The Best Memory Bear Supplies, My Tried & Tested Materials (2026 Guide)

Starting out making memory bears can be really daunting. Nobody wants to end up with those precious items of clothing being turned into a Pinterest fail. Yes, your sewing skills play a part in the finished product but the materials you use can change that bear from a mediocre one to a professional looking one. 

Over the years I've tried countless products. I'll even go as far as admitting when I first started i brought the cheapest materials I could get my hands on. What I learnt very quickly is some of those materials weren't giving me the best possible finish! This guide contains the products I personally recommend and regularly use in my own studio.

Whether you're making your very first bear or looking to try new supplies, these are the materials I reach for time and time again.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support my small business and allows me to continue creating sewing patterns, tutorials and free resources. Thank you so much for your support!

Woven Iron-On Interfacing

Interfacing is one of the most if not the most important supplies when making memory bears.

The majority of clothing fabrics aren't designed to be turned into teddy bears, they often have a good bit of stretch or can be delicate. Adding a layer of iron on woven interfacing gives the fabric extra strength and stability, whilst also preventing stretching. Quality interfacing can make of break a keepsake!

I always recommend using a medium weight cotton woven fusible interfacing rather than a non-woven. The fabric then retains is natural feel whilst still providing that vital support. If your interfacing feels like paper then you're using the wrong stuff!

Why I recommend cotton woven fusible interfacing: 

• It's easy to apply with an iron
• It adds stability without making fabrics stiff
• It helps prevent stretching

 

Shop my recommended interfacing - Cotton Woven Fusible Interfacing

Sheep's Wool Stuffing

Theres only one choice for me when it come to stuffing memory bears, I will always choose Sheep's wool stuffing. I made the switch from polyester stuffing to a natural wool stuffing over 7 years ago and not looked back!

I'd tried so many different stuffing over the years, polyester fibrefill, polyester stuffing made from recycled bottles, the cheap stuff and the expensive stuff. Sheep's wool stuffing has become my clear favourite. It's soft and springy, its easy achieve a firm, evenly shaped bear, holding its shape perfectly. 

One thing I do love the most about using wool stuffing is that it is a completely natural material. Unlike polyester stuffings, it is free from plastics and synthetic materials, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Also of course its completely biodegradable and 100% sustainable! 

Why I recommend it:

• It's soft and springy
• It holds its shape beautifully
• It's easy to work with and pack evenly
• It's plastic-free and free from synthetic fibres
• It's 100% natural, renewable and sustainable

Shop my favourite Sheep's wool stuffing → Sheep's Wool Stuffing

Cotter Pin Joints

If you're making traditional jointed bears like our Barnaby Bear, cotter pin joints are the classic choice.

They allow the arms, legs and head to move while remaining securely attached.

I recommend buying complete joint sets that include the cotter pins and fibreboard discs.

Why I recommend them:

• Traditional construction
• Durable
• Smooth movement
• Available in multiple sizes

Shop my recommended cotter pin joints - 50mm Cotter Pin Joints

Doll Making Needles

A long doll needle is one of those tools you don't realise you need until you've used one. They're essential for button jointed bears.

They're ideal for sculpting faces, adding thread details and reaching deep into the body when assembling your bear.

Why I recommend them:

• Extra long for easy access
• Strong and durable
• Perfect for face sculpting
• Essential for making button jointed bears

Shop my favourite doll needles - 3 pack Dolls Needles

Eyes

The eyes are one of the biggest factors in bringing your memory bear to life, and choosing the right style can completely change its personality.

Personally, I don't use safety eyes in my bears. While they're a popular choice, I simply prefer a softer, more traditional finish. I also tend to favour smaller, more subtle eyes rather than the oversized look that's become quite common.

My go-to options are either glass eyes or small felt circles that are die cut and stitched securely into place. Glass eyes give a beautiful classic teddy bear appearance, while felt eyes create a gentle, timeless look that's especially lovely on keepsake memory bears.

It's also worth remembering that memory bears are keepsake items and cannot be safety tested as toys. If you're making a bear that may be handled by a young child, always use your own judgement and choose the most appropriate materials for its intended purpose.

Why I recommend glass eyes:

• Beautiful traditional teddy bear finish
• Realistic depth and character
• Available in a range of sizes
• Perfect for heirloom-style keepsake bears

Why I also love felt eyes:

• Soft, understated appearance
• Easy to stitch securely into place
• Ideal if you prefer a simple, handcrafted finish

Shop my favourite glass eyes - Glass eyes

Shop my favourite felt for die-cut eyes - 10mm Die Cut Felt Discs

Basic Essential Supplies

Shop my recommended essentials - 

• Embroidery Threads 
• Black Felt
• Hand Sewing Needles
• Pins
• Sewing Clips
• Fabric Scissors
• Embroidery Scissors
• Long Nosed Pliers
• Waxed Thread
• Sewing Machine - My Trusty Singer Heavy Duty
• Fabric Turning Tool

My Final Tip

You don't need to buy everything all at once.

If you're just starting out making keepsake bears, I'd recommend investing in these two essentials first:

• Woven iron-on interfacing
• Good quality stuffing

These two materials will make the biggest difference to the quality and finish of your bear. And, of course, a well-written pattern from a reputable designer is worth its weight in gold! You can always build your collection of tools and supplies as your confidence grows and you make more bears.

I hope this guide has taken some of the guesswork out of choosing your materials. I'll continue updating this page whenever I discover products that I genuinely love and use in my own workshop, so be sure to bookmark it and check back from time to time.

If you're not quite ready to buy everything individually, why not take a look at our Make Your Own Keepsake Kits? They're the perfect way to give memory bear making a try. Each kit contains enough carefully selected materials to make one keepsake bear, making them ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to see if bear making is for them before investing in a full collection of supplies.

Happy sewing!

Love Collette