If you’re thinking about building puppets, or want some help with some fundamental patterns, there is no better place to start than ProjectPuppet. I and many others got help starting out thanks to the patterns and extras at ProjectPuppet.

ProjectPuppet run by its founder Pasha Romanowski as a way to give builders a start. His about page is far more detailed and does a much better job than I could. The great thing about the site is the passion Pasha has and the community inspired by his patterns.

Lets focus on the patterns, ProjectPuppet, offers its Simple Series. The puppets are a step up from a sock puppet or a fancy one in the case of the Glorified Sock Pattern (this is the one I started with). The simpler series includes a basic body, arms, foam forehead or top skull and mouth. As Pasha notes these are a starting point, and what you can do with them is limited only by your creativity. This series has four different head patterns, legs, and an alternate foam body. Its a great less expensive way to get started building and designing, and the options are limitless. Need a kermit like pattern? Try the Glorified Sock pattern.

If simple isn’t your thing, ProjectPuppet offers the Forma series. With the forma series you have a full foam, body, head (with chin), hands and if you want arms. The series also details a technique for removable arm rods. You can do raw foam, or cover it in fleece or fur with an extra pattern the site sells.

Last is the Monster series. ProjectPuppet has a simple monster with the Monstro, and a live hand monster with the Borsa, so you can make your own Cookie Monster, Murray Monster, Oscar, or Telly.

The great thing about all these patterns is they’re easy to follow. Pasha has done an excellent job, detailing out in the pattern how they’re cut, how they connect, and where to add seam allowance. Included with each pattern is a set of instructions written in plain english with some sample images to help indicate how a step is done.

From time to time ProjectPuppet also offers special limited time patterns, and always has some tutorials for posable hands, adding extra features and draping, stitches, and more. Just check out the tutorials.

Project puppet doesn’t stop at patterns, you can buy supplies like Antron fleece (the fleece used by many professional puppet builders and the muppets), and reticulated foam.

I mentioned the passion and community. ProjectPuppet has a great inspirational gallery full of many talented builders and designers. You can see all the ways and how far those patterns can go.

Catch Project Puppet on Facebook and Twitter too.

If still want more be sure to check out his Beyond the Sock workshop.