Onigiri Paper Squishy Template, Rice Ball with Nori
The onigiri paper squishy template is a white triangle rice ball with a dark green strip of nori at the bottom, free to print. The face sits above the nori. A rounded triangle is one of the friendliest shapes for first-time crafters.
Quick answer
Print at 100 % and colour the nori dark green. Tape both triangles, cut them out and join them. Stuff it until it's plump and close it. Kids under three shouldn't play with it, and an adult does the cutting.
Download the onigiri template (PDF)
A rice ball in a nori strip
Onigiri are the triangle rice balls you find in Japanese lunchboxes. Ours is mostly white, which saves a lot of ink.
The nori wraps round the bottom like a little belt. The corners are soft and round. The back shows a few rice grains and the nori, no face.
White shapes show every smudge. Wash sticky hands first.
| Big | Small | |
|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 9 x 9 cm | 6 x 6 cm |
| Good for | a lunchbox surprise | a pencil case |
| Difficulty | very easy | easy |
Making the onigiri
- Print the page at actual size and colour only the nori.
- Draw a few rice grains on the back with a light grey pencil.
- Cover both triangles with wide clear tape and smooth it from the centre.
- Cut out on the outer line of the grey border.
- Tape the halves back to back along two sides, stuff through the third and close it.
Onigiri look best plump in the middle. Push the stuffing in bit by bit with a pencil. The full method is in our paper squishy guide, and sushi is in the template collection too.
Rice and sushi squishies
Our onigiri squishy is a yellow chick with a fried egg. The salmon nigiri and the red bean mochi fit the same bento box.
Onigiri Squishy, Yellow Chick with Fried EggView
Sushi Squishy, Kawaii Salmon NigiriView
Red Bean Mochi Squishy, HandmadeView
For the paper onigiri you need these three:
Wide Clear Tape for Paper Squishies, 5.5 cmView
Kids Craft Scissors for Paper Squishies, PlasticView
Polyester Fiberfill for Paper Squishies, 1 kgView
FAQ
What size is the onigiri?
9 x 9 cm for the big one and 6 x 6 cm for the small. Print at 100 % so both halves line up.
Can I add a filling colour?
Yes. Draw a small pink or orange patch in the middle of the rice for salmon or plum.
Is the onigiri a good first project?
It's one of the easiest. Three rounded sides and no thin parts make cutting simple.
