How to Buy a Teddy Bear Pattern or Kit

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Teddy bears are available in hundreds of shapes and sizes, but for sweetness and soul, there's nothing like a homemade bear.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Decide what kind of bear you want to make. Is your child set on a panda or a Pooh or a Paddington? Ask her teacher or her siblings if you're not sure, or try subtly showing her some pictures.
Step 2

Do a little research on what's out there. If you're a skilled seamster or seamstress, you may be able to make your own pattern or even cut freehand - but most of us will need to find a pattern or kit that's already made.
Step 3

Assess your skills. Do you know how to sew? Are you comfortable with the idea of attaching eyes and arms?
Step 4

Assess your tools. Do you own a sewing machine (or have you been waiting for a reason to get one)? Do you have scissors and glue?
Step 5

Inventory your resources. Do you have a friend or neighbor who's a champion bear maker or at least a sewing whiz? Perhaps there's a class at a local fabric store or a community college.
Step 6

Think about your time. If you've got a few weeks before the big event or if you're making a bear for no particular reason, you'll be fine. But if you're planning to work a gazillion hours and manage the local holiday pageant at the same time, you may want to pick a simple pattern (or buy a bear and make some simple accessories instead).
Step 7

Choose a pattern or kit that fits your skills, time and needs. There's nothing wrong with taking on a bit of a challenge - that's how we learn - but it's important to be realistic, too.

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