Bao Bun Paper Squishy Template

White paper squishy bao bun with a round pillowy shape and a mischievous little face

A bao bun looks like a little white cloud with a face. If your kid loves food squishies, this soft, round design is a joy to squeeze.

✂️ What’s in the Template

The template shows a bao bun about 4.5 inches wide with a friendly face on the front and a dough fold on the back. You get it in color, as a coloring page and as minis.

At a Glance

Group
Dumplings & Asian Food
Size
about 4–5.5 in
Pages
3 × A4
Craft time
20–30 minutes
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer and regular printer paper (US Letter or A4)
  • Scissors
  • Wide clear packing tape (or laminating sheets)
  • Stuffing: cotton balls, yarn or paper scraps
  • Crayons or markers for the coloring version

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Print at 100% (turn off “fit to page”). Color the B/W version first.
2
Cut out the front and back along the outer line – the white border is the tape edge.
3
Cover both pieces with wide clear tape, overlapping the strips slightly, and smooth them out.
4
Place the front and back together exactly (colored sides out).
5
Tape all around the edge, leaving about 1 inch open where it says “leave open here”.
6
Stuff with cotton, yarn or paper scraps – not too full – and tape the opening shut. Done!

💡 Tips

  • The roundness comes from the filling – cotton works better than paper here.
  • Smooth the tape without wrinkles so the white surface stays clean.
  • Go easy on color so the face doesn't get crowded.
  • Store it in a box rather than under heavy books.

🎨 Color Ideas

Snow white
Leave most of it white and only shade the folds in light gray.
Pastel bao
Mint, pink and pale yellow turn the bun into a candy.
Filled bao
Draw a lettuce corner and a bit of filling peeking out.

🔄 Variations

Bao trio
Line up three buns in different pastels on the windowsill.
Bag charm
Make a mini version with a hole as a backpack charm.
Picnic play
Add it to a toy basket as picnic food.

Safety: Stuffing and tape are not for children under 3. Never use real food or scented oils as stuffing.

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Why families love PureSketchy:

  • Completely free: Every squishy template with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Color and B/W: Each template comes ready in color and as a coloring version – plus minis.
  • Kid-tested: Printed, cut out, taped shut and stuffed with yarn – it works.
  • Regular printer paper: No cardstock, no special paper, no laminator needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I keep the white from getting dirty?
Wash your hands and tape the paper before coloring.

Can I laminate it instead?
Yes, laminating film works, but wide tape is enough.

How big is the bun?
About 4.5 inches across.

Is the download free?
Yes, all templates on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal, preschool and classroom use – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version here: Bao-Bun-Squishy.