How to Build a Bear Doll

Study the pictures of the teddy bear design to get a sense of proportion, size and shape. Trace your observations to scale on a piece of paper and use the outlines as a guide to cut the fabric.

Choose a soft, washable fabric in brown to build the bear. Plush materials like velvet or towel cloth, that can be easily cleaned, are good options. Divide the bear into components like head, arms, body and legs. The head will most likely consist of two parts, the nose and mouth constructed as a separate piece.

Trace the shapes on the fabric with the washable ink marker. Cut the fabric with a pair of sharp scissors for smooth edges. Remember to cut two pieces for each side that must be sewn together and stuffed. Cut slightly larger pieces to allow room for stitching.

Sew two pieces together at a time, leaving one end open for the stuffing. Turn the newly created 'pockets' inside out to hide the stitches.

Stuff the pockets with cotton wool. Stuff depending on how you want the bear to feel -- more stuffing for a harder, stronger feel and less stuffing for a softer, cuddlier feel.

Piece the bear together with stitches. Attached the ears to the head, the nose and mouth to the face, the arms and legs to the body, and finally the body to the head.

Sew on the beads in place for eyes and the larger bead or button as a nose. Use a thick piece of thread in a darker color than the fabric to sew on the mouth. Pay attention while doing this because the mouth will determine the bear's expression.