To make the back of the puppet, you have choices:

• You can make it identical to the front by following the directions above.
• You can make it by weaving plain weave-that is, without hair. For interest, you can use different colored yarns and make stripes.
• You can experiment by varying the fabric. For example, you could weave over two threads, instead of one. You could change which two threads you go over in every row. These variations will form "floats." Try anything-just make sure that the floats are not longer than 3 threads and that you vary which threads you go over and under from row to row, otherwise the warp and weft threads may get caught and snag, and the puppet would suffer!

Adding Features

• Add features before sewing the two puppet halves together. See the photo at the beginning of this page for suggested placement of facial features.
• Using a tapestry needle and one strand of the eye yarn, embroider one eye using a stitch similar to the satin stitch or use buttons. Each eye should be approximately 1/2 inch across.
• Repeat for the other eye and the nose, using the same stitch.
• For the tongue, tie the 9 threads together, and make a 3-strand braid, using 3 threads for each strand.
• You may add other features to your puppet, depending on your fiber expertise. For example, embroider eyebrows, stitch whiskers, or add eyelashes. You may also use other techniques; for example, you could crochet or knit the tongue, instead of braiding it.

Sewing the Puppet

• Using the tapestry needle and leftover warp yarn, sew the tongue on the wrong side of the puppet front, underneath the teeth, in the center of the puppet.
• Keeping the wrong sides together, and the right sides to the outside, pin the two puppet halves together. Sew the front and back together at the top or mouth only, making sure that the tongue and teeth stay on the outside of the puppet.
• Unpin the puppet, and fold over at the mouth so that the right sides of the puppets are together, and the wrong sides of the puppet are outside. Pin again.
• Using the same yarn as the warp, sew the two long sides of the puppet together. Do not sew the bottom.
• Turn the puppet inside out. Say hello to the puppet!

Giving the Puppet a Bath

• Your puppet will feel a lot fluffier if you give it a bath. Fill a wash tub or sink with lukewarm water and a little bit of dishwashing detergent. Gently put the puppet in the water, making sure that the water covers the puppet. Leave several hours or overnight. Gently rinse the puppet until all the soap is gone. Place the puppet in a towel and roll it. Squeeze out excess water. Do not wring the puppet-it would really hurt! Unroll the towel. Examine the puppet. Smooth out any tangled hair gently. Cut any extra threads. Lay it flat to dry. While your puppet dries, be thinking of a name. Show off your puppet!

Adding Hair to the Puppet:

• Take the strands of yarn to be used for hair as a group.
• Find the two warp threads that will hold the hair.
• Place the group over the two warp threads.
• On each side of the warp threads, fold the hair toward the middle, and wrap it around the warp thread so that the hair comes out between the two warp threads. Pull toward you. The knot is completed.

How to Embroider Face Features:

• Start with a stitch 1/8 inch long, adding stitches making a total of 5 stitches in varying lengths for the foundation of the eye (or nose). Add more stitches to create a bulging eye.

Making Fringe:

• Using unwoven warp threads, place tails over the rest of the yarn, making a loop.
• Place the tails first under the loop and then over it, making a knot. Push the knot close to the weaving.

How to Make a Three-Strand Braid:

• Use 3 threads for each strand of the braid. When crossing the strands, always keep the crossing thread on top; for example, strand #1 goes over strand #2.
• Start again, by using strand #2 as #1, strand #3 as #2, and strand #1 as #3.