How to Fold a Dollar Bill Into a Bowtie

Whether as a bar trick, a tip for a waitress or a fashion statement, folding a dollar bill into a bowtie is sure to be hit. Based on the Japanese art of origami, or paper folding, folding a dollar bill into a bowtie can be fun and entertaining. Use these steps to make a bowtie by folding a dollar bill.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Understand the terms. The front of the bill is the one of the portrait of the president; older bills with the centered portrait work best. The top left corner is "Corner A," the top right is "Corner B," the bottom right is "Corner C" and the bottom left is "Corner D." The top edge is "Edge 1," the right edge is "Edge 2," the bottom edge is "Edge 3" and the left edge is "Edge 4." Three shapes will be referenced: a rectangle (four sides), a triangle (three sides) and an arrow (a triangle on top of a rectangle).
2. Hold the bill face up. Fold in half, folding Edge 4 behind to Edge 2. The fold and half of the portrait face should be on the left. Crease firmly. Fold in half again, this time taking Edge 1 to Edge 3. The bill will now be folded in quarter. Open the bill up back to half again; this last fold was only to make a folding reference line. The bill should again have the fold and half the portrait on the left and Corners B and C showing.
3. Form the arrow. Rotate the bill counter-clockwise, so that Edge 2 is on the bottom and the portrait is on top. Take Corner B (leave Corner A alone) and fold to Corner C. Hold Corners B, C and D firmly with the left hand; Corner A will be on the right. Fold the top that is protruding open and down so that it forms a small triangle. Part of the back of the bill will be showing at the bottom. Keep the triangle shape on the inside (the portrait's forehead), and fold the bill back open to the front. The bill will now have an angle on the left. Repeat this process, this time taking Corner C to Corner B. Again, fold the protruding part into a triangle by pushing down and creasing. Keep this triangle (the neck and chin) on the inside and open the bill back to the front. The result will have and arrow shape, with a sharp point at the portrait's nose.
4. Make a rectangle. Place the bill point up and Edge 4 (corners A and D) on the bottom. Fold Edge 4 up to the bottom corners of the arrow triangle. Repeat on the reverse side with Edge 2. The result will be a medium small rectangle showing only the back of the bill.
5. Fold the flaps. Hold the bull with the folded edges on top and Edges 2 and 4 on the bottom. Take the upper right corner (a folded piece) and fold to the middle crease line. Do the same procedure to the upper left corner. Turn the bill over and repeat this process on the other side for both upper corners. The result will be almost a triangle, or a large arrow with a very short shaft.
6. Finish the bowtie. Hold the tip of the point firmly with the left hand. Reach deeply into the open bottom on either side of the portrait cheeks with the right thumb and finger. Using the right hand knuckles, push the fingers apart, opening up the bill. A bowtie shape will begin to appear. Release the left hand. Now hold the bill by Edges 2 and 4 and gently pull apart a little. The folded part of the portrait nose will be sticking out, push the center down and flatten. Straighten if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If using the bow tie as a fashion statement, think big. Check with the craft or novelty store for a large play money bill. Imagine having a $10,000 bow tie.
• Practice on used bills, but when ready for the "real thing," a crisp bill works better.