Make a bow with two one-dollar bills, combining symmetrical aesthetics with practical craftsmanship. This origami design divides the bow into two parts: the upper layer is a delicate knot, and the lower layer is stretched into flowing ribbons.
The original patterns and letters of the bills are transformed into unique decorations for the bow. Whether it is to embellish gift boxes or letters, it is a great idea.
If you are new to origami, start here from our beginner guide to know the basics and how to read the step-by-step instructions.
- Folding time: 20 minutes
- Paper: One Dollar Bill/2
- Difficulty: Easy
Material
Prepare two one-dollar bills to fold a lovely origami bow. The slightly new bills would be better.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Place the bill with the portrait face up to begin folding, fold it in half horizontally, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Step 2
Fold the four corners diagonally along the dotted lines, and then fold the top and bottom edges to align with the horizontal crease.
Step 3
Fold the bill in half vertically from left to right.
Step 4
Fold the top and bottom left corner diagonally along the dotted lines, leaving two creases, and unfold them.
Step 5
Unfold then top layer.
Step 6
Mountain fold the center vertical crease indicated by the red dotted line, and valley fold the creases you created in the previous step indicated by the blue dotted lines.
Push the midpoint of the top and bottom edges toward the center along these creases, and then fold the left corner to meet the right corner.
Step 7
Fold the right corner of the top layer to the left side along the blue dotted line, then flip the bill from left to right.
Step 8
Fold the left corner to meet the right corner, then fold the top and bottom left corners of the top layer diagonally along the dotted lines.
Step 9
Flip the bill from left to right, and fold the top and bottom right corners diagonally.
Step 10
Rotate the bill 90 degrees from left to right, and then fold down the left and right flaps to the sides, and finally, flatten the center to form a square.
Step 11
Turn the bill over from left to right and fold the top and bottom left edges, and top and bottom right edges to align with the center horizontal line. Turn the bill back.
Step 12
Fold the left and right corners to meet the center intersection point formed by creases, crease them well, and unfold them.
Step 13
Fold the left and right corners again and tuck them under the center square.
Step 14
Take out another one-dollar bill and place it with the portrait face up. Fold it in half horizontally, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Step 15
Fold the top and bottom edge to align with the horizontal crease, then flip the bill from left to right.
Step 16
Fold the top edge to align with the bottom edge, and then fold the bill in half vertically, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Step 17
Fold the left and right sections of the top edge downward along the blue dotted lines, then turn the bill over from left to right.
Step 18
Fold down the two corners on the top part’s backside, as the first picture shows, then assemble the two parts by tucking the top corner of the lower part into the top pocket on the top part’s backside.
Finally, fold the two corners you just folded down to secure the two parts well.
Step 19
Fold the two flaps toward the center along the blue dotted lines, then turn the bow over from left to right.
Step 20
Fold the bottom right corner of the left flap and the bottom left corner of the right flap along the blue dotted lines. Crease them well and unfold them.
Step 21
Rotate the bow 90 degrees from right to left and slightly expand the right flap. Mountain fold the vertical crease indicated by the red dotted line, and valley fold the creases created by the previous step indicated by the blue dotted line. Flatten the fold and rotate the bow back.
Step 22
Repeat this for the left flap.
Rotate the bow 90 degrees from left to right and slightly expand the left flap. Mountain fold the vertical crease indicated by the red dotted line, and valley fold the creases indicated by the blue dotted line. Flatten the fold and rotate the bow back.
What’s Next
Let’s create a beautiful origami bow using a single piece of square paper. It also includes a lovely knot and two ribbons. No glue is required, but you will need a pair of scissors if you want to trim the bow arms at the end. Experiment with different colors and patterns, making your product more unique.
If you are searching for origami craft ideas for expressing love, except for the traditional origami heart, the origami heart with a bow would be a better option. This unique origami craft combines a heart, a symbol of love, with an elegant bow, so we believe it is perfect for showing appreciation and affection.
Origami Bow
Origami Heart with Bow
