really any occasion. You can even give it to someone you love just because! Keep reading below, and I’ll show you how to make this adorable dollar bill heart with a bow step by step.

How to Fold a Dollar Bill Into a Heart with a Bow
Pro Tips

How to Fold a Dollar Bill Into a Heart with a Bow

Step 1: Making the Initial Creases

Fold the dollar bill in half lengthwise, then crease it firmly and unfold. Next, fold it in half crosswise, crease it again, and unfold.

Folding a one dollar bill in half lengthwise and then crosswise, unfolding each time to mark the center creases

Step 2: Making the Diagonal Creases

Fold the bottom-left corner diagonally upward toward the center crease, press firmly, then unfold. Next, fold the top-left corner diagonally downward toward the same crease, press, and unfold again. Repeat these folds on the right side of the bill to create matching diagonal creases.

Folding the corners of a dollar bill diagonally toward the center crease and unfolding to mark diagonal creases

Step 3: Adding the Beard

Rotate the bill vertically, then gently push the sides of the top end inward, following the diagonal creases you made earlier. The folds should naturally come together to form a triangle. Press it down firmly to flatten and secure the shape, then repeat the same process on the opposite end of the bill.

Pushing the ends of a dollar bill inward along the diagonal creases to form a flat triangle at each end

Step 4: Folding the Edges Toward the Center

Fold the bill along the base of the top triangle and press firmly to make a crease. Repeat the same process with the bottom triangle. Next, bring the creased edge of the top section toward the middle crease, then press it flat. Do the same with the bottom section, folding it upward toward the center and pressing firmly to secure the folds, as shown in the photo.

Folding the dollar bill along the base of each triangle and bringing the creased edges toward the middle crease

Step 5: Folding the Corners of the Center Strip

Flip the bill over so the back faces up, as shown in the photo. You’ll notice a narrow strip running down the middle, with small ends sticking out at the top and bottom. Fold both corners of the top end diagonally inward to form a small point, then press firmly to crease. Repeat the same process on the bottom end.

Flipping the dollar bill over and folding the corners of the narrow center strip diagonally inward to a point

Step 6: Tucking in the Small Corners

Carefully unfold the small corners you made in the previous step. Gently open up the folded section, then push the creased tip inward and tuck it inside, following the existing folds. Press it down to secure the shape, then repeat the same process on the opposite end.

Unfolding the small corners of the dollar bill strip and tucking the creased tips inside the existing folds

Step 7: Folding the Side Flaps

Flip the bill over so the side with the vertical opening in the middle is facing up. Take the upper corner of the left flap and fold it diagonally downward toward the center crease, as shown in the photo. Press firmly to secure the fold, then repeat the same process on the right side.

Folding the upper corners of the dollar bill side flaps diagonally down toward the center crease on yellow

Step 8: Adding the Beard

Fold the small triangle at the top center downward and press firmly to make a crease, then unfold. Next, gently open the pocket on one side with your finger and push the folded section outward and downward, following the crease you just made. Press it flat to create a straight edge, then repeat the same process on the other side, as shown in the photo.

Opening the pockets on each side of the folded dollar bill and pressing the folds flat to make straight edges

Step 9: Folding and Flattening the Top Flaps

Fold the uppermost flap upward until its edge is straight, then press firmly to crease. Repeat the same process with the flap on the other side. Next, flip the bill over and fold the top section downward, pressing firmly to secure the fold, as shown in the photo.

Folding the top flaps of the dollar bill upward until the edges are straight, then flipping and folding the top down

Step 10: Shaping the Top Corners

As you fold the top section downward, gently open the small pockets on both sides and flatten them along the existing creases. Next, fold the small flaps at the top diagonally inward to create neat, angled edges. Press everything firmly to secure the folds, then flip the bill over to the front, as shown in the photo.

Opening the small pockets and flattening the folded dollar bill corners to shape the top of the heart

Step 11: Tucking in the Side Flaps

Carefully unfold the left flap and gently open the pocket underneath. Tuck the upper edge of the flap into the pocket, making sure the creases line up neatly and fit snugly together. Press firmly to secure the fold, then repeat the same process on the right flap.

Unfolding the side flaps of the dollar bill and tucking the upper edge of each flap into the pocket beneath it

Step 12: Folding the Lower Flaps Diagonally

Fold the newly formed side flaps downward along their center creases and press them flat. Next, use the edges of these folded sections as a guide to fold the lower flaps diagonally, making sure their edges line up neatly. Press firmly to create a crease, then repeat the same process on the opposite side, as shown in the photo.

Folding the side flaps of the dollar bill down along their center creases and the lower flaps diagonally

Step 13: Shaping the Bow

Finally, gently pull the upper flap toward the center, then carefully open it up to form a small pocket. Press it flat to create one side of the bow, then repeat the same process on the opposite side. Adjust the folds as needed to make the bow look neat and even, and you’re done! Your adorable dollar bill heart with a bow is ready!

Pulling the upper flaps toward the center to shape the bow, ending with a finished dollar bill heart with a bow

Pro Tips

Use a Crisp, Flat Dollar Bill

For the best results, use a dollar bill that’s relatively new, flat, and free of wrinkles or tears. A crisp bill makes it easier to create neat folds and helps the finished heart hold its shape better.

Practice With Paper First

If you’re trying money origami for the first time, I recommend practicing with a piece of paper cut to the same dimensions as a dollar bill, approximately 6.14 × 2.61 inches (15.6 × 6.6 cm). This lets you get familiar with the folds and practice the trickier steps without worrying about damaging real money. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can confidently try it with an actual dollar bill!

Make Sharp and Precise Creases

One of the secrets to making beautiful money origami is creating clean, sharp creases. Press firmly along each fold using your fingertips, and make sure the edges line up as neatly as possible. This will make the next steps much easier!

Take Your Time With the Small Folds

Some parts of this project can be a little tricky, especially when opening the small pockets and tucking the flaps inside. Be gentle and avoid pulling too hard, as you don’t want to accidentally tear the bill. If a fold doesn’t look right, carefully unfold it and try again.

Practice With a One-Dollar Bill First

If you’re planning to use a higher-denomination bill for gifting, I recommend practicing with a one-dollar bill first. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the folding technique and avoid making too many creases or mistakes on the bill you actually want to give.

Be Careful When Attaching the Heart to a Stick

If you’re turning your dollar bill hearts into a money bouquet, avoid using permanent glue or strong adhesive directly on the bills. You can use a small removable clip or a clear holder attached to a stick instead. This makes it easier for the recipient to remove and unfold the money without damaging it.