Cashmere Sweater Teddy Bear

Steps 1-3

Steps:

1. Start with a clean, dry cashmere sweater. Working on a flat surface, lay out the sweater. Cut off the ribbing around the waist. Cut off the sleeves at the seams. Set sleeves aside for a future project.

2. Check to see that the pattern pieces will fit in the workable sweater area. Resize pattern on a scanner or copy machine as necessary.

3. Lay out the teddy bear pattern pieces on the sweater.

Step 4

4. Secure the teddy bear pattern with straight pins and cut out the pieces.

Steps 5-6

5. Machine-sew a dart in each front side. Pin the front sides right sides together down the center and machine sew together with a straight stitch. Zigzag stitch to secure.

6. Sew gussets in each back piece. Pin the back sides right sides together down the center and machine sew them together with a straight stitch, leaving approximately a 3-inch open in the center for stuffing later. Zigzag stitch to secure.

Step 7

7. Pin the front and back together, with right sides facing in. Sew all around the bear with approximately 1/2-inch seam allowance. Follow up with a zigzag stitch.

Step 8

8. Turn the bear right side out.

Step 9

9. Lightly stuff the ears with polyester stuffing and sew diagonally to secure the ears.

Steps 10-11

10. Lightly stuff the face to see the best placement for the bear's features. Stitch the nose with a satin stitch and the mouth with a running stitch with a double strand of coordinating embroidery floss.

11. Pin the buttons in place for eyes. Stitch with a double strand of embroidery floss.

Step 12

12. Stuff the arms, legs and belly firmly with polyester stuffing until the bear is super huggable.

Step 13

13. Hand-sew the opening in the back shut with matching thread.

Step 14

14. Cut a piece of ribbon and tie a bow around the teddy bear's neck. Trim the ends of the ribbon with scissors.

Web site: www.teddylux.com