by Stefaan Royemans Making a Memory Bear for All Occasions
Creating a memory bear is a heartfelt way to preserve special memories. Whether it’s made from a favourite blanket, or just fabric that brings you joy, this bear becomes a cherished keepsake. Let me take you through the process of crafting your own memory bear, step by step.
Material Needed
Before diving into the project, gather the following materials:
Preparing the Pattern and Fabric
If you’re using a commercial pattern, I recommend transferring it onto cardboard. This small extra step helps protect the original pattern for future use. While transferring, don’t forget to include important details like grainlines and notches. These markings are crucial for accurate assembly later.
Lay out your fabric and place the pattern pieces on top. Using a pen or pencil, trace around each piece. Remember, pieces like arms and legs often require pairs, so double-check that you’ve traced enough of each.
Cut and Sew
Carefully cut out all the traced pieces. When it’s time to sew, follow the instructions provided with your pattern. I find it easiest to use the width of the sewing foot as a seam allowance. To keep things precise, I like to use pins or clips to hold the fabric pieces together while sewing.
Shape the Curves
Curves can be tricky, but there’s a simple trick to make them look neat. Before turning the fabric right-side out, clip small notches into the curved seams. This allows the fabric to relax and shape beautifully once it’s flipped.
Assemble Arms, Legs, and Ears
Assembling the smaller pieces can feel fiddly, but here’s my go-to method: stitch the open parts of the arms, legs, and ears first. Once these are ready, attaching them to the main body becomes much easier.
Add the Final Touches
With the bear fully sewn and assembled, it’s time to get creative! Consider dressing your bear in a tiny outfit or adding an accessory to give it that personalized touch. It’s these little details that make the bear truly unique and special.
Shown here a Chanel inspired jacket made with some fabric I had leftover from another project, you can find similar coating fabrics here.
A Cherished Keepsake
Making a memory bear isn’t just about sewing—it’s about creating something meaningful and full of love. Take your time, enjoy the process, and know that the finished bear will hold memories for years to come.
Happy sewing! 💕
