How to Buy a Teddy Bear Pattern or Kit

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Teddy Bear Patterns
• Teddy-bear-making Supplies
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Needles
• Sewing Notions

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

Tips & Warnings

• If you're making a bear for a child who's allergic - or young - the most important thing is to make one that can be washed.