Bear Dolls - Free mini course for making and dressing 15 inch cloth bear dolls

This is the first article in a short course on making 15 inch stuffed bear dolls and clothes for them. In the coming weeks I will add an article each week with patterns and sewing instructions for bears and their clothing.

Start thinking about who you know that would love a new bear, of adding to your collection! They make a wonderful first toy for babies, as well as birthdays and holiday gifts.

If you are planning to make bears for infants or small children, be sure to use cotton or polyester fabric and polyester stuffing so they can go into the washing machine and dryer as frequently as necessary. Another safety feature for toddlers is that the facial features are embroidered on so there are no small pieces which could come off and present a choking hazard.

This is the perfect time to start planning and creating all those holiday gifts ahead of time. My daughter, who is long past childhood has already put in her request, so don't limit these to just the young ones. This is also a great project for charities and as gifts at children's hospitals and homeless shelters. Scary places are much easier to cope with when a child has a nice soft friend to hold on to.

Materials needed for each bear
1/4 yard cotton calico fabric
approximately 1/4 bag of polyester stuffing
1 yard of 6 strand embroidery floss in bright or dark colors
18 inches of 1/8 inch wide satin ribbon for the bow
matching thread
large eye, sharp needle for embroidering the face
embroidery hoop

Lessons

1. Bear Doll Home Page

2. Bear Doll Pattern

3. Bear Doll Sewing Instructions

4. Make a Skirt for Your Bear Doll


Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls
Ebook with patterns and instructions to make 5 cloth dolls as well as chapters on general doll making techniques.The book includes 21 inch Lalena Doll, 21 inch David Doll, Bear Dolls, 9 inch Destiny Doll and 15 inch Annie Doll, all together in one handy book. 53 pages.Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls.