Dollar Bill Origami Star For Beginner and Intermediate Levels

Do you love origami but don’t have origami paper around? You probably have a dollar bill at hand – let’s make some origami money instead! Today we are transforming a US dollar bill into a stunning 5-pointed origami star to create what we call a “dollar bill origami star”.

Dollar Bill Origami Star

The best part is that they also double as pretend origami ninja stars or as cash gifts. Hooray!

Related: Our favorite easy origami ideas

In this origami tutorial, we’ll guide you through each step to create an easy origami star from a real bill. It’s perfect for both beginners taking their first steps into money origami and seasoned crafters seeking a new challenge in dollar bill origami. Younger children might need some extra help with difficult folds, but they should be able to follow the tutorial with the help of an adult.

Instructions to craft a 5-Pointed Money Origami Star:

Step 1:

Begin with a crisp one-dollar bill and fold it crosswise.

Money Origami Star - Step 1 - fold the dollar bill crosswise. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — Let’s start folding!

Step 2:

Fold it crosswise again, creating creases along both edges.

Step 3:

Unfold the last fold, taking the left part and folding it backward.

Step 4:

Fold the top corner towards the middle.

Step 5:

Unfold everything except for the last step.

Step 6:

Repeat the previous step on the right side of the bill.

Step 7:

Your bill should now have the left top corner folded on the front side and the top right corner folded on the back side.

Step 8:

On the left side, where the fold’s top edge ends, fold inward to form a triangle.

Step 9:

Turn the bill over.

This is how your bill looks like from the other side.

Step 10:

Repeat the previous fold on the right side to create another triangle.

Step 11:

Turn the bill over.

Step 12:

Take the left bottom corner and fold it upward until it meets the main triangle’s border.

Step 13:

Turn the bill over.

Step 14:

Repeat the previous step on the other side.

Step 15:

Unfold the triangle, tuck the last fold inside, and turn the bill over.

Step 16:

Repeat the tucking process on the other triangle.

Step 17:

Fold the left side triangle to the middle line.

Step 18:

Turn the bill over and repeat on the other triangle, then unfold to create a crease.

Step 19:

Turn the bill over.

Step 20:

Open the last fold, then fold the triangle in half to create a smaller triangle.

Dollar bill origami star - Step 20 - Fold the triangle in half to create a smaller triangle. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — Make a small triangle on this side.

Step 21:

Open the last fold while holding the right side with your right index finger, pressing down. Open the top tab and press firmly.

Step 22:

Turn the bill over.

Step 23:

Repeat steps 21 and 22 on the other triangle.

Step 24:

Fold the bill in half, ensuring all edges align.

Step 25:

Fold down the top left corner.

Step 26:

Open the bill by the middle, keeping the folds intact.

Dollar bill origami star - Step 25 - Open the bill by the middle, keeping the outer folds intact. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — Open your dollar bill by the middle.

Step 27:

Fold the bill in half again. Open halfway, identify a triangle on top, and tuck it in before fully folding.

Dollar bill origami star - Step 26 - fold the bill in half again. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — I can already see one of the stars’ points, can you?

Dollar bill origami star - step 26 - Open halfway, identify a triangle on top, and tuck it in before fully folding. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — Younger kids may need assistance from an adult at this point.

Step 28:

Fold the left side inward about half an inch.

Step 29:

Open the bill and press down at the top to create a smaller triangle.

Step 30:

Fold the left side crosswise, ensuring the bottom left corner doesn’t overlap the right edge.

Dollar bill origami star - Step 29 - Fold the left side crosswise without overlapping the right edge. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — Only THREE more steps to go!

Step 31:

Turn the bill around.

Step 32:

Fold the bottom edge following the crease, creating a star shape.

Dollar bill origami star - Step 31 - Fold the bottom side following the crease, creating a star shape. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — Your star is almost ready – let’s just do some final touches!

Step 33:

Turn it around again. Smooth out any creases or adjust folds as needed for a perfect finish. Your stunning dollar bill origami star is now complete!

Dollar bill origami star - Step 32 - Turn around and smooth out any creases or adjust folds for a perfect finish. Tutorial from Kids Activities Blog. — This is the final result!

fun tip:

For a different touch, try using scrapbook paper instead of a real bill. Experiment with varying sizes to create larger or smaller stars as long as they keep the same dimensions as a dollar bill.