12" 5 Way Jointed Teddy Bear
Read all of the instructions before beginning.
This cute little bear is designed for sitting. It has a round fat tummy, a shaped back with a hump, and shaped arms and legs. The paw pads are part of the limbs, not cut and sewn in separately, so he is very easy to make. The bear is easily sewn by machine, but of course, the whole bear can be sewn by hand with a back stitch. If being made for young children, use plush fabric and safety eyes, but the bear can also be made for adult collectors from mohair and glass eyes.
Jointing Options: The pattern instructions are written for a 5 way disk jointed bear that uses cotter pins, but you can substitute any jointing method you wish, following the "Jointing A Bear or Doll" instructions.
Assembling the Bear: This pattern and instructions do not follow the conventional bear assembly methods of sewing, then jointing, then stuffing. Instead, each limb is completely assembled and then attached to the unstuffed body, the body being stuffed last. Please see "Jointing A Bear or Doll" for complete instructions.
List of materials:
- Plush or mohair fur - scrap at least 18" X 18"
- Safety eyes or Glass eyes with loops - 10 to 12 mm
- Matching sewing and upholstery thread
- Embroidery floss for nose
- Polyester fiberfill
- 24" of ribbon for neck, optional
- 10 hardboard disks, 1 ¼" diameter
- 10 washers, appx. ¾" diameter
- 5 cotter pins, 1 ½" long X 3/32" diameter (The disks, washers and cotter pins can be purchased online at any bear supply company)
Preparing the Pattern: Print the pattern onto card stock or glue to a thin lightweight cardboard, such as manila folders. Cut out the pieces. The pattern is complete with all the pieces needed to make the bear; there is no need to reverse or copy any of the pieces. This allows the pattern to be laid out all at once, which is easier when spacing the pieces on the fabric. The seam allowances are 3/16" (5mm) and included on each pattern piece. Clip all the construction marks, and poke holes at the joint and dart marks. Fold all the pattern pieces in half by placing a ruler on the arrow lines on the front of the pattern. This will be used later to insure the pieces are placed on the true straight of grain. Compare all the like pieces together to make sure they are identical and trim them as necessary (i.e. all 4 legs, all 4 arms, 2 head, 2 back and 2 front pieces).
Preparing the Fabric: Find the direction of the fur (nap) on the front of the fabric by running your hand down the face of the material. The smooth direction is the down nap. Mark the back of the fabric at the side with a small arrow pointing in the down nap direction.
