Critter Puppet
I have made these critter puppets for all of my kids, plus all of my grandkids and a few friends to boot! They are fun to make, do not require many materials or much time and kids of all ages are fascinated with them. I've made them two-toned with different furs and colors, I've sprayed them with diluted craft paint to give them splashes of color, I've given them long eye lashes for girls and mustaches and goatees for boys, I've combed the fur into hair styles with ribbons and trims. I've given them ears and tails and they have even been dressed!
The critter can be made from any type of inexpensive fur. They can be machine stitched or hand sewn with a whipstitch or backstitch. E-mail us for Critter patterns in other sizes if you have smaller children.
Materials for one Critter: All colors are of your choice.
½ yard of fur fabric of your choice
A scrap of red or pink vinyl or Ultrasuede for mouth, 5" X 8"
2 pieces of craft felt for hands and feet, 8" X 12"
1 pair of safety eyes, 18 to 21 mm
1 pompom for nose, 1" or 2"
1" Velcro (hook & loop tape) for hands and feet, 2 dots or 2 pieces cut from strip
Threads to match fur and felt
Toe from old panty hose or knee-highs, about 12" long
Small ball of polyester stuffing
Pattern preparation:
The pattern for the body and head consists of 3 pages of images that must be cut out and taped together to complete the head/body pattern. The head/body pattern should measure 17 ½" when taped together from the top of the head to the bottom. Make any necessary adjustments. If you wish, you may cut 4 separate patterns for the hands/feet for easier layout.
The paper patterns may be glued to lightweight cardboard before cutting them out of the paper for a firmer, easier to handle pattern.
The arms and legs are both the same width and length and are interchangeable. They have no pattern as they are cut rectangles 5" by 17".
Beginner Level Sewing Experience
NOTE: Please read all instructions before starting.
Finished size: Height = 38"; arm/leg wrap around = 40"
Layout and Cutting:
This project uses tracing around the pattern rather than pinning the pattern to the fabric. If you prefer pinning, you may do so. However, the pins get in the way when cutting just the fabric backing (see cutting out head/body instructions below).
- Fold one side edge of the fabric, fur sides together, far enough over so the head/body pattern will fit on it. Make sure the fold is on the straight of grain and the fur nap direction is going down from the top of the head to the bottom of the body.
- Place the prepared head/body pattern on the fabric, matching the fold bracket of the pattern to the fold in the fabric.
- With a fabric marking pen, trace all around the pattern from the back of the head on the fold, around and down the front, then across to the fold at the bottom.
Note: The pattern pieces were printed on yellow paper for visibility in the photographs.
