2D diagram
15.66.615.66.6

How to make a dollar bill bow tie

Dollar Bill Bow Tie: try all 7 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.

IntermediateAn Origami Tutor design7 steps156 × 66 mm · One rectangle

An Origami Tutor bow tie from one dollar bill. Two broad wings taper toward a small folded square at the center. Use a crisp bill so the tucked corners hold their shape.

You need
One dollar bill (156 × 66 mm), or a paper rectangle of that size. No glue or scissors.
Start
Lay the bill with its portrait side up and its long edges at the top and bottom. The reverse side will show on the finished wings.
Tips
  • Make the two diagonal guides meet exactly at the middle.
  • Ease the little corner roots in without pulling the wing edges apart.
Symbols, bases & terms ↗
Finish

Your model is ready

Your bow tie is ready. Press the small center folds firmly so the two flared wings keep their shape.

3D paper
7 steps · press any step to watch it in 3D

Step-by-step diagrams

Valley fold Mountain fold Color side White side
  1. 1

    Mark the middle

    Bring the two short edges together, press the center crease, then open the bill.

  2. 2

    Crease along the length

    Fold the top long edge to the bottom long edge, press, and open again.

  3. 3

    Fold the upper edge in

    Bring the upper long edge down to the center guide.

  4. 4

    Fold the lower edge in

    Bring the lower long edge up to meet it, making a narrow band.

  5. 5

    Crease a diagonal through the middle

    Make a diagonal crease at 45 degrees across the center of the band. Open it again.

  6. 6

    Crease the crossing diagonal

    Make the other diagonal through the same point and open it. The two sloping creases form an X.

  7. 7

    Form the wings and center

    Pinch the crossed creases, fold the front wing back out, and tuck its two inner corner roots into the middle. Turn the bow over to show its square center.

  8. ✓

    Finish

    Your bow tie is ready. Press the small center folds firmly so the two flared wings keep their shape.

Keep folding

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