How to Make a Paper Squishy (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
To make a paper squishy, print a template, color it, cut out a front and a back, cover both with clear packing tape, tape the edges together, stuff it with plastic bags or cotton and seal it. It takes about 20 minutes and costs almost nothing.
What is a paper squishy?
A paper squishy is a homemade squishy toy made from paper, clear tape and soft stuffing. You print or draw a design, cover it in tape, stuff it and seal it. It costs almost nothing and takes about 20 minutes.
What do you need to make a paper squishy?
Printer paper, a template (or your own drawing), markers or colored pencils, scissors, clear packing tape and something soft to stuff it with.
How do you make a paper squishy step by step?
- Print. Print the template at 100% (choose "Actual size", not "Fit to page") on regular printer paper.
- Color. Use the color version as is, or grab markers or colored pencils for the color-it-yourself page.
- Cut. Cut out the FRONT and the BACK along the gray cut line. The white border helps the tape stick.
- Tape. Cover each piece with clear packing tape, sticky side down on the paper. This makes it smooth and strong.
- Join. Put the two pieces back to back, pictures facing out, and tape around the edges. Leave a small gap.
- Stuff and seal. Push soft stuffing through the gap (plastic grocery bags or cotton balls work great), then tape it shut.
Why cover the paper with tape first?
Taping each piece before joining them makes the squishy smooth, shiny and much stronger, so it won't tear when you squeeze it.
What can I stuff a paper squishy with?
Plastic grocery bags cut into strips, cotton balls, tissues, or leftover paper scraps. Plastic bags make the softest, squishiest result.
How do I make a paper squishy slow rising?
Stuff it loosely so there is room for air, and use soft stuffing like plastic bags or cotton. Packing it too tight makes it firm instead of slow rising.
Why won't my tape stick to the edges?
Leave a small white border around your drawing when you cut. Tape sticks to tape much better than to a thin paper edge. The gray cut line on our templates already leaves that border for you.
My squishy keeps popping open. What can I do?
Use a little less stuffing, and add a second layer of tape all the way around the edge.
Is making paper squishies safe for young kids?
Yes, with a grown-up helping with scissors. Keep small stuffing pieces away from toddlers, and do not use plastic bag stuffing with children under 3.
Can I make a paper squishy of anything?
Yes! Try our free squishy template maker: type any idea and get a printable front and back in seconds.
