Bear Plush

Load the Bear plush (Cut & Stitch) file into your cutting machine’s software. Notice that it has two separate cutting files to fit all the pieces. These are labeled with an “A” and a “B”, and are organized by how they fit into the file and not necessarily by fabric.

This design has four different fabric colors across the two files. Proceed in the design software until the first color selection appears, and is ready to be cut.

Smooth the first fabric color onto the adhesive mat with the right side of the fabric facing up. For faux fur, you may need to increase the pressure of the blade on your cutting machine. Use a setting that would be used for denim or other thick materials. Then carefully remove the pieces and the leftover fabric.

Make sure the Knife Tool is in place. Then load the adhesive mat and fabric into the cutting machine.

Cut out the first color. Carefully remove the fabric pieces and leftover fabric.

Repeat to cut out all five of the fabric colors for the Bear Plush.

To assemble the Bear Plush, first take the tummy piece (color 2), and position it on one body piece (color 1). Pin it in place.

Then sew a 1/4” seam along the edges to applique it into place.

Repeat to place, pin, and sew the muzzle (color 3) onto the same body piece. This will be the front of the bear. Then repeat again to add the tail (color 3) onto the other body piece. This will be the back of the bear.

Place the nose (color 4) onto the muzzle, and hand sew it into place. Sewing a small stitch in each of the three corners of the nose is enough to hold it in place.

Then sew the eyes onto the front of the bear.

Once all the applique pieces are in place, match up the edges of the front and back of the body with right sides together. Pin around the top and sides.

Sew a 1/4” seam, making sure to leave the bottom open.

Repeat to make the two legs (color 1) and two arms (color 1). For the legs, make sure to leave the flat top open.

For the arms, make sure to leave a 3” hole open along the flatter side of the arm.

Trim the corners, and cut slits along the curved edges of the seam allowance, but be careful not to cut into the seam. This will help the bear keep its shape when turned.

Then turn all the pieces right side out.

Stuff the body and each of the arms and legs with polyester fiber fill. Make sure they are all firmly stuffed for best results.

To attach the legs to the body, match up the raw edges of the legs with the raw edges of the body. Make sure the front sides of the legs and body are together, and that the feet are facing out. Also make sure the outer sides of the legs are right at the side seams on the body. Hand sew a 1/4” seam from edge to edge on each leg to adhere them to the body.

Once the legs are attached, turn in all the raw edges 1/4”. Then use a hand sewing needle and matching thread to sew the body closed.

Next turn the raw edges in 1/4”, and hand sew the opening in each arm closed as well.

Then take one button and sew it onto the top of the arm. Then position the arm on the body, and sew it in place by sewing through the button. Repeat for the other arm.

Finally, tie the scarf around the bear’s neck. This completes the Bear Plush. Repeat these steps to make a collection of bears in a variety of sizes and fabrics. Just make sure to not resize these designs, as the seam allowance makes them unscalable.