"I just ordered some great fabric to cover patio cushions for an antique rattan set from the 1940's and could not find anything I liked locally. Your site was a God send, and it will be such fun to be able to say the fabric is from Hawaii! (Now all I have to do is make 8 cushion covers!)"
-- Doris

Monthly Project for December, 2004

Charitable Sewing: Hug Me Teddy Bear

We hear from a lot of you that do wonderful charitable sewing. During the holiday season, while we focus on fun, and food, and family, we like to think about what the gift giving tradition is really about. We like to help others. We like to give to others, do for others. And the funny thing about helping others is that we get so much back. For all those of you that work so hard to help so many others, we are truly thankful.

In this spirit, when we decided what project to offer this month, it felt only right to offer an idea for charitable sewing. We choose Hug Me Teddy Bears. We found this project on the Home Sewing Association Site. This site is a wonderful resource, and has many other charitable sewing ideas. See Sewing.org.

These little teddy bears are given to Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Rooms. They like to keep the teddy bears on the ambulances and in the Emergency Room to give to children after an accident or in an emergency room visit. Check with your local ambulance service and hospitals.

Why We Like This Project

This project takes very little skill, so young sewers can create a gift that can help a hurt, scared child. Young ones really do want to make a difference and we need to offer chances for them to help. And because it is so fast and easy, a group of men or women can make a large number of these quickly. It is also a project that can be done with very little resources. One fat quarter, for example, can make two bears.

Materials Needed

• Two pieces of fabric approximately 8" x 10"
• Use knit or woven fabric
• Batting

Directions

Click on image for template

• Trace pattern on fabric
• Add seam allowance
• Trim near stitching
• Clip curves and turn
• Stuff lightly
• Stitch opening

We do not recommend adding a ribbon, ,buttons, or eyes, because this may be hazardous for young children. However, with embroidery floss you might want to add features and embroider a bow, or add a smile with permanent, non-toxic markers.

These little teddy bears are given to Emergency Medical Services. They like to keep the teddy bears on the ambulances to give to children after an accident. Check with your local ambulance service.