Introduction: Fold a Dollar Bill Into an Impossibly Small Rectangle!
This is great for including in birthday cards as it is not only a gift but a puzzle as well!
Step 1: Use the Newest Bill You Can Find.
Using a $5 or $10 bill is best, because the design on the reverse helps to hide where the crease is, and makes it much harder to figure out how to open it. This will work with any bill, but a newer one will make nice sharp creases.
Step 2: Fold One Corner Over.
It is important to line up the edges exactly so that the corner comes to a point (unfortunately, off the edge of the picture here).
Step 3: Fold the Other Corner Over the Same Way.
This should give you a big X crease.
Step 4: Tuck in the Edges and Flatten.
Again, keep your creases sharp.
Step 5: Do the Same on the Other Side.
It should be symmetrical.
Step 6: Fold in the Ends of One Triangle.
The points should meet in the center and just touch.
Step 7: Fold the Top Point Down So It Touches the Other Two.
Do the same on the other side.
Step 8: Turn the Bill Over and Fold in the Edges.
Note that this is the long edge that does not have the three points on it -- it is the side edge.
Step 9: Do the Same With the Other Edge.
Straight edge, good crease.
Step 10: Turn the Bill Over Again.
Everything should be nicely flat.
Step 11: Fold in the Three-point End to the Center.
Should look like this.
Step 12: Here's the Secret Step!
Fold in the other edge, and tuck one corner into the triangle on the other one.
Step 13: Tuck in the Remaining Corner.
It will take some slight fiddling, but be careful not to rip or crease the bill any more.
Step 14: Flatten It Completely.
It should be almost undetectable as to how to get this apart without tearing it!
Suggestion: Don't do this on a regular basis with your own money -- it makes it a lot easier to lose!
23 Comments
7 years ago
Great steps, easy to follow.
Tried it with Canadian polymer bill. Good news: It doesn't rip. Bad news: our bills are not as skinny as US ones so you can't tuck the sides at the last step.
(And polymer bills hold their folds after you're done. They will NEVER lay flat again.)
Reply 2 years ago
I managed to get the bill folded all the way, making it a bit smaller than a US bill folded up in the end.
8 years ago
After the last step if you want to make it even smaller then just fold it in half and tuck one half into the other. I only just managed to do that but it put terrible strain on the bill & it tore it a little, so I would suggest not doing that if you ever wanted to use the money again.
10 years ago on Introduction
It's cool!
11 years ago on Step 14
on step 7 u can put in up to 2 dimes if u r careful........
makes great money hide.
12 years ago on Introduction
This is great. I can't believe how tiny it is! I will enjoy doing this to my friends' money.
14 years ago on Introduction
i have to say good instructable,but u oweme 1 dollar. u didnt say that people might rip it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
In the US, any bill is valid if you have more than 51% of it. go to any bank and they will exchange it
14 years ago on Introduction
WOW that's small. i couldn't get the second edge in though because i was afraid of ripping the bill. i think i'll try it again. great instructable!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
i folded the tip over then tucked it in. and i also agree about wat u said
15 years ago on Introduction
This just ruined my day! I am new to this site and I was thinking about unique things I can do and post. Well, this was my idea and its already here. :'( I would use this to bet people with. "I'll bet you a dollar that you can't open this without ripping it in a minute" Ah, I made lots of money that way.
15 years ago on Step 14
harder to do with Australian (plastic) money, but harder to rip too!
15 years ago on Introduction
I got it, but used a 1 dollar bill
15 years ago on Introduction
now i really dont get step 12!!! How do i do it
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
If you try to match up your bill with the picture (using a $10 bill) it should be easier to figure out. You actually fold in both ends, folding the three triangles under.
15 years ago on Introduction
wait am i right on step 11, just flip it and fold it?
15 years ago on Introduction
how do you do step 11, its really hard and i dont get it. Please Help
15 years ago on Introduction
Do it with a $1 bill with the bill flipped over (Washington's face would be on the back in step 5). When you're done, his eyes are peeking through the two strips on he back. It's pretty sweet/creepy.
15 years ago on Introduction
could you add another photo with the bill next to something, like a quarter to show the size?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Ah, but that's half the fun in making it!