Halloween Paper Bats Decor Craft

How to Make Paper Bats for Halloween (Free Template Included!)

Nothing says spooky season quite like bats flying across your walls! If you’re looking for an easy and affordable Halloween decoration, these DIY paper bats are the perfect project.

With just a free template, some black paper, and a few simple supplies, you can create a dramatic wall display that looks like bats are swooping through your home.

This craft is fun, budget-friendly, and can be done in under an hour—perfect for adding a festive touch before a Halloween party or just to bring some spooky vibes to your space.

Supplies You’ll Need:

Bat template (download and print from this post)
Black construction paper or cardstock
Scissors
White crayon or white colored pencil
Tape or sticky putty (for attaching to the wall)

Step 1: Print Your Bat Template

Start by downloading and printing the free bat template provided in this post. The template includes different bat shapes and sizes so you can create a varied, realistic look when decorating your wall.

Step 2: Cut Out the Template Paper Bats

Carefully cut out each bat shape from the template. These cutouts will become your stencils for tracing.

Step 3: Trace Onto Black Paper

Place each template bat on black paper or cardstock. Using a white crayon or white colored pencil makes it easy to see your outlines on the dark paper. Trace around the template until you have as many bats as you’d like for your wall display.

Step 4: Cut Out the Black Bats

Cut along the traced lines to create your black paper bats. Try mixing different sizes to make the display more dynamic—larger bats at the bottom and smaller ones “flying away” looks especially cool!

Step 5: Attach to the Wall

Use small rolls of tape or sticky putty on the back of each bat and attach them to your wall. Arrange them so they look like they’re flying upward in a natural swooping pattern. You can also place them around doorways, over a mantel, or even in a hallway for a fun Halloween surprise.

Tips for the Best Look:

Cluster bats together in groups for more impact.
Bend the wings slightly before taping them up for a 3D effect.
Use cardstock instead of thin paper for sturdier bats that last longer.