Elephant sock puppet

The best sock puppets are distinctive, one-of-a-kind creations made from old bits and bobs. This elephant puppet requires some basic sewing skills but can be made using items found around the home.

What you need:

• A pair of large grey socks (one for the main body and the other for spare parts)
• Scissors
• Cotton wool (or anything to stuff your trunk with – scrunchy paper will do)
• 2 x buttons
• Needle and thread

Optional extras:

• Black thread (to make wrinkles)
• Pipe cleaner (to shape the trunk)

Number of players:
1+

Activity:

First you need to make the trunk and ears.

Cut the end off the spare sock and make it into a trunk by stuffing it with cotton wool. If you have a pipe cleaner, put the pipe cleaner in to help it hold its shape. If you don't have a pipe cleaner, just leave your trunk floppy.

Cut ear shapes out of the rest of the spare sock. Sew the ears into place on the sock you are using for the puppet.

Sew the buttons on for eyes.

If you are feeling super-crafty, use the black thread to stitch horizontal lines onto the trunk for wrinkles; scrunch the fabric as you stitch for a realistic look. 

Add a few lines onto the tip of the trunk for nostrils.

Sew the trunk into position on the sock puppet.