Dumpling Basket Paper Squishy

What you'll need

• 80–100 gsm paper
• 160–180 gsm card for V1, V2, K
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Paper glue
• Clear tape
• Soft tissue filling

Assembly overview

1. Print, label and cut. Choose color OR coloring, A4 or Letter. Print all 2 sheets on 80–100 gsm paper at 100% / Actual Size; Fit to Page off. Check the 50 mm line. For V1, V2, K, print their sheets again on 160–180 gsm card and use ONLY those parts. Keep G01–G12, T and B on thin paper. Color first, label blank backs, then cut 17 pieces once; decorative lines are not cuts.
2. Shape the twelve gores. G01–G12 are the twelve curved shell panels of ONE bun. Keep the narrow tip at the top. Pre-fold the five dashed cross-lines gently so each panel follows the rounded side profile. Keep the printed pleat strokes as decoration, not extra cuts.
3. Tape G01 to G02 edge to edge. Match G01’s right edge to G02’s left edge, pictures outward. Align the top, bottom and every cross-fold level. The paper edges touch without overlap. Bridge each section with short transparent tape outside; press the tape against both panels as the seam bends.
4. Make the first half shell. Continue G02 → G03 → G04 → G05 → G06. Use the same edge-to-edge seams. Pre-shape each cross-fold as you go; do not flatten the completed curved shell. Keep the top and bottom openings free.
5. Make the second half shell. Join G07 → G08 → G09 → G10 → G11 → G12. Keep the narrow tips at the top. The two eyes sit on G02 and G12, on either side of the mouth on G01. Do not reorder the printed panels.
6. Join the two halves. Match G06’s right edge to G07’s left edge and tape the full seam outside. Then close G12’s right edge against G01’s left edge. Match all cross-fold levels. All twelve gores now form ONE rounded shell; the top and bottom are still open.
7. Close the small top T. Fit the twelve edges of T against the twelve short top edges. Printed face stays outside. Attach one edge, then its opposite, then the remaining edges with short tape pieces. Hold the shell from inside through the large bottom opening. Do not force T inside the opening.
8. Fill through the open bottom. Turn the bun upside down. Add loose soft tissue through the full bottom opening. Spread lightly toward the shoulder and keep the panel folds in shape. Leave space for B to lie flat against the twelve lower edges. Do not stuff the small top cap separately.
9. Close the bottom B. Fit B’s twelve edges to the twelve lower shell edges, printed face outward. Tape one edge and its opposite first, then tape every remaining edge. Use short overlapping tape at corners. Keep filling away from the seam; no new hole is needed.
10. Inspect the rounded bun. Check all twelve vertical joins and both cap perimeters. The surface has gentle facets from the paper panels. Let adhesive settle before pressing gently. Reinforce a lifting tape edge instead of pulling the shell apart.
11. Join V1 and V2 for one basket. Curve V1 and V2 with the bamboo print outside. Glue each 8 mm J end behind the next plain end to form ONE open ring, 270.17 mm around and 25 mm high. Keep the upper and lower rims level.
12. Tape the bottom K to the ring. Fit K against the lower ring edge, bamboo print facing the inside. Tape around the outside lower seam, turning short pieces from the wall onto K’s underside. Support K from inside the open basket. Leave the entire top open; this set has no basket lid.
13. Place the bun in the basket. Let the ring joins dry. Place the sealed bun loose inside the basket, with its face forward. The 86 mm basket diameter clears the 72 mm bun. Do not glue the bun in or fill the basket with stuffing.