How to Sew a Memory Bear | Simplicity A2115 Step-by-Step | Whitney Sews

Step-by-step how to sew a memory bear with Whitney Sews!

Use this step-by-step video tutorial to sew a memory bear using your loved ones clothing. Simplicity 2115 is used in the tutorial, but there are several other similar patterns you can use to follow along with this tutorial.

**Update - the Simplicity 2115 Pattern has been rebranded and is now being sold at Wal-Mart as McCalls L9547 or online as Simplicity C5461**

Supplies -

Similar patterns mentioned in the video:

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In background:

#memorybear #whitneysewsmemories

[leahbussey]

I am in an online sewing class and spent four hours trying to make this bear on my own, and got to the point where I was about to have a breakdown. I could not do it for the life of me. I repurchased fabric and plan to retry with this video tonight. I could cry from relief with the help of this video. I am a visual learner, so this is like a new world for me. Thank you times a million. You don't know how much stress you have saved me from.

[janicerasnic]

Nice video! I'm a long time sewer of 35 years making clothing, dolls/animals, hand bags and home decor and wanted to give you another tip. When sewing curves, especially tight curves, shorten the stitch length to fairly tiny stitches to add strength and help with control. Then use pinking sheers to carefully trim the seam being careful not to cut the stitches. This replaces the snipping the curves and gives a very smooth stuffed curve when you stuff your project. Also works great when doing scallops. It really makes a big difference. I have a similar pattern purchased years ago but was then suggesting using scrap chenille bed spread fabric. You couldn't use the pinking sheers very well on pile-type fabrics but works great on regular fabric. I also liked your newsboy hat video. Keep up the good work. Love your vintage sewing machine. It's the only way to go in my opinion.

[sarahbethmartin]

Girl, you are a natural born teacher!

[joyc]

I’ve made serval of these bears and still find it helpful to sew along with your step-by-step guidance. Great camera work, and you keep it short and to the point. Perfect.. Thanks!

[paulbuchanan]

I am 71 years old and I've taken up the hobby of sewing. I'm very accomplished at all building concepts and I really like your video's. You do a very good job explaining the how's and just as important the whys. So it's off I go to sew a memory bear.

[sissonva]

I have gifted the Veteran's Home with some of the Care Bears. Way to make old folks smile! Thank you for your tips. Patterns from plastic is brilliant. Using that for facemasks too!

[maytendo]

I’ve watched so many sewing tutorials from clothing, accessories to bears and everything in between and I have never seen such a pleasant and informational seamstress like this!

[fredamidgley]

Thank you so much, very clear instructions so much so that I've ordered the pattern and made one myself

[judyvaughn]

I’m so thankful and blessed I found you on you tube!! You take time off to spend time for you and your family. May God bless you and yours!!! I never could have made my memory bears without finding you, Whitney. You were a God send. I can not read patterns. I’ve made over twenty bears for my family. You are a great teacher!!! May God pour down his blessing on you and your family!! 🙌🏻

[CynthiaRoden-orzg]

I am making my 1st memory bear. I have the head finished. Thank you so much for taking your time to explain this

[melissamoulton]

This video is so well done. Informative and concise. No rambling. Making bears 3 & 4 for grandkids. I certainly wish I’d had this video for the first two.

[donnakatz]

Thank you so very much for being here. ❤ Your videos saved the day for many memory bears that I have made. 😊 From the bittom of my heart. Thank you. ❤

[marlanaland]

This is a great video! My son is fighting brain cancer and wanted me to make him a memory bear from the hospital gown he wore when he was diagnosed. I have the pattern cut but was nervous to begin. With this video I am confident I can do it. Thank you! 😊

[roxanneloyst]

Thank you again for your great tutorial. Every time I make a Memory Bear I have it on to watch and follow just in case I forget something. Lost count now on how many bears I have made. It is getting so much easier to put together. Just thought I send you a note to say thanks from Roxy in Ontario, Canada

[Kikithefreaky]

I've just made my first memory bear and read my first pattern, thank you so much for the videos, I couldn't have made one without you x

[karenwoodward]

Thank you for being "not so perfect" so we can all relate to you better. I mean, that your seams aren't perfectly matched, who can actually do that anyway? ha ha Also thank you for speaking so clearly, and simply, so that we don't get bogged down with words. I truly love your videos and watch every single one that you post. Truly thank you!

[ladyj]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial. I made my first one for a gift for my mom. I used a shirt of my dad’s as a memory. Was nervous as I didn’t have time to practice but I think it turned out pretty good. Thank you!

[pamgross]

I found this tutorial video extremely helpful. I could not locate the pattern she used by Simplicity and used Simplicity 8155. I could not have succeeded in making my first memory bear without this tutorial and the other ones on putting pattern on thin plastic, attaching the safety eyes, and the ladder stitch. My pattern directions were not very clear, at least to me.
I was very happy to read in a comment that the pattern I really wanted to use was now offered by McCalls at Walmart. I immediately went to my local Walmart and did find the pattern that used to be Simplicity A2115.
It is now sold as McCalls L9547. My Walmart had only one pattern but I was thrilled to find it.
I also needed to find some thin plastic to transfer my pattern to. I could not find any clear-cutting plastic boards at my dollar stores. I wondered where else I might find something suitable.
I had success at my Hobby Lobby store. They sell a clear plastic template for quilters. I found it in the sewing notions. Mine was 24” by 18 “ and cost $3.39 but I had a 40% off coupon.
I am now ready to start working on my second bear once I trace the pattern.
Thanks so much for these wonderful ideas.

[sandracrosbie]

I am absolutely delighted that I have come across this video. I bought a pattern from a Chinese website. But I was dismayed to discover there was no sewing instructions. The pattern looks almost identical to your one. Thanks for keeping it to the point.
I have mentioned your channel in the review section of the pattern on the website I bought the pattern from.
I hope you don't mind.

[jackiesmith]

Thank you for your videos. I am using Simplicity 9894 and McCalls 5125 that I have had since 1990. Your videos are helping me to alter the patterns so that I won't need to use buttons or plastic joints to attach the arms and legs in the future as shown in these patterns. Thank you so much for continuing to offer your videos YouTube.