Mini Bear making - Back stitch

My mini bears are best sewn together using back stitch, in the stabbing method.  This means that the upward stitch is made first, and then followed by the downward stitch - not down and up in the same stitch.  This method is a bit slower, but the result is a firmer, stronger seam that can withstand some pressure during the turning and stuffing process, and enables you to sew smaller stitches.

I hope  my photos can demonstrate this clearly. 

Come up, one stitch length away from the
previous stitch

Take needle back down again
 where the previous stitches end.

The backing threads on the fabric are a good guide to keep your stitches the same length, and the same distance from the edge.

The following picture shows the method of back stitch used on surface embroidery.

Traditional back stitch

I have stitched some felt together using both methods in a contrasting colour thread-

The stabbing version on the left and traditional back stitch on the right. 

Notice the difference when the fabric is stretched open - this happens during the stuffing process.  I highly recommend the stabbing method for best results - you want your bear to look his best!

The next post will show a mini bear all stitched up and turned.

Cheers, Jan

P.S.  I'm not sure what happened to the colour in my last photos!  I might need to talk nicely to my camera for the next pics.

Mini Bear making - Pattern layout and cutting

So many people think that miniature things are easier to make.  I have had comments that my bears are so small that it would only take a few stitches and it's finished.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I make my mini bears in exactly the same way as bigger bears - the only difference is that my stitches are a lot smaller, my tools are finer, and it takes a lot more patience, especially with the very little ones. 

For this reason, I've decided to show my bear making process in this blog, and then list the resulting bears in my Etsy shop.

My bear designs are similar, but not exactly the same.  Different fabrics can affect the final result - size and shape, texture and colour.  I also make small adjustments to my patterns too - the length and width of arms, legs and paws, bent or straight, slender or rotund tummy, long or short snout, wide or narrow head, large or small ears, eyes and nose.  So even with one pattern, many different and unique bears can be made.  Therefore, no two of my bears are identical, and all have their own personalities.

When I have decided on a design and fabric, I cut out the pattern pieces from thin card, and trace around them onto the back of the fur fabric.  It's important to know the direction of the 'pile' (fur), so that your finished bear is smooth to stroke, like a real bear.  Ultrasuede, which I use for the paw pads and inner ears, also has a 'pile'.  It's softer on one side than the other, and if you rub your fingernail across the surface, one way is smoothest, the opposite direction will lift up the pile.

Pile direction

The picture shows the pile in a downward direction.  The backing is visible at the top, and the fur is overlapping the backing at the lower edge.  I use a pin on the back, to show the direction of the pile, while I'm tracing the pattern pieces.

For a basic bear you need 21 pieces altogether.  Two side heads, one reversed, 1 head gusset, 2 ears - fur, 2 ears - ultrasuede, 2 body pieces, one reversed, 2 outer arms, one reversed,  2 inner arms, one reversed, 2 paw pads, one reversed - ultrasuede, 4 legs, two reversed, and 2 foot paw pads - ultrasuede.

Trace pattern onto back of fur fabric

I use gel pens to draw my patterns, in a colour that is visible, but not bright.  Always count the pieces, and ensure that you have reversed the pattern where necessary - before cutting out any of the pieces.

Be careful to only cut the backing fabric and not the pile.  With short pile fabrics, it's easy to take a large sweeping cut, and end up with a bald patch on your bear.  It's worth taking your time.  For accuracy, I cut exactly on the inner edge if the drawn lines, which removes the pen markings, and the pieces are the same size as the pattern.

A mini bear ready to sew

Next post - back stitching the pieces together.

After my last post, I have found a lot of other crafty bloggers who are inspired by their grandmothers.  To all grandmothers, a heartfelt thankyou for keeping craft alive, and please continue to teach, encourage and inspire, as only grandmothers can.

Bye for now, Jan

First things first

Hello and welcome to my 'Who Framed Teddy?' blog, my home of miniature teddy bears, particularly micro mini bears.  I'm always trying out new crafts, and have been knitting and sewing for more years than I care to mention, so I'll be sharing all my latest projects, and hope to hear from other crafters along the way.


Above all,  I love to make teddy bears.  I always had dolls when I was young - in those days, bride dolls were popular, and I remember my grandmother dressed one of my dolls in a complete bridal outfit, including petticoats.  She was a very clever dress maker, and started my crafty juices flowing by teaching me how to sew on buttons, and make clothes for my Sindy doll.  She also gave me a teddy bear - as seen tucked under my arm in the picture.  (Not sure what was going on with my normally dead straight hair that day!!)

Nana and Jan

 I still have the bear, who looks like he has endured a lot of hugs over the years!  Does anyone else have a similar bear?  I'd like to know some more about him.

My grandmother was the most loving, generous, hard working, selfless, brave and beautiful person I've ever known and I am so proud and fortunate that she was in my life.  She continues to be an inspiration to me.

Now, about bears!
I've been making bears, on and off, for about 20 years, and selling them for the past 6 years.  I love a challenge, and strive for perfection, so began making miniature bears, just to see if I could.  I enjoyed it so much that I began designing my own.

 


This is my Berry Bear - I made all the tiny berries, too!  He's 4cm (1 1/2") tall.  More bears coming soon!

Thanks for visiting, Jan