Lessons I’ve Learned from Sewing Teddy Bears

April 30th, 2006

by Michelle Yau

Normally all of creativity is dedicated to running my jewelry business, Trinity London. However, in recent months, I’ve decided to try my hand at sewing, specifically making teddy bears. Since I only attempted any type of sewing within the past few months, I have learned many things in the process that I thought I would share.

Lesson 1a:
If you think your cat or dog sheds too much, making a stuffed animal is not for you.
Lesson 1b:
People coming into your house while you are making a teddy bear may think you have sacrificed your pets as part of a cult ritual when they see the amount of fur on the floor.
Lesson 1c:
If your significant other is not attracted to hairy chests, it’s probably best to wear something over your clothes.
Lesson 1d:
Even if you bought the fur there in the first place, the people at the craft store will look at you strangely if you don’t use a lint roller (or a vacuum… or just burn the clothes and change into something new entirely) before you make a quick stop at the store to pick up that one piece you are missing.
Lesson 1e:
Expect to find stray pieces of fur in odd places (i.e. - on the light switch, the curtains, the shower, etc.) as it clings to everything.

Lesson 2a:
Slightly furry reversible fleece fabric makes it much easier to see where you are sewing.
Lesson 2b:
Slightly furry reversible fleece fabric is so thick that it will make your sewing machine buck like a bronco in a rodeo.
Lesson 2c:
It is easier to pierce your thumb with the eye of the needle when attempting hand sewing than it is to pierce two layers of slightly furry reversible fleece fabric with the sharp point of the needle.
Lesson 2d:
When your mother suggests using slightly furry reversible fleece fabric to make a teddy bear because it reminds her of the fabric used on bears when she was younger, pretend not to hear her while swiftly walking away from the slightly furry reversible fleece fabric.

Lesson 3a:
If you didn’t need to pin the section of fabric you are sewing, but it is still staying together, it is most likely on a fold and you shouldn’t be sewing there.
Lesson 3b:
The person who designed the pattern put those marks on the pattern for a reason.
Lesson 3c:
It takes a lot longer to remove stitches than to sew them in the first place.
Lesson 4a:
When making a jointed teddy bear, if you use plastic safety joints, be sure they are placed exactly where you want them before attaching the lock washer.
Lesson 4b:
Asking your husband to remove a safety joint after the lock washer has been attached may result in an unexpected flathead screwdriver injury.
Lesson 4c:
It is best not to laugh hysterically at your husband’s unexpected flathead screwdriver injury, as he will probably not find it as humorous as you.
Lesson 5:
If your cat is a bit skittish, she may impale your loved ones with her claws when she sees you walking into the room with a 2′ tall stuffed grizzly bear.

Lesson 6:
If you have a child, take a picture of your completed project before you show him/her because you may never see it again. I hope you have learned a little from my lessons… not that I would have made any of those mistakes myself.

Abouth the Author
When she is not making disastrous attempts at sewing, Michelle Yau is the owner of Trinity London, a jewelry business specializing in awareness ribbon bracelets, rosary bracelets, and other handcrafted beaded jewelry.

Entry Filed under: Teddy Bears