How to Sew a Memory Bear | Simplicity A2115 Step-by-Step | Whitney Sews

Step-by-step how to sew a memory bear with Whitney Sews!
Use this step-by-step video tutorial to sew a memory bear using your loved ones clothing. Simplicity 2115 is used in the tutorial, but there are several other similar patterns you can use to follow along with this tutorial.
*Update - the Simplicity 2115 Pattern has been rebranded and is now being sold at Wal-Mart as McCalls L9547 or online as Simplicity C5461*
Memory Bear Playlist - • Memory Bear How tos fr...
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
Similar patterns mentioned in the video:
Simplicity Rare Bear C5461- simplicity.com/simplicity/c5461
Simplicity 8155 - amzn.to/2Bl5sb5
Want me to make a memory bear for you or just want more memory bear inspiration?? Check out Whitney Sews Memories on Facebook - / whitneysewsmemories
Subscribe - kzbin.info...
Sew Your Stash Facebook Group - / sewyourstash
Want to support Whitney Sews? One easy way is by using my Amazon affiliate link. It doesn't cost you any extra and the referral percentage earned goes directly to creating new sewing tutorials for you to enjoy!
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#memorybear #whitneysewsmemories

[@janicerasnic7456]

Nice video! I'm a long time sewer of 35 years making clothing, dolls/animals, hand bags and home decor and wanted to give you another tip. When sewing curves, especially tight curves, shorten the stitch length to fairly tiny stitches to add strength and help with control. Then use pinking sheers to carefully trim the seam being careful not to cut the stitches. This replaces the snipping the curves and gives a very smooth stuffed curve when you stuff your project. Also works great when doing scallops. It really makes a big difference. I have a similar pattern purchased years ago but was then suggesting using scrap chenille bed spread fabric. You couldn't use the pinking sheers very well on pile-type fabrics but works great on regular fabric. I also liked your newsboy hat video. Keep up the good work. Love your vintage sewing machine. It's the only way to go in my opinion.

[@elizabethfonseca-spring3000]

That is great idea, thanks...

[@karencastiglione9263]

Hi Kim I have been to Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics , Hobby Lobby and Walmart, here in .Ct. do you have any idea where I can get this pattern

[@victoranetocruz8618]

Thank you Janice Rasnic for great advice. I had a singer for 10 yrs and now I plan on getting a new machine when they get back in stock. I don’t know what to get Bernette 35, Janome 725s, or Necchi Q132A

[@marykaestner2755]

Thank you for your advice

[@christine55416]

@@karencastiglione9263 etsy has someone selling a download for $5

[@leahbussey6417]

I am in an online sewing class and spent four hours trying to make this bear on my own, and got to the point where I was about to have a breakdown. I could not do it for the life of me. I repurchased fabric and plan to retry with this video tonight. I could cry from relief with the help of this video. I am a visual learner, so this is like a new world for me. Thank you times a million. You don't know how much stress you have saved me from.

[@debbiebrinkman-db8hl]

Thank you so much . I'm making 31 for Christmas this year with my parents clothes.

[@joyc2520]

I’ve made serval of these bears and still find it helpful to sew along with your step-by-step guidance. Great camera work, and you keep it short and to the point. Perfect.. Thanks!

[@Kikithefreaky]

I've just made my first memory bear and read my first pattern, thank you so much for the videos, I couldn't have made one without you x

[@Whitney_Sews]

That's so wonderful! Great job on your first pattern; I'm glad my video helped! :)

[@judyvaughn8988]

I’m so thankful and blessed I found you on you tube!! You take time off to spend time for you and your family. May God bless you and yours!!! I never could have made my memory bears without finding you, Whitney. You were a God send. I can not read patterns. I’ve made over twenty bears for my family. You are a great teacher!!! May God pour down his blessing on you and your family!! 🙌🏻

[@SoCraftastic]

This is so cute! I love seeing multiple prints of fabric used in the same piece. And, this in particular is such a great way to "let go" of giant boxes of old clothes while still holding on to a piece. ^-^

[@Whitney_Sews]

Thanks! I love making these bears so much and each one turns out different but so cute!

[@sissonva]

I have gifted the Veteran's Home with some of the Care Bears. Way to make old folks smile! Thank you for your tips. Patterns from plastic is brilliant. Using that for facemasks too!

[@paulbuchanan2316]

I am 71 years old and I've taken up the hobby of sewing. I'm very accomplished at all building concepts and I really like your video's. You do a very good job explaining the how's and just as important the whys. So it's off I go to sew a memory bear.

[@wendyarteagarn]

Thank you SOOOOO much for posting this series!!! I’m not an advanced sewer but slightly past a novice and I was able to follow your tutorials on how to put together all the pattern pieces, put the eyes and nose and how to do a ladder stitch wonderfully. Don’t ever stop making videos, your videos are easy to follow-you are AMAZING!

[@janetlarn1]

This video is amazing! I’m very grateful for your generosity with your time to show how this bear is made. I was able to make a few memory bears with my grandparents clothes. Thank you so much!

[@ladyj3215]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial. I made my first one for a gift for my mom. I used a shirt of my dad’s as a memory. Was nervous as I didn’t have time to practice but I think it turned out pretty good. Thank you!

[@beverlymyers4682]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your tutorial was exactly what I needed. You left nothing out. I don’t think I could have done it without your excellent instruction.

[@thorelmead2710]

Thank you, you just helped me make my first memory bear for my first grandchild from shirts that were her great grandma’s. I couldn’t have done it without you!

[@kitkat5468]

Thank you ! I made my first one and your video was a HUGE help.. not sure I could have done it without you !

[@genawalter401]

I love your videos! You are a very good teacher, making all of your instructions clear and simple. Very much appreciated! 💛

[@maytendo]

I’ve watched so many sewing tutorials from clothing, accessories to bears and everything in between and I have never seen such a pleasant and informational seamstress like this!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Aww thank you!

[@dianapretorius4604]

Thanks to your tutorial I was able to sew my first bear the right way first attempt! Sincerely appreciate your time.

[@TlalocW]

Finally ready to do this project, and while watching I exclaimed, "Holy ****! This woman is a ******* genius!" Excited.

[@flyingeaglewoman8682]

Adorable! My niece has made this bear several times using shirts from a loved one, just wonderful. I wondered how they went together, thank your for this video.

[@dianapalacios8603]

I enjoyed the very well detailed instructions for this cute memory bear. I have just acquired my dad’s shirts. I was planning to make pillows for my siblings and the grandkids but this gear looks easy so I will try to make this bear. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@karenwoodward7010]

Thank you for being "not so perfect" so we can all relate to you better. I mean, that your seams aren't perfectly matched, who can actually do that anyway? ha ha Also thank you for speaking so clearly, and simply, so that we don't get bogged down with words. I truly love your videos and watch every single one that you post. Truly thank you!

[@brendacastro9159]

Amazing tutorial! I just ordered my pattern and can't wait till it arrives. I was relieved to find this video because I'm just starting to learn how to sew, and I have a hard time reading patterns. I'm a visual learner, so I'm very grateful for people like you who upload videos explaining every step!

[@aliciajohnson1648]

Where did you find a copy of the pattern?

[@stephaniehoward456]

I loved your tutorial. So easy to follow I just made my very first memory bear watching your videos.

[@nikkix6972]

Thank you for this - I am a beginner but made my first bear just prior to Xmas out of pretty Xmas fabrics. Then I helped my 11yr old to make one for herself as part of home ed :). My husband's family has just asked me to make one out of pap's old clothes so I am halfway through that (and back on this video to refresh my memory as I am really paranoid about getting this one wrong!). So happy you don't pin everything, my patience and I thank you greatly for that too!!!

[@jackiesmith9965]

Thank you for your videos. I am using Simplicity 9894 and McCalls 5125 that I have had since 1990. Your videos are helping me to alter the patterns so that I won't need to use buttons or plastic joints to attach the arms and legs in the future as shown in these patterns. Thank you so much for continuing to offer your videos KZbin.

[@melissamoulton6779]

This video is so well done. Informative and concise. No rambling. Making bears 3 & 4 for grandkids. I certainly wish I’d had this video for the first two.

[@fredamidgley281]

Thank you so much, very clear instructions so much so that I've ordered the pattern and made one myself

[@JenniferTful]

So so so helpful. About to do my first memory bear for my daughter with her late nanas clothes and you have actually made me believe I can actually do this! So informative and helpful. Oh, and absolutely love the bear, it's beautiful! Thank you so much xx

[@wendytrencs9380]

Thank you Whitney - I had lost the instructions and was happy to find your step by step tutorial - Great job!

[@lindacampbell320]

You did a fantastic job doing this video. I have a new granddaughter and I know she would love this bear. Thank you for the video.

[@lisamannino4556]

Nicely sewn. Not complicated like some patterns are. You did an excellent job explaining each step of the sewing process.

[@victoranetocruz8618]

I bought this pattern before I found your channel. I just want to thank you for helping me make my bear a whole lot easier. My bear came out so cute. Now have to make 2 more for my boys. Love your channel. Very simple to follow. God bless you.

[@melissadelarosa224]

Thank you for this. Straight to the point.

[@denisedennehy7747]

Love love love this video you are brilliantly clear that I understood everything, normally I find things hard to process . Thank you so much you don't know how much this means to me x

[@kimberlykreiser3932]

:) Thank you Whitney so much for posting this how to Sew a Memory Bear tutorial.I have been watching and of course waiting as well. and this memory bear does not seem so difficult to do.

[@Byllechor1]

Life saver ! Currently making a bear from my grandmothers blazer. I will gift it to my aunt as a surprise. Now I just hope she has more of my grandmas clothing to make myself one:)

[@scoobydoo9088]

Thank you Whitney, Awesome tutorial. Your memory bear turned out Great, I'm looking forward to making a memory bear.

[@lizokeeffe6212]

I love your tutorials. So easy to follow. Ive now made around 60 memory bears and 8 rabbits. I used a 9 piece pattern from pinterest. I will post some photos on your page. Keep up the good work.

[@suebean3873]

What a beautiful bear and it doesn’t look that hard to make either, thank you!

[@waterboy8999]

This is a great idea, a dear friend passed yesterday and this has given me idea that I think someone really like, I'm kinda new to sewing but I'm sure I could manage this. Thank you and regards from Scotland.

[@kathleentolley3546]

This is my go to video for the bear! Thank you.

[@kc14323]

So easy to follow along.. thank you for making this!

[@elizabethfonseca-spring3000]

I love it! To the point, in relation to the pattern, great video sweetie. Thanks a bunch...God bless you

[@gwendanorth9824]

Just made my first bear (I'm a beginner it was a practice for a very important memory bear) I am so happy with it and watching your wonderful step by step video alongside I have learnt so very much and enjoyed every minute. Thank you so very much Whitney xx

[@tracycook7355]

Hi Amy many moons ago you sourced the first pattern for me. Well I’ve treasured it and finally making my first bear. So excited

[@matildemcdonnell9299]

Thank-you for such great tips!! I love your tutorial on Memory Bears and the tips will be great for any memory bear pattern!!

[@flowaagurl1396]

your video is anxiety free and stress free thank u sm

[@benkrause4988]

Thank you, very helpful tutorial, as I know nout bout sowing and following you helped way more than the instructions

[@carolgrehan9558]

Whitney I couldn’t have done this pattern without this wonderful video. The pattern was bought on Etsy so was just a copy and not great so this was wonderful to follow along. I was so pleased I’ve sighed up to your Patreon page. Thanks again for all the tips xx ❤

[@nicoleprovencher-natale4094]

Great tutorial. I plan to make a Rare Bear soon and this is helpful. Love your machine!

[@kimikiminurface938]

Thank you for the great video . I’m considered the crafty one of the family but I feel this may be above my capabilities - even with your wonderful tips . I love this idea , I have several of my Late Sons clothing , I would like to do this for our surviving children .. I agree , I love the 9 piece pattern - it does add the great deminsion you mentioned - I agree , the face is adorable with the eyes , nose and mouth you’ve selected .. I would consider this a “high end “ bear compared the the others I have seen .. thanks again for sharing - I will try to find seamstress in my area to tackle this for me .. I’m inspired ..

[@ruthbrightman5912]

Wow Whitney, that is the best tutorial, you explain all the little things that aren't said in the pattern instructions. Thank you!

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad you like it! Have you checked out my other memory bear tutorials? I share more tips and tricks in those videos. Here's the playlist - Memory Bear How tos from Whitney Sews: kzbin.info/aero/PL6bNa81aVS4QfMk_L30ONPC9N-PoK_W3D

[@lorirheynard6796]

Thank you for your video, I am a visual learner and found it easy to put together after watching your video. I have made 2 so far, the first one went to my new grandson. I want to keep making them for the Safe Place in our city to give to the kids. Thank you again.

[@ndngirl87ify]

I made my first Bear and your video was so helpful. Thank you

[@sarahbethmartin9819]

Girl, you are a natural born teacher!

[@sueyous]

Thank you Whitney for an excellent video tutorial. 💖

[@janettejohnson8345]

Very clear instructions for a very novice sewer 👍

[@JulieBug424]

Very clear instructions! Great video!

[@annetteschumpe1316]

Thank you for a very informative and easy to follow video. I can’t wait to get started on my bears!

[@rhondarendon]

Thank u so much for this fantastic tutorial. U r a great teacher!

[@bubbley1963]

Thank you! I have been able to make many bears because of your video.

[@roadrunner123]

Thanks! My sister loaned me the pattern and half the instructions were missing so it was great to find this!

[@marlasells6223]

Fantastic step by step instructions. I think I can make one now.

[@lorifriel2302]

Just came across your site Whitney and I love it. Your instructions are so easy to follow. keep it up X

[@meagenarnett7921]

thank you so much! i am a visual learner and this has been so helpful!! very appreciative! i have made 3 bears now!!

[@jsilva7586]

Aewsome work and thank you very much for sharing

[@lynneandrews8971]

You make it look so easy

[@1thess416and17]

Thank you. I think I've made 4 now, and I still watch everything to be sure to get it right!

[@mercyy9788]

Just bought this pattern at Walmart yesterday and I’m ready to give it a try!!

[@caromac2758]

Thank you so much for this, first time using a pattern and both memory bears look superb. Couldn't have done it without you. Recipient's both very happy to have a lovely reminder of their mum which they can cwtch. ( sorry a Welsh word for cuddle) I used items of clothing along with the family tartan belonging to her.

[@katiemorris7427]

Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to give this project a try!

[@dollmom3597]

I went to Walmart yesterday and found this pattern. Can’t wait to start this project. Thanks for the video.

[@Whitney_Sews]

Wonderful! Let me know how it turns out :)

[@marlanasmith]

This is a great video! My son is fighting brain cancer and wanted me to make him a memory bear from the hospital gown he wore when he was diagnosed. I have the pattern cut but was nervous to begin. With this video I am confident I can do it. Thank you! 😊

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad my video helped give you the confidence you needed! All the best to your son as he is fighting cancer

[@tammywatts6304]

Thank you for helping me sew a bear together.

[@anne-mariewhite4500]

You make it look so easy! I much prefer to watch a tutorial than read through patterns. Thank You. Thank You. Anne-Marie England

[@Whitney_Sews]

Glad you liked the video! It's my goal with every tutorial to try to make it easy to understand and follow for every sewer.

[@suzylauderbaugh8212]

Did my 1st one today. It turned out great! Thank you so much! ❤️

[@disleybryan1260]

Love your videos,I just sew my fists bear, following you, it turn out great. Thank you so much for posting. I have a question, how can I ad a shirt collar to the bear?

[@BlondieBre]

I actually found this pattern yesterday after looking everywhere at Walmart!

[@nancybockenkamp8760]

I have this same pattern and I'm goin to make it for my grandgirl out of my mom's shirt ,,, Thanks for sharein 😁 🌻

[@bernicemiller5825]

Perfect instructions. Thank you so much

[@marlenaluna6035]

Thanks for this video it really helped me I will be trying to make my 1st memory bear n I can’t wait to start it

[@andreadixon9512]

Love your videos ❤ So clear to follow... Thankyou xxx

[@pamketron]

Awesome job Whitney! I’m not good with patterns. You made this so easy to understand. All of your tips are great. Thanks SEW much! 🐻💝😍

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad the video was easy to follow!

[@nanfrimodig3686]

Amazing. I made memory Bears for my daughters and putted along with the first half and then found your video and flew through the rest. You explain everything so perfectly. Thank you. ❤

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@marilyncote-miller8010]

Thanks. Just what I needed!

[@sharonbartley808]

Very detailed and informative. Thanks.

[@bernielove49]

awesome tutorial I just made my first memory bear and your video was a great help thanks again

[@deborahanderson200]

Your tutorials are exceptional! You explain the steps so clearly and make everything easy to follow and understand. I've been sewing for 50 years, so I'm an old lady, but I've learned so many helpful hints from you. I had made several Memory Bears, but I recently was asked to make one from a MINK JACKET! I was absolutely terrified to take scissors to such an expensive item. Even though I'd made several bears over the years, I watched your videos before tackling this mink coat bear! I found your videos to be very helpful and calming! You gave me the courage go ahead. I didn't use the safety eyes and nose because the lady for whom I made this bear wanted me to use buttons she had provided for the eyes and a simple felt nose. It turned out great! So, thank you, Whitney! I wish I could show you a picture, but I don't know how to attach one to my comment. Thank you for all you've taught me! You are talented and delightful! Deb Anderson

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad my videos helped give you the confidence you needed! The bear sounds beautiful! If you have a facebook account you can share a picture on my page, I would love to see it!

[@kathygoodwin4560]

Did you post a picture of the mink bear that you made?

[@alananeave9183]

I cannot thank you enough for this video! I attempted to make this pattern and failed miserably, then I saw this video and saw how easy you did it!

[@sharonfreemantle4665]

Given me confidence to give it a try

[@shondra6]

Great idea with the plastic , especially if you want to make a few....TFS these ideas. I’ve made bears for my kids before .. called celebration bears for birthdays. But I love to make one in memory of my dad, who left us last year. 💜🙏🤗👍🏻

[@deborahanderson200]

Happy 2020 New Year, Whitney! I hope you and your family are enjoying the Christmas and New Year season!

[@WilburGarysMum]

This was so helpful! I’m currently making a bear for a friend. Great to get visualisation that you just don’t get from reading a pattern!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elisebuhler5089]

I struggled reading the pattern! Not clear at all! Definitely needed this video to see this bear. I made 10 bears for a friend. Much easier after watching this video!

[@kristicitak3932]

Grateful for this tutorial (just lost my Mom & I have a pattern & the fabric). Your tutorial will make it so much less daunting ❤❤❤❤❤🙏💜💜😍🌞

[@debradavis7318]

Thank you Whitney🙏🏻

[@ruthcline5465]

I love this tutorial! I will look forward to your video on best tips for memory bears. Your directions are perfectly clear and straight forward. I’ve sewn a lot over the past few years and feel like I’m wrestling with curvy seams like the bears snout. You make it look easy!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Here's the memory bear tips video :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHSqZo2De5xlp6c

[@zhilahaggard6274]

Is there a way you could show how to sew the vest? I'm one of those who has to see how it needs to be done. Thank you.

[@jsilva7586]

Wow amazing thank you very much for sharing

[@sandrarichardson7131]

Thank you! Love your machine.

[@StitchinWithSue]

Such a wonderful tutorial. Now I need the pattern. :)

[@jackiejones8267]

I found this tutorial so helpful...I have never made a bear before and have now done 5. I tacked the head on to allow me to remove the clips. Thank you so much....