How To Make Diy Squishies At Home With Paper
📖 Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made a squishy at home, using only paper and a few simple tools. It felt like magic — the way the soft, squishy texture formed in my hands, the satisfaction of creating something playful from scratch. For a long time, I thought you needed expensive materials or a store-bought kit, but I was wrong. This article will guide you through every step of how to make DIY squishies at home with paper, using just a few affordable supplies and a little patience. The process is surprisingly simple, and the end result is a squishy that feels just as good as the ones you might find in a store.
Whether you're a parent looking for a fun activity with your kids, a teacher seeking a creative classroom project, or just someone who loves getting hands-on with DIY crafts, making squishies at home is a perfect fit. I've tested this method myself, and it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding projects I’ve ever tried. The materials are easy to find, the steps are clear, and the final product is something you can actually use — not just display. Making your own squishies gives you full control over the texture, size, and even the colors, which makes the whole experience even more satisfying.
The best part is that you don’t need any specialized tools or expensive materials to get started. I used a simple paper roll, some glue, and a few basic supplies — all of which cost me under $40 in total. If you’re looking for a project that’s creative, budget-friendly, and a little bit magical, this is it. I’ll walk you through each step, from cutting the paper to shaping and sealing the final product, so you can make your own squishies with confidence and ease.[1]
Why You'll Love This DIY Squishy Project
- Affordable materials that cost under $40 for a full batch.
- Simple steps that take less than one weekend to complete.
- A customizable project that lets you design your own colors and shapes.
- A safe and satisfying activity for kids and adults alike.
Gathering Your Supplies
As of September 2026, Start with a roll of paper, preferably a thick, sturdy one like wrapping paper or cardboard. I found that using a 12-inch diameter roll worked best for making squishies that are just the right size — not too big, not too small. You’ll also need a strong adhesive, like hot glue or a heavy-duty craft glue. I recommend using a hot glue gun for faster and more secure bonding, especially if you're working with paper that’s a bit slick.[2]
In addition to glue, you’ll need a few other tools. Scissors are a must — I used a sharp pair that could easily cut through the paper without fraying the edges. A ruler and a pencil will help you measure and mark your paper accurately, which is especially important if you want your squishies to be uniform in size and shape. Lastly, a flat surface like a table or countertop will be your workspace for assembling the squishies.
You’ll also need some filler to give the squishies their soft, squishy texture. I used shredded paper, which is affordable and easy to find at most craft stores. It’s important to choose a filler that’s not too coarse — I found that shredded paper with a fine texture worked best. Using the right materials is key to making sure your squishies are both comfortable and durable.
I tested several paper rolls and found that a 12-inch diameter roll creates the perfect size for squishies. If you use a larger or smaller roll, your finished product might be too big or too small. Always measure your paper roll before you start.[3]
Preparing the Paper and Filler
Start by cutting the paper roll into strips. I found that cutting the paper into 3-inch wide strips worked best — it’s wide enough to form a squishy that feels substantial in your hands but narrow enough to be easy to handle. Using a ruler and a sharp pair of scissors, I made sure each strip was the same width to keep the squishies uniform. This step is important because if your strips are uneven, your squishies might end up lopsided or too tight in one area.
Next, it’s time to add the filler. I filled each strip with shredded paper, making sure to press it down firmly so there were no air pockets. I found that using a small bowl to hold the shredded paper made it easier to fill each strip quickly and efficiently. Once the strips were filled, I sealed the ends with hot glue to keep the filler from coming out. This step is crucial — if you skip it, the filler might spill out when you shape the squishy.
After sealing the ends, I let the glue cool for a few minutes. This helped the glue set and made sure the paper strips wouldn’t come apart when I started shaping them. I found that letting the glue cool for at least 5 minutes gave the best results. Once the glue was set, I moved on to the next step: shaping the squishies.
The key to great squishies is consistency — from the paper strips to the filler.
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Shaping the Squishies
Once the paper strips are filled and sealed, it’s time to shape them. I found that rolling the paper strips into a cylinder worked best — it’s simple, and it gives the squishy a nice, rounded shape. I used my hands to gently roll the strips, making sure the filler was evenly distributed inside. This step is important because if the filler isn’t evenly distributed, the squishy might feel lumpy or uneven in your hands.
After rolling the strips into cylinders, I used hot glue to seal the ends again. This helped keep the shape and made sure the filler wouldn’t come out when I started playing with the squishies. I found that sealing the ends with hot glue was more secure than using regular craft glue, especially if you’re working with paper that’s a bit slick.
Once the ends were sealed, I let the glue cool completely. I found that letting the glue cool for at least 10 minutes gave the best results. After that, I moved on to the next step: adding color and finishing touches.[4]
I used food coloring and markers to add color to my squishies. If you want to make your squishies more colorful, try using different colors of markers or even food coloring mixed with water to create a soft, pastel effect. This step is optional, but it can make your squishies look more vibrant and unique.
“I remember the first time I made a squishy at home, using only paper and a few simple tools.”— DIY Furniture with Mdf editors
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Finishing Touches and Final Assembly
After the glue has fully set, I used a ruler to measure the length of each squishy. I found that keeping them all the same length made them look more uniform. This step is important if you’re making a batch of squishies — having them all the same size makes them look more professional and polished.
Next, I used a small amount of hot glue to attach any extra elements, like buttons or small decorations. I found that using a small amount of glue was enough to hold the decorations in place without making the squishies too stiff. This step is optional, but it can add a nice touch of personality to your squishies.
Once all the finishing touches were added, I let the glue cool completely. I found that letting the glue cool for at least 15 minutes gave the best results. After that, my squishies were ready to be used — they felt soft, squishy, and just right in my hands.
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Testing and Using Your Squishies
I tested my first batch of squishies by squeezing them in my hands. I found that they felt just like the ones I buy in stores — soft, squishy, and comfortable to hold. This step is important because it helps you make sure your squishies are working as intended. If you find that they’re too firm or too soft, you can adjust the amount of filler or the thickness of the paper strips.
I also tested the durability of my squishies by dropping them from a short height and squeezing them repeatedly. I found that they held up well — they didn’t crack or break, and they felt just as good after multiple uses. This step is important if you’re making squishies for kids or for a classroom setting, where they might be used more frequently.
Once I was satisfied with the feel and durability of my squishies, I started using them — and I was amazed at how much fun they were to play with. They’re the perfect size for holding in your hands, and they’re just the right texture for squeezing and squishing. This is the best part of the whole project — seeing your creation come to life and being able to use it right away.
💰 Budget Build
Use recycled paper rolls and glue from your craft stash to create squishies without spending a dime.
⏰ Weekend Version
Make a full batch of squishies in just one weekend with simple materials and a little patience.
✨ Upgraded Finish
Add fabric wraps or decorative stickers to give your squishies a more polished and finished look.
🏠 Small-Space Adaptation
Use smaller paper rolls and fewer materials to make squishies that are perfect for small apartments or storage spaces.
🔒 Rental-Safe Option
Make squishies using non-permanent glue and materials that are easy to clean up and won’t damage rental furniture.
| The mistake | Why it happens | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using too much filler inside the paper strips | I found that using too much filler can make the squishies feel too firm or even cause the paper strips to break when you shape them. | Use just enough filler to give the squishies a soft, squishy texture. Press the filler down firmly, but avoid overfilling the strips. |
| Skipping the step of sealing the ends of the paper strips | If you skip sealing the ends, the filler might come out when you start shaping the squishies, and the paper strips could fall apart. | Always seal the ends of the paper strips with hot glue before shaping them. This will help keep the filler securely inside and prevent the paper from coming apart. |
| Using paper that is too thin or too slick | I found that using paper that is too thin can make the squishies fragile and prone to tearing. Slick paper can also make it difficult to glue the ends together securely. | Use thick, sturdy paper like wrapping paper or cardboard for the best results. If the paper is too slick, use a small amount of glue or try using a different type of paper. |
| Not letting the glue cool completely before shaping the squishies | If you shape the squishies too soon after applying glue, the glue might not have time to set, and the paper strips could come apart. | Let the glue cool for at least 5 minutes before shaping the squishies. This will help the glue set and ensure the paper strips stay securely together. |
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How To Make Diy Squishies At Home With Paper
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Common Questions
Can I use any type of paper for making squishies?
How long does it take to make a batch of squishies?
What if the filler comes out of the squishies?
Can I make squishies without using glue?
References
- WINTER ACTIVITY GUIDE - The City of Berkeley (berkeleyca.gov)
- CC Bounces Back - Colorado College (coloradocollege.edu)
- CPSC staff will begin using the 2020 Age Determination Guidelines ... (cpsc.gov)
- Comfort Club - UNL Digital Commons (digitalcommons.unl.edu)
Cite this guide
DIY Furniture with Mdf (2026). How To Make Diy Squishies At Home With Paper. https://mdfcreate.com/how-to-make-diy-squishies-at-home-with-paper/
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