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Materials to Make a Teddy Bear | Crafts |

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History of the Teddy Bear
The teddy bear as we know them today are very similar to their forefathers. As the story goes, President Theodore Roosevelt, while on a hunting trip in 1902, was given the opportunity to shoot a bear which had been lassoed and tied to a tree. He considered this most unsportsmanlike and refused. On the front page of the Washington Post, Clifford Berryman who was the editorial cartoonist for the newspaper, illistrated his version of the event. The event caught the attention of Mr. Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn, New York shop keeper. His wife had made two toy bears and they were on display in their store window. Mr. Michtom sought and received permission from then President to call the stuffed toys "Teddy's Bears". It should also be recognized that at while Teddy Bear was being born in the United States, he had also been conceived in Germany. The Steiff Company of Giengen produced its first jointed bear during the same period and introduced them at the 1903 Leipzig Fair, where it is said an American buyer saw them and ordered several thousand for shipment to the United States. The birth of this wonderful companion seems insignificant compared to the years of pleasure it has brought to millions of people over the years.

Over time, bears have been made from every type of fabric imaginable. Felt, real fur, wool, silk and satin to name a few. Bears can be bought in every shape, size and color thinkable from a variance of retail outlets. These lovable, cuddly creatures can also be easily made.





Commonly, today's bears are made from synthetic fur and with the selections available, why not? There are basic supplies used to create these treasures that can be found around the home. Patterns available to make bears are, generally speaking, fairly simple and straight forward. Be prepared to devote time to complete these cherrished friends. Heirlooms made with love and tenderness evolve over time, not overnight. The primary ingredient, patience!

The character that emerges while giving birth to this project may look like others that have been made; however, like every hand made item, no two are ever idendical. This, added to the fact that bears really do have a mind of their own and no matter how hard you try, no two will be alike! To encourage the individuality in each bear even further, dress them. Some will look great with wire rimmed glasses perched on their nose or atop their heads. Add a satchels, a hat, some clothing or a big bow and see them transform into yet another personality.

These cuddly friends make awesome listeners and best friends; however, in making them, there is a need to ensure the safety of all those who will come in contact with them. Using common sense and good judgement is a necessity, especially if making the bear for a child.

We offer you a selection of suggested materials to make your own bear.

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