There are two different types of bears that you can make. One is sewed by hand and the other uses a sewing machine. Older children will enjoy sewing a bear with a sewing machine and the younger ones can hand sew.
Yarn Bear
You will need:
Large brown paper bag
Yarn
Masking or clear tape
Scissors
Newspaper
Hole punch
Markers or crayons
Directions:
1. Draw the shape of a bear onto the brown paper bag. Cut out two pieces of the shape. Hint: If you are drawing your own you can draw one half of the bear then fold it down the middle and cut it out so that the two sides are the same.
2. Let your child draw facial features on one of the bear shapes. (Use the side that is not printed on.) You can draw clothing or add construction paper, felt, or material clothing if you want.
3. Put the two bear pieces together and use a hole punch to punch holes around the entire outside edge of the bear. Make the holes about 1 inch apart and at about ½ inch in front the outside edge.
4. Cut a piece of yarn large enough to thread around the entire bear. Wrap a piece of tape around the edge of the yarn. This makes it easier to sew the bear. Then let your child sew the yarn around the bear.
Machine-stitched Bear
This bear is a fun to make and keep or to donate to a women’s shelter or children’s unit of a local hospital.
You will need:
About ½ yard of material
Thread
Batting
Sewing Machine
Marker or fabric paint
Scissors
Needle
Directions:
1. Fold the material in half, with the right sides together. The right side is the side with the printed design. Using a pencil trace the shape of a bear onto the backside of the material. Cut out the shape.
2. Sew the two bear pieces leaving right sides together. Leave a three-inch opening at the top of the head.
3. Turn the bear right side out. Stick a pencil through the opening and use it to push the ears, arms, and legs completely out.
4. Stuff the bear with batting.
5. Then hand sew the opening at the top with needle and thread.
6. Use a permanent marker or fabric paints to draw facial features on the bear. Optional: You can sew facial details using embroidery floss. This is usually easier if the face is sewn before sewing the two bear pieces together.