Understanding Squishy Materials and Supplies
Squishies are soft, compressible toys that slowly return to their original shape after being squeezed. To make them at home, you'll need to gather specific materials that create the right texture and feel. The most common base material is polyurethane foam or memory foam, which provides that signature slow-return property. You can purchase pre-made foam sheets from craft stores, or you can create the squishy material from scratch using certain chemical mixtures.
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The primary materials you'll need include polyurethane foam sheets, craft foam, or expanding foam spray. You'll also need a covering material, typically minky fabric, felt, or fleece because these materials feel soft to the touch and stretch well. For adhesives, use foam-safe craft glue or spray adhesive to bind materials together. Many makers also use hot glue guns for quick assembly, though this works best on non-foam surfaces.
Additional supplies worth having on hand include:
- Fabric paint or acrylic markers for decoration
- Embroidery thread or needle for adding details
- Plastic pellets or microbeads for weight and texture variation
- Googly eyes or other craft embellishments
- Scissors or a craft knife for cutting foam
- Sandpaper for smoothing rough edges
- A pencil or marker for tracing designs
Before purchasing materials, consider what type of squishy you want to create. Food-shaped squishies like donuts or sushi rolls require different shaping techniques than animal-shaped ones. The complexity of your design will determine how many materials you actually need. Starting with basic supplies and a simple design helps you understand the process before attempting more complex projects.
Practical Takeaway: Visit a local craft store and purchase a small selection of foam sheets, fabric, and glue. Start by gathering materials for one squishy rather than buying in bulk, so you can test what works best for your skill level.
Creating the Basic Squishy Shape
The foundation of any squishy is its shape. Most beginner-friendly squishies are created by stacking and bonding foam layers together, then sculpting them into the desired form. Begin by selecting your foam material—polyurethane foam sheets typically range from half an inch to two inches thick. Thicker foam creates a sturdier squishy that holds its shape better, while thinner foam feels more delicate.
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To create a basic squishy shape, draw your desired design on paper first. This template helps you stay consistent and avoid wasting materials. For example, if making a strawberry squishy, sketch a strawberry outline on your foam sheet using a permanent marker. Cut along this outline carefully using a sharp craft knife or scissors. If your design is complex, cut several foam layers separately, then stack and glue them together to build up the shape gradually.
The layering technique works particularly well for food-shaped squishies. Here's how to approach it:
- Cut the base shape from your thickest foam layer
- Cut slightly smaller detail layers for dimension
- Apply foam-safe adhesive to each layer before stacking
- Press layers together firmly and allow glue to set completely
- Use sandpaper to smooth out the stacked edges so transitions are gradual
- Round sharp corners by sanding them gently at angles
Some makers prefer using expanding foam spray for organic shapes. This method involves spraying foam into a mold or container and allowing it to expand and harden. This creates very soft, squishy results but requires careful measurement because the foam expands significantly. After expansion, you trim away excess foam to reveal your final shape.
Testing the squeeze is important during this phase. Your squishy should compress when pressure is applied but slowly return to its original shape over a few seconds. If it doesn't return to shape, you may need firmer foam or additional structural support inside.
Practical Takeaway: Start with a simple geometric shape like a cube or circle rather than complex designs. Once you understand how foam layers bond and compress, you can move to more detailed shapes like animals or food items.
Covering and Fabric Selection
The covering material is what transforms raw foam into an attractive, touchable squishy toy. The fabric you choose affects how the squishy feels and looks. Minky fabric is the most popular choice among squishy makers because it's incredibly soft, stretches well, and comes in numerous colors and patterns. Fleece fabric offers similar benefits at a lower cost, though it may feel slightly less luxurious. Felt provides a firmer surface and works well for detailed designs, but it doesn't stretch as much.
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Measure your foam shape carefully before cutting fabric. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your squishy to determine how much fabric you need. Always cut fabric with at least one extra inch on all sides to ensure complete coverage and to allow for seaming. Most makers cut two fabric pieces—one for the front and one for the back—then sew or glue them together around the edges.
The process for covering your squishy involves these steps:
- Place your foam shape on the back of your fabric and trace around it
- Cut out two matching fabric pieces, adding half an inch to one inch extra around edges
- Apply a thin layer of fabric glue to one side of your foam shape
- Press the first fabric piece onto the glued foam, smoothing out wrinkles
- Repeat for the second side, pulling the fabric taut as you go
- Fold the raw edges of fabric to the back and seal them with glue or stitches
If you prefer sewing, use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to stitch the two fabric pieces together around the edges. Leave a small opening through which you'll insert your foam core, then stitch that opening closed after insertion. This method creates cleaner seams and a more finished appearance.
For detailed features like eyes, stripes, or patterns, consider using fabric paint or embroidery thread. Apply fabric paint after the covering is complete and fully dry. This allows you to add facial expressions or colorful designs that make each squishy unique. Test paint on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor your fabric.
Practical Takeaway: Purchase minky or fleece fabric in solid colors initially, as these hide imperfections better than patterned fabrics. Once you're comfortable with the covering process, experiment with different textures and prints.
Adding Details and Decorative Features
Details transform a basic squishy into a recognizable character or object. These finishing touches make your squishy personal and visually interesting. Common details include eyes, mouth features, color variations, and textured elements. The method you choose depends on your design and the materials available to you.
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Eyes are typically the most important facial feature. You have several options for adding them: purchase googly eyes at craft stores and glue them on, embroider them using thread, paint them with fabric paint, or sew them using felt pieces. Googly eyes offer the quickest solution and create an animated appearance. Embroidered or painted eyes look more refined and allow for greater customization in size and expression.
To add embroidered details, thread a needle and knot the end. Push the needle through the fabric from back to front at your starting point. For simple eyes, create two French knots (wrapping thread around the needle multiple times before pushing back through) or basic cross-stitches. Practice on scrap fabric first to develop consistency.
Consider these detail-adding techniques for various designs:
- Food squishies: add seeds using fabric paint dots, create bite marks with darker fabric paint, draw juice drips
- Animal squishies: embroider or paint distinctive markings, add felt ears or tails, create whiskers with embroidery thread
- Character squishies: paint clothing details, add buttons using felt circles, create hair texture with