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Even if you've already got a pattern download the latest one which includes a check list to ensure you make perfect teddies. A teddy may be the only toy a child will call "my own", so it's got to be the very best. |
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KnittingCheck your tension.Big teddies take more room so less can be taken and loose tension means the stuffing shows and they do not come up to British (or EC) Standards. When picking up stitches for the arms, start half-way up the side of the jumper, if you pick up one stitch per row, your teddy will likely have his arms in the air. Don't add fringes to the scarf, such teddies are "not suitable for children under 3". Don't deviate from the pattern All teddies are different but none should be superior, no skirts or hats, stripes are OK in moderation, especially if you're using up duller colours. Everyone wants their teddy to be the best of the bunch, but do we want the child who doesn't get our teddy to be disappointed? |
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StuffingUse good clean wool and hygienic filing that can be washed, acrylic is recommended. (BS 1425 & BS 5852). A well stuffed bear takes approximately 26gms of acrylic stuffing. Anything else and they don't come up to EC standards. |
ScarvesSew on the scarf firmly, but only at the back of the neck so it can be untied and re-tied to make the teddy more fun.
Scarves are attached not because they might get lost in transit, but if they are loose a teddy would "not be suitable for children under 3". |
NeckInsert the needle at a seam, leaving an end, weave, over one thread, under 2 all the way round, ending at exactly the start position. Tighten the thread and secure with a reef knot, weave both end through the teddy, the knot should disappear into the seam. |
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Why teddies are rejected(or require TLC) |
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Included by request from collectors of teddies. May these mistakes be a thing of the past.
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| General | Ends of knitting not woven back into seams, the knitting will unravel with use and there is nothing anyone can do about it once the end has been cut off! Likewise secure the ends of the embroidery. |
| Seams | "The man from Trading Standards" put his thumbs either side of a seam and tried to pull it apart! Make sure your teddy will pass this test. |
| Size | If you teddies are too big, check your tension and if you know you're a loose knitter, use smaller needles. |
| Stuffing | A teddy needs to be well stuffed, floppy teddies may end up with empty tummies if they're hugged a lot; and putting extra stuffing in a teddy is difficult and time-consuming. |
| Necks | Don't forget to draw the neck in and don't just wrap wool round, weave it in. |
| Scarves | Remember to attach the scarf and ONLY at the back. |
| Faces | Long stitches and lack of a smile. |
| Checking Service | If you're still unsure send a sample teddy address on the contact page. It really is best to get it right first time. |
When choosing material for bags, remember the brighter the fabric the better. Children always go for the bright colours
and thinner fabric is less bulky, so there'll be room for more teddies. |
The BagMake a bag big enough for a teddy - 30 x 22.5cm (12-13" x 8-9").There are few rules, but bags are important and need to be made to last as long as the teddies. Use pinking shears, or make up using French (double seams) if the material is likely to fray. Turn over a casing on the inside and stitch, leaving a small gap to take the drawstring. Use only one drawstring long enough to allow the bag to fully open, plus a couple of inches. If you'd need to buy cord or ribbon try making them. All you need is some small oddments of wool or crochet cotton. The instructions on how to make drawstrings are by popular request. When giving teddies to a collector leave the teddies out of the bags. All teddies and bags are checked and it does save time. |
Making DrawstringsMeasure approximately 3 metres of yarn(3 times nose to outstretched hand).Knot the ends and hook the loop over e.g. a door handle. Put a pencil through the loop and keeping the cord tight turn the pencil (an empty cotton real threaded onto the cord, makes it much easier to turn the pencil, though care must be taken removing it at the end). Occasionally release the tension a fraction, if the cord immediately twists back on itself it's ready. Don't be tempted to stop too soon a loose cord will unravel. With cord tight again hang a heavy object (most can-openers are good for this) in the centre and bring the ends together maintaining the tension. Holding the 2 ends, lower the weight and watch it spin! Don't let it start untwisting, just drop the weight to the floor, remove it and knot both ends of the cord. Check that the length of your first one is correct for your bags, the finished length will depend on the yarn you use and the length of your arms! |
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If you don't knit but can sew, volunteer to make bags there are always more teddies than bags. Please make contact if you can help in this way. |
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And Finally a plea from collectorsBefore you let your teddies go, check them one last time.Thank-you and happy knitting |
5th June 2010
