How to Make Your Own Teddy Bear

Children love teddy bears, but a good bear is often hard to come by, and it is even harder to find a bear that fits the child's exact specifications. This problem is easily solved by making your own teddy bear.

1. First: Design your bear

   The first step is to come up with a design for what your teddy bear is going to look like. Make sure to spend enough time on this step, as it is arguably the most important step. If this is your first teddy bear making project, it is best to keep things simple and go with the classic teddy bear.

2. Second: Choose the right materials

   It is very important to choose the right materials for the teddy bear. A good bear is soft and plush yet durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear a child gives to his favorite toy. The best place to look for material is at a hobby store; simple felt is a great choice as it is durable but also soft. It is also important to pick the right filler, so the teddy has volume. Filler is easy to find at most hobby stores.

3. Third: Prepare materials and begin sewing

   Using the design from the first step, create stencils that allow you to cut the material into the right shape. When this is done, you can start sewing together the body of the bear. It is best to sew each body part individually and then join them together later on as a whole. Make sure to leave an opening on one end of the bear for inserting the filling. Once the bear is sewn, insert the filling into the body until it is as soft as you desire.