SQUISHYIDEA
4

Printable craft guide

Build a puffy paper dumpling

The dumpling is made from matching rounded pieces. Work around the curve in short tape sections so the shell stays full and even.

View Dumpling PatternGet the printable PDFs
Dumpling squishy PDF pattern preview with a finished smiling squishy dumpling paper craftPaper squishy craft supplies including paper template, tape, scissors, glue stick, ruler, pencils, and tissue filling

Dumpling squishy guide

How to make your dumpling pattern

The dumpling is made from matching rounded pieces. Work around the curve in short tape sections so the shell stays full and even.

Beginner - about 25 minutes

Get these ready

  • *A4 printer paper or light card stock (90-120 gsm)
  • *Child-safe scissors
  • *A ruler and a blunt scoring tool, such as an empty pen cap
  • *Clear tape or double-sided tape
  • *A small amount of tissue paper or soft scrap paper for filling

What to put inside

Use soft torn tissue or a little cotton. Keep the centre airy so the dumpling can puff without splitting the seam.

What to stick with

Use clear tape in short pieces around the curved edge. Press each piece from the middle outward to avoid wrinkles.

  1. 1

    Print the shell pieces

    Print the dumpling sheet at 100% scale, then choose your face and blush details before cutting.

  2. 2

    Cut both rounded halves

    Cut on the solid outline and keep the matching front and back pieces together.

  3. 3

    Shape the top pleats

    Gently curve or fold the marked top area with a ruler edge so the dumpling has a gathered look.

  4. 4

    Tape around most of the edge

    Match the halves and tape from one side around the curve, leaving a 4 cm opening near the top.

  5. 5

    Fill the centre lightly

    Add a few loose tissue scrunches, keeping them away from the taped rim.

  6. 6

    Close the opening

    Seal the last gap with two overlapping pieces of tape, then pinch the top pleats softly into place.

Print note: Print at 100% scale and score any blue fold cues lightly before curving the shell.

Finish it: Add the face before assembly, then use a white gel pen for tiny highlights after the dumpling is sealed.

Use scissors with adult help when needed. Keep filling light and dry: do not use food, liquid, rice, beads, or anything heavy inside a paper squishy.

Print and make

Get both PDFs for this project

Download the original A4 template and a separate one-page printable guide. A verified free account keeps all beta downloads in one place.