Ladybug Paper Squishy: A Lucky Bug to Squeeze

Colorful paper squishy template with a red spotted ladybug front and a dark green back, printable

When a ladybug lands on you, it's said to bring good luck – and this one stays forever! The ladybug paper squishy has big eyes and red spotted wings, and it makes a squeezable lucky charm for the New Year.

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What's in the PDFs

Both PDFs, color and coloring, have 2 pages. Page 1 shows the big ladybug (about 3.3 in) with a face and spots on the front and a solid back side by side, with a white tape border, a "leave open" mark, and instructions. Page 2 has 6 mini squishies (about 1.4 in).

At a Glance

Type
Paper squishy
Age
ages 4+
Pages
2 × A4 + 2 × A4
Time
about 20–30 minutes

📄 What’s on the Pages

Page 1: Big ladybug
Front with a face, red wings, and spots, solid back, tape border, opening mark, and four steps.
Page 2: 6 mini squishies
Six little ladybugs with matching backs and short instructions.

How to make the ladybug squishy

1
Print both pages at actual size (100%) and cut out the front and back along the line – the white border is the tape edge.
2
Cover both pieces with wide packing tape (or laminate them) to make the squishy smooth and sturdy.
3
Lay the front and back together and tape all the way around the edge – leave about 1 in open at the bottom (orange mark).
4
Stuff with fiberfill, yarn, or paper scraps, not too full, and tape the opening shut.
5
The mini squishies work the same way – a small opening is enough for stuffing.

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

💡 Tips

  • The round shape is especially easy to cut – a great first squishy.
  • Stuffing and finished mini squishies are small parts – not for kids under 3.
  • In the coloring version, kids can count and color the spots themselves.
  • The dark back of the color version uses a lot of ink – print the coloring version for big groups.

What kids practice

The round shape is perfect for beginning cutters. Counting the spots builds number sense, and kids learn why the ladybug is seen as a lucky bug. Taping and stuffing build care and fine motor skills.

🔄 Variations & Ideas

Birthday spots
In the coloring version, each child draws as many spots as they are years old.
Lucky magnet
Glue a small magnet to the back of a mini squishy for a fridge decoration.
Lucky trio
Make a set with the lucky pig and clover squishies.

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🧸 More from “New Year Paper Squishies”:

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: Printables, games, crafts and 92 coloring pages all about New Year's Eve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is a ladybug lucky?
Ladybugs eat aphids and protect plants and crops, so people have long seen them as lucky bugs.

Is the ladybug good for beginners?
Yes, thanks to its round shape it's the easiest of the three New Year's squishies.

How big is the squishy?
The big ladybug is about 3.3 in and the minis about 1.4 in.

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: Marienkäfer-Squishy.