How to make a muppet-type puppet: Round Head Foam Puppet Pattern

4th February 2010 Muppet-type puppets, Patterns & Tutorials foam, muppet-type, patterns

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This is my first muppet-type puppet pattern, based on a puppet I made in 2007 - actually, a female puppet, but this one is male (well, unless you modify it that is!). It’s my most popular pattern, and I’ve had great feedback from users!!! This pattern is great for those of you who have The Foam Book, but wished it came with patterns! With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, plenty of pictures, and a set of patterns, you too can make a foam puppet. You can use the patterns to make humans, monsters or animals! You may also want to check the Human Foam Puppet Pattern out (compare pattern differences below). Use the large links below to navigate the different sections.

preview of the pattern

Features

Print-and-cut patterns, instructions and pictures, means no guesswork
This pattern is designed for the beginner, so it’s easy to follow and produces great results!
Patterns are made with multiple uses/characters in mind, so your imagination is your only limit
Learn from someone else’s mistakes! Handy tips show you what not to do
Instant download; no waiting forever for the mailman to deliver it
A custom made muppet-type puppet could cost you upwards of hundreds of dollars; this reusable pattern is only ~~$25 USD~~ temporarily $5 and could save you lots of money

Got questions? Try this FAQ.

Build

A durable puppet mouth, with easy-to-use grip
A three-piece foam head
Durable foam body
Complete body- and head- skin coverings
Neck and facial features
Arms, hands and detachable rods

Examples

More example images can be found here, and people who’ve actually used the pattern have posted their own pics: here, here and here; new photos have been added to the slideshow below as of 21 Nov 2011 from a customer, more info here. The example puppet used in this pattern can be seen in this video. If you’d like to share your pics using the pattern, please do email me a link!

Reviews

Sandra Shepley said

…The pattern I bought from you was so comprehensive and excellent, that I don’t need any more patterns as I have all the information I need now to just adapt your pattern to anything else I want to try.
…I really do love you muppet pattern as it gave me the confidence to try other shapes because you have clearly described general puppet making principles as well as specific instructions for that particular puppet… The instructions were clear and helpful to follow and I feel you could adapt the shape into almost anything using the foam shaping method you describe for the head. I would recommend this pattern for anyone who wants to make the puppet on the picture, or anyone who wants to learn puppet making skills which could easily be adapted to other types of puppets as well.

Billy Fuller of SS Puppets said

I would like to mention that Na [aka School of Puppetry] has a remarkable pattern…

Miguel said

Now, I will really recommend Na’s pattern, it’s great. Not only because of the pattern, but the instructions [are] really well [explained]. (Thanks Na for that pattern)

Dutch Puppet said

Great monster pattern. For everyone who is looking for an easy to understand pattern: Buy this pattern! It is a great pattern with great result.

Lovable Puppet Pals said

Awesome pattern! This is a wonderful pattern for anyone that’s never made a puppet before, or for those that are experienced builders. I’ve used many patterns to build all different kinds of puppets, but I think this one was by far the simplest to follow….which, of course, made it so quick to finish! Thanks for the awesome pattern!

Pattern comparison

Round Head Foam Puppet Pattern (you are here)			Human Foam Puppet Pattern
Half body puppet pattern			Half body puppet pattern
Good for the beginner builder			Good for the intermediate or expert builder
Extra info for Aussies on buying materials			Extra info for Aussies on buying materials
Instructions are focused on monster puppets; but can be used for humans or animals			Instructions are focused on human puppets; but can be used for monsters or animals
Create sturdy mouth			Create sturdy mouth
Build three-piece head			Build three-piece head
Head shape: round			Head shape: square/triangular jaw
Create cloth neck			Create cloth neck
Build body; no shoulders			Build body, with shoulders
Use fur to cover puppet			Use fleece to cover puppet
Use glue to attach fur			Use sewing to attach fleece
Build simple stuffed arms and hands; sew on			Build tubular foam arms; attach with rope for more flexibility in movement
Build and attach simple removable rods			Build and attach hands with rods permanently installed
Build and attach eyes			Build and attach eyes
Build and attach nose; no pattern provided			Build and attach nose; pattern provided
Build and attach tongue
			Build and attach ears; pattern provided
			Build and attach wig; pattern provided
			Build and use tshirt costume; pattern provided
			Comes with basic performance tips and exercises to use for practice

This post AKA making your own muppet puppet, AKA how to make a rod arm puppet, AKA How do you make a hinged mouth puppet, AKA muppet mouth control, AKA how to make a puppet talking mouth, AKA muppet mouth how to make, AKA glove arm puppet pattern, AKA making a muppet style head