How to Make a Plush Finger Puppet

Puppets can bring stories to life.

Create an invaluable teaching tool by making a plush finger puppet. According to "Teaching Young Children," children respond, communicate and listen to puppets in puppet shows and when learning new social skills, such as conflict resolution. One simple plush finger puppet craft is a green fuzzy caterpillar made from green fun fur. It can be used to act out stories about caterpillars and butterflies, or even take on a role as a new friend.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Straight pins
• Green fun fur
• Fabric shears
• Sewing needle and thread
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue
• Black pipe cleaner

Instructions

1. Draw a pattern that is 5 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide for your plush caterpillar, using paper and a pencil. This creates a tall rectangle shape for the puppet. Cut out the pattern.

2. Pin the pattern to your green fun fur. Cut out two pieces of the fur with the pattern, using fabric shears.

3. Pin the fun fur right sides together. Using a sewing needle and thread, sew around three sides of the two fur pieces, leaving one small side open for your finger. Be sure to knot the end of your thread and tie a knot when you finish sewing.

4. Turn the project inside-out carefully. Use a pencil to help push the fur fabric out. Then, push your index finger into the opening.

5. Squeeze craft glue onto the back of two googly eyes. Press them onto the top front of your finger puppet side-by-side, about 1/2-inch apart, to form a face.

6. Cut a black pipe cleaner into two 1-inch pieces. Glue them to the very top of the finger puppet, approximately 1-inch apart. Bend your finger to move the puppet.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue red yarn to form a simple mouth.

• Cut out a felt leaf as a prop for the caterpillar.

• Experiment with adding rings around the body to make it look more realistic.

• Use the puppet when reading stories about caterpillars.

References

• "Teaching Young Children"; Circle Time Puppets Teaching Social Skills