Every Stitch Tells a Story: My Teddy Bear Making Journey

Hello, fellow crafters and storytellers! It’s Fran here, and I’m so excited to welcome you to my little corner of the world, where we turn memories into something you can hold. Today, I want to take you on a journey through my adventures in teddy bear making. It’s a craft that’s incredibly close to my heart, and I hope by sharing my experiences, you’ll be inspired to start your own.

How It All Began

It all started when I saw someone in an antique shop, lovingly sewing memory bears. There was something so special about the idea of taking a piece of clothing, something that held so many memories, and transforming it into a cuddly companion. That’s when I knew I had to try it myself.

My very first project was a “tartan duo,” a pair of bears representing my mother and father, which I made from my dad’s old house coat. These first bears were simple, with no joints. I found a free pattern online—just by searching for “free bear patterns”—and got to work. I created the body by sewing a square of fabric into a sack and gathering it at the top, then attaching the head, arms, and feet. For a bit of extra character, I used faux fur for the paws and head, and buttons for the eyes and nose. To truly capture their spirit, I added a little tam with a bobble for my dad’s bear, and a handkerchief with tassels for my mom’s.

Learning and Growing with Each Bear

With each bear, I’ve learned something new and found ways to add more personality and story to my creations.

Fabric and Embellishments: The Heart of the Bear

The choice of fabric is everything. I’ve used everything from old corduroy pants and blue jeans to my husband’s shirts and even my old slacks. For a touch of softness, I’ve used felt and even ventured into the world of luxurious mohair.

But the real magic comes from the little details. A pocket on the back can hold a special memento. I’ve incorporated shirt collars, ties, and even cufflinks from original garments. Badges, like the Royal Canadian Dragoons and Royal Canadian Legion badges, add a unique touch of history and honor. And for a signature mark, I always add a small heart to each of my bears.

The Art of Jointing

After my first joint-less bears, I was ready to tackle something a bit more complex. My first attempt at jointing was with cotter pins, which I found a little wobbly. I then moved on to bolts and screws, which gave the limbs a much firmer and more satisfying feel. For smaller bears, I found that using buttons for the joints works wonderfully and is surprisingly stable.

Sewing Techniques and Tips

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks of the trade:

• Mirror Imaging: This is a crucial concept to ensure your bear’s limbs are properly aligned. Always make sure you’re sewing the same way on both sides (for example, inside on both legs).
• Leveling Tartan: If you’re working with a plaid or tartan fabric, take the time to make sure the pattern is level. It makes a world of difference in the finished product.
• Stitching: I’ve used a variety of stitches, from a simple blanket stitch for the face to a ladder stitch for closing seams. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your project.
• Ruffling a Skirt: For a little she-bear, I wanted to create a skirt. Instead of the traditional method of gathering a straight piece of fabric, I cut a circle with a hole in the middle. This created a lovely, full skirt without adding too much bulk around the bear’s middle.

Embracing Imperfection and Finding Creative Solutions

Not everything always goes to plan, and that’s okay! On one of my mohair bears, I made a mistake while sewing the ears and ran out of fabric. My solution? I colored the ears with pastel pencils to match the rest of the bear. It’s these little imperfections and creative fixes that make each bear truly one-of-a-kind.

I’ve even created a bear entirely out of French knots! I traced a small bear pattern and then filled it in with French knots using wool. It was a labor of love, but the result was a wonderfully textured and unique creation.

A Craft from the Heart

Teddy bear making is more than just a hobby for me. It’s a way to create something beautiful and meaningful. I hope my story has inspired you to pick up a needle and thread and start your own teddy bear making journey. Remember, every stitch tells a story. What story will you tell?

Happy crafting!