Teddy bear sewing patterns have comforted children, acted as mascots, and been part of our traditional fairy tale heritage for many years. Best of all, they come in all shapes and sizes. This tutorial will show you an amazing selection of free teddy patterns to sew.
Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns Tutorial
There are many variations of the basic stuffed teddy bear. This cuddly toy has become so popular there are a wide variety of types of bears and sizes of bears. It is, therefore, important to establish the pattern you are going to use and the type of fabric you choose.
Teddy bear options vary from mascot-style teddies to larger teddy bears with jointed legs and arms and firm stuffing. There are ways to add eyes, embroider features, and paw pads to make your teddy bear sewing pattern unique.
What You'll Need to Make a Teddy Bear
Best Fabric for Making Teddy Bears
There is a wide choice of fabrics for creating a teddy bear. Faux fur is popular, but teddies can be made of other fabric scraps too. Look through these suggestions, and perhaps you will be tempted to sew your first teddy bear pattern.
- Cotton – Cotton fabric or linen is a good way to start a teddy bear project. The fabric is easy to work with and not too expensive. Varieties of cotton like denim, twill, and corduroy make the bear look and feel different. Consider cutting up old baby clothing for a memory bear.
- Flannel – Flannel is soft to the touch and would make a comforting bear to cuddle at night.
- Cotton knits - or double knit is similar to jersey knit. It is light and easy to work with and also has a stretch factor in the fabric.
- Fleece – is a polyester fabric often used for warm tracksuits. It is quite hard-wearing. Fleece has a slight stretch, and is easy to work with.
- Faux fabrics – including fur, mohair, suede and velboa or low-pile Faux Fur. All these fabrics are popular for sewing teddy bears. Another fabric in this range is called Minky. Minky is popular for soft toys because it is a microfibre fabric and is knitted into various weights and lengths of pile heights, giving it a greater variety. However, it is not the easiest fabric to work with for beginners.
Other Sewing Materials for Teddy Bears Sewing Patterns
- Sewing cotton
- Scissors
- Matching sewing cotton
- Dressmaking pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine
- Embroidery thread
Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns Faces
It is important to factor into your materials the extras you plan to use for the teddy bear sewing pattern's facial features and paws. These additional extras to the materials you use to make your bear give it character and identity. Bears need eyes, mouths, and noses.
These features can be embroidered onto the finished bear, or they may be store-bought depending on your teddy sewing pattern.
Look carefully for commercial eyes and noses and take into account the age of the child because of safety and choking on parts that may become dislodged.
See how much you can change the personality of your teddy bear sewing pattern with different expressions.
Best Free Teddy Bear Patterns
1. Free Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
This teddy bear pattern reminds me of my childhood teddy. Handmade bears can be passed down through families and, if treated well, can last many years. Free teddy bear pattern by Gathered
2. Stuffed Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern
The Kimberbear is a free downloadable teddy bear sewing pattern by Shannon Fabrics. It was created to be donated to communities such as children's hospitals, support centers, and other great causes.
3. Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns Free
Make these bears with old clothing to create a meaningful keepsake for someone special. This teddy bear sewing pattern is for intermediate sewers. Memory bear pattern by Sew Joyful
4. Free Teddy Bear Patterns
Make a classic teddy bear with faux fur and moving joints. Using different length of mohair will give each bear and individual look and a different personality. Teddy sewing pattern by Sewing Talk
5. T-Shirt Teddy Sewing Pattern
This easy teddy bear sewing pattern is made by upcycling a t-shirt. As this is so simple, you can use a sewing machine or hand sew it with a running stitch or backstitch. Great way to use up sentimental t-shirts or stretch items from your kids. Teddy sewing pattern by Gathered.
6. Fabric Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
Use up your quilting cotton scraps to make this teddy bear called Pete. Use small prints like stripes and spots for his ears to really make them stand out. The oversized bow tie makes it so quirky. Teddy bear sewing pattern by While She Naps.
7. Easy Teddy Bear Pattern
Teddy bears can be made in all one piece for a quick and easy option. This teddy bear can be made by kids with a little help from you. It will teach them beginner sewing skills such as sewing curves and clipping. Easy teddy pattern by Skip to My Lou
8. Cute Teddy Bear Patterns
Use quilting fabrics to make this cute teddy bear. It has jointed arms and legs using a simple button technique. Make a whole family with different fabrics. Teddy bear pattern by Zakka Art
9. Plush Teddy Sewing Patterns
This teddy bear pattern uses Minky fabric, which is a short pile faux fur. it is generally slightly stretchy, so some ballpoint or stretch needles will help. Simple teddy bear pattern by Nimble Phish
10. Easy Teddy Sewing Pattern from Fleece
Fleece teddy bears all in one piece are some of the easiest patterns to sew. Personalize it with an embroidered face, and it will be ready in under an hour. Teddy pattern to sew from Craft Elf
11. Plush Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
This small teddy bear pattern looks adorable in long faux fur. With just 2 pattern pieces, this is certainly an easy teddy pattern. Plush teddy sewing pattern by Savy Homemade
12. Charity Bear Sewing Pattern
The best thing about this simple bear pattern is that the creator has given multiple options for the muzzle and belly so you can personalize it. He is called Warren the charity bear as he was designed to be made for people who want to make bears for donations. Easy teddy sewing pattern by Shiny Happy World
13. Quilted Teddy Bear
This quilting fabric teddy bear is designed for intermediate sewers since it has numerous body parts and jointed arms and legs. The pattern includes the wagon and flowers. Fabric bear sewing patterns by Ulla's Quilt World
14. Soft Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
This small and soft teddy bear is great as a baby shower gift. It is fast and easy, and the fleece makes it so cuddly. Teddy bear sewing pattern by Sew Toy
15. Happy Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern
Make a modern teddy bear with some simple sewing skills. This bear is designed to hold a gift card in his little front pocket. Teddy bear sewing patterns by My So Called Crafty Life
16. Wool Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern
Use some wool fabric and your favorite Liberty small print cotton fabric to make a soft teddy bear. Sewing with felted wool is great for beginners as it hides imperfections. Teddy bear sewing patterns by Purl Soho
17. Free Teddy Bear Pattern Beginners
What better way to celebrate a new arrival than with a handmade teddy bear. Made from linen, this bear is sure to be long-lasting. Make it in a bright color for a truly one-of-a-kind bear. Free teddy bear patterns from Love Crafts
18. Vintage Style Teddy Bear Pattern to Sew
This free pattern for a teddy bear is in a vintage style. Use cotton fabrics with a dense weave and embroider the face. The best thing about this easy pattern is that it fits into a fat quarter! Teddy bear sewing patterns by Whip Stitch
19. Teddy Bear Pattern for Beginners
You can see where this teddy bear pattern got it's name from! You could even go one step further and embroider a letter or message on the love heart. Teddy bear sewing patterns from Scratch and Stitch.
20. Fabric Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern
The idea behind this teddy bear pattern is to upcycle old children's clothing to make a special keepsake. Every time you look at the bear, you will be reminded of the things you did with your children. Teddy sewing patterns by Sew Mag.
21. Small Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
Sew a teddy bear that is 5" (14cm) high. Make it from felt or fabric. This pdf includes a printable pattern but not instructions so is best for those of you who have made a teddy bear before. Free small teddy bear sewing pattern from Budly Crafts
22. Baby Clothes Teddy Bear Patterns
Use old stretchy baby clothes to make a soft memory bear. It is ideal for sewing it with the clothing that baby came home from the hospital with. Teddy sewing patterns from PA County Crafts.
23. Flat Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
I love how this teddy bear sewing pattern is lying down. I can just imagine it lying on the end of a bed. Teddy bear sewing pattern by Funky Friends Factory.
24. Felt Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
The best thing about this simple teddy bear pattern is that you can make a whole wardrobe of clothing. The clothes attach with the 4 buttons. Free felt teddy bear pattern from Hello Bee.
25. Backpack Teddy Sewing Pattern
This is an adorable teddy bear sewing pattern with straps. Save time by adding a pouch to an existing teddy bear. Backpack teddy bear sewing patterns by Doodle Craft.
26. Stuffed Bear Pattern
One of the things I love about using mohair fur for teddy bears is that you can shave the muzzle to give you bear so much character. This pattern is free when you subscribe to the Teddy's by Lauren newsletter.
27. Bright Teddy Bear
This teddy bear sewing pattern is certainly not boring. Look at its adorable face and tongue sticking out. This pattern is free when you subscribe to the Teddy's by Lauren newsletter.
How to Make a Teddy Bear Instructions
Draft out your teddy bear sewing patterns first or find the correct pieces you require from your pattern envelope and be sure of how many of each piece are required to complete one bear.
How to Cut Out the Teddy Bear
Trace out your pieces onto the reverse side of the fabric. Make sure you turn each piece to get a mirror opposite to enable you to have the right pieces for each side of the bear.
You can double-check your pieces by laying them out to check that you have a direct opposite of each piece to complete the bear.
Place the pieces together in groups that represent the parts of the body in their order of completion. For example, put the head, ears, and nose together. Match the legs in their order. Front left and right and back left and right together. In this way, you will have all the matching parts and know where they will be attached.
How to Sew a Teddy Bear
Follow the directions provided on your pattern and be ready to sew up the bear leaving openings where necessary for the stuffing. The steps laid out below are applied to a bear made with several parts to be sewn in a particular order.
Step 1 - Sew the Ears
Start with the teddy’s ears. Place the wrong sides together and sew around the round part. Snip the curved edges to ensure they turn round smoothly.
Turn the ears to the right side. They will be ready to attach to the head.
Step 2 - Sew the Head
The second step is to make the head and attach the ears. Attach the ears to the side of the front head and then stitch the head pieces together. The pieces may vary depending on the type of bear.
The teddy could have a side gusset and nose section giving more definition to the head. Follow your pattern and match the pieces accordingly. While you are completing the head, add the nose, eyes, and mouth according to your pattern.
When all the pieces that make the front of the head are assembled, then add the back head piece, putting the right sides together. Turn all the pieces right side out once this has been completed.
Step 3 - Sew the Body
Now you are ready to sew the body. The pieces you have for the body and legs will depend on the style of bear you have cut out. Check the pattern and lay out the pieces to join for the front of the bear.
Add foot pads, tail pieces, and any extras according to your pattern. Assemble a front body and then a back body. At this point, leave some space to stuff the bear.
The best place to add the stuffing is at the back or the side seam. Once again, your choice on this is guided by the type of bear you are making. Remember that some bears are all in one piece, while others are in parts with separate legs and arms.
Step 4 - Join the Head and Body
Finally, attach the head to the body at the neck. You can gauge the amount of fabric in each part of the neck by marking the head neck space in quarters and the neck space around the body in quarters.
Then match your markings and ease the two sections together. Pin the two parts together by inserting the pins in a vertical manner. When you are satisfied the neck is fitting evenly all the way around, then sew the bear’s head and body together.
Step 5 - How to Stuff Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns
Now you are ready to stuff the bear with stuffing. This is probably the most crucial part of completing the bear. The best method is to stuff the small parts first. Noses, cheeks, legs, feet or arms and the tail, all need to be stuffed first. It is a good idea to shape some of the pieces of stuffing to fit into the area they are stuffing.
When it comes to stuffing narrow arms and legs, use a pencil or long firm object to push the stuffing firmly into the narrow spaces. If you use a pencil, choose one with an eraser at the end and use the eraser end to push the stuffing down the tube.
The opening of the neck is very important. You need the bear to have a strong neck with extra stuffing, as this will make sure the neck will stand firm on the body of the bear. You want your bear to be able to hold its head up and look proudly ahead.
When you are satisfied with the stuffed bear, you are ready to sew up the holes in the bear at the back of the side.
These steps really just cover the basics of sewing up a teddy bear. There are other techniques and ideas to add to the creation of a teddy bear.
Tips for Sewing Teddy Bears with Faur Fur
Sewing with faux fur may seem rather daunting, but with these tips for cutting and sewing faux fur, you should find the process easier. Faux fur fabric is perfect for stuffed toys and warm clothing accessories. Whenever you try a new fabric for the first time, practice on a scrap to get some experience.
- Brush the fur before you start to cut it. The reason behind this tip is to find the pile of fabric. Give it a good shake, and you will see it has a distinctive direction. Fur that lies the right way is smooth. When it lies the wrong way, it looks all tufty and rough.
- Mark the direction of the pile on the back of the fabric because when you are cutting from the back, you will not see the direction of the pile.
- When you cut faux fur, you cut from the back, making sure you are cutting the backing and not the fur. There may be some loose edges where you cut some of the fur. Pull this off gently to have a clean cutting line.
- Start with an easy, straightforward pattern. Faux fur will not pleat or gather. The best outcome to sewing with fur is a simple pattern with easy-to-assemble seams and not too many curves and corners.
- It is easier to put the fur fabric together using clips to hold the seam allowances. The fur makes the seam bulky, and clips hold it together securely.
- Try out your machine stitch on a scrap of faux fabric. You may need to adjust the stitch length to a longer stitch to cater to the bulk. If it is a struggle to feed the fabric through the machine, use a walking foot and adjust your needle size.
- When you practice on a scrap of fabric, try out a trimmed seam and a zigzag neatening or even a wide zigzag stitch. The zigzag stitch allows more give in the fabric, and the fur covers the stitch nicely if there are gaps. When you have finished the seam, turn the fabric to the right side and comb the fur over the seam.
- Take good care of your machine after sewing with faux fur. Give your machine a good clean, and get all the extra bits of fur out of the machine.
How to Sew Teddy Bear Faces
There are so many delightful teddy bear faces it is hard to pick one and describe one particular face. Basically, teddy has an upside-down triangle for a nose, and round black eyes.
Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern Mouth and Nose
The mouth usually has a straight line leading down from the nose piece, and then a smile curves round on each side to make a happy smiling mouth.
The mouth shape can also be embroidered onto the face. The teddy nose may be bought from teddy specialist shops and this would be specially fixed onto the nose at the tip of the bear’s nose section.
Some bears have their own special features to suit their character like love bears with heart shaped noses, or panda bears with black and white shapes around the eyes. The world of teddy bears is full of interesting opportunities for creative crafters.
Attaching Safety Eyes to Teddy Sewing Patterns
These additions to the character of a teddy bear are known as safety eyes, craft eyes or animal eyes. They are useful for any fabric or knitted animal toy including bears.
CAUTION: However, it is important to note these safety eyes are not recommended for children under the age of three.
The safety eyes come with a shank and plastic washer. Although they are called safety eyes, it is important to note they could be pulled out or pulled off by a toddler who is very inquisitive.
It is best practice to put the eyes in before stuffing and finishing the head. You need to fold the head-piece in half and find the center point where you want the eyes to be. Mark this point with a pin and push the pin through the fabric to get a matching eye on the opposite side.
When you have marked the eye position then take a pair of sharp pointed scissors to snip a tiny hole where you will push the shank of the eye through. Start small at first. Push the shank through to the wrong side and then attach the washer to the back. Push the washer down to connect with the fabric but remember this washer will not come undone. That is why it is known as a safety eye.
Making Jointed Teddy Bears
Adding jointed arms and legs to your bear makes the teddy a little more sophisticated. The jointed legs help the bear to sit, and the arms can be positioned to look as if they are waving or reaching out for a bear hug.
In addition to your basic materials, you will need discs and cotter pins as well as washers to complete the joints.
Start by making up your bear to the point where you would be ready to join on the legs and arms. You may be making the head movable as well. Do not stuff the bear until you have put in the pins or pegs that make the safety joint. Insert the joins according to the manufacturer's instructions.
An alternative to the peg and washer system is a simple button attachment. This is suited to a small teddy and would make his little arms and legs move.
Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns - In Conclusion
Teddy bears are one of the most popular gifts around the world. It is estimated that over 50 million teddies are sold in America alone every year. Make your own with a a free teddy bear sewing pattern and commemorate any occasion.
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