Tips for making Terrific Teddy Bears!

Those with years of crafting experience will tell you that most often it is the simplest advice that is the most important! Follow these tips and you'll save yourself a lot of strife! And if you have a handy tip from your personal experience - "share the love!" - send in your pearls of wisdom. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page…

Teddy-Making TIPS for you...

A great variety of materials can be used to make a bear besides the traditional mohair and fake furs. Knits, corduroy, terry cloth, velor, velvet, synthetic suede, even denim.

Tahlia, from Australia recommended stuffing your bear using the filling from one of your old and worn out pillows you dont use anymore, instead of going out and buying expensive stuffing.

Think twice about using foodstuffs to stuff your bear! Barley, rice and lentils may seem like good fillers - Careful!! insects such as beetles and moths may find your bear very tasty!

A tip for turning your bear – use tweezers or hemostats to make an indent/well at the end of your limb or body and gently use your turning tool to push this out the opening you’ve left for turning.

For taking the fur out of the seams, use an eyebrow brush/comb - these can also be used for brushing up the bear's fur. A toothbrush is also great for brushing up long-pile or shorter Upholstery Fabrics.

Take your time with a bear nose. After all, it's one of your bear's most obvious features. Beginner and experienced bear makers alike know the frustration of embroidering that perfect nose.

For most collectible teddy bears use glass eyes. If the bear is intended for a child, then use safety eyes. Trim around the eye placement areas to help your bear see better!

Most eyes are hand made and there is a wide variation so match the eyes when you buy them.

Positioning eyes takes time. One easy way is to use 2 black glass-headed pins. Keep on repositioning them until you achieve the look and expression you want.

Pull the eye threads tightly so that the pressure pulls each eye into the head and creates a natural eye socket.

Use dental tape instead of thread for the eyesas you will need to pull them in really tightly and even upholstery thread can snap.

*** If you have a handy tip that you think may help others making teddy bears - fill out the form below and send it in.

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