Ever think about making your own Teddy Bear Gift or Stuffed Animal?  It isn’t as hard as you think!  There are many patterns available to guide you along the way.  First you have to be certain you have some basic supplies to assist you in this task.  Here are some of the basic items you will probably need.

Sharp Scissors Absolutely essential! Much of the cutting and trimming is done with just the points of the scissors. Scissors need to be sharp for accurate cuts.

Needle (or Sewing Machine) While a sewing machine can be used, many of the pieces are small enough to be sewn by hand often using a double thread. Use a strong thread to keep stuffing and small parts from coming loose.  Your bear could last for generations!

Craft Knife A sharp craft knife can make cutting out the pattern much easier.  Place the material on a cutting board to prevent damage to furniture.

Long, Thin Darning Needle This makes assembly of filled parts easier. The darning needle is also helpful in stitching on the eyes.

Paper for Patterns Use paper that is easily transparent so you can see to trace the pattern.  Then cover the page with your paper and trace carefully, following the inside of the printed line.  This keeps the pattern from growing by the line thickness, which eventually makes a difference in small pieces.

Fine Felt Pens After the pattern is traced, then use the fine felt pens to draw lightly around the patterns right onto the fabric. Sometimes fine points on the finished product are accented by the use of fine felt pens instead of sewn on items which could create a safety issue with small children.

Wooden Dowel The flat ended piece of the wooden dowel is great for pushing into the stitched shape as you turn it without damaging the stitching.   It also comes in handy for packing in the stuffing

Glue Some parts are better assembled with glue. Just take off dots of glue with a pin to keep it from going places you don’t want it to touch.

Now that you have gathered all the materials needed, get a favorite material and start working on your pattern.  You will be amazed and pleased when you finish your own Teddy Bear made especially the way you want it..

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