- Easy
- 20–30 minutes
- No glue
- about 4.1 × 3.8 in (10.4 × 9.8 cm)
With its plump rice grains, dark green nori seaweed wrap, and rosy smiling cheeks, this onigiri paper squishy is the cutest little snack to craft. Our free PDF download includes 3 versions in both US Letter and A4 sizes: a ready-to-make color rice ball, a black-and-white coloring page, and a blank outline for your own designs. Pair your finished treat with a salmon sushi squishy or a bento box squishy to build a whole kawaii lunch set!
What you need
How to make it, step by step
1Print the template
Print your chosen rice ball page at 100% scale on plain printer paper, making sure to turn off “fit to page”. Check the scale line in the top corner: it should measure 2 inches on US Letter (or 50 mm on A4). If you picked the coloring page, add your favorite colors now—maybe a pink strawberry filling or a fun pattern on the seaweed—and let any marker ink dry completely.
2Tape the pieces
Cover both triangular rice ball pieces with wide clear packing tape, applying it only over the two designs rather than the whole sheet. Smooth each strip from the center of the smiling face outwards without stretching the tape, because stretched tape will wrinkle later. This glossy layer makes the nori and rice shine while keeping the paper strong and extra squishy.
3Cut out both pieces
Use your scissors to cut out the front and back rice ball pieces right along the solid outer line. Take your time following the gentle bumps of the rice grains and the three rounded corners of the triangle, making sure to keep the small white border intact all the way around.
4Add a tape border to the back
Lay the back piece printed side down onto strips of clear tape with the sticky side facing up. Trim the tape so it extends about 1 cm (½ inch) past the paper edge, then snip this sticky border every 2 cm (1 inch) right up to the paper, taking care around the three rounded corners so the little flaps fold smoothly.
5Join front and back
Place the smiling front piece directly on top of the back piece with the white paper sides facing together. Fold the sticky tape flaps over the front edge one by one and press them down firmly around the triangle. Leave a 4 cm (1½ inch) gap open on one sloped side—right where the pink line in the illustration shows—so you have room for stuffing.
6Stuff it
Tear plastic grocery bags, cotton, or fiberfill into small pieces and push them inside through the side gap. Gently poke the first bits into the top rice peak and the two bottom corners so the triangle keeps its cute shape. Stop filling once the rice ball feels soft and puffy, as too much stuffing can make the taped seams pop open.
7Close the gap
Fold the remaining tape flaps over the open side and seal the gap shut with one extra strip of clear tape. Run your finger firmly along the flat seaweed base, the sloped sides, and all three corners to press every piece of tape down well.
8Squish!
Your kawaii rice ball is ready! Give it a big squeeze and watch the glossy pillow puff right back up into shape. If you want an extra slow-rising feel when you squish it, prick one tiny pinhole into the back of the rice ball so the air escapes slowly.
Free Onigiri 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 rice ball feels hard. Your triangle has a bit too much filling inside. Gently peel open the stuffing gap, pull out a few pieces of filling until it feels soft, and tape the edge shut again.
- Tape wrinkles over the face. Use shorter strips of packing tape and lay them across the rice ball without pulling or stretching. Smoothing from the rosy cheeks outward keeps the surface glassy and flat.
- A rounded corner splits open. The three corners of the triangle take the most pressure when you squeeze. Place a fresh short strip of clear tape right across the split edge, overlapping the old tape flaps.
- Marker colors smeared under tape. Dark colors on the nori wrap need a moment to set, so let marker ink dry fully before taping. Standard printer ink on the color version is fine to tape right away.
Questions
How do I use this sushi paper squishy template?
While onigiri is a traditional Japanese rice ball rather than vinegar sushi, it makes a wonderful companion for a sushi paper squishy collection! Simply print the sheet at 100%, cover both triangles with packing tape, cut them out, join the edges with snipped tape flaps, and stuff.
Can I use glue instead of tape for the edges?
No, glue will not stick to the slick, tape-covered paper, so your rice ball seams would pop right open when squeezed. Folding the snipped clear tape border over the edges holds the pillow together best.
What paper works best for a sushi and rice ball paper squishy?
Plain printer paper (80–100 gsm / 20–24 lb) is ideal because it folds easily into a soft pillow. Heavy cardstock makes the triangle stiff, so it won’t squish as nicely in your hand.
Can I make this rice ball bigger?
Yes! To size up from the finished 4.1 × 3.8 in (10.4 × 9.8 cm) pillow, print the page at a larger scale like 120%, making sure to print the front and back together on the same sheet so they still match.
Can I make these with a class or a group?
Yes, it makes a great 30-minute group craft. Print one sheet per person and pre-cut the tape strips in advance so the kids can color their rice balls while you help with the taping.
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