- Easy
- 20–30 minutes
- No glue
- about 4.1 × 3.8 in (10.4 × 9.7 cm)
This chubby orange pumpkin paper squishy has rosy pink cheeks, a tiny heart by its eye, and a curved green stem on top. Download the free printable template in US Letter or A4 with 3 versions: ready-to-make color, a coloring page, and a blank outline for your own kawaii face. Pair it with a cute ghost paper squishy for a spooky-sweet autumn desk buddy.
What you need
How to make it, step by step
1Print the template
Print your pumpkin sheet at 100% scale on plain printer paper with “fit to page” turned off. Check the scale line in the top corner to be sure it measures 2 inches (50 mm on A4). If you picked the coloring page, color the pumpkin segments and green stem now—classic orange, pastel pink, or spooky purple all look adorable—and let marker ink dry completely.
2Tape the pieces
Lay wide clear packing tape over the front and back pumpkin pieces only, rather than taping the entire sheet. Press each strip down from the middle toward the rounded sides without pulling or stretching it, because stretched tape will wrinkle later. This glossy coat keeps your pumpkin sturdy, shiny, and wonderfully squishy.
3Cut out both pieces
Cut out the front and back pumpkin pieces along the solid black outer line. Take your time around the curved green stem at the top and the gentle scalloped bumps along the bottom so you keep the narrow white border intact all the way around.
4Add a tape border to the back
Flip the back pumpkin piece printed side down onto strips of regular clear tape, sticky side facing up. Trim the tape about 1 cm (½ inch) outside the paper edge, then snip little slits into the tape border every 2 cm (1 inch) right up to the paper around the stem and curves.
5Join front and back
Stack the front pumpkin piece on top of the back, white sides together, lining up the green stem and scalloped base. Fold the sticky flaps over the front edge one at a time and press them down firmly. Leave a 4 cm (1½ inch) gap open along one side (shown by the pink line in the illustration) for stuffing.
6Stuff it
Pull your plastic bags, cotton, or fiberfill into small bits and poke them in through the open side gap. Push a tiny pinch up into the curved green stem first, then fill out the wide pumpkin cheeks until the pillow feels soft and plump—stop before overstuffing so the seams don’t pop.
7Close the gap
Fold the remaining tape flaps over the opening and seal the side gap with one extra strip of clear tape. Run your finger firmly around the stem and along the scalloped bottom edge to make sure every flap is pressed down tight.
8Squish!
Your kawaii pumpkin is ready to squeeze! Give its plump orange belly a squish and watch it puff right back into shape. If you want a slower rise, prick 1 tiny pinhole into the back of the pumpkin so the air escapes gently.
Free Pumpkin Squishy Template
- Color
- Coloring page
- Blank, design your own
- Step-by-step guide
One free PDF: the template in three versions (pages 1–3) and the step-by-step guide (pages 4–5). Print the template at 100% on plain printer paper.
Tips for the perfect squish
- The pumpkin feels too hard. There is too much filling packed inside the belly. Gently peel open the side gap, pull a few tufts out, and tape the edge shut again.
- Tape wrinkles on the curves. Use shorter tape strips around the rounded sides and lay them down gently without pulling.
- Seam pops near the stem. The dip beside the green stem gets extra tension when you squish. Put a new short strip of clear tape right across the edge, overlapping the old ones.
- Orange marker ink smeared. Bold orange and dark brown markers need to dry fully before you add packing tape. Printer ink is ready to tape right away.
Questions
What are more cute Halloween paper squishy ideas to make with this pumpkin?
You can turn this pumpkin into a whole fall basket by pairing it with a candy corn paper squishy. Both use the exact same tape-and-stuff method and look adorable together.
Can I use glue instead of tape on the pumpkin edges?
No, glue will not stick to the slick tape-covered surface and the curved seams would pop open. The snipped clear tape border folded over the edge holds your squishy together best.
What paper works best for a Halloween paper squishy template?
Standard plain printer paper (80–100 gsm / 20–24 lb) works best because it folds smoothly around the pumpkin shape. Cardstock is too stiff and will not squish nicely.
What can I stuff my pumpkin squishy with?
Torn plastic grocery bags give a light, crinkly squish, while cotton balls or fiberfill feel extra soft and plush. You can also use tiny bits of memory foam for a slow-rising feel.
Can I make these pumpkin squishies with a classroom or party group?
Yes, it is a great 30-minute fall party activity! Print 1 sheet per kid and pre-cut the tape strips so everyone can color their pumpkins while you help seal the edges.
More paper squishies to make
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