Many give teddy bears to children, especially if they belong to their own family, but it is quite rare for them to be sewn by the person offering the gift. If you feel like putting your sewing skills to work, you can give this toy a personal touch and offer it lovingly to someone special.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a Sock
Step 1. Spread a sock on one surface
Smooth it out so that the back is facing upward. This should create a crease in the heel.
Step 2. Cut the fabric to create the head
Draw a circle on the end of the sock using the curve from the toe as a base. Add ears to the top of the circle to make the outline of the teddy bear's head. This part should not take up more than a quarter of the length of the sock. Cut the fabric along the line of the ears. Once you're done, cut a piece of fabric at the base of the circle to make a hole for the neck.
Step 3. Cut out the fabric for the arms and legs
Just above the heel is the tube-shaped fabric, which usually covered the ankle when wearing the sock. Measure the sock from the curve where the heel ends to the top edge: by eye, cut this part in half. Then, cut the final piece of the sock in half lengthwise to get the arms. Make a small cut in the bottom half of the remaining piece until it reaches the base of the heel. This will help form the teddy bear's body and legs.
Step 4. Fill and sew the head
Turn your head inside out and close the top with your sewing machine or by hand. Once finished, turn the fabric over and fill the head with batting. Sew the neck once you have reached the desired size for the head.
You can buy typical stuffing for teddy bears at a store that sells DIY items. If you don't want to, you can use cotton balls or scraps
Step 5. Stuff and sew the body
Turn the body inside out and sew the legs with a sewing machine or by hand. Once finished, turn them over and stuff the body. Sew the collar once you have reached the desired size.
Step 6. Attach the head to the body
Sew the head to the body using a running stitch or saddle stitch.
Step 7. Sew the arms
If you haven't done this before, cut the final piece into two parts to create the arms. Partially sew them to close and then stuff them. Once you are satisfied with the result, attach them to the body.
Step 8. Finished
At this point you will have a new plush friend. You can sew puppet eyes and create the nose with embroidery floss.
Method 2 of 2: Using Felt
Step 1. Create the arms
Cut four shapes similar to a rabbit's ears - they will form the arms. Sew two pieces together using a machine or plain stitch of your choice to create each arm. Leave an opening on the final edge to stuff it.
Step 2. Create the legs
Repeat the previous step by cutting out slightly larger shapes to create the legs. You can adjust the shape of the paws to get the bear you have in mind: for example, it could be sitting.
Step 3. Contour and profile the head
Draw a profile (side view) of the garment suitable for the teddy bear you want to create. Cut out two pieces of this shape. Then, sew them together from the neck to the nose.
Step 4. Cut the dowel for the head
Cut out this center piece to fit between the two pieces of the garment you have already cut out and sewn. Draw a shape similar to a men's tie, it must be long enough to be sewn between the tip of the nose and the back of the neck. You will need to line it up with your neck and pin it in place before sewing.
Step 5. Sew the gusset in place
Once you have drawn and cut out the figure, sew the piece of fabric in the correct place, between the existing pieces of the head.
Step 6. Create the body
Now you just have to do this part. Start with two pieces of fabric cut out into rectangles. Create rounded cuts on each corner. Sew the sides together on the longer edges, so that you end up with some kind of tube. Next, sew one of the shorter edges to close it, leaving the circular cutouts open. The arms and legs will be joined to the body thanks to these rounded corners.
Step 7. Turn all pieces inside out
You can help yourself with a pencil. Turning the pieces hides the seams you will be making.
Step 8. Stuff and attach the head
Fill the garment and sew it over the upper body, on the short open end.
Some pieces of the padding may move towards the body: this is not a problem
Step 9. Attach the arms and legs
Sew both arms in the area of the upper circular cutouts. Sew one leg in a similar fashion, but leave the last one detached. Stuff the teddy bear and then sew the last leg.
Step 10. Cut and attach the ears
Cut out the ears, making a figure resembling a half circle. Fold it in half and then attach the ears to the head.
Step 11. Give the teddy bear a facial expression
Add details (such as the nose and mouth) with embroidery floss or buttons.
Step 12. Make the eyes with buttons
At this point, you can define the muzzle. Use buttons if you want, or buy stuffed toy eyes from a shop that sells DIY items.
Embroidered eyes are preferable for younger children, who tend to put everything in their mouths
Step 13. Have fun with your new cuddly friend
Take care of it or give it to someone you love.
Advice
- The seams need to be tight so your friend will last a long time.
- You can also sew clothes.
- Make sure you make enough secure seams.
- If you are sewing clothes, get some cute fabrics (if it's a teddy bear for girls), maybe pink. Make pajamas, sports jackets, jeans, sweaters, a sweater and so on.
Warnings
- If a child wants to try sewing a teddy bear, it needs to be monitored.
- The scissors and needles are pointed, so pay attention to how you handle and use them.
