• A great variety of materials can be used to make a bear besides the traditional mohair and fake furs. Knits, corduroy, terry cloth, velor, velvet, synthetic suede, even denim.

• Tahlia, from Australia recommended stuffing your bear using the filling from one of your old and worn out pillows you dont use anymore, instead of going out and buying expensive stuffing.

• Think twice about using foodstuffs to stuff your bear! Barley, rice and lentils may seem like good fillers - Careful!! insects such as beetles and moths may find your bear very tasty!

• A tip for turning your bear – use tweezers or hemostats to make an indent/well at the end of your limb or body and gently use your turning tool to push this out the opening you’ve left for turning.

• For taking the fur out of the seams, use an eyebrow brush/comb - these can also be used for brushing up the bear's fur. A toothbrush is also great for brushing up long-pile or shorter Upholstery Fabrics.

• Take your time with a bear nose. After all, it's one of your bear's most obvious features. Beginner and experienced bear makers alike know the frustration of embroidering that perfect nose.

• For most collectible teddy bears use glass eyes. If the bear is intended for a child, then use safety eyes. Trim around the eye placement areas to help your bear see better!

• Most eyes are hand made and there is a wide variation so ALWAYS match the eyes when you buy them.

• Positioning eyes takes time. One easy way is to use 2 black glass-headed pins. Keep on repositioning them until you achieve the look and expression you want.

• Pull the eye threads tightly so that the pressure pulls each eye into the head and creates a natural eye socket.

• Use dental tape instead of thread for the eyesas you will need to pull them in really tightly and even upholstery thread can snap.
  
  

*** Please Contact Us  if you have discovered a handy tip that you think may help others with  making their teddy bears***

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