A free bat template for an easy little Halloween magic.
There's something about a bunch of little paper bats flying across a wall that makes Halloween feel instantly more fun. I made this simple bat template so you can print, cut, and create your own little swarm of bats at home. They're an easy Halloween decoration that looks way more impressive than the effort it takes!
Use them on a wall, doorway, mantel, party table, or anywhere else you want to add a little spooky magic.
All you need is some black paper, scissors, and my free printable bat template. Cut, fold, and stick them up wherever you want a little Halloween magic. They're so simple to make, and you can save them to use again year after year!
What You'll Need
- Free bat template
- Black cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Painter's tape or removable wall adhesive
- Thin sharpie marker or white pencil for tracing
I loved using Scotch Removable Mounting Putty because it's easy to remove when you're ready to take your bats down.
Make your bats
🦇 HOW TO MAKE PAPER BATS
01 — Print the template
Download the free bat template and print it on regular printer paper. Cut out the bat to use as your guide.
02 — Trace onto black paper
Place your bat template on black cardstock or construction paper and trace around it. Make as many bats as you’d like!
03 — Cut them out
Grab your scissors and cut along the outline. Don't worry about making every bat perfect—once they're on the wall, the little differences make the swarm feel more natural.
05 — Make them fly
Add a small piece of removable tape to the back of each bat and stick them wherever you want. Start with a few close together, then spread them out as they "fly" across your wall.
06 — Create your swarm
Play around with the placement until you like the look. Try having some bats flying higher, some lower, and a few turned slightly different directions.
Other fun ideas is to hold punch and tie a clear string and hang them over a light or from the cieling to look like real flying bats. Add then anywhere in your house, even outside too! Also you can fold the wings a little to give them more dimension.
More Ways to Use Your Paper Bats
You don't have to stick them all to a wall!
Try punching a small hole in each bat and hanging them with clear string from the ceiling, over a light, or above a Halloween party table. You can even add them to a doorway, mantel, bookshelf, or other little corners around your home.
And don't be afraid to use them outside, too! Just make sure whatever adhesive or hanging method you use is appropriate for the surface and weather.
However you use them, a few little paper bats are such an easy way to make your home feel a little more Halloween-y. 🦇
More easy Halloween magic 🦇
Looking for a few more easy Halloween details? I've made a few printables to make decorating, parties, and Halloween surprises a little easier.