Today, I’m showing you how to make your very own DIY paper squishy graduation cap using free printable templates.
It's a super cute and fun craft to do with your kindergarten graduate! It also makes a great toy for a child to play with at an older sibling's graduation.
Squishies of all types are incredibly popular these days. I can't believe how much my kiddo loves them!
Squishies can help you relax or act as a fidget toy. They're also supera dorable once you've built up a collection of your own DIY squishies.
If you're celebrating a graduation in your family this season, make sure to check out these additional posts!
This post may include affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Kindergarten graduation is a Big Deal for little kids, but it can fill them with jitters. Reading a book like The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation can help!
- Wing, Natasha (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 04/09/2019 (Publication Date) - Grosset & Dunlap (Publisher)
How to Make a Grad Cap Paper Squishy
Ready to make your own kawaii graduation cap? Let's get to it!
Supplies Needed:
- Your graduation cap squishy template (Download below—I’ve included both a pre-colored blue version and a black-and-white version to color yourself!)
- White paper (Cardstock is a bit too stiff for this, but I do prefer to use a heavier weight printer paper.)
- Markers or colored pencils (If using the B&W version)
- Clear contact paper or clear vinyl for a vinyl cutter. I used Oracle 651 in the video for this tutorial.
- Clear packing tape for sealing the edges
- Scissors
- Stuffing (You can use polyester fiberfill, cotton balls, or even crumpled-up plastic grocery bags for a "crunchy" feel!)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a DIY Kawaii Graduation cap Paper Squishy
I recommend watching the tutorial video to see the process in action. It's a lot easier to understand what's going on when you can see it!
If you'd prefer to read the written steps, I'm providing that, too.
First, grab your free printable! I have a pre-colored graduation cap and a black-and-white version if you want to color your own.
If you printed the black-and-white version, color in your front and back pieces before cutting them out. I used these acrylic paint markers.
Cut out the font and back pieces. I recommend leaving some white around the tassel, as shown in the photos and video. It can be difficult to tape them up sufficiently if you cut on the line.
Place the two hat pieces back to back and do any additional trimming necessary to make sure the pieces align as perfectly as possible.
Place your hat pieces face down on the backing side of your contact paper or clear vinyl. I'm just going to call it contact paper for brevity, even though I used Oracle 651 clear vinyl in the example.
Trace exactly around the back piece, but give at least .5" extra contact paper around the front piece except for right along one edge or the bottom.
Cut out the pieces of contact paper and set the back piece aside for now.
Peel the backing off the front side piece of contact paper.
Place the front of the hat face down on the contact paper, making sure to line up the side so it's flush with the edge of the contact paper where the gap needs to be. This creates a gap for stuffing the squishy.
Cut tabs into the excess contact paper to make folding the edges over possible. I usually make cuts every .5" or so. In areas with a lot of curvature, you'll want to make them about every .25"
Place the back hat back piece on top of the laminated front piece. Place the two pieces wrong sides together, right sides out. Align the edges as closely as possible.
Fold over the tabs to secure the back portion in place.
Peel the paper off the back piece of contact paper. "Laminate" the back graduation cap piece.
You should have a nice little gap in the bottom of the cap. Use this gap to fill the squishy with stuffing.
Use enough to make it puffy, but don't overstuff it or you won't be able to close it up.
Once it’s nice and plush, tape the remaining hole shut. Check for any air gaps and reinforce them with extra tape if needed.
That's it! Your cute strawberry graduation cap squishy is ready to play with.
Free Printable Graduation Cap Template PDF Download Area
These free printables are licensed for personal use, including classroom use, use with summer camps, therapy clients, library activities, etc.
You are not licensed to sell or redistribute the files or print outs to others. Please refer them to this post to download their own copy of the PDF!
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I hope you enjoy this DIY project as much as I do! Don't forget to share your creations on my Facebook page.
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