A paper squishy is a flat picture that you cut out, cover with tape and fill with something soft so it squashes in your hand. You hardly need any supplies, and most kids from elementary school age can do it mostly on their own. This guide has been tested with real kids.
What you need
- plain printer paper (US Letter or A4, regular copy paper is perfect)
- scissors, ideally with a pointed tip for curves
- wide, clear packing tape
- stuffing such as cotton balls, yarn or paper scraps
- optional: crayons, colored pencils or markers if you picked a coloring design
The printable templates are free in the Squishy World section. A simple, round design like Dumpling Squishy is a great first project because there are hardly any tight corners to cut.
Making your squishy, step by step
1. Print the template
Print the page at full size. Make sure your printer is not set to "fit to page," or your squishy will come out smaller than planned. For coloring versions, color first and cut afterward.
2. Print two copies
Your squishy has a front and a back, so the easiest way is to print the design twice. You can also leave the back plain, as long as both pieces are the same size.
3. Cut it out with a white border
Cut out the shape and leave a thin white border all the way around, about a quarter of an inch. That border becomes your sealing edge later. If you cut too close, there is barely any room left for the tape.
4. Cover both pieces with tape
Cover the front and the back completely with wide tape. Smooth it flat as you go so no air bubbles get trapped. The tape makes the paper shiny, sturdy and water resistant.
5. Stack the two halves
Lay the two pieces on top of each other with the sticky sides facing in and the pretty sides facing out.
6. Tape the edge shut
Seal the edge all the way around with more tape, pressing each piece down firmly. Leave an opening of about 1 inch (3 cm) at the bottom. That is where the stuffing goes in.
7. Stuff it, but not too tightly
Push cotton, yarn or paper scraps through the opening. Add just enough so the squishy feels soft and gives when you press it. For a closer look at which filling works best, check out The Best Stuffing for Paper Squishies, Compared.
8. Close the opening
Push the stuffing back so the edge is clear, then seal the opening with one more strip of tape. Your squishy is done.
The laminator option
If you own a laminator, you can skip the tape. Put the cut-out pieces into a laminating pouch, run them through, and trim again with a small border. Then stick the two halves together along the edge. The result looks very smooth, but laminating film is stiffer than tape, so the squishy squashes a little less. You will find more ideas in Paper Squishy Without Tape: Your Options.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Overstuffing: The squishy gets hard and the seam bursts. Use a bit less than you think you need.
- Border too narrow: The tape will not hold well. A quarter inch of white border works nicely.
- Air bubbles in the tape: Smooth the tape from the middle toward the edges.
- Sealing the opening too early: If you tape all the way around, there is no way to add stuffing. Keep that 1 inch gap open until the filling is in.
What to make next
Once your first squishy turns out well, try a design with more corners, like Butter Stick Squishy. And if you are crafting with a group, take a look at Squishy Party Ideas for Birthdays and Craft Afternoons for ideas.
A quick safety note: small parts and stuffing are not for children under 3 years old. Always craft together with younger kids and make sure the squishy is closed tightly.
FAQ
What kind of paper works best?
Regular copy paper at 20 lb or 24 lb is plenty. Thicker paper is harder to cut and makes the squishy stiff. Very thin paper can show through the tape and tear more easily.
Do I have to use tape?
No, tape is simply the easiest way. Laminating film and self-adhesive sheets also work. Which option suits you best depends on what you have at home, and our article on making squishies without tape walks through the pros and cons.
How long does a paper squishy last?
With normal squeezing, a well-sealed squishy lasts for weeks. If a seam comes loose, press a fresh strip of tape over it.