Cuddle up with Jennie Jones’ simple T-shirt teddy, which can be sewn by hand or machine. It’s the perfect quick-sew project if you’re looking for something to make in just one evening.
For this project, we’ve chosen a refashioning theme – take a comfy soft T-shirt and turn it into a toy! It’s perfect for a last-minute Christmas present.
Designer Jennie says: “I’ve used a T-shirt to make this quick, simple, sleepy bear, but it would also be great to use old baby grows to make a little softie for your child to keep as a handmade family heirloom.
If you are going to give it to a little one, it would be safer to leave out the felt scraps and stitch on the detailing instead.”
Read on to find Jenny’s free tutorial for how to turn a t-shirt into a teddy toy.
Step one: Turn the T-shirt inside out, then pin on your bear template. Cut 5mm (1⁄4in) outside the pattern for a seam allowance, through the front and back. Pin together.
Step two: Sew along the outside edge of your bear, using a zigzag stitch and leaving a 4cm (15⁄8in) gap on one leg for turning. Stitch around the bear again, using a straight stitch this time for added strength.
Step three: Turn the bear right side out and stuff quite firmly. Turn the excess fabric at the turning gap to the inside and slip stitch the opening closed.
Step four: Cut a 4x6cm (15⁄8x23⁄8in) scrap of felt. Pinch this in the middle and fold a T-shirt scrap around the centre to make a bow, and sew. Stitch the bow onto your bear.
Step five: Following the template for positioning, sew on a felt nose. For the eyes and mouth, make one long stitch for each and work loops over to make them curved.
With just a few simple steps, you can transform a worn t-shirt into a cuddly teddy bear that’s full of memories and ready to be loved all over again.
Follow our guide to craft a unique memory bear perfect for gifting or keeping.
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