How to Make Teddy Bears for Kids

Simple teddy bear pattern

Teddy bears have provided cuddly comfort for generations. Kids and adults alike have a soft spot for these lovable childhood staples. Novice hobbyists may find creating a fully jointed bear a bit complicated. In contrast, this simpler pattern is easy to work with, even for a beginner. It's also a project that an adult and child could do together.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 yard fabric
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Coordinating thread
• Sewing needle
• Straight pins
• Permanent art pen or marker
• 1/4 yard of coordinating ribbon

Instructions

1. 

   A pattern similar to the one pictured can be drawn by hand or created by connecting a series of circles and rectangles. Let children be creative with their own ideas, such as shorter arms or a chubbier body.

2. 

   Pin the pattern to the fabric.

3. 

   Cut out two identical teddy bear pieces from fabric.

4. 

   Putting right sides together, sew around the edges of the bear, leaving a seam allowance of about 3/8 of an inch. Be sure to leave about 1 1/2 inch opening for turning and stuffing. The bear can be sewn with a machine or by hand.

5. Turn the bear right side out.

6. 

   Stuff the bear with fiberfill. If necessary, push the fiberfill into the arms, legs and ears with a pencil that has not been sharpened. Close the opening with small stitches.

7. 

   Hand-stitch to separate the ears from the head and give more definition, if desired.

8. 

   Add a simple face using a permanent art pen or marker. For a more elaborate face, use buttons or embroider the features rather than drawing them.

9. Tie on a jaunty bow for a finishing touch.

Tips & Warnings

• The child may wish to use a red permanent art pen to add a tiny heart on the bear's chest.

• If the toy is intended for a small child, do not attach buttons or small decorative items, since they could be choking hazards.

Resources

• The history of the teddy bear