How to Make Sock Toys

by Edna Clapper

PHINEAS FISH

Fig. 1 · Fig. 2

SLIT HERE SEW CIRCLE HERE

Use a white sock for our hero. Cut a 1½″ slit in the toe and turn the sock inside out. Cut a 3½″ circle of pink or red felt, fold and overstitch around mouth slit (Figure 1). Turn sock right side out and add a thin lip line. For the fan-shaped tail, cut strip of burlap or felt and sew to sock cuff, pleating slightly. Be careful not to sew cuff together. Hide the rough cut edges with a band of felt. (Figure 2). Add fins and bright colored gills. Button eyes and a few accents of paint will provide realism. Add a cowboy hat (see [page 31]) and tie or stitch to head (Figure 3). To animate Phineas, slip two fingers above the mouth and two fingers under the mouth. Open and close scissors-fashion.

Remember to sew a tuck in the heels to make straight tubular socks. Puppets are made for either hand and stage directions can be reversed. Dye white socks if colored socks are not available.