This sitting origami cat cleverly uses the pattern of a bill to turn the circular anti-counterfeiting pattern on the bill into the cat’s eyes. Through simple folding, the paper cat naturally presents an elegant sitting posture and a playful curled tail. Whether it is a small desk ornament or a creative gift for friends, this cat made with money will stare at you with its round eyes, adding fun to ordinary moments.
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: 15 minutes
- Paper: A dollar bill
- Total Steps: 24
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Material
Get a 1 dollar bill to create a cute origami cat. A slightly new and crisp bill would create a better effect.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Fold the bill in half vertically from left to right.
Step 2
Fold the top edge to align with the right edge, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Step 3
Unfold the bill.
Step 4
Fold the top left and right corners along the dotted lines, leaving two creases, and unfold them.
Step 5
Fold down the top edge along the black dotted line, and unfold it.
Step 6
Fold the left and right edges to align with the middle vertical crease, and unfold them.
Step 7
Mountain fold the creases indicated by the red dotted lines, valley fold the creases indicated by the black dotted lines [picture 1]. Based on these creases, lift the top, left and right edges to sharpen the top left and right corners [picture 2].
Push the three edges toward the center along the existing creases and folds, and flatten the fold [picture 3]
Step 8
Press down the top edge’s midpoint to form a “V”, then rotate the bill 90 degrees from left to right.
Step 9
Fold the left edge of the topmost layer to align with the right edge, and then fold down the top flap of this layer.
Step 10
Flip the dollar from left to right.
Step 11
Similarly, fold the right edge to align with the left edge, and then fold down the top flap of this layer.
Step 12
Rotate the paper 90 degrees from front to back, then another 90 degrees counterclockwise, and expand the front part.
Step 13
Fold the right edge to align with the top edge, then fold it back to its original direction along the crease indicated by the black dotted line.
In the same manner, fold the left edge to align with the top edge, then fold it back to its original direction along the crease indicated by the black dotted line.
Step 14
Gently bring up the top layer, then fold the bottom edge of this layer backward along the black dotted line.
Step 15
Rotate the dollar 180 degrees clockwise, then another 90 degrees from back to front.
Step 16
Mountain fold the two edges indicated by the red dotted lines, then rotate the bill 90 degrees from left to right.
Step 17
Fold up the bottom edge, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Step 18
Rotate the paper 90 degrees from left to right, then expand the bottom part.
Step 19
Fold up the bottom edge along the crease you just made, crease it well and unfold it.
Step 20
Rotate it 180 degrees from left to right.
Step 21
Push the left and right sides of the top part toward the center and make two valley folds, as the black dotted lines show in the second picture.
Step 22
Flip the cat over from left to right, then press the top part down along the black dotted line.
Step 23
Fold the left and right edges of the bottom part to the center along the existing creases, that is, flatten the folds at the bottom to form the tail.
Then press down the two small flaps on the left and right where the tail connects to the body.
Finally, turn the cat from left to right and push the midpoint of the bottom edge upwards to flatten the folds.
Step 24
Bend the tail to make the cat look more vivid.
If you want to unlock more possibilities, you might also try making a same sitting origami cute cat with origami paper – the same folding logic, but you can make a unique cute pet through patterned paper and different colored paper. In addition, for the needs of notebooks or gift decorations, you can also try to make a flat 2D version of origami cat. The round head and the upright tail seem to be happily waiting for your arrival.
Origami Cute Cat
Origami Cat
What’s Next
Such an adorable origami cat made with a dollar bill is done. Next, you can check out our other origami animal ideas. Happy folding!
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