Some time ago, we shared a sweet Felt Softie Rabbit pattern with you – Pip Squeak (6) had a WONDERFUL time creating her tiny bunny in a bed. So, when Red Ted (8) came home, HE wanted to make one too. As usual, he wanted his to be unique, so he chose to make a little Felt Softie Bear. Don’t they look adorable together? I love how Pip Squeak’s sewing is REALLY inspiring her older brother to try it himself and proves that BOYS can sew too. You simply need to discover the patterns and colours that capture their interest. I also notice that Pip Squeak can stay focused a little longer, as she is more “into” sewing, but I’m perfectly happy for Red Ted to complete half a project and let me finish it, as long as he does some sewing! Take a look at this hugely popular How to Teach Kids to Sew article for useful tips and ideas, along with our other Sewing Projects for Kids!
Originally published in April 2016!
Felt Softie Bear – Supplies:
- Pieces of brown, yellow and red felt for the bear
- Orange felt to make the bed
- Ribbon
- Embroidery floss
- A small amount of stuffing
- Your freeFELT SOFTIE BEAR pattern (enter $0 at check out)
I hope you enjoy our free felt softie patterns!
Simple Hand Stitches for Beginners
When my children learned to sew, we made things very straightforward and concentrated mainly on the running stitch. It is an excellent beginner stitch that calls for hand-eye coordination and simple sequencing. Even so, this little bear design would look lovely with any Basic Hand Stitch! I have an entire collection for you to explore here:
How to stitch a mini felt Teddy Bear
NOTE: the pattern includes two teddy bear options. The more detailed felt design below, with each section cut separately, and a simpler option with the back as “one” piece, making it easier to cut and sew!
Cut out all your pieces… looking back…. when sewing with children, you MAY prefer to create one single piece for your bear that includes all the arms, legs and ears.. this gives the finished felt softie a different “feel”, while also making it simpler to sew. Another option is to make them slightly “longer”, allowing you to “tuck” more of the arms, legs and ears into the seams!
With a basic running stitch, begin stitching around your felt bear softie.
Keep a small opening along the side for adding the stuffing, then fill it up!
Attach the eyes, nose and heart with glue!
Next, create a basic bed from a rectangular piece of felt. Stitch up one side, across the top, and back down the opposite side. If needed, add a few extra stitches to secure your ribbon in place. I ended up making the bed for Red Ted because he had lost his sewing enthusiasm by then! But that’s perfectly fine!!
I think that is absolutely okay – children should ENJOY sewing, and that is an important part of teaching kids to sew… so allow them to do as much or as little as they want, while keeping them engaged!
Discover more Sewing Projects for Kids here:
I hope you’ll try making our miniadorable felt softie bear!!!!more designs coming soon!
I hope you enjoy our free felt softie patterns!
Don’t hesitate to pick up a needle and give it a try!!!