How to Make a Memory Bear from Clothing

In the past two years I've made over 50 memory bears. I've taken all the things I've learned and put them in this video to help you create amazing memory bears from your loved ones clothing.
Mentioned Links:
Simplicity Rare Bear Pattern - simplicity.com/simplicity/c5461
Pellon P44f Fusible Interfacing - amzn.to/2mkbras
Crop a Dile Hole Punch - amzn.to/2mHX7cf
Memory Bear Playlist - kzbin.info/aero/PL6bNa81aVS4QfMk_L30ONPC9N-PoK_W3D
Bear Tutorial - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipW6aZ1obL6ef9k
Making pattern Templates - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqnCZpWcbK2NsLs
Installing Eyes and Noses - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5nGnGuKZ5lsorc
Ladder Stitch for Closing Up the Back - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qsgH-Oo6elmrM
Whitney Sews Memories - WhitneySewsMemories/
Overalls Bear - kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWvpqiMotGnjq8
Pillow shams from clothing - kzbin.info/aero/PL6bNa81aVS4RAITeOmUH20CVRLhxsCyg0
Newsboy hat from clothing - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGXaaKmwntKIZpI
--------------------
Supplies -
15 mm eyes - bit.ly/2NbpniW
20 mm noses - bit.ly/2NARftQ
Interfacing - amzn.to/2EHj4QW
Stuffing (2 lb Bag) Makes about 2 bears - amzn.to/2C7f2zq
Stuffing (10 lb Box) Makes about 10 bears - amzn.to/2HwhRK7
You can find the sewing supplies used in this video in my Amazon store. Anything purchased there helps support Whitney Sews - www.amazon.com/shop/aglanceatmyworld
Subscribe for more Whitney Sews tutorials - kzbin.info
Sew Your Stash Facebook Group - groups/SewYourStash/
In background:
Fabric Bunting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS2h3-YlKqti9k
**Find more tutorials and patterns at www.whitneysews.com **
This video and many other Whitney Sews tutorials are close captioned for your convenience.
Website- www.whitneysews.com
Whitney Sews facebook- whitneysews
Personal channel- kzbin.info
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/whitney_sews/
Instagram- whitney_sews
#memorybear #whitneysews #howtosew

[@labethhoekstra3630]

Thanks for all your help!! When my mom died in January 2019 I used your last video and was able to make 20 memory bears with all her clothes for each of my nieces and nephews. I would not have been able to do it without you. Thanks again

[@hollyfeehan5697]

Whitney. Your memory bears most likely brought so much comfort to loved ones But this momma is so thrilled to find you. I loved sewing with my mom when I was young. Her service will be summer 2024 and I will making several bears to give away at her service More importantly my son died April 2023. I will be pulling out my old friend (singer) and sew sew sew for my mental health. He left behind three teen age boys. I’ll be making three extremely special boys and hope to use some military items (he died from cancer from Iraqi burning pits) Here’s to keep my sanity in the tiny world of getting into those tiny turns

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad you found my video and that it is helpful for you! Thank you for sharing your story with me. I hope the bears help your family heal during this very difficult season.

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

I work in a daycare. One of the teachers has a 3 and a half year old daughter. The twin boy dead at birth. She just this week brought in his clothes to give to whomever needed them. They are newborn clothes. I would love to make a Memory Bear or something with these clothes. You are so inspirational, Whitney. Thank you for all your videos. P.S. I made 2 car seat ponchos for another teacher with your video.

[@carolehastings1902]

I have made lots of these bears with babies first clothes and people who are no longer with us, my friend lost her son in his early 20’s and I made 5 bears from just a couple of his outfits, I used pocket linings and designer badges and even a button fly from jeans to make features on the bears. I think you’ve done a brilliant job of covering all the problems you may come across and how to fix them and some fab ways to make them different and personalised. Great job 👏🏻👏🏻😍🥰

[@Jsunsetsky87]

I was searching for videos on making a memory bear with my dads shirts and came across this video.. the date this video was posted, September 25th is/was my dads birthday. ❤️

[@startipper3767]

Whitney these little bears are just adorable. My dad always wore overalls and I have to say those bears are my favorite also ! You are so talented and do such a great job preserving such precious memories. Keep up the good work ! ! LOVE your videos. ((hugs))

[@mylolamakes]

Thank you for this! A friend asked me recently to make a memory bear for her, so I will be watching this over and over. 😊

[@paulahoffmanvillanueva4871]

Wow. Your videos are AMAZING!!! I'm a retired teacher....you are a born teacher!! THANK YOU!!

[@winnieamictasol318]

I'm making a bear right now from scrap clothes as I've just started learning how to sew and got a big bag full of some scrap clothes to learn and practice sewing and I'm now learning how to make a patchwork bear so that I can practice before I make one with my own clothes to give to my son! So glad I found these tutorials as the one I'm following online is confusing and I learn better from watching tutorials rather than reading or looking at pictures, I wish I'd bought a template though as I don't have a computer or printer so had to make my pattern by hand and there were no measurements so think the arms and legs will be too small, I'll defo buy a proper pattern when I make the bear for my son

[@alau2058]

Wonderful instructions, Whitney! Thank you for helping us improve our bear-making skills!

[@tatidiaz1954]

These little bears are sooo sweet😍. I love them

[@KLeonardM]

Whitney, you are so clever and talented. Thanks so much for sharing so very much with all of us...Peace, love and many blessings......

[@andrewtopple6163]

Brilliant video thank you. I have been meaning to have a go for ages and think between your two videos I feel a lot more comfortable with having a try.

[@jmanonmakes]

What a wonderful idea. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@jackiesmith9965]

Wish I had watched your videos before making my first bear. I did not use interfacing but the bear turned out great. Next time I will include this step

[@patashnikelroy]

I have GAD and I’m working on getting tested for other stuff, I often have panic attacks and have blocked memory’s from painful thoughts I might make some of these with my friends sweaters so I can always feel close to them

[@katherineparker4836]

Thank you very much for sharing this super special video 😊

[@debraharris4929]

I love your video I am a sower I hadn't sold for a long time I recently was asked to make some memory bears for a friend from t-shirt material which I find sometimes I struggle with t-shirt material I would never have thought about using interface it has a stabilizer very good tip I will give it a shot thank you so much

[@chrisb5391]

Thank you for this video. I am making some bears in the near future and your videos really help.

[@uhppy1388]

I’m making this for my dog so she can have my scent outside and not feel lonley

[@wendyaminzadeh7846]

That is a good idea just don't use buttons dogs can choke on them.

[@ufoquilter86]

Awesome thanks for sharing. I think it would be fun to add a hidden pocket using the snap plaket and note sew the button area closed…hidden pocket! I don’t see stuff like this but would love to give this memory bear a try

[@Erika-qp1ng]

Love all of your bears! Thank you!

[@aneelabalsavr1561]

Excellent instruction. Bravo

[@meluvchris418]

oh Whitney thanks so much for all of this information!! a lot of tips and answers to some questions I had!! this will help for future bears! :)

[@lindadaniels6055]

Thank you for all the info and ideas...🤗❤️😍

[@theresaashley5700]

Thank you for doing this video, I have seen bears made out of sleepers, have you ever made one like this?

[@yauyau8722]

good bear

[@tammystuckey3206]

Love your videos so much.

[@jaynerice6693]

Omg, so cute!!!

[@rosie01ism]

Great ideas ,thank you sweetie x

[@BobbieBTexas]

Thank you love these

[@jeangopie6789]

Well done 👍

[@Jgiu8909]

Can you please show how to make the vest in the pattern? I can't seem to figure it out. Thank you!

[@philippadarboe1645]

Excellent video! 😀👍🐻🐻‍❄️

[@Whitney_Sews]

Thank you! 😃

[@giaalvarado2063]

Awesome!

[@jayneallen7823]

brilliant

[@junewu3995]

Subscribed!!! I love your videos!! 🤗 So I was curious which bear in this video is from the simplicity rare bear pattern? Or is the pattern the discontinued one?? TIA!

[@Whitney_Sews]

The Simplicity 2115 pattern, but the rare bear one looks just like it.

[@mdshohidul8845]

Wonderful

[@katinatoth3430]

I love this tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing it. If you don’t mind me asking, about how long does it take you to make 1 bear?

[@Whitney_Sews]

Depends on the style, how much pattern matching is required, if I have very limited supplies and am having to do very strategic cutting, etc.

[@marylong8113]

They are all so so cute! How much do you charge to make a memory bear from a loved ones clothes? Thanks❤️

[@millybops113]

Absolutely fantastic thank you so much, I’m definitely going to give it a go & I’ve also subscribed to your videos!! Can I ask you though what you meant @15:02 when you said “the pockets are sewn onto the belly after piercing”?! I don’t quite understand what you mean by piercing!! Thank you ☺️ xxx

[@Whitney_Sews]

The pockets are sewn on after piecing- meaning sew (or piece as a quilter would say) the belly section together then sew the details on top. Then finish the rest of the bear as usual.

[@violet1954]

Is there a tutorial to do the back as well?

[@GiuliaG]

Great tutorial...you've made it so much easier to do. Any tips on how to make the vest that comes with the pattern? I just don't understand the instructions that comes with it....very vague.

[@Whitney_Sews]

I've never made the vest, don't like the look of it on the bear.

[@GiuliaG]

@@Whitney_Sews okay....thanks very much for the reply. I love your videos and am following your channel. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@samriddhiuprety6907]

Nice

[@samriddhiuprety6907]

How to make bear cloth can you please tell me

[@samriddhiuprety6907]

I have a bear but he don't have any cloth

[@andreareed9219]

what is the sewing machine you are using ? vintage singer?

[@angelatibbo7921]

The bear that’s wearing the overalls . What does it look like on the back?

[@pmg1180]

Can you tell me where you get eyes and nose for the bears?

[@Whitney_Sews]

The links to mine are in the video description box. Click show more then scroll down to where it says Supplies.

[@wendyaminzadeh7846]

Joannes and Michael's.

[@kaylanek1]

I’m gonna make one for me and my mom. My granddad died and it been really had on us.

[@katirarivera5183]

I would like to have a bear with my son shirt he pass away

[@sallymcmillan6110]

Can you show how to make the little waistcoat for this bear please?

[@Whitney_Sews]

I've never made it. Don't want to hide all the hard work I've already put into the bear itself.

[@Lizz033torres]

Are the feed dogs covered?

[@Whitney_Sews]

Nope. If you're wondering about the tape on my machine that is marking different seams allowances, but it's all to the side of the plate and feed dogs.

[@Lizz033torres]

@@Whitney_Sews Thank you for the reply. I'm just amazed as to how you can make the turns/curves so well and make it look so easy. I'm a beginner. Took my sewing machine out to make a few masks. Watched your live video yesterday. You are awesome.

[@virginiaanthony8599]

vanthony Whitney I have enjoyed watching your videos. I've never made a bear but have had someone ask me to make one. I found the pattern, transferred it to plastic but have a question How do you get the whole punched for the dots on the pattern? I've tried with a nail and a hole puncher.

[@Whitney_Sews]

I used a crop i dile punch that is linked in the description box.

[@marleneday2984]

If you make a bear with a sweatshirt do you interface it?

[@Whitney_Sews]

Hmm, I haven't done one with a sweatshirt. If it's a fairly heavy sweatshirt I don't think I would interface.

[@TheNinawitteveen]

Hi Whitney, I was wondering if Pellon 911FF Fusible Featherweight will work just as good?

[@TheNinawitteveen]

Sorry to have bothered you Whitney, I looked it up and it is much heavier. I will get the pellon 44

[@terriefulk1729]

I used the Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex for my knit fabric memory bears.

[@annmariehorsfield3448]

I would luke some tutorial on making memory bears I recently list my mum to dementia and I gave all her lovely jumpers with me.. And I would like to make the memory bears in her memory 🙏💕

[@Whitney_Sews]

kzbin.info/aero/PL6bNa81aVS4QfMk_L30ONPC9N-PoK_W3D

[@PatriciaSalsedo-kq4bv]

What is the name?

[@erinejones2506]

How to mke a bear from the thick yellow babie soft wool blanket..or comforter I would like to make a big yellow 🧸 beart for my babie with dem

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

Beautiful...what size is your bear

[@Whitney_Sews]

18 inches

[@shijinaramesh4480]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ashleykenyon7182]

Hi Whitney! I've made quite a few bears with button up shirts and am now trying it out with a t-shirt. Hoping you can help. I'm having some issues with the t-shirt material seeming to "fray" at the seams. Almost looks like the needle/thread has cut right through the material. Any help with how to solve this would be much appreciated. Thank you

[@Whitney_Sews]

Try using a ball point needle so it can slide between the knit fibers instead of poking holes in them.

[@lynrobinson891]

I have just found you and I was wondering how you attach the head to the body? I am sure you have it in a video somewhere? thank you Whitney.

[@Whitney_Sews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipW6aZ1obL6ef9k

[@lynrobinson891]

@@Whitney_Sews Thank you so much!

[@helenwestmoreland9879]

Have you ever made a memory bear out of a polo shirt and used the collar and placket? If so, could you please tell me how you did it? I am currently making a bear for my friend and can’t figure out how I should cut the collar and placket and attach to the bear. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[@beryldexter6863]

ive done them with polo shirts just cut them smaller akso the placket and add any logo looks fab done 4 of them lady over the moon 😊 good luck 👍

[@tammariramerez7211]

I have its so easy A2115 I was able to complete the bear but the vest is giving me trouble. you said you have a video to help with it and I can't find it. can you please help me these bears clothes. These bears are for my grandchildren that live far from me and they can hug them when they miss grandma.

[@Whitney_Sews]

I've never made the vest. All of my 2115 videos are for the bear itself.

[@redussophia8797]

Can you do it out of pants cuz my parents will let me use a towel

[@anitaw3255]

Have you made simplicity kwik sew K4389 bear pattern? If so, do you have any tips?

[@TheHassilbabe]

What if you don’t want to cut the baby clothes and we just stuff the clothes. How would we do that and make the head?

[@Whitney_Sews]

I showed how in this video -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWapo4eVqKdoeZo

[@nivk1700]

Is it possible to make a memory bear from a cardigan (the commercially knitted type not knitted by hand) or would cutting it destroy the fabric?

[@Whitney_Sews]

I haven't tried it myself, so I'm kot sure. Maybe thrift a similar cardigan and test with it before diving into anything with sentimental value.

[@terriefulk1729]

I made a bear from my brother's sweater that was commercially knitted. I used Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex on the wrong side of the sweater to stabilze the knit fabric.

[@kimwinston]

Hi, do you use interfacing with everything, even things like jeans?

[@Whitney_Sews]

Yes I do. The interfacing is very light weight and helps cut down on fraying while I'm working with the pieces. Plus if the jeans have an stretch at all the interfacing will keep them from stretching while being sewn and stuffed.

[@kristianblackstone3524]

You could use a baby shirt for the body

[@Whitney_Sews]

I did that recently with a baby sleeper kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWapo4eVqKdoeZo

[@Aneenvw]

My interfacing tore when I stuffed the bear 😢

[@bcwoman4934]

May 12/2021 Hi, Whitney have you ever made a memory bear from a robe with a zipper left in tack for the 2 front pieces? I am stumped and cannot seem to know how to do it. Can you direct me to a video if you have done one or someone else's video?

[@Whitney_Sews]

No, I've never made one like that.

[@bcwoman4934]

@@Whitney_Sews ok. Thank you for responding.

[@erikalopez-santibanez8251]

Would you say a beginner could do this?

[@Whitney_Sews]

I have had people who have never sewn before follow my tutorials and make amazing looking bears. But I think it really depends on the person. With something like a memory bear you REALLY need to make a practice one first and carefully follow every step and detail in my full step by step video.

[@PatriciaSalsedo-kq4bv]

WhereI can get the parttern?

[@Whitney_Sews]

It's linked in the video description box

[@ashleysimmons3210]

Hi just found your channel! Do you know if the pattern is still available at Walmart?

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm not sure. It was reprinted as a McCalls pattern last year so I would assume they still sell it.

[@ashleysimmons3210]

@@Whitney_Sews Update. So I found a pattern similar to the one and I have Come to the realization that so It may not be the best craft for me to do. It seemed really stressful to me. I’m originally a crocheter so this was just like an alien to me 😝

[@samanthaogden3284]

Cant seem to get the pattern now without paying $50 for it. Where else could i get this pattern.

[@Whitney_Sews]

Search for Simplicity rare bear pattern online and you'll find the reprint of it. If I remember correctly it's under $10.

[@ViriRNA]

Whitney, do you by any chance do commissions for these memory bears

[@Whitney_Sews]

I don't anymore.

[@carlathompson1972]

Do you take orders? I can not sew

[@Whitney_Sews]

No, I don't take orders anymore.

[@carlathompson1972]

@@Whitney_Sews 😫

[@pennysmitth2755]

When u make a memory bear how much do you charge

[@Whitney_Sews]

$10/hr plus the full price (not sale price) of the materials. You will need to make a test bear to see how long it takes you to make, including designing, stuffing, etc. I am a very fast sewer, so the price I would charge wouldn't be the same for everyone.

[@o9ronaldo09]

How much do you charge to make a bear?

[@Whitney_Sews]

Make a test bear and time how long it takes to make (including cutting and prepping materials) Then decide on your hourly rate (mine was $10 when I started). Also add up the full price cost of supplies (stuffing, thread, etc). Then add up the hourly plus supplies (ex- 5 hours times $10/hr plus cost of supplies). Everyone sews at different speeds, so you have to figure out how long it takes you and how much your time is worth.

[@gagarowe6404]

I’ve tried to find these patterns and on Amazon they are selling for $40-$50. Any other ideas?

[@Whitney_Sews]

Check the first link in the video description box.

[@trishawerner5842]

I made them from Simplicity Crafts pattern 5247, they came out adorable.

[@terriefulk1729]

This is the Bear pattern I used to make a bear from my brother's sweater, which turned out nice. I did use a stabilizer on the back of the sweater material. ​@trishawerner5842

[@lindarodriguez7596]

Where do I get your pattern

[@Whitney_Sews]

Link in description box

[@conniedickey7988]

Are you still accepting orders?

[@Whitney_Sews]

No, I don't make memory bears anymore.

[@audreyhall8644]

How do you make a memory rabbit ? P,ease

[@Whitney_Sews]

Buy a rabbit stuffed animal pattern then do the same thing as with the bears.

[@audreyhall8644]

@@Whitney_Sews thank you ,I did buy a rabbit one but dont like the pattern as much as the one you were doing ,really loved that one ,was thinking of using the bear pattern and try and alter it to make a rabbit ,but thank you so much ,love you stuff your brilliant thank you

[@annekawinckler6939]

You can actually turn the bear ears into rabbit ears just make them longer. Add the Facebook group (all things memory bear -advanced group) they have great advice :-)

[@sanetjankowitz8449]

Hi i will love to make a waistcoat ❤

[@Whitney_Sews]

I've never made it. I didn't want to hide all the work put into the bear.