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Fluffkins Nov 12, 2015

Hello,

Long time Teddy lover here, first time member to the site.

I am making preparations to make my own Teddy Bears, I want to make a wide variety from big to small, super furry to short fur, and they must be plushy and soft!

Would be awesome to have some veteran tips on what fabrics I should be looking for.

Thanks so much!

koonienett Nov 13, 2015

I think you should try different types of fur.

When I started with bear-making, I didn't dare to take mohair or alpaca. So I started with plush. After a handful of bears I tried mohair.
At last mostly I use plush for the big bears and mohair or Alpaka for the small ones.
I would say mohair an alpaca are easier to process.

It is important that the fur is none-stretching. And it is also important to look for the pile length (the bigger the bear, the longer may be the Flor).
The choice of material is of course dependent on the style (classic bear, nature bear .........). But allowed is what pleases.

I hope this is helpfull and understandable. If not - dare to ask.

Did you notice the Library?    There are many advices for bear-makers.

Fluffkins Nov 13, 2015

Thanks for the tips! Honestly I want to make a variety of all different kinds. Ive been searching materials, but don't know the names to search so Im just looking through fabric sites totally confused. I dont want to end up buying something that isnt in the criteria Im looking for hehe.

I think you should try different types of fur.

When I started with bear-making, I didn't dare to take mohair or alpaca. So I started with plush. After a handful of bears I tried mohair.
At last mostly I use plush for the big bears and mohair or Alpaka for the small ones.
I would say mohair an alpaca are easier to process.

It is important that the fur is none-stretching. And it is also important to look for the pile length (the bigger the bear, the longer may be the Flor).
The choice of material is of course dependent on the style (classic bear, nature bear .........). But allowed is what pleases.

I hope this is helpfull and understandable. If not - dare to ask.

Did you notice the Library?    There are many advices for bear-makers.

dangerbears Nov 14, 2015

Welcome, Fluffkins! That's great advice from Kornelia.

Are you comfortable with mail order? You'll need to check out the suppliers (such as our site sponsor Intercal Mohair) that cater to bearmakers. Plush fabrics at the craft store or regular fabric store probably won't be suitable. There are some good deals on eBay and Facebook as well. (Send me a pm if you'd like more info.) 

Probably the most important is to get your hands on something of good quality, with a pile that's not overly long or dense when you're just starting out, and experiment. You'll find out with time what you like to work with. Keep us posted!

Becky

Fluffkins Nov 15, 2015

Yes I was planning on ordering online, it's cheaper and has a larger variety. I noticed Mohair seems to be the most comman, but I also want to try other fabric types. I just need a good knowledge to get started with. Personally I like really fluffy bears, ones you can snuggle up to.

Welcome, Fluffkins! That's great advice from Kornelia.

Are you comfortable with mail order? You'll need to check out the suppliers (such as our site sponsor Intercal Mohair) that cater to bearmakers. Plush fabrics at the craft store or regular fabric store probably won't be suitable. There are some good deals on eBay and Facebook as well. (Send me a pm if you'd like more info.) 

Probably the most important is to get your hands on something of good quality, with a pile that's not overly long or dense when you're just starting out, and experiment. You'll find out with time what you like to work with. Keep us posted!

Becky

edmondnutmeg Nov 15, 2015

Good advice so far. Fluffy bears that seem to be your weakness would probably need to be in a longer and or denser fur. The problem here is that type or fur is more difficult to work with as you have to take account of how that will influence the proportions of your bear (think about how different a cat looks when it has wet fur  ) and is also harder to stitch as it can move with the pile as you sew. If you go wrong it can be hard to unpick your sewing too. The bear would most likely need some trimming and shaping too as these kind of bears would just look like a yetty with eyes hidden in the fur- again harder to do than it may seem.
Have you thought of getting a kit that comes with all you need? That way once you have your first bear under your belt it will be easier to judge what to try out next depending how easy or hard you found the kit bear.  At the end of the day you just have to dive in and go for it - nothing is lost as even if it all goes wrong you will have learnt loads to use on your next bear. There is a great thread in the library about first bears here's the link
http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=10149
TT's Library really is a wonderful place and you will learn soooo much check out the 'getting started' page
Good luck 
michelle

Fluffkins Nov 16, 2015

Thanks for the advice! I plan to get a sewing course (when I find a good one in my area) I was thinking of getting a kit, but again so many choices haha.

Good advice so far. Fluffy bears that seem to be your weakness would probably need to be in a longer and or denser fur. The problem here is that type or fur is more difficult to work with as you have to take account of how that will influence the proportions of your bear (think about how different a cat looks when it has wet fur  ) and is also harder to stitch as it can move with the pile as you sew. If you go wrong it can be hard to unpick your sewing too. The bear would most likely need some trimming and shaping too as these kind of bears would just look like a yetty with eyes hidden in the fur- again harder to do than it may seem.
Have you thought of getting a kit that comes with all you need? That way once you have your first bear under your belt it will be easier to judge what to try out next depending how easy or hard you found the kit bear.  At the end of the day you just have to dive in and go for it - nothing is lost as even if it all goes wrong you will have learnt loads to use on your next bear. There is a great thread in the library about first bears here's the link
http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=10149
TT's Library really is a wonderful place and you will learn soooo much check out the 'getting started' page
Good luck 
michelle