Today, I’m showing you how to make your very own DIY paper Thanksgiving hat using free printables! It's a cute and easy craft for all ages. I hope you enjoy!
Squishies are super popular with kids, teens, and even adults. My daughter and her friends love making and playing with her paper squishy collection!
Squishies can help you relax or act as a fidget toy. They're also super adorable once you've built up a collection of your own DIY squishies. My daughter sets up a campsite for them and holds tea parties, too!
If you want to build your own paper squishy collection, make sure to stop by these posts:
- Fall frog squishy
- DIY cute milk carton squishy
- Adorable avocado paper squishy
- Strawberry squishy
- Cute cookie squishy
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How to Make a Kawaii Pilgrim Hat Paper Squishy
Ready to make your own cute Thanksgiving hat craft? Let's do it!
Supplies Needed:
- Your Pilgrim hat squishy template (Download is linked below the tutorial)
- White paper (Cardstock is too stiff for this project)
- 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 Thanksgiving 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! Look for the row of purple arrows pointing the way to the download button.
Color in your front and back pieces before cutting them out. I love using acrylic paint markers for squishes.
I have to show how fantastic the Ohuhu Kahuku markers are. They don't feather or bleed! This video shows the acrylic paint marks in action with a different set of free printables:
- HIGH OPACITY - EASILY COVERS DARK SURFACES & MISTAKES: Ohuhu acrylic paint pens deliver true opaque, one-stroke coverage that stands out on black...
- VIBRANT COLORS - RICH & SATURATED: Ohuhu acrylic markers set includes 48 essential colors with high saturation for bold, vivid results. Whether you're...
- READY-TO-USE & CONSISTENT INK FLOW: No pumping required. Just uncap and draw. The direct-flow system delivers smooth, skip-free ink every time. A...
Cut out the font and back pieces. Try to cut exactly along the black outline.
Hold the two pieces back to back after cutting them out so you can trim up any excess paper, if needed.
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, even though I used Oracle 651 clear vinyl in the example.
Trace exactly around the back piece, but give at least .25" extra contact paper around the front piece except for a couple of inches along the bottom. This will form the gap for stuffing.
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.
Cut tabs into the excess contact paper to make folding the edges over possible. I usually make cuts every .25" or so on the straight areas. In areas with a lot of curvature, you'll want to make them about every ⅛".
Place the back hat 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 hat piece.
You should have a gap where there are no tabs. 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 kawaii Thanksgiving hat is ready to play with.
Free Printable Pilgrim Hat Template PDF Download Area
These free printables are licensed for personal use, including classroom use, use with fall 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!
If you agree to these terms of use, you may click below:
I hope you enjoy this cute DIY Thanksgiving hat as much as my family does!
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