DIY Tutorials

How to Make a Paper Squishy That Actually Squishes

A practical craft-table guide for printing, coloring, taping, stuffing, sealing, and fixing beginner paper squishies.

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The 5-step method

This is the repeatable process every printable template page links back to. Once a maker learns it, every new template becomes easier.

Best materials Printable pack

Paper squishy materials including printer paper, tape, scissors, markers, stuffing, and a finished example

Print or trace the shape

Start with a simple outline, print at 100% scale, and keep the design inside the safe page margins.

Color before cutting

Color while the paper is still flat. Large marker areas are easier to smooth before tape is added.

Laminate with clear tape

Cover both sides with overlapping strips of clear tape so the paper resists tearing and smudging.

Cut around the sealed shape

Cut slowly after the tape is on. Leave a tiny border around curves and tabs so the seam has room to hold.

Stuff lightly

Use small pieces of tissue, clean grocery bag, or soft scrap paper. Too much stuffing makes seams pop.

Seal and test the squeeze

Close the final opening, press each seam flat, then squeeze gently and patch any air leaks.

Clear tape options for sealing paper squishy edges

Materials That Work

Printer paper Best starter paper

Soft, easy to fold, forgiving for kids

Clear packing tape Best budget laminate

Adds shine and keeps marker from smudging

Small tape strips Best for curves

Short overlapping pieces seal ears, clouds, dumplings, paws, and corners

Tissue or clean bag strips Best light stuffing

Compresses softly without forcing seams open

Cardstock Use only for boxy shapes

Stronger but less squishy, better for 3D arcade-style projects

Colored pencils or markers Best decoration

Color before taping so the design stays clean and does not smudge

Common Mistakes

Overstuffing: Use less filling than you think. Paper squishies feel better when the seams are not under pressure.
Skipping tape on the back: Tape both sides before stuffing. Untaped paper tears quickly around corners.
Cutting tiny details too early: Color first, tape second, cut third. Small areas are easier to handle while the sheet is still whole.
Using one long tape strip on curves: Short overlapping strips make smoother cloud, paw, donut, and boba edges.

Material Choices Change the Result

Most failed paper squishies are not caused by the template. They come from stiff paper, weak tape, too much stuffing, or forcing long tape strips around curves.

Fix common mistakes