From Presidents to Pattern Pieces: The Story of the Teddy Bear and the Memory Bear Legacy
A Bear with a Backstory
If you’ve ever sewn a memory bear or held onto one lovingly made by hand, you’re part of a story that spans more than a century. One that began in 1902, during an unexpected moment on a Mississippi hunting trip.
When President Theodore Roosevelt was invited to shoot a bear that had been captured and tied to a tree, he refused. “It wouldn’t be sportsmanlike,” he said, and walked away.
Image from Google
That moment was captured in a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman and soon inspired Brooklyn shopkeepers Morris and Rose Michtom to create a stuffed bear cub. They named it 'Teddy’s Bear', and with Roosevelt’s blessing, the teddy bear was born.
Image from Google
More than 120 years later, teddy bears have evolved beyond the nursery shelf, and for many of us, they’ve become deeply personal keepsakes made from cherished clothing and stitched with love.
The Rise of the Memory Bear
Unlike traditional teddy bears made from plush or mohair, memory bears are crafted from the clothing of loved ones. They might be stitched from a baby grow, a wedding dress, or a grandparent’s favourite cardigan.
Each memory bear tells a story, and each one begins with a memory bear pattern.
As someone who has spent nearly a decade designing and sewing keepsakes, I believe memory bears take the timeless teddy bear and make it even more personal and meaningful. They offer comfort in times of grief, help us honour loved ones, and serve as beautiful reminders of life’s most treasured moments.
That’s why I started designing my own teddy bear sewing patterns; to help others create memory bears that are not only meaningful, but beautifully made.
Why We Still Need Bears and Patterns That Matter
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something deeply grounding about slowing down to create a keepsake with your own hands. A memory bear pattern doesn’t just guide you through making a bear — it gives you the tools to turn fabric into something that carries love, memory, and meaning.
Whether you're an experienced sewer or a complete beginner, working with a thoughtfully designed sewing pattern makes the process more enjoyable and accessible. My collection of heirloom sewing patterns includes step-by-step instructions, helpful tips and tricks, and even the option to join a virtual workshop for extra guidance and support.
Because when you stitch a memory into fabric, you’re not just making a bear — you’re preserving a legacy.
Feeling inspired?
🧸 Explore our heirloom sewing patterns — including my bestselling teddy bear sewing pattern and beginner-friendly memory bear patterns
🧵 Join a virtual workshop — perfect for learning how to sew your first memory bear
💛 Discover the joy of creating your own keepsake — and carry the teddy bear tradition forward, one stitch at a time.