Onigiri Rice Ball Paper Squishy Template

Triangular paper squishy onigiri with a nori stripe and a small smiling face

Onigiri are little rice triangles with a stripe of nori, and as a squishy they are extra cute. Perfect for kids who already know Japanese food or just like the triangle shape.

✂️ What’s in the Template

The PDF gives you an onigiri about 4.5 inches tall with a face on the rice and a nori-colored back. There is also a coloring version and mini onigiri.

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

  • Round the corners slightly when cutting or they will crease.
  • Push stuffing into the tips with a pencil.
  • The nori stripe looks best when you fill it in with a dark marker.
  • Don't overstuff, so the triangle keeps its shape.

🎨 Color Ideas

Classic
White rice with a dark green to black nori stripe.
With filling
Draw a small pink circle for salmon or red for plum.
Rainbow onigiri
Use several colorful stripes instead of nori for extra fun.

🔄 Variations

Onigiri box
Put several into a small lunch box like a mini bento.
Rice ball family
Place a big one and minis together on a bamboo mat.
Lucky charm
Make a mini with a hole as a backpack charm.

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

You Might Also Like

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)

What filling works best?
Cotton or wool gives the softest shape, paper scraps feel firmer.

Is the face on the rice or the nori?
On the rice, so the triangle stays easy to recognize.

Is it suitable for preschoolers?
For coloring yes; filling and tape are for kids 3 and up.

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: Onigiri-Squishy.