•A simple methodology for generating auxetic metamaterials with tuneable stiffness is proposed and verified.•The stiffness of the metamaterial could be tuned by using one single parameter of VSF (Variable Stiffness Factor).•The proposed auxetic metamaterials have considerable strength, stability and auxetic behavior.•The potential applications and opportunities of the novel auxetic metamaterial are discussed. Auxetic materials have attracted a considerable attention due to their excellent properties, e.g., fracture resistance, shear resistance, energy dissipation, etc. However, the stiffness of auxetics tends to be much weaker than solid structure because of the existence of internal holes. Inspired by tuning the compacted point of auxetic structures to enhance their stiffness, a systematic methodology for defining a single parametric of variable stiffness scale factor (VSF) to generate auxetic unit cell with variable stiffness has been proposed and verified in this study. Two models with different VSF proportions were investigated experimentally. Different centres of rotation, heights of deformation area, and VSF percentages were analyzed to prove the effectiveness of the method numerically. The results indicate that the compacted strain can be tuned effectively using the designed VSF proportions, and the difference between the designed VSF and real VSF could be reduced by slightly changing the height of deformation area. These desirable characteristics provide a new idea for the optimal design of auxetics, with potential application in protective structures.