# 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

1. **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.
2. **Print the template.** Print the PDF on A4 paper at 100% scale (choose "actual size", not "fit to page"). Thicker paper works best.
3. **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.
4. **Fold the tabs.** Fold along the dashed lines so the grey glue tabs stand up.
5. **Glue it together.** Put glue on the grey tabs and stick the pieces together, one side at a time. Leave one side open.
6. **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.

[Free paper squishy templates](https://makesquishy.com/paper-squishy-templates) | [Design your own](https://makesquishy.com/) | [Halloween squishies](https://makesquishy.com/halloween) | [Printable paper dolls](https://makesquishy.com/paper-dolls/printable-paper-dolls) | [Phone case coloring pages](https://phonecaseinserts.com/coloring-pages)