The Best Fabrics to Use for Memory Bears

Making a memory bear is a wonderful way to preserve memories, turning your baby’s outgrown clothing or a loved one’s treasured garments into a keepsake you can hold forever.

In one of my previous posts, I talked about how to choose fabrics for a memory bear (you can read it here). Today, I want to dive a little deeper and share which fabrics work best, and why the ones you choose can make a huge difference to your finished bear. From stabilising fabrics to mixing textures for a professional finish, here’s everything you need to know about the best fabrics for memory bears.

The Unsung Hero: Interfacing

Before we even start talking about clothing or fabric types, let’s begin with the foundation of your bear: interfacing.

You can’t see it on your finished bear, but you’ll definitely notice if it isn’t there! Memory bears are often made from stretchy, thin, or delicate fabrics. Fusible cotton woven interfacing stabilises these fabrics, making them easier to cut, sew, and stuff without distortion. It also helps your bear hold its shape beautifully over time.

Think of interfacing like a great pair of Spanx under a favourite dress, it works quietly behind the scenes, but the difference is huge!

I’ve made it my rule over the years: interface everything, even fabrics that don’t necessarily need it, at least you know it's definitely stabile. If you’re looking for a reliable option, I use and recommend this fusible cotton woven interfacing it’s my go-to for every keepsake project.

Choosing Sentimental Fabrics Wisely

Of course the whole point of a memory bear comes from the stories held in the fabrics outgrown baby clothes, a favourite shirt, or even a wedding dress. But while sentimental value is essential, not all fabrics are suitable without preparation.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Threadbare or very thin fabrics may tear when stuffed.
• Very stretchy fabrics can distort your bear’s shape if not interfaced.
• Loose weaves or knits can unravel or shed easily.

If a piece is particularly fragile but very precious, consider:

• Lining it with a plain cotton first.
• Using it as a small accent (like an ear, paw pad, or an appliqué patch).

The Best Fabrics for Memory Bears

Different fabrics behave in different ways, and understanding this will save you a lot of frustration. Here are my top recommendations:

1. Baby Clothing (Jersey Fabrics)

• Best choice: Slightly thicker cotton stretch jersey, like those from JoJo Maman Bébé, Next, or M&S.
• Budget options: Thinner jersey from Primark, supermarkets, or cheaper online stores can and do still work, but they feel less “luxe.” Always interface these fabrics for stability.
• Extra tip: Fabrics don’t need to be designer, but quality does make a difference.

Baby sleepsuits and rompers are popular for first bears they’re soft, easy to sew once stabilised, and bring instant nostalgia.

Tip: Be mindful of motif placement. A big motif looks lovely on the body or belly, but not so much across the face piece's!

2. Shirts and Everyday Clothing

• Crisp cotton shirts (like men’s work shirts) are a dream to work with stable, easy to cut, and they hold their shape beautifully.
• Silky blouses or slinky fabrics can also be used, but they need lining or interfacing to prevent fraying and slipping.

If you’re nervous about delicate fabrics, start with a practice project first it’s the most forgiving option.

3. Knitwear and Looser Weaves

• Jumpers, cardigans, and knitted baby clothes make the cosiest bears, but they must be properly stabilised to avoid stretching or unravelling.
• Interface or line before cutting to maintain shape.
• Avoid very open or loose knits unless you’re confident, imagine cutting into the cardigan someones Great Grandma’s made for their baby and watching it unravel in your hands!

4. Lace, Crochet, and Sheer Fabrics

• Gorgeous for accents or overlays, but they’re often delicate and sometimes see-through, so always use a lining fabric.
• Perfect for paw pads, bellies, or layered over cotton for stability and coverage.

5. Denim, Corduroy, Leather, and Other Thick Fabrics

• These fabrics can give your bear a stunning, structured look, but they come with challenges.
• Watch for bulky seams, especially around joints and small curves.
• If your sewing machine struggles with heavier fabrics, use heavy fabrics as accents rather than for the entire bear.

Common Fabric Pitfalls to Avoid

A few mistakes I often see beginners make:

• Too thin = tears and distortion (especially around seams).
• Too bulky = broken needles and frustrating seams.
• High-fray fabrics = endless frustration if not prepped or lined.
• Skipping interfacing results in floppy, misshaped bears.

Extra Tips for Success

• Wash fabrics first to remove dust or storage smells.
  • If you’re making a bear for a customer, never wash their fabrics unless instructed, scents from a loved one are often part of the memory.
  • If your customer wants washed fabrics, ask them to wash items before sending, they won't be able to wash the bear once it's finished.
• Start with small accents if a fabric feels risky.
• Mix textures for a professional finish for example, a jersey body with corduroy paws or denim ears.

Final Thoughts

With the right fabrics and a little preparation, you can create a memory bear that’s not only beautiful but will last for years to come.

If you’re ready to start your first bear:

1. Grab some fusible cotton woven interfacing to stabilise your fabrics.
2. Choose a beginner-friendly pattern, like Bertie Bear or the fully jointed Barnaby Bear.
3. Take your time, enjoy the process, and watch your treasured memories come to life.

A well-prepared bear is a bear you’ll treasure forever. Happy sewing!