Sock puppet facts for kids

A sock puppet is a simple type of hand puppet made from a sock. People use their hand inside the sock to make the puppet move and talk. Most sock puppets have features like eyes or a mouth added to them. These can be made from fabric, plastic, or even buttons. Some sock puppets also wear tiny hats or clothes to make them look more like characters.

Sock puppets are fun to make and play with. They can be used to tell stories, put on shows, or just have a silly conversation. Because they are easy to create, many people make their own sock puppets at home.

Famous Sock Puppets

Many sock puppets have become famous on television and in live shows. They have entertained audiences for many years.

Ed the Sock

In Canada, a well-known sock puppet named Ed the Sock has been on TV since 1987. He is known for his funny and sometimes grumpy personality. Ed the Sock has appeared in a weekly TV show called Ed's Night Party!.

Soupy Sales' Puppets

In the 1950s, a comedian named Soupy Sales made two sock puppets very popular. Their names were White Fang and Black Tooth. These puppets were often part of his comedy acts, making people laugh.

Shari Lewis's Friends

The famous ventriloquist and puppeteer Shari Lewis delighted children with her lovable sock puppets. Her most famous characters were Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse, and Hush Puppy. They appeared on TV and performed live for over forty years, becoming favorites for many generations.

Kukla and Ollie

Also in the 1950s, two TV sock puppets named Kukla and Ollie starred in a long-running program called Kukla, Fran and Ollie. They appeared alongside a real person named Fran, who sat in front of the stage. The show was known for its gentle humor and storytelling.

Making Your Own Sock Puppet

Making a sock puppet is a fun and creative activity. All you need is an old sock and a few craft supplies.

What You Need

• One clean sock (an adult-sized sock works best)
• Scissors
• Craft glue or a needle and thread
• Materials for features:
  • Buttons, googly eyes, or felt for eyes
  • Felt, yarn, or fabric scraps for a mouth, tongue, or hair
  • Small items like pom-poms, pipe cleaners, or ribbon for decorations

Simple Steps

• Choose your sock: Pick a sock that fits your hand comfortably. The heel of the sock can become the puppet's chin or mouth area.
• Add eyes: Glue or sew two buttons, googly eyes, or felt circles onto the top of the sock. Place them where you want the puppet's eyes to be.
• Create a mouth: Cut an oval or crescent shape from felt for the mouth. You can fold the sock and glue the felt along the fold to make the mouth open and close.
• Decorate: Add hair using yarn, a nose with a pom-pom, or ears with felt triangles. You can also give your puppet clothes, a hat, or other accessories.
• Bring it to life: Once the glue is dry, put your hand inside the sock. Use your fingers to move the puppet's mouth and make it talk.

Images for kids

• 

  A sock puppet decorated to look like a snake

• 

  A collection of sock puppets

• 

  Pro wrestler Mick Foley and his accomplice, Mr. Socko