My Top Tips for Making Your First Memory Bear: A Beginner’s Guide

So you’ve decided you’d like to make a memory bear?

That’s great! Memory bears are more than just keepsakes. They’re a way of keeping a loved one’s memory alive, or preserving the memories of those precious early days with our babies. A way of capturing memories to last a lifetime.

I’ve personally made hundreds, if not thousands, of memory bears and other keepsakes, and helped thousands more to make their own through my patterns. I wanted to share my top tips for anyone just starting out. These are the things I wish I’d known when I began, and the advice I will always give someone who messages asking how to make their own memory bear.

Whether you’re making a bear for yourself or thinking of turning your passion for sewing into a small business, here’s what you need to know before you get started.

1. Do not cut up anything irreplaceable just yet

I’ll start with my number one rule. It may seem obvious, but I can’t tell you how often I see people ruin sentimental items by doing this.

Do not start with your irreplaceable clothing. Making a memory bear takes a bit of practice, and you don’t want to risk damaging something that holds so much meaning.

My top tip for beginners? Make a trial bear. Make several trial bears, even! Use an old shirt, spare fabric, or even similar items picked up from a charity or thrift store. Test the pattern, familiarise yourself with the instructions and build your confidence first.

All my printed patterns come with a teabag. Why? Because I fully encourage you to make a cuppa and have a proper read through the instructions before you go near any scissors or a sewing machine. You’ll be so grateful you took your time and practised before working with your sentimental fabrics.

2. Use a trusted memory bear pattern

This is really important. I’ve seen so many people download free or cheap memory bear patterns online, only to find they haven’t received the pattern for the bear in the photograph. Often, it’s a poorly drafted mashup of different patterns, with mismatched pieces and little to no instructions.

Unfortunately, I’ve heard too many stories of people ruining irreplaceable clothing because of this.

To avoid disappointment, always go directly to a reputable pattern designer. Not only will you get a properly drafted pattern with clear instructions, but you’ll also be supporting their hard work, which allows them to keep creating more patterns for you to enjoy.

You can find our beginner-friendly patterns here:

• 🧸 Bertie Bear – Memory Bear Pattern for Beginners

• 🐻 Barnaby Bear – Jointed Memory Bear Pattern

Both come with full guidance, sewing tips and detailed steps. Perfect for first-time bear makers.

3. Understand copyright before you start selling

This is vital if you’re planning to turn your hobby into a small business. Many designers, including myself, do allow small-scale commercial use of their patterns, but others do not. Almost all do not allow alterations or remakes of their pattern designs.

Always read the copyright guidelines before using a pattern for business. Breaching these terms can lead to legal action. It’s just not worth the risk.

Please respect the time, love and skill that goes into designing these patterns, and support the designers who make your work possible.

4. Choose the right clothing and the right amount

 

The amount of clothing you’ll need depends largely on the memory bear pattern you’ve chosen. But with my Bertie Bear and Barnaby Bear patterns, for example, you generally need:

• Adult clothing: 1 to 2 items

• Baby clothing: 8 to 10 items

Think about how the clothing works together. Do the fabrics complement each other or do they clash? Is there one item that doesn’t quite fit with the others?

I’ve had clients send me so many items that I physically couldn’t fit them all onto one bear. Narrow them down. Which ones hold the most sentimental value? Which pieces tell a story or bring back your favourite memories? Don’t feel you have to use everything.

5. Plan your bear layout before you cut any fabric

Once you’re confident with the pattern and ready to use your sentimental clothing, take a moment to plan things out. If you can picture the fabric placement in your mind, that’s great. But if you can’t, don’t worry.

I’ve created some downloadable templates to accompany my patterns. These let you draw the fabrics onto paper and create a visual representation of your bear from all angles before cutting anything. They’re perfect for peace of mind, and really useful if you’re working with customers and want to get their approval before you begin.

✏️ Download your memory bear planning template here

6. Stabilise your fabrics using a woven interfacing

Most clothing has some stretch to it. Even our denim jeans often have stretch now (and I’m absolutely here for that!). But when it comes to memory bears, that stretch is not your friend.

That’s why I always recommend using a medium-weight woven interfacing to back your fabric. It prevents your bear from becoming distorted, supports the seams and generally makes sewing so much easier.

If you’re unsure whether your fabric needs stabilising, I always ask: what harm will stabilising it do compared to not stabilising it? I know I’d rather have confidence in my fabric when working with irreplaceable pieces.

My favourite interfacing is Vlieseline G700. It’s strong enough that you could make a whole bear from it and supports your fabrics beautifully.

🧵 Buy Vlieseline G700 on Amazon (affiliate link)

7. Sewing machines and stitching tips

I started my business using a basic, inexpensive Brother machine. It served me well for years. I now use a Singer Heavy Duty, which isn’t fancy but is a real workhorse.

All you really need is a straight stitch. If your machine has a triple stretch stitch, even better. It adds strength to your seams.

My sewing rules:

• Always start with a fresh needle. Blunt needles can cause skipped stitches or small holes in your seams.

• Use the right needle for your fabric.

8. Stuffing: it’s really important

How well a memory bear is stuffed can make or break it. You want your bear to feel solid, shapely and well-loved, not sad and floppy. Remember, you’re creating a keepsake, not a toy.

Please don’t use the cheapest stuffing you can find. I made that mistake when I first started. I’ll never forget the state of the stuffing, or the chemical smell. It went straight back.

I’ve tested many options over the years. I started with polyester fibre fill, then tried a recycled fibre fill made from plastic bottles. But in 2019, I switched to 100% British Sheeps Wool Stuffing and I’ve never looked back. It’s eco-friendly, natural and sustainable, and it gives your bears the perfect weight and feel.

🧸 Buy British Sheeps Wool Stuffing on Amazon (affiliate link)

And don’t forget to stuff it well:

• Push stuffing right into the seams

• When you think you’re done, stuff some more

• The shape of your bear comes from the stuffing, so use it to mould your bear

• We may want a smaller waistline, but our teddy bears definitely do not

Your First Memory Bear Is Just the Beginning

Making your first memory bear can be emotional, but it’s also deeply rewarding. It’s no wonder so many people go on to turn it into a business. With the right tools, preparation, time and a lot of love, you’ll create something that captures memories and can be shared for generations to come.

And if you’re looking for beginner-friendly, trusted patterns to get started, take a look at our designs. You’re not just buying a pattern, you’re gaining the confidence, guidance and support to create a memory that lasts a lifetime.