I thought i would ask this here.
i have been asked to make a multicultural looking puppet. the school want it to teach the children about global learning and have suggested that it could have dreadlocks for hair.

please somebody tell me how do i make dreadlocks for hair?

i think i have seen a puppet on ProjectPuppets gallery that has strips of foam as hair but they kind of stick out everywhere.

any help as always is gratefully recieved.

cheers
Spam 

You can use wool roving, wool yarn, or strips of wool felt ( Just make sure it is 100% wool ). Cut it the length you want the hair to be.
Roving- Separate into sections and roll between your hands until you get a long snake like pieces. you want each piece to have that matted look. Then emerge in hot soapy water for about 5 or 10 Min's then let dry completely and then rinse in cold water.... this sets the matt or hardens it so to speak.

Wool Yarn- Pick out a thick rug yarn and unravel,use the same method as above.

Wool felt- cut into strips the size you want and use same method above.

You can also use synthetic hair and make your own
http://www.angrycaninelovestick.org/dreads/index.html

Here are doll dreadlocks which is what you are trying to achieve
http://twiceasnice.com/catalog.php?category=Felted%20Wool%20Locks
Billy D.

While this is slightly off topic it may be usefull for folks.  I found this site that shows how to do basic braids in hair and that is very clear and has great diagrams.
How to Braid Your Hair

Thanks Shawn I only knew how to braid the regular and french technique. I love the rope and fishtail.

Any of these techniques would work well with yarn style puppet hair and give a girl puppet a new look.


Billy D.

If you can crochet you can crochet chains, or rosws of single crochet with yarn that is 100% wool and wash them in the washing machine. Put them ina pillowcase  in the washer with your jeans but take them out before it reaches the last spin cycle.  They felt in the wash and turn into great dreads!

If you can crochet you can crochet chains, or rosws of single crochet with yarn that is 100% wool and wash them in the washing machine. Put them ina pillowcase  in the washer with your jeans but take them out before it reaches the last spin cycle.  They felt in the wash and turn into great dreads!

That is a excellent idea.......... and easy too. Thanks for sharing. I'll add that to my list.

Billy D.

Is this the look you are looking for with a dreadlock.....




The colour may not be your style but you can easily change that if you want.  Just dye the yarn in black RIT dye, or whatever colour you want.  You may be able to find it in black as well.  I just wanted it to be colourful to the kids.

I use this type of yarn....if you go to a place that only sells yarns then you should be able to find this with no problems.....it goes along with what Billy was saying however this stuff comes in a larger to smaller depth if that makes any sense at all.....Just look at the pictures.





This is one issue that I had with the yarn it frayed at the ends, however....



.........I fixed it using Fray Check (it is in the sewing department).  All you do is lightly dab it on the ends of the strands of yarn (not to much because it gets really hard and the colour at the ends look weird compare to the rest of the hair).  I use this puppet in my classroom as well (he usually wears a hat, but I took it off for the picture).  I found this to be the most economical way to make this type of puppet. 

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask.......I hope this helps.

Daryl H

Thanks Daryl.................. I may have to buy some of this stuff myself. I have always wanted to wear dreads but knew they would not look right on me.............. I could just make some and wear them around the house. HEE-hee-ha-ha!

Billy D.

He's very cook stiqman!

cool even... grin