{"id":755,"date":"2019-09-11T12:52:20","date_gmt":"2019-09-11T12:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/how-to-sew-a-signature-bear-calico-bear-pattern\/"},"modified":"2025-01-19T02:04:49","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T02:04:49","slug":"how-to-sew-a-signature-bear-calico-bear-pattern","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/how-to-sew-a-signature-bear-calico-bear-pattern\/","title":{"rendered":"How to sew a Signature Bear – Calico Bear Pattern"},"content":{"rendered":"

I made this photo tutorial so you can see how to sew my Signature Bear Sewing Pattern ~> scroll down for step-by-step photos!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Signature bears are a fun way to record an event or celebration. Lots of my customers sew lovely keepsakes using Calico Bear as a Keepsake Bear Pattern\/Memory Bear Pattern. You can customise your bears with highlights in any contrasting fabric, and a ribbon to match and you\u2019ll have a beautiful memento for any occasion – new baby, christenings, weddings, parties, 21st birthdays and, of course, graduations. A unique, homemade personalised bear can be used to create a cherished keepsake of personal messages and loving wishes, which will be cherished for years and years. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Meet<\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

*** PLEASE NOTE – this is ONLY a PHOTO TUTORIAL ***<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe FULL PATTERN IS NOT included here. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It is <\/span>NOT A FREE PATTERN!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I have made this photo tutorial so people who have purchased my Signature Bear Sewing Pattern<\/strong> can SEE how to sew a signature bear! (I wanted to explain this so you are not disappointed if you have found this page via a search engine and not from the link in my Calico Signature Bear Sewing Pattern<\/strong>)<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

First choose some fabric.<\/span><\/h1>\n
\n

STEP 1
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Calico Bear looks great in all sorts of fabric. \u00a0I sewed my Calico Signature Bear\u00a0 pattern<\/strong> in calico fabric (or muslin as the Americans call it!) when I designed the pattern back in 2008 (WOW, I just realised that\u2019s over a decade ago!!!!) BUT today I am doing the photo tutorial photos with the teddy bear sewn in one of my favourite fabric ranges, from one of my favourite fabric designers – Tula Pink’s Pinkerville! He doesn’t have to be a signature bear in fact LOTS of people sew lovely keepsakes using baby clothes, and make memory bears to remember a loved one too. Look at these sweet memory bears sewn by Joann W. from baby clothes!\u200e<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/h2>\n

Let’s get sewing!<\/span><\/p>\n

HEAD, EARS & EYES:<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 2<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together from C \u2013 D.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 3a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Match the EAR PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together in pairs (1 main and 1 contrast piece).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

STEP 3b
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin and sew the EAR PIECES<\/strong> together in their pairs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

STEP 3c
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Snip the curved edges and turn the EARS<\/strong><\/span> right side out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> I use a wooden chopstick to smooth out the seams nicely.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 4a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the ears to the face pieces with the contrast fabric of the EARS<\/strong><\/span> touching the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> and matching the single dot pattern markings.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Here is a close up photo.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/h1>\n

STEP 4b
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the EARS<\/span> in position from E – H.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

STEP 4c
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold the EARS<\/strong><\/span> and pin them to the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> matching up the double dots pattern markings…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Fold the EAR<\/strong>S<\/strong><\/span> down “gently – if you pull them too hard\/too far, you will get a big pucker<\/strong><\/span>, rather than a gentle fold. I learnt a really great\u00a0 tip from Michelle who has a keepsake making business in the UK called That Girl with Pink Hair<\/span><\/strong><\/a> and makes beautiful keepsake Calico Bears from baby clothes. Michelle clips the seam allowance of the EAR PIECES<\/strong><\/span> at the fold after she has sewn them in place and she finds this removes any puckers!<\/p>\n

***Thanks to Michelle for sharing this brilliant tip!!!!! \ud83d\ude42 ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"keepsake<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

STEP 4d
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

…and sew them in position from E – K.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 5a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the GUSSET<\/strong><\/span> to the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span>, matching points E and C.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

STEP 5b
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the GUSSET PIECE<\/strong><\/span> to the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span>, from E – C \u2013 E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Sew this seam with the GUSSET<\/strong> PIECE<\/strong><\/span> down so you can smooth out the wrinkles as you sew.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 6
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the BACK HEAD PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together, from A \u2013 B (leave open from B and G).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 7
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the BACK HEAD PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to the GUSSET & FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> from F – A – F.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 8
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Turn the head right sides out. If you are using buttons for EYES<\/strong><\/span>, sew them in place now. (You could also use craft eyes or beads.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> If the toy is for a young child use embroidery thread to sew a French knot instead buttons, beads or craft eyes. I have a post about toy safety<\/strong><\/a> <\/span>on my blog with more toy safety tips and guidelines.<\/p>\n

\"Toy<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

BODY:<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 9
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew 2 of the BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together along the back seam, leaving an opening at the top centre of the back for stuffing your bear later.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 10
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the other 2 BODY PIECES<\/strong> together along the front seam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 11
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the BODY PIECES<\/strong> together along the side seam to form the body.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 12
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Next, sew the HEAD<\/strong><\/span> and BODY<\/strong><\/span> together at the neck.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> I do this by turning the head right sides out, then placing the HEAD<\/strong><\/span> \u2018inside\u2019 the BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> and pinning the HEAD\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> and BODY<\/strong><\/span> together at the neck seam, with the fabric right sides together.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 13
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pull the HEAD<\/strong><\/span> back out of the BODY<\/strong><\/span> and sew the BACK HEAD PIECES<\/strong><\/span> closed from B \u2013 G.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

ARMS & LEGS:<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 14
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Cut a slit in 2 ARM PIECES<\/strong><\/span>, as shown on the pattern markings, making sure you have a right and left ARM<\/strong><\/span> (reversed).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> I used a ballpoint pen to transfer the markings because I knew they would be hidden behind the arms!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 15
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin and sew these cut ARM PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to the uncut ARM PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 16a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Snip all curved edges and then turn the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> through the slits.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 17
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Stuff the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> through the slits and sew them closed with a ladder stitch. This hand stitching will be \u2018hidden\u2019 from sight when your signature bear is finished but be as neat as you can.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 18
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Cut a slit in 2 LEG PIECES<\/strong><\/span>, as shown on the pattern markings, making sure you have a right and left LEG<\/strong><\/span> (reversed).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 19
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin and sew these cut LEG PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to the uncut LEG PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 20
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Snip the curved seams then pin and sew the foot pieces to the LEG PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP: <\/strong>I have a tutorial on my blog to show you how to sew perfect plushie feet<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a> – it’s easy when you know how!<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 21a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Snip the curved seams around the FOOT PIECES<\/strong><\/span>. Turn and stuff the LEGS<\/strong><\/span> through the slits, then sew them closed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/h1>\n

STEP 21b
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the LEGS<\/strong><\/span> closed with a ladder stitch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

ASSEMBLY:<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 22
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Turn your bear right sides out. Stuff the HEAD<\/strong><\/span> and BODY<\/strong><\/span> with toy stuffing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 23
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the BODY<\/strong><\/span> closed with a ladder stitch.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

TIP: <\/strong>I find it looks neater if you sew UP towards the neck seam so your finishing off stitches will be hidden under the bear\u2019s ribbon.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Button Jointing is easy! (There’s a link to tutorial with a VIDEO in the next TIP box!)<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 24a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the LEGS<\/strong><\/span> to the body with a very long doll\u2019s needle.\u00a0 Sew through one LEG<\/strong><\/span>, through the body and out through the other LEG<\/strong><\/span>, sew back through and come out where you started. Sew back and forth a few times, pulling the LEGS<\/strong> into the body a bit.<\/p>\n

TIP:\u00a0<\/strong>I have a photo tutorial on my blog with step-by-step photos to show you exactly<\/span> how to do button jointing HERE<\/strong><\/span><\/a> – it’s easy when you know how!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 25
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> to the body in the same way as the LEGS<\/strong><\/span>. Once the ARMS and LEGS<\/strong><\/span> are secure, sew a button over your previous stitches.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> I like to make sure that the ARMS and LEGS<\/strong><\/span> are tight, because they will loosen up a bit with time. Pull them quite tight so that they will stay in a sitting position, but will still be able to swivel, if you want your bear to be able to be moved into a standing position as well.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

FACE:<\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 26<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Using embroidery thread, sew into the NOSE<\/strong><\/span> at A<\/strong> and come out at B<\/strong>. Making sure you keep the mouth stitches rounded, sew back in at C<\/strong> and come out at D<\/strong>. Sew back in at B<\/strong> and come out at A<\/strong> to create the \u201csmile\u201d. To create the long downward stitch from the NOSE<\/strong><\/span>, sew back in at B<\/strong> and come out at A<\/strong>. Finish off with a knot.<\/p>\n

Glue or sew a piece of felt in place for the NOSE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Your Signature Bear is ready to LOVE!<\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n

Come join the fun on Facebook!<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"Facebook
\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I LOVE to see how your Funky Friends toys turn out! <\/strong><\/span>
\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When you’ve made your own signature bear you can come show it off ~><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Post a photo on my<\/span> Funky Friends Factory Facebook page<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span> for me to see and YOU could<\/span> win a FREE PATTERN!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n


\"Pauline<\/p>\n

Till next time,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Happy Sewing, <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pauline<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I made this photo tutorial so you can see how to sew my Signature Bear Sewing Pattern ~> scroll down for step-by-step photos! Signature bears are a fun way to record an event or celebration. Lots of my customers sew lovely keepsakes using Calico Bear as a Keepsake Bear Pattern\/Memory Bear Pattern. You can customise […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-755","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/755","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=755"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/755\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36030,"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/755\/revisions\/36030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=755"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}