Easy Dollar Bill Origami Pyramid Instruction

The Dollar Bill Origami Pyramid transforms an ordinary piece of currency into an elegant three-dimensional sculpture with just a few simple folds. This captivating design was created by Jeremy Shafer, a renowned American origami artist, in 2014. Even a decade later, the Dollar Bill Origami Pyramid remains one of the most beloved projects among paper folding enthusiasts worldwide.

What makes this Dollar Bill Origami Pyramid special is its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The bill’s intricate patterns, serial numbers, and distinctive green hues become integral design elements, giving each pyramid its own unique character. Once complete, the pyramid stands firmly on its own, showcasing how everyday currency can become miniature art.

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: 5 minutes
Paper: Dollar Bill
Total Steps: 15
Difficulty: Easy
Designer: Jeremy Shafer

Material

Prepare a one-dollar bill to fold an origami pyramid. The slightly new bill would make the folding process smoother.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Fold the bill in half vertically from right to left.

Step 2

Fold the bill in half horizontally, leaving a crease, and unfold it.

Step 3

Fold the top and bottom right corners diagonally along the dotted lines, leaving two creases, and unfold them.

Step 4

Bring up the bottom edge of the top layer along the horizontal crease, then open and squash the bottom right corner along the creases you made in the previous step.

Step 5

Fold down the top trapezoid along the horizontal crease.

Step 6

Bring up the top edge, then open and squash the top right corner along the creases you made in step 3.

Step 7

Fold the bottom edge of the top layer to align with the top edge along the horizontal crease.

Step 8

Fold the top edge to align with the top right edge along the dotted line, then unfold the top layer.

Step 9

Slightly expand the bill to open the pocket, then fold the top left corner to meet the center intersection point along the crease indicated by the dotted line. Note that tuck the center two corners between the layers, as you can see in the third picture. Flatten the fold.

Step 10

Fold the top layer back to the left side, then flip the bill from left to right.

Step 11

Similarly, fold the top right corner to meet the center point along the crease indicated by the dotted line. Flatten the fold.

Step 12

Open the pocket, press down the top corner, and flatten the fold.

Step 13

Fold the bottom two flaps upward along the bottom edges of the top quadrilateral. Then, tuck the triangle of the right flap between the pocket of the left flap, as the third picture shows.

Step 14

Lift the top layer and press down the bottom flap. Use both your hands, take the top and bottom corners, and pull them to the sides to slightly expand the bottom opening.

Step 15

This is the final shape of an origami money pyramid.

What’s Next

Use a piece of square paper to create an origami triangle pyramid that features a square base and four faces as well. It is very easy to make and takes up to 5 minutes. The difference is you need to prepare glue.

How about making an Origami Pyramid Box? This project combines the creativity of the pyramid and the practicality of the box. It is locked by a lovey heart and thus is perfect as a gift box.