Pocket Puppets

I have multiple versions of my tiny pocket puppet design available for different crafters. Each puppet is around 6″ tall and has moving mouth and poseable limbs. It’s Ultra cuteness in a tiny, fuzzy package. Which one are you working with?

Choose the one that suits your style of crafting the best…

sewing or gluing pattern

5×7 machine embroidery

4×4 machine embroidery

ITH Jointed pocket puppet for 4×4” embroidery machines – includes ears
ITH Wired pocket puppet for 5×7″ embroidery machines
PDF Sewing Pattern for wired pocket puppets (includes no-sew option)
Pocket Puppet Materials KITS on Etsy
And a SkillShare Class on Pocket Puppets that contains the sewing pattern plus video tutorial.

No matter which design you’re making, this page will help you find supplies, learn the techniques, and inspire some embellishments for your own pocket puppet project.

Supply Links

In case you’re having trouble finding the tools and materials, here are some Amazon affiliate links to help you shop or at least know what to look for.

Any Embroidery machine for the in-the-hoop version OR a sewing machine for the PDF sewing pattern. You may also hand sew or glue the seams using the sewing pattern.
sharp fabric scissors (any will do)
hemostats or other turning tool for tiny limbs and ears
Optional Glue Gun (preferably with a fine tip like this Surebonder one that I use)
3″ (7cm) doll needle or a crewel needle works well too.
A dust mask – don’t let the tiny fibers from fabrics like Minky get into your lungs. Protect yourself with a dust mask. You lungs and sinus will thank me for this tip. (any mask will do, but I’m linking to the pretty colored masks I bought, because, PINK)
Fabric:
- For the in-the-hoop 4×4″ version you’ll need Four squares of stretchy, short fur measuring 12 cm (5″) square per piece. (optional: use a separate stretch fabric for the inner ear that is 2″ x 4″)
- For the sewing pattern and 5×7 ITH version, you’ll need 2 pieces of fuzzy fabric that are 6″ across the stretchiness side and 8″ long. (15×20 cm)
- Short Pile furs such as Minky or fuzzy fleece used for blankets work well for this project. You can use upcycled fuzzy sweaters, blankets or socks. Or you can purchase short curly stretch fur called Teddy fleece from Ali Express (also sometimes available at local Dollar Tree stores) like these: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807091204008.html https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805246789094.html https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806119458196.html
Stabilizer: Lightweight tear-away such as Sulky® Tear-Easy™, or Pellon Stitch & Tear Lite. You can also use medium tear-away if you’re careful about removing it. Embroidery machines will need a small scrap of cutaway under facial features and a scrap of water soluble topper for the face.
Fabric Glue such as Fabri-fix™ or fabric hot gluesticks for fabric with a fine tip glue gun
Wooden clothespin or similar to move the puppet mouth. Use what you have or experiment with different types of clips to suit your needs. Larger clips like clothespins are easier to work the mouth, but smaller ones like binder clips make it easier to hang your pocket puppet like a purse charm. See photo below for some clip variations.
Fiberfill stuffing It doesn’t matter which brand of stuffing you use in this tiny project, so use what you have access to. It only needs about 1/4 ounce which is about a handful of fluffy stuff.
Strong thread for hand sewing (upholstery, heavy duty or button thread all work well)
Threads for your machine
(optional) embellishments such as fur or yarn for hair, ribbon for neck, etc.

Some links may be affiliate links where I will earn a small commission if you purchase, but it doesn't change the price you pay.  Thanks for supporting Ballyhoo Creations!  (●'◡'●)

Eye Options

The list of eye options with links to purchase was getting SO BIG that I moved it to it’s own page. Checkout my 12 Options for eyes on it’s new page.

Video Tips:

Your instructions include color photos that you can zoom in and see construction details. But here are some videos that will help you understand some steps better. You will also find a link to my free doll & puppet video series below, in case you’re brand new to this. (●’◡’●)

Free Video Series

Learn the skills for making dolls, plushies, and puppets in my free video series.

Go to Videos Page

Embellishment Options:

Add a pom-pom for a nose

Or make your own nose with a 1″ circle of stretch fabric (go to timestamp 16:11 on my human puppet video and use 1/2″ circle of fabric to a tiny nose)

Add a sprig of faux fur or yarn tassel for hair