Simple to Sew Puppet Theater

By Nancy Anderson

Whether it's a rainy weekend afternoon or a day off from school, creating your own doorway puppet theater is a great way to spend time with your kids, creating something that can bring you years and years of fun. There is no right or wrong when it comes to the design--let your imagination run wild!

Extension rod doorway puppet theaters can be found all over the internet in the form of finished items, patterns and tutorials. This tutorial is my version and can merely serve as a guideline for your own customizations.

 

 

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The project encompasses straight line sewing to form rod casings and hems and is suitable for novice sewers. For a quick fix, heat fusible webbing, (Stitch Witchery), can be used to hem the curtains, as well as for adding cutout appliqués and embellishments.

Materials

* Fabric (fabric remnants, colorful sheets, curtains or tablecloths – anything that is large enough to cover the given area)
* Sewing thread
* Sewing machine
* Sharp dressmaker scissors
* Straight pins
* (3)   5/8”  extension rod (extension range 24” – 48”)
* (1)  3/8” x  36” dowel rod
* Iron and ironing board
* Optional heat fusible web for no-sew hems
* Optional embellishments (i.e. tassels, iron-on appliqués, etc)
* Optional clothespins (2) for securing dowel in lower screen

Notes:  This project includes a bottom curtain or lower screen, upper screen, “stage” curtains & valance and a backdrop curtain. It utilizes 3 extension rods & 1 dowel as opposed to the customary single rod and dowel construction. If desired the extra rods & layers can be omitted for a one piece theater screen.  Overall theater model measurement equals 73”h  x 33”w.

To save construction time, look for fabrics that do not unravel thus avoiding the need for hems.

Some doorways may differ in size. Please use this tutorial as a guide but carefully measure your own doorways for a custom fit.

Make certain to extend the rods as tightly as possible in the doorway in order to avoid the rods being pulled down onto your child’s head. Safety first, please.

Optional pockets can be attached to the back of the lower screen for holding puppet characters.

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Procedure

Refer to schematic diagrams for further construction details. Dimensions given for the model do not include the seam allowances required for hems & casings. Make certain to add these when cutting out fabric.

Lower Screen & Side Panels

Carefully measure doorway opening. This will be the width of the 2 screens (upper & lower).

Determine how tall you want the bottom screen to be. Carefully cut out fabric for lower screen adding a seam allowance for the casing for the dowel rod. Don’t forget to add an allowance for a hem if desired.

Cut 2 side panels. The length of these pieces will determine the height of the stage opening. Hem sides if needed. Hem for top & bottom can be made when attaching the piece to the upper & lower screens.

Attach side panels; starting on the left side, place lower screen flat with right side up. Lay side panel face down onto lower screen, matching edges along the left side & top of the lower screen curtain and the side panel. Stitch side panel to lower screen along the top edge of the screen. Repeat for right side. Set piece aside.

Upper Screen

Cut fabric for upper screen the width of the door jamb x desired height, plus seam allowance for hems & casing. Make certain to allow ample casing width to accommodate the extension rod which has a large rubber stopper at both ends.

Sew hems on side and bottom as needed. With right sides together, pin & sew the top of the side panels to the bottom of the upper screen. Set aside.

Stage Curtains:

Cut out valance & stage curtains from coordinating fabric.

Sew hems along sides & bottom on the 2 curtain panels & the valance. Sew casing along top of both curtain panels to accommodate extension rod.

Pin valance to curtains with right sides facing up. Sew the valance & curtains together along the top using a small seam allowance.  Press and set aside.

Backdrop:

Cut fabric piece desired height x width of door jamb plus seam allowances.

Hem sides & bottom. Sew generous casing for extension rod. Press & set aside.

Upper Screen Embellishments & Finishing:

Cut (4)  squares out of dark fabric and (4) squares of the lighter contrasting fabric.  (Model squares measure 6 ½ “ each)

Pin with right side together & sew around all sides.

Starting from a point on the square carefully cut each one in half crosswise to form a triangle, turn & clip seams. Steam press and set aside.

With lighter fabric cut out a large triangle with desired side lengths and as wide as the upper screen width.  Make certain to add seam allowances.

Hem the 2 equal sides.

Pin & sew smaller triangles in a row across the top of the larger triangle, overlapping slightly as needed.

Attach prepared triangle embellishment to upper screen along the top; with right sides together, place embellishment valance  upside down along the top of the upper screen. Pin in place allowing ¼” seam allowance. Sew valance to upper screen, fold down and press.

Hand sew tassels to each point as desired.

Attach curtain tie backs to the left & right edges of the side panels.

Storage Bag:

Bag is made of old sheet. Lay sheet flat. Cut out 42” x 22” piece.

Fold in half lengthwise, with right sides together. Sew along 42” side & along bottom . Clip seams & turn. Sheet hem can be used as casing and rope or ribbon can be threaded through the casing to form a drawstring.

Store theater by neatly rolling around the extension rods and placing in the storage bag.

Setting Up the Theater:

Put backdrop curtain on extension rod. Place in the back part of the doorjamb about 52” from floor.

Thread extension rod through upper screen & place in doorjamb with the bottom of the lower screen flush with the floor. Place dowel rod through casing in lower screen. Dowel will stick out a bit on both sides. Use clothespins on dowel ends to hold in place if desired, which will not show once stage curtain is installed.

Place stage curtains on extension rod. Attach in door jamb in front of the stage opening.  Tie back curtains and begin the performance.

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