The stuffing decides how your squishy feels in your hand. Some fillings are fluffy, some bounce back, and some crinkle. Because a paper squishy has only a thin shell of paper and tape, what goes inside makes a big difference. Here is a side-by-side look at the most popular options so you can test them and pick a favorite.
Five fillings at a glance
| Filling | Feel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | soft, fluffy | easy to find, even texture | flattens out over time |
| Yarn | soft, a bit firmer | springy, holds its shape | loose ends can poke the seam |
| Paper scraps | crunchy, squashy | free, uses up leftovers | noisy, not very soft |
| Plastic bags | light, crinkly | shapes easily, very light | loud, can feel empty |
| Foam | springy, slow rebound | keeps its shape for a long time | hard to cut, can be firm |
Cotton
Cotton is the classic choice. Pull off small pieces and push them in loosely through the opening. The finished squishy feels like a tiny pillow. Over time cotton compresses a little, so it helps to fluff it up now and then. It is the easiest option for beginners, for example in a Dumpling Squishy.
Yarn
Leftover yarn works nicely when you want a little more push-back. Snip it into short pieces or wind it into small balls. Long strands tangle while you stuff. Yarn bounces back better than cotton and holds its shape for longer.
Paper scraps
Old notes, junk mail or the trimmings from cutting out your design all work. Crumple them into small balls or tear them into strips. This is the cheapest filling and perfect for using up craft leftovers. The squishy ends up squashy but not really soft, and it rustles when you squeeze it. If you like to experiment, mix paper with cotton.
Plastic bags
Crumpled grocery bags or packing film are light and take up a lot of room. They crinkle loudly, though, and can make a squishy feel a bit hollow. If you use them, cut them into small pieces and stuff them in loosely. It is a handy way to give packaging a second life.
Foam
Small pieces of foam, for example from an old sponge or from packaging, give you that slow, springy rebound. Cut the foam into pieces about the size of a thumbnail, otherwise it is hard to spread evenly. A big chunk rarely fits through the small opening. Check that no crumbs flake off.
How full should a squishy be?
The key rule: do not overfill. A good squishy gives when you press it and returns to its shape afterward. If you can barely compress the filling, there is too much of it. That puts stress on the seam, and it can burst.
Here is how to find the sweet spot:
- Stuff it about halfway at first.
- Give it one gentle squeeze and see how it feels.
- Add a little more at a time until the squishy looks round and soft.
- Work the stuffing into the corners, especially on designs with points like Butter Stick Squishy.
- Seal the opening only when you are happy with it.
Stuffing tips
- Mix materials, such as cotton in the middle and yarn in the corners.
- Add the filling in small portions rather than all at once.
- Use a pencil or a chopstick to nudge stuffing into the corners.
- Test different fillings on small mini squishies before you fill a big design.
You can find the full building instructions in How to Make a Paper Squishy, Step by Step. If you would like to skip the tape, Paper Squishy Without Tape: Your Options shows how.
Safety first
Stuffing is made of small parts. A filled squishy is not for children under 3 years old, because cotton, scraps or foam could come loose and be swallowed. Always seal the opening carefully and check after playtime that everything is still closed.
FAQ
Which stuffing is the softest?
Cotton usually feels the softest. For a slightly firmer, springier feel, go with yarn or small pieces of foam.
Can I use rice or sand?
We would skip that. Grains can sift out through tiny holes, make the squishy heavy, and cannot be removed once they get damp. Stick with light, soft materials instead.
What if my squishy turned out too hard?
Carefully open the seam at the bottom, take out some of the filling and tape it shut again with a fresh strip. A mix of cotton and yarn often gives the nicest feel. Remember that your squishy should give way when you press it.