Make a Dollar Bill Origami Ninja Star

Fold the Bill in Half Lengthwise

You will need two bills to make a ninja star. To begin, fold the first dollar bill in half lengthwise. It does not matter which side of the bill you place face up on the table. However, the pattern on your finished star will vary depending on what side you began with.

Corner to Corner

Fold the bill in half down the middle, then unfold. Fold the top corner to the left and the bottom corner to the right as shown.

Fold Corners Up and Down

Flip your dollar bill over. Fold the left corner up and the right corner down as shown.

Twist Folds and Repeat

Unfold the left corner, fold in the part of the bill that is hanging over the edge, and then refold. Repeat the process with the right corner.

Repeat the steps with a second dollar bill to create another identically folded unit.

The Star Takes Shape

Arrange the units as shown. If necessary, place the crisper of the bills on the bottom to help the finished star hold its shape better.

Tuck Into Pockets

Fold each point of the star up. Tuck the final point into the first point to keep the star closed.

Optional Step: Create a Garland

A single origami ninja star made from the currency in the denomination of your choice makes for a cute tip for a waiter or waitress. When they are strung together, however, money origami ninja stars help create a garland that can be used to make a very memorable gift.

Flip your completed dollar bill shuriken over and thread a wide grosgrain ribbon through the back. Alternate money origami ninja stars with stars made from regular origami paper to make a garland of the desired length. Making an origami ninja star is easier with square, crisp origami paper than it is with money.

For more advanced money origami projects, try an origami money tree or kusudama flower.