Making and Dressing Traditional Teddy Bears

This guide starts with an introduction to the history of the manufacture of the teddy bear and then sets out to show readers how to make a collection of fully-jointed teddy bear designs featuring all the classic characteristics including long arms, humped backs and button eyes, and ranging in size from 3in to 30in. Bears include Smudge, a tiny velvet bear that can fit in the palm of the hand, or musical Haydn, or Olivia and Oliver, twins dressed in matching Edwardian outfits. The book demonstrates the basic bear-making techniques every step of the way from choosing fabrics and pattern cutting to assembly and jointing. It explores how to create a bear's unique character by subtle differences in the positioning of the eyes and ears and the embroidery of the facial features. Advice is also given on giving an authentic look to finished bears. Finally there is a bear clinic - a guide to restoring a bear to its former glory.