Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I think it depends in part on how you learn and/or what you are willing to tackle. It also depends on whether you have experience sewing be it clothes, soft toys, etc.

Assuming you have NO experience (I'd never touched a sewing machine before I began making bears, never mind tried to read any sort of sewing pattern)..... find someone to teach you how to make a bear. If you can't find a class or someone to teach you then you have further options:

Buy a bear making book or video. Recommended: "101 Bears to Make" by Nancy Tillberg and "The Art of Making Teddy Bears" by Jennifer Laing. Jennifer's book also comes on video tape as do other bear making videos should you find it helpful to have the visual demonstrations.

Most patterns and kits generally come with some instructions, some more detailed than others, but still don't cover all that would be covered in a book.

Buying a kit with all the supplies in it is the way to go for a first time bear maker. This will help you become familiar with all the bits and pieces involved and will ensure that you have just the right materials and amounts to make your bear avoiding frustration or delays. You'll then be ready to start ordering supplies once you know what you need. You'll still have to get the tools for joints, needles for noses and eyes, stuffing material, threads, etc. so you'll still have plenty to shop for.

Just be prepared... bear making is addictive!!!  :)