3D Hay Bale Paper Squishy: a Straw Box to Squeeze

Full-color fold-up template of a yellow box with a tied, smiling hay bale on the front and more hay bale faces, printable

Every farm needs a hay bale – and this one smiles. The 3D squishy is a straw-yellow box with a tied bale on the front, two googly-eyed bales on the sides and a tiny bale on the back. It makes a great seat for the animal squishies or a prop for a play farm.

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What's in the PDFs

There are two separate one-page PDFs: the fold-up net in the color version and the coloring version. Folded, it makes a box about 2.1 × 1.4 × 1.25 inches with a tuck-in lid, tuck-in bottom and a gray glue tab. A key explains the lines: solid = cut, dash-dot = fold.

At a Glance

Type
Paper squishy
Age
ages 5+ (with help)
Pages
1 × A4 + 1 × A4
Time
about 30–40 minutes

📄 What’s on the Pages

Fold-up net (in color or to color)
Net with a big tied bale on the front, two bales with faces on the sides, a small bale on the back and the steps.

How to fold the hay bale

1
Print at actual size (100%), cut along the solid lines and pre-fold the dash-dot lines.
2
Cover with wide packing tape and crease every fold line again.
3
Glue the gray tab inside the front panel, tuck in the bottom and secure it with tape.
4
Stuff in some fiberfill, tuck in the lid and tape it shut.

Safety: Stuffing, tape and small parts are not for children under 3.

💡 Tips

  • When coloring, layer yellow, ochre and light brown so the hay looks really strawy.
  • Glue on a few real straws or raffia strands before taping for a bale you can feel.
  • Not for kids under 3: stuffing and tape are small parts; most kids can fold it from about age 6.
  • Curve the flaps slightly before tucking them in so they slide into the box more easily.

What kids practice

Kids learn how a net turns into a box and practice folding exactly on the lines. It's a good time to explain what hay is for: dried grass that keeps cows, sheep, donkeys and goats fed through the winter.

🔄 Variations & Ideas

Barn bench
Seat an animal squishy from the set, like the donkey or the goat, on top of the hay bale.
Hay stack
Fold three or four bales and stack them into a little pyramid.
Fall decor
Color the bale orange and brown and display it with a paper pumpkin.

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Why families love PureSketchy:

  • Completely free: Every template with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Color and B/W: Ready in full color or as a coloring version to make it your own.
  • Print-ready: Clean PDF pages – print on US Letter or A4 and get started.
  • Made to go together: Games, crafts and 272 coloring pages all around the farm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How big is the hay bale?
About 2.1 inches long, 1.4 inches tall and 1.25 inches deep when printed at 100%.

Why are there different bales on each side?
The front has a big tied bale, the sides have two bales with googly eyes and the back has a small one – so there's something to find all around.

Do I have to stuff it?
For the squishy feel, yes. Left empty, it also works as a tiny treasure box.

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: Heuballen 3D.