How to make a paper squishy
A paper squishy is a soft toy made from printed paper. Print a free template, cut it out, fold along the dashed lines, glue the tabs and stuff it with cotton wool. It takes about 30 minutes and works for kids aged 6 to 10 with a grown-up nearby for the scissors.
What you need
- A4 paper (thicker paper works best)
- Cotton wool for stuffing
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- A printer
Step by step
- Pick a design. Choose a ready-made template or open the Makesquishy maker to design your own: pick a shape, then colours, patterns, a face and stickers.
- Print the template. Print the PDF on A4 paper at 100% scale (choose "actual size", not "fit to page"). Thicker paper works best.
- Cut it out. Cut out every piece. Where a piece has a grey rim of glue tabs, cut along the outer edge of the rim. Ask a grown-up to help younger children with the scissors.
- Fold the tabs. Fold along the dashed lines so the grey glue tabs stand up.
- Glue it together. Put glue on the grey tabs and stick the pieces together, one side at a time. Leave one side open.
- Stuff and close. Fill it with cotton wool until it is soft and squeezy, then glue the last side closed.
Tips for a better squishy
- Use thicker paper. Paper around 120 to 160 gsm folds cleanly and stays sturdy. Thin office paper works but can wrinkle when you squeeze it.
- Print at 100% scale. Choose "actual size" in the print dialog. "Fit to page" shrinks the template and the tabs will not line up.
- Fold before you glue. Crease every dashed line against a ruler edge first. Sharp folds make neat corners.
- Do not overstuff. Pull cotton wool into small fluffy pieces and add a little at a time until it is soft and squeezy but still keeps its shape.
- Let the glue dry. Wait a minute before you close the last side so it does not pop open.
Questions
How long does it take to make a paper squishy?
About 30 minutes for a first squishy, including cutting and gluing. It gets faster after the first one.
Do I need special paper?
No. Normal A4 printer paper works, but slightly thicker paper (about 120 to 160 gsm) folds more cleanly and lasts longer.
Why does my squishy look lumpy?
It is usually overstuffed or stuffed in big clumps. Pull the cotton wool into small fluffy pieces and add a little at a time.
Why will not the tabs line up?
The template was probably printed with "fit to page". Print again at 100% scale ("actual size").
Can I make a paper squishy without a printer?
You need a printed template. If you do not have a printer, ask a library, school or friend to print the PDF for you.
Is it safe for kids?
It is made for ages about 6 to 10. A grown-up should help with the scissors and keep stuffing away from very young children.
Next
Ready to make one? Start with a free paper squishy template, open the squishy maker, make a paper fidget clicker, or dress up a printable paper doll. Making a gift for a grown-up? Color a phone case coloring page and slide it into their clear phone case.