Easy Paper Craft: Make a Paper Bag Cat!

Updated at: 16/05/2025

Paper crafts offer a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and produce adorable decorations, all while requiring minimal supplies and effort. This makes them perfect for both seasoned crafters and enthusiastic beginners looking for a fun and rewarding project. Today, we're tackling a particularly charming creation: a cute little paper bag cat! With just a few simple folds and some creative embellishments, you can transform a humble paper bag into a delightful feline friend that’s purr-fect for playtime, gifting, or adding a touch of whimsical charm to your space.

Forget complicated patterns and intricate techniques; this paper bag cat is incredibly easy to make, even for young children. Using readily available materials, you'll be surprised how quickly you can bring this adorable creature to life. Ready to get started on transforming a plain paper bag into a delightful paper cat? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Paperclip
  • Glue stick (Elmer's washable recommended)
  • 65lb uncoated cardstock (optional, any paper works)
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is recommended, especially for younger children using scissors and glue.
  • Use sharp scissors carefully to avoid cuts. Always cut away from yourself.
  • Dispose of any sharp objects and scraps safely after crafting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Print out the free downloadable PDF from kooky craftables.
    • Cut the printed sheets into manageable chunks.
    • Carefully cut out all the individual pieces using scissors.
    • For pieces with holes (like the head insert), fold in half, cut the half-circle, then unfold for the hole.
    For pieces with holes (like the head insert), fold in half, cut the half-circle, then unfold for the hole.For pieces with holes (like the head insert), fold in half, cut the half-circle, then unfold for the hole.For pieces with holes (like the head insert), fold in half, cut the half-circle, then unfold for the hole.For pieces with holes (like the head insert), fold in half, cut the half-circle, then unfold for the hole.
    Preparation

  2. Scoring and Folding

    • Make mountain folds along all dotted lines using a ruler and the round edge of a paperclip to create score lines.
    Make mountain folds along all dotted lines using a ruler and the round edge of a paperclip to create score lines.
    Scoring and Folding

  3. Assembling the Head

    • Apply glue to the glue tabs (they're designed to be large for easy glue stick application).
    • Form the head and head insert into boxy shapes and slide them together.
    • Fold and glue the ears onto the head.
    Fold and glue the ears onto the head.Fold and glue the ears onto the head.Fold and glue the ears onto the head.
    Assembling the Head

  4. Assembling the Body

    • Fold and glue the body into a square pyramid shape.
    Fold and glue the body into a square pyramid shape.
    Assembling the Body

  5. Final Assembly

    • Glue the tail to the back of the body.
    • Place the head onto the body.
    • Add the optional speech bubble for added personality.
    Add the optional speech bubble for added personality.Add the optional speech bubble for added personality.Add the optional speech bubble for added personality.
    Final Assembly

Read more: No-Sew Sock Cat Tutorial: Adorable DIY Project

Tips

  • Use 65lb uncoated cardstock for best results, but any paper will work.
  • Cut the paper into smaller sections first to make cutting easier.
  • Use a ruler and paperclip to create crisp score lines for perfect folds.
  • Elmer's washable purple glue stick makes glue application easy to see.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Gluing

Reason: Applying glue unevenly leads to parts of the cat collapsing or looking lopsided.
Solution: Apply a thin, even layer of glue along the designated areas before carefully pressing the pieces together.

2. Cutting the Paper Incorrectly

Reason: Inaccurate cuts result in poorly fitting pieces and a misshapen cat.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and carefully follow the provided template or instructions.

3. Insufficient Drying Time

Reason: Rushing the drying process causes the glue to become weak and the paper bag cat to fall apart.
Solution: Allow sufficient drying time for the glue to fully bond before handling or moving the paper bag cat.

FAQs

What kind of paper bag works best for this craft?
A sturdy brown lunch bag works perfectly. Avoid overly thin or flimsy bags, as they may tear during the folding process. The size of the bag will determine the size of your cat; larger bags create larger cats!