Turn cash into a dollar bill origami heart with this easy folding tutorial. It’s such a fun, creative, and thoughtful way to give money for any occasion!
Let’s be honest—handing someone cash in an envelope isn’t exactly exciting. A dollar bill origami heart is a fun and creative way to turn money into a gift that actually feels thoughtful. It’s perfect for birthdays, graduations, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to give cash with a little extra heart.
In this post, I’ll show you two different ways to fold a heart using a dollar bill. Both versions are easy to follow and create slightly different heart shapes, so you can pick your favorite, or try both just for fun.
What is a Dollar Bill Origami Heart?
A dollar bill origami heart is exactly what it sounds like—a heart folded from a paper bill instead of regular paper. It’s a clever way to dress up a cash gift and make it feel more personal and memorable.
Because it uses real money, this type of origami is best for teens and adults rather than younger kids. The good news? You only need one bill to make it, and the folds are very similar to classic origami, just with a fun twist.
How to Fold Money Into a Heart
Folding money is very similar to making an origami heart out of regular paper or even a sticky note, but with one small difference – you’re starting with a rectangle instead of a square. Below are two different ways to fold an origami heart using a dollar bill. Both create a heart shape, but they use slightly different folding styles.
Both versions use a one-dollar bill to create the origami heart. A crisp bill will give you sharper, cleaner folds, but a lightly used bill is often easier to fold than a brand-new one, which can be stiff and slippery.
You can also use other paper bills besides a dollar, as long as they’re similar in size. Different bills will still fold the same way, making a fun variation for gifting.
Dollar Bill Origami Heart – Version 1 (Classic Fold)
Step 1: Start with the bill flat
Lay the dollar bill flat on the table with the front side facing up. If it’s creased or bent, try to flatten it out as much as possible.
Step 2: Fold the bill in half lengthwise
Fold the bill in half from side to side. Press the crease firmly and unfold.
Step 3: Fold the bottom edge up
Fold the bottom 1/3 portion of the bill upward.
Step 4: Fold the right side toward the center
Take the right side of the bill and fold it diagonally inward toward the center crease.
Step 5: Fold the left side toward the center
Repeat the same fold on the left side, bringing it diagonally inward so both sides meet neatly in the middle and form a heart-like point.
Step 6: Flip the bill over
Carefully flip the entire folded bill over so the back side is facing up. Rotate the paper so the pointy end is at the top.
Step 7: Fold the right bottom edge up
Fold the bottom right edge of the bill upward, lining it up neatly with the fold above.
Step 8: Fold the bottom edge up again
Fold the left bottom edge upward. Unfold both sides after creasing so the fold lines remain visible.
Step 9: Fold the bottom left side corners inward
Fold the bottom left corner inward toward the center. Then fold the small middle corner on the left side inward as well to help round out the heart shape. Press both folds flat.
Step 10: Fold the bottom right side corners inward
Repeat the same folds on the bottom right corner and the small middle corner on the right side, folding them inward toward the center to finish rounding the heart. Adjust if needed so both sides look even.
Step 11: Flip it over to reveal the heart
Turn the origami piece over. Gently press and adjust the folds until your money origami heart looks even and secure.
Dollar Bill Origami Heart – Version 2 (Alternate Fold)
This version creates a slightly different heart shape and is perfect if you want to try a new folding style.
Step 1: Start with the bill flat
Lay the dollar bill flat on the table with the front side facing up.
Step 2: Fold the bill in half
Fold the bill in half from left to right (short end to short end) to make a smaller rectangle. Press the crease firmly.
Step 3: Fold the right side toward the center
Open it back up, then fold the right edge inward toward the center crease line.
Step 4: Fold the left side toward the center
Fold the left edge inward toward the center crease line so both sides meet in the middle.
Step 5: Flip the bill over
Turn the folded bill over so the back side is facing up.
Step 6: Fold the top right corner toward the center
Fold the top right corner diagonally inward toward the center line, creating a slanted edge.
Step 7: Fold the top left corner toward the center
Repeat the same fold on the top left corner, folding it diagonally inward so both sides meet neatly at the center and form a pointed top.
Step 8: Fold the bottom edge up
Fold the bottom edge of the bill upward to create a horizontal crease along the base of the triangle.
Step 9: Fold only the top layer of the bottom edge up
Lift just the top layer of the bottom edge and fold it upward along the crease you just made. Keep the layers underneath flat while folding only the top layer. Press firmly to secure the shape.
Step 10: Press down the right opening
Gently open the right pocket and press it flat to form a small triangle. This helps shape the right side of the heart.
Step 11: Press down the left opening
Repeat on the left side, opening the pocket and pressing it flat to form a matching triangle.
Step 12: Fold the middle corner upward on the left
On the left side, fold the small middle corner upward toward the center to soften the edge and round out the heart shape.
Step 13: Fold the middle corner upward on the right
Repeat the same fold on the right side, folding the middle corner upward to match the left side.
Step 14: Flip it over to reveal the heart
Turn the origami piece over. Gently adjust the folds if needed until your dollar bill origami heart looks even and smooth.
When to Use a Money Origami Heart
This folded money heart works especially well for:
- Cash gifts for teens or adults
- Valentine’s Day
- Graduations
- Birthdays
- Weddings
It’s a simple way to make a gift people always remember.
Frequently Asked Questions About Origami Money Hearts
How many dollar bills do I need?
You just need one dollar bill to make this origami heart.
Can I use other types of bills?
Yes! You can use any paper currency, as long as the bills are similar in size. You can use a 2-dollar bill, a 5-dollar bill, or my personal preference… 100 dollar bill!
Is this real origami?
Yes, it’s a form of origami using non-traditional paper, which is very common in money folding designs.
Is this okay for kids?
This version is best for older kids, teens, and adults, since it uses real money and requires more precise folding.
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