Ever wonder what to do with the socks that magically disappear after doing laundry? You make sock puppets, of course! Sock puppets are a brilliant way to give old socks new life and to keep the kiddos busy, kids always love a good project.
Whether it is a mismatched pair, a pair with holes in them, or one that has lost its match, keep reading to find out how to turn these socks into a fun and creative craft for the kids!
Fun Puppet Sock Crafts
Puppets have always been a tried and true fun time for kids, and what better way to add to the fun than having them craft the puppets!
What you will need:
- Socks
- Buttons of all sizes and shapes (for the eyes and nose)
- Googly eyes (alternative for eyes)
- Plastic oversized needle
- Yarn
- Felt
- Child scissors
- Fabric glue
- Assortment of fun extras like glitter, puffballs, ribbon, etc.
How to make it:
- Let kids pick out a sock.
- Have them choose what supplies they want for the eyes, nose, and mouth, and if their puppet will have hair.
- Using the fabric glue, glue on googly eyes and nose shape.
- If they want button eyes, use the plastic child-friendly needle and yarn and sew on.
- With child scissors, have them cut out a tongue shape, and if they want hair, some pieces of yarn.
- Glue on tongue and yarn. They can also use the puffballs as teeth or for hair.
- Allow them some time to dazzle their puppet with any extras such as ribbon etc.
- Slide over the hand and start playing.
Have the kids put on a sock puppet show for everyone when they are all done!
Sock Clothes for Small Dolls
Socks can be a fun way to design clothes for small dolls that can take kids’ imaginations to the next level!
What you will need:
- Socks all sizes
- Child safety scissors
- Rubber bands
- Colored markers
- Glitter glue
- Assorted supplies for decorating
- Fabric glue
How to make it:
- Make an outline with a dark marker for the doll’s sleeves and cut it out.
- Make sure not to cut the rim of the sock that will be the opening for the doll’s head.
- Draw a line for the length you want to keep the dress and cut.
- You can leave the sock as a dress or cut it in the middle for a two-piece.
- Fun tip- use the toe part of the sock for a cute hat.
- Rubber bands can be used as a belt.
- Let the kids decorate with the supplies.
This is a great way for imaginations to run wild, and who knows, maybe the next top fashion designer will emerge!
Mismatched Sock Snake
This is the perfect fun sock craft for kids using those lonely socks without a partner.
What you will need:
- Socks, long or short
- Child safe scissors
- Buttons or googly eyes for eyes
- Red ribbon for tongue
- Pillow stuffing
- Child safe plastic sewing needle
- Thin yarn or thread
- Fabric glue if you don’t want to use a needle
How to make it:
- Choose socks, this craft is good for 4 or more socks or one really long sock.
- Decide what sock you want for the head and leave it intact.
- Cut out the toes of all the other socks used for the body.
- Using the fabric glue, attach the end of one sock to the sock opening of the “head” sock.
- Continue to attach all sock ends to each other till you come to the end.
- If you are using needles and yarn, have kids sew each end to the other.
- Fill the entire snake with pillow stuffing.
- Either glue or sew the bottom to close.
- Use fabric glue to adhere to the eyes.
- Cut a piece of red ribbon for the tongue.
Kids can use the completed craft as a neck pillow on long car rides!
Caterpillar Sock Craft
This simple and quick sock craft needs no scissors and is a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills. You can also tie it into a science lesson about caterpillars and butterflies.
What you will need:
- Old sock
- 5 Rubber bands (each caterpillar)
- Googly eyes
- Color pipe cleaner
- Glue
- Pillow stuffing
How to make it:
- Fill a sock with pillow stuffing.
- Wrap a rubber band around to create the head of the caterpillar.
- Fill the next section in with pillow stuffing again and wrap it with a rubber band.
- Repeat this process until you wrap your last rubber band around the end of the caterpillar body.
- Wrap pipe cleaner a couple of times around the neck of the caterpillar head, then twist to secure it in place.
- Extend the remaining portions and make a spiral shape at the ends to look like antennas.
- Glue on the eyes.
The Last Word
These fun and creative socks crafts for kids can take a boring afternoon and turn it into an activity that allows little imaginations to soar!