This moving paper caterpillar is such a fun craft for kids, and it’s even more exciting when it starts crawling across the table! With a simple push-and-pull motion, the colourful paper body bends, stretches, and wiggles just like a real caterpillar inching its way along.
Made with a simple paper template, wooden skewers, and a cute printable face, this interactive caterpillar craft is easy to customize in all kinds of bright colours. It’s also a playful STEM craft that introduces kids to push-and-pull forces and shows how movement can travel through a flexible paper structure.
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How to Make a Moving Paper Caterpillar
Equipment:
See the craft in action:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials
Step 2: Print and cut the templates
- Print both of the templates on coloured paper.
- Place the lined template on a cutting mat.
- Set a ruler on the outside lines and use a craft knife to cut it out.
- Fold the outside (unlined) sections up.
- Now use the ruler and craft knife to cut along each horizontal line.Only cut the length of the lines, not to the outer sections.
Step 3: Put the caterpillar together
- Flip the paper over (so you can’t see the lines) and add a line of glue tape to the narrower section.
- Bring the other side of the paper around and carefully connect the edge of the wider section with the fold of the glue taped section. (The lines should be on the inside of the caterpillar.)
- Cut out the caterpillar head.
- Add glue tape to the back (put it on the bottom 2/3) and attach the head to one end of the caterpillar.
- Then place googly eyes on the face.
Step 4: Make the caterpillar move
- To make the caterpillar move you’ll need 2 wooden skewers.
- Tape them to the bottom of the caterpillar, placing 1 on each end. Be sure to place the tape over the pointed end of the skewer (or cut it off first).
- Your moving paper caterpillar is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Use scissors for the outside edges: You can cut around the outside of the template with scissors, then have an adult use a craft knife to cut the lines inside the caterpillar’s body.
- Draw your own caterpillar face: Instead of using the printable face, draw your own cute caterpillar face on paper, cardstock, or construction paper.
- Cover the sharp ends of the skewers: Tape the pointed end of each skewer to the bottom of the caterpillar so it’s fully covered. For extra safety, an adult can cut off the sharp ends before attaching the skewers.
Download our free moving paper caterpillar templates:
Click on the link below to download our free, printable paper caterpillar template! The 2-page PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply print the pattern on coloured 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper.
>> Moving Paper Caterpillar Templates <<
Page 1 of the template features the caterpillar’s body, with lines showing you where to cut. Page 2 features a cute face for the caterpillar, where you can attach googly eyes.
How does the paper caterpillar move?
Hold one wooden skewer in each hand and gently move them in one direction, moving one hand at a time. Depending on which skewer you move, the caterpillar’s paper body will either stretch out or curl up and squish together.
Alternating the skewers creates a wave-like motion through the flexible paper loops, making the caterpillar look like it’s crawling. This is a simple example of push-and-pull forces and how movement can travel through a flexible structure.
What type of paper works best for the moving caterpillar?
Regular printer paper or lightweight coloured paper works best because it bends and curls easily. Construction paper may also work, but heavier cardstock is too stiff and stops the caterpillar from stretching and moving smoothly.
Can I make a moving paper caterpillar without the printable template?
Yes, you can easily draw your own caterpillar template on a piece of paper. Cut a rectangle that measures 7-1/4 inches wide by 8-1/4 inches tall. Draw one vertical line 1 inch in from the left edge and another vertical line 1/2 inch in from the right edge. Then draw horizontal lines between them, spacing the lines 3/8 inch apart.
For the face, draw an oval or rounded shape about 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-3/4 inches tall. It doesn’t have to be exact, so feel free to make the face a little bigger or smaller.
This moving paper caterpillar is a colourful craft, toy, and simple STEM activity all in one! Kids can have fun decorating the caterpillar, then use the wooden skewers to make its flexible paper body stretch, squish, and crawl across the table. Try making caterpillars in different colours and sizes, then see which one wiggles the fastest!
Here’s even more insect craft ideas:
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Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
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