- Easy
- 20–30 minutes
- No glue
- about 2.7 × 4.5 in (6.9 × 11.4 cm)
This glossy green pickle paper squishy features bumpy skin, rosy pink cheeks, and the sweetest little smile. Our free printable template comes in US Letter and A4 sizes with 3 versions: full color, a coloring page, and a blank outline for your own designs. Once stuffed, this curved, crunchy snack measures about 2.7 × 4.5 in (6.9 × 11.4 cm). Pair it with a cheeseburger paper squishy or a club sandwich squishy for the ultimate pretend deli lunch!
What you need
How to make it, step by step
1Print the template
Print your chosen template at 100% scale on plain printer paper, making sure to turn off the “fit to page” setting. Check the test line in the top corner; it should measure 2 inches (50 mm on A4). If you picked the coloring page, color the bumpy pickle skin in shades of green and add pink cheeks now, then let any marker ink dry completely.
2Tape the pieces
Lay strips of wide clear packing tape over the front and back pickle pieces only, rather than taping the entire sheet. Smooth each strip from the center outward without stretching the tape, because stretched tape will wrinkle later. This glossy layer makes your crunchy pickle shiny, strong, and extra satisfying to squish.
3Cut out both pieces
Use your scissors to cut out both the front and back pieces right along the solid outer line. Take your time following the gentle curve and the wavy bumps along the sides of the pickle, making sure to keep the narrow white border intact.
4Add a tape border to the back
Place the back piece printed side down onto strips of regular clear tape with the sticky side facing up. Trim the tape about 1 cm (½ inch) past the paper edge all the way around, then snip this sticky border every 2 cm (1 inch) right up to the paper so the little flaps follow the curved pickle shape.
5Join front and back
Place the front piece right on top of the back piece with the white sides facing together, lining up the curved tips and bumpy edges. Fold the sticky tape flaps over the front edge one by one and press them down firmly. Leave a 3 cm (1 in) gap open on the side, just like the pink line in the illustration shows, for stuffing.
6Stuff it
Tear your plastic bags, cotton, or fiberfill into small pieces and push them inside through the open side gap. Fill the top and bottom curved ends of the pickle first, then work toward the middle until it feels soft and puffy. Stop before it gets too tight so the seams don’t pop.
7Close the gap
Fold the remaining tape flaps neatly over the open side and seal the gap shut with an extra strip of clear tape. Run your finger firmly along the entire bumpy outline to press all the tape edges down well.
8Squish!
Your crunchy pickle is ready! Give it a big squeeze and watch it puff right back into shape. If you want a slow-rising feel, carefully prick one tiny pinhole into the back of the squishy so the air escapes slowly.
Free Crunchy Pickle 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 pickle feels too hard. You packed in a bit too much filling. Gently peel open the side gap, pull out a few pieces of stuffing, and tape it shut again.
- Tape wrinkles on the curve. Use shorter strips of tape and lay them down gently without pulling or stretching.
- A bumpy edge splits open. Press a fresh short strip of clear tape right across the open spot, overlapping the old tape.
- Green marker ink smeared. Always let markers dry completely before adding packing tape; printer ink is ready to tape right away.
Questions
How do I use the pickle paper squishy template in a larger size?
You can easily make a jumbo pickle by printing the sheet at a larger scale, such as 120%. Just make sure both the front and back pieces print on the same page so their sizes match.
What is the best stuffing for a pickle paper squishy?
Torn plastic grocery bags give it a fun crinkly feel, while cotton balls or fiberfill make it super soft and plush. You can also use tiny bits of memory foam for a slow-rising squish.
Can I use glue instead of tape on the edges?
No, glue will not stick to the slick tape-covered paper and the curved seams would pop open. Folding the snipped tape border over the edge holds everything together securely.
What kind of paper works best?
Standard plain printer paper (80–100 gsm / 20–24 lb) folds and squishes the best. Heavy cardstock is too stiff and won’t let your pickle puff up nicely.
Can I make this craft with a classroom or party group?
Yes, it is a great group activity that takes about 30 minutes. Print one sheet per person and pre-cut the tape strips so kids can color their pickles while you help with taping.
More paper squishies to make
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