DIY paper bats are the only paper bats for me, that’s why I drew my own bat templates by hand a few years ago! Since then, they’ve been my very favorite Halloween decoration. They’re simple and impactful. I like these bats in particular because they’re unique, and they have a sense of movement, as they’re bats from all different angles and positions. Flapping their paper wings up and down and side to side, you might swear they’re alive! [Lightning crack! Thunder rumble!]
The templates at the bottom of this article are all free and easy to download and print from this page. They’re bats in all shapes and sizes! I hope they bring you lots of festive joy for this Halloween season.
Disclosure: Kiyafries is reader supported. Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
How to make Halloween Bats
DIY Paper Bat Materials:
- Printed bat templates, provided for printing at the bottom of this post
- Scissors
- Black card stock
- Pencil
- Masking tape or washi tape
1. Print the templates and cut them out
If you can, print the bat templates on white card stock so they’re easy to trace. Plain printer paper will work just fine too!
2. Trace the templates onto black card stock with a pencil
Pencil will be barely noticeable on the black card stock, but if it bothers you, you can erase it off the bats once they’ve been cut out.
To change the bat’s flight direction, just flip the template over!
3. Cut out the bats
Remember that moving the paper, rather than moving the scissors, will make you cutting experience easier. (Thank you to my elementary school art teacher for that tip.)
4. Hang the bats
Use a small piece of masking tape or washi tape. Roll the tape up and flatten it against the bat’s body before pressing onto the wall. Add another piece on the wings if needed.
Note: The tape will come off the wall easily, but may not come off the bat easily. Each year, a little more paper comes off with the tape.
In this picture to the right, you can see my years-old bats with some bits of paper pulled off the backs.
More Ideas for your Halloween Bats
Try hanging your bats in unexpected places! Here are some of my favorites:
