Make a teddy
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Make a Teddy
Patterns
Even if you've already got a pattern download the latest one which includes a check list to help you get your teddies up to standard.
If you're not sure about UK US and metric needle sizes visit Yarn Forward for a very clear conversion chart.
A teddy may be the only toy a child will call "my own", so it's got to be the very best.
Patterns are PDF files and you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read them. If you haven't got it download it here
Knitting pattern
Crochet Pattern
(with many thanks to Jenny, who spent time ensuring the crocheted teddy would be the same size as the knitted one.)
And by special request a crochet pattern for our transatlantic cousins.
You do want your teddy to be loved and loved and loved...
Knitting
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).
Think of it this way - we all want our teddy to be the best but do we want the child who doesn't get our teddy to be disappointed?
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Finishing your teddy
Read the check list page 2 of the pattern and do take care; beautiful knitting can be spoiled by careless finishing.
Don't cut off ends of yarn, always thread them along the seams, knots can come undone.
check the Safety Standards page too, Teddies that are given within the EU must reach these standards.
Stuffing
Use good clean wool and hygienic filing that can be washed, acrylic is recommended. (BS 1425 & BS 5852). Anything else i.e. old tights gives teddies a bad name.
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Scarves
Sew one 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". For the same reason don't add fringes.
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Faces
Teddies come in lots of colours and their faces are all different as the Teddy Gallery illustrates.
Black wool or embroidery cotton is best, blue eyes are very European. Use small stitches. that can't be picked off. Use satin stitch for the eyes. To make an even mouth with a big smile, make a big U loosly held down in the centre then chain-stitch over the this.
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Make a bag
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.
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The Bag
Make a bag big enough for a teddy - 30 x 22.5cm (12" x 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 on one side to take the drawstring.
Use only one drawstring and only just long enough to allow the bag to fully open.
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.
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Making Drawstrings
Measure 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 wool 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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Common Mistakes
Included by request from collectors of teddies. May these mistakes be a thing of the past.
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Teddies too big The tension is not right. Check your tension and if you know you're a loose knitter, use smaller needles.
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Stuffing A teddy needs to be well stuffed, floppy teddies may end up with empty tummies if they're hugged a lot. Putting more stuffing in a teddy is also very difficult.
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Necks Don't forget to draw the neck in and don't just wrap wool round, weave it in.
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Faces Collectors spend many hours doing TLC on faces. A teddy needs to look happy, also if the stitches are too large they will more easily come loose.
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Checking Service If you're still unsure send a sample teddy address on the contact page. It really is best to get it right.
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Sending Teddies?
If you sending teddies you can use the teddies Compliments slip.
then the charity has a contact if they want more. Remember to include your own details so they get back to you first.
and check out the Contact page for the latest postal advise.
Help find a home for your teddies
A teddy hasn't fulfilled it's purpose until it's being loved by a child.
If you hear of a volunteer, charity ambassador or an aid shipment; maybe you can persuade them to pack a few teddies.
Remember to tell us so the story can be added to Teddy Travels.
Need Teddies?
No problem you can offer more than you can knit, an SOS here would produce thousands.
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