26 Best Sewing Patterns for Teddy Bears (12 Free PDFs!)

Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for teddy bears! I’ve covered different styles, sizes, and formats (printed and PDF). I’ve also rated them based on how beginner-friendly they are.

Free patterns
Small & easy bears for beginners
PDF patterns
Paper patterns
Memory bears
Vintage bears

Heads up: This post includes affiliate links like Amazon ones, so I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you). Thanks for using them 🙂

Free teddy bear patterns (printable PDFs):

These are PDF files that you print at home. They cost $0!

1. Classic teddy bear with bow

pale blue teddy bear with bow, and sewing pattern line drawings in orange

Download now from Love Crafts – FREE

Sizes: 17 ¾ inches / 45 cm tall
Design: Traditional style fabric teddy bear. Button eyes. Bow tie. Paw and feet pads. Embroidered nose, face, and claws. Easily customizable using any fabric scraps available. Fabric can be dyed to your preferred shade. Contrast fabric can be used on the inner ears and soles of the feet for interest.
Fabric needed: Cotton or linen fabric scraps with contrast for the ears and pads if required.
Format: PDF digital download. Pattern pieces need to be enlarged by hand.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included on this page.
Suitable for beginners? The pattern is described as beginner-friendly but I think there are some parts of the process that would prove difficult for a complete beginner. The pattern pieces need to be enlarged and seam allowances need to be added. There are no illustrations for each step included within the instructions.

2. Wool teddy bear

Front and side view of cream colored wool teddy bear with floral features

Sizes: 9.5 inches / 24 cm tall
Design: Traditional style fabric teddy bear. Button eyes. Fabric nose. Contrasting inner ear and paw pads. Round tummy. Outstretched arms. No embroidery needed.
Fabric needed: Wool felt for the body with cotton scraps for the nose, ear and paw pads.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included on the website here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good bear pattern for a beginner to try. The pattern pieces are printed to scale and there are very clear instructions on the blog with helpful images.

3. Faux fur teddy bear

Furry brown teddy bear and sewing pattern line drawings

Sizes: 8 ¾ inches / 22 cm tall
Design: Cute, scruffy-looking faux fur teddy bear. Safety eyes (easy to attach but hard to remove). Embroidered nose. Bow Tie. Traditional brown paw pads. Can sit unaided.
Fabric needed: Faux fur with scraps of dark brown wool felt for the feet.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included with images on the blog here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner to try. The pattern pieces are printed full size and there are very clear instructions on the blog with helpful images.

4. Vintage style patchwork memory bear

2 colorful patchwork memory bears and sewing pattern line drawings

Sizes: 10.2 x 15.7 inches / 26 x 40 cm tall
Design: Patchwork style memory bear sewn from old clothing. Button eyes. Embroidered nose. Upright ears. Can sit unaided.
Fabric needed: Memory clothing or fabrics such as baby clothing and blankets. Can also be sewn from cotton fabric scraps.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included on the website here.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern could suit a confident beginner with some sewing skills. The instructions don’t come with images, so some knowledge is assumed.

5. Patchwork bear

Colorful patchwork bears in a group

Sizes: 11 inches / 28 cm tall at 100% scale printing. The pattern can be scaled down to make a smaller bear.
Design: Fun patchwork-style teddy bear sewn from cotton fabrics. Button eyes. Embroidered nose. Can stand or sit. The legs and arms are joined to the body using large buttons.
Fabric needed: Scraps of cotton fabric.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included with images within the blog post here.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern could suit an adventurous beginner with some sewing skills. There are clear, step-by-step instructions and photos included in the blog. There’s also a helpful video linked here on how to enclose all of your knots.

6. Minky fabric teddy bear

a girl holding a furry brown bear with embroidered eyes and nose

Download now from Shannon Fabrics – FREE

Sizes: 12 – 14 inches / 31 – 36 cm
Design: Cosy bear made using fluffy minky fabric. The bear has embroidered eyes and nose and an embroidered heart on its chest showing it has love to give.
Fabric needed: ¼ yard of cuddle or plush minky fabric.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included within the download and there’s a helpful video to watch here.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern could suit a beginner with some sewing skills. The pattern printouts are sewn through the paper onto the fabric meaning that you can sew directly around the lines and discard the paper afterward. There are also great instructions and a clear video to follow. Minky fabric can be a bit fiddly to cut and sew though.

7. Mini 5″ teddy bear

Mini teddy bears sat in a pot, and sewing pattern line drawings

Download now from Buddly Crafts – FREE

Sizes: 5 inches / 13 cm
Design: Traditional style teddy bear. Mini size. Experiment with different fabrics for a different look. Bead eyes. Embroidered nose and mouth. Bow Tie.
Fabric needed: Scraps of felt are recommended.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: No. No instructions are included with the pattern or on the website.
Suitable for beginners? No. Since there are no instructions included on how to put the bear together, some prior knowledge of 3D sewing is assumed and would be needed in order to make this bear.

8. Baby clothes memory bear

3 teddy bears made from printed pink and purple fabric

Download now from P A Country Crafts – FREE

Sizes: 8 inches / 20.5 cm
Design: Memory bear made using baby clothes. Chubby style bear with round face and straight ears. Outstretched arms. Embroidered eyes and nose. Optional ear bow.
Fabric needed: Approximately one baby romper.
Format: PDF digital download emailed to you upon registering your email address.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the blog post here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The shape of this bear is quite simple and the instructions on the blog are very clear with accompanying pictures to help you along the way.

9. Teddy bear that lies down

3 bears in pink and beige being held by children

Download now from Funky Friends Factory – FREE

Sizes: Exact size not given.
Design: Small teddy bear. Lies on it’s tummy. Non-jointed to make assembly easier (the arms and legs are sewn into the seams). Embroidered or bead eyes. Embroidered nose. Bow Tie. Round tail.
Fabric needed: The pattern is suitable for most fabrics. Examples include quilting cotton and cosy fleece.
Format: PDF digital download emailed to you upon registering your email address.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the blog post here. The blog post also includes a video tutorial.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be suitable for an adventurous beginner. There is no jointing involved as the body is sewn in one piece. 3D sewing can prove tricky so some prior sewing knowledge would be an advantage.

10. Traditional jointed teddy bear

Brown vintage fur teddy bear and sewing pattern line drawings

Download now from Planet Teddy Bear – FREE

Sizes: 13 inches / 33 cm
Design: Traditional style mohair teddy bear. Fully jointed, meaning you can move the arms and legs. Suede paw pads. Glass eyes. Embroidered nose. Bow tie.
Fabric needed: ½ yard / meter of mohair for the body. Scraps of felt or suede for the paw pads.
Format: Printable PDF file.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included in the e-booklet.
Suitable for beginners? No. I don’t think this pattern would suit a complete beginner as there are some tricky techniques involved such as adding the joints. Mohair is also a very difficult fabric to sew with.

Small & easy bears for beginners:

These are a few examples of very simple bears, perfect for newbies. Both are free PDF patterns.

11. Small love heart bear

Small teddy bears with pink love hearts on their belly

Download now from Scratch and Stitch – FREE

Sizes: 8 inches / 20 cm tall.
Design: Small teddy bear sewn flat. Embroidered eyes and mouth. Applique nose. Optional applique heart detail on the tummy.
Fabric needed: Cosy fabric such as fleece, felt, boucle wool, or velvet.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the blog post here with helpful step-by-step photos.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern would be perfect for a beginner sewist since it’s all sewn flat in one piece. You don’t need to join arms and legs separately. The instructions are clear with photos included throughout. I think this would be a great pattern for a child to sew too.

12. Hand-sewn felt bear with button-on clothes

small hand sewn brown bears with button-on clothes

Sizes: Final measurements are not given, but the bear is smaller than a sheet of paper.
Design: Felt teddy bear. Handsewn on the outside. Applique eyes and nose. Body sewn in one piece. Buttons are used to add flat clothes to the bear. Great for children.
Fabric needed: Medium weight felt.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the blog post here with helpful photos included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern would be perfect for a beginner sewist or as a project to sew with a child who wants to learn. The bear is sewn in two pieces with no arms or legs to attach. You can hand or machine sew it. It would make a lovely gift for a child too.

PDF sewing patterns for teddy bears:

These are PDF files that you print at home. They cost between $5 – $35 each.

13. Simple bear with embroidered face

Brown bear sat on a sewing machine

Buy now from Toys by Polina – $12.25

Sizes: 12 x 4 inches / 30.5 x 10 cm
Design: Baby’s first teddy bear. Round face. Long arms and legs. Can sit or stand. Embroidered eyes and nose. Non-jointed to make assembly easier (the arms and legs are sewn into the seams). Optional clothing patterns can be purchased for the bear here.
Fabric needed: Something soft to the touch. For example faux suede, fleece, plush, velvet, or corduroy.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? The pattern is labeled “intermediate”. I think a confident beginner with some sewing knowledge could have a go at this pattern. There is no jointing involved and the instructions are comprehensive.

14. Mini teddy bear bundle with multiple animals

Cream colored bear and a set of animal stuffed toys

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 6 inches / 15 cm
Design: Small teddy bear. Pointed nose. Embroidered eyes and nose. Arms attached separately. Legs included as part of the body. Pattern includes 3 other animals: rabbit, elephant, and duck.
Fabric needed: Soft fabrics such as wool, fleece, velvet, or corduroy.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? The pattern is labeled “intermediate”. I think the teddy bear pattern could be suitable for an adventurous beginner since the design is simple and the limbs are not jointed.

15. Vintage style teddy bear

4 bears in different colors with floral patches

Buy now from Alice Bear Shop – £4.99 (approx. $6)

Sizes: 11 inches / 28 cm
Design: Vintage style bear. Long legs and arms. Contrast ear and paw pad lining. Bead eyes. Embroidered nose. Large buttons are sewn onto the arms and legs.
Fabric needed: Non-pile directional fabric is recommended such as felt. Fur may be used but more fabric may be required.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is aimed at both experienced and beginner sewists as the instructions are clear with lots of photos provided throughout.

16. 2-in-1 bear and panda toy

bear and panda teddies in clothes

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 15 inches / 38 cm
Design: Rag-doll style teddy bear. Open or closed embroidered eyes. Thin arms and legs. Pattern includes pieces for a Panda doll and clothing for both bears.
Fabric needed: Plush fabric, fleece, cotton, or felt.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is labeled as suitable for beginners. The design of the doll is simple with no joints. The clothing would probably be more difficult should you choose to make that.

17. “Paddington-style” bear with coat & hat

paddington style bear with blue coat and red hat

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 13.5 inches / 34 cm
Design: Plush teddy bear. Pointed 3D nose. Small ears. Embroidered eyes and nose. Arms attached separately. Legs included as part of the body. Small tail. Clothing included: a hat and duffle coat. It looks very similar to the popular TV show character Paddington bear.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. For example, cotton or linen.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is labeled as suitable for novices as well as advanced sewists. The design of the doll is simple with no joints. The clothing would probably be more difficult should you choose to make that.

18. Slim bear

3 slim teddy bears in blue, pink, and brown checkered fabric

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 11.8 inches / 30 cm
Design: Woven fabric teddy bear. Simple design. Pointed 3D face and nose. Embroidered eyes and nose. Arms attached separately. Legs included as part of the body.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. For example, cotton or linen.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is labeled as suitable for beginners with a basic knowledge of machine sewing. The design of the teddy is simple with no joints and the woven fabric would make it easy to sew.

Paper sewing patterns:

These are physical paper patterns that get shipped to you.

19. Plush bear in 2 sizes (Simplicity s9307)

green and big blue teddy bears and sewing pattern line drawings

Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97

Sizes: “Small” bear: 20 inches / 50.8 cm. Large bear: 29 inches / 73.5 cm.
Design: Soft and cosy plush teddy bear. Can be sewn in two sizes. Safety eyes (special eyes that are easy to insert and hard to remove). Applique nose. Bow tie. Round tail. Can sit down.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. For example, faux fur, fleece, velvet, wool, or boucle.
Format: Printed pattern.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the printed pattern.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern could suit a beginner with some sewing knowledge. Using a stable woven fabric without fur or fluff would make the process easier.

20. Stuffed teddy bear with clothes (Simplicity s8155)

cream teddy bear with blue overalls, brown teddy bear with bow tie, and sewing pattern line drawings for the bear and clothes

Buy now from Simplicity – $13.27

Sizes: Finished sizes aren’t given.
Design: Soft, plush teddy bear. Traditional style. Pointed nose. Safety eyes (special eyes that are easy to insert but hard to remove). Applique nose. Small ears. Legs and arms attached separately. Clothing is included: dress, romper, jacket, bow tie.
Fabric needed: Fleece, minky, plush, sweater fabric, velvet, plush.
Format: Printed pattern.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the printed pattern.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think the pattern could suit a beginner with some sewing experience. The bear itself has a simple design, but the clothes would be more difficult for a beginner.

Memory Bears:

These are stuffed toys made from old clothes to remember a person. The patterns are a mix of PDF and printed formats. Note: there’s also a memory bear above in the “free” section.

21. Friendly memory bear with large paws for embroidered names

patchwork memory bears with names embroidered on the feet

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 13.5 inches / 34 cm.
Design: Unjointed bear (so the arms and legs are sewn into seams and can’t rotate). Face muzzle. Large paw pads which you can embroider names onto (this is optional). Safety eyes (special eyes that are easy to insert but hard to remove). Embroidered mouth. Large applique nose.
Fabric needed: Half a yard / meter of woven memory fabric or equivalent to 1 large shirt.
Format: PDF digital download. There is a paper version for UK buyers.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download or booklet.
Suitable for beginners? No. The pattern is labeled as “intermediate”. The arms and legs are unjoined, but they’re still not the simplest construction.

22. Easy memory bear with video tutorial

memory bears with colorful printed fabrics

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 18 inches / 46 cm.
Design: Unjointed memory bear (so the arms and legs are sewn into seams and can’t rotate). Safety eyes and nose (these are special items that are easy to attach but hard to remove). Bow tie. Seated bear. No embroidery.
Fabric needed: Woven fabric. Make from old clothes or blankets.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download. There’s also a 40-minute video tutorial on Youtube.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern could suit an advanced or adventurous beginner. This is an unjointed bear, so it’s easier to attach the arms and legs. The instructions are comprehensive and the YouTube video shows the sewing process well.

23. Plush memory bears in 3 sizes (Simplicity s9569)

teddy bears in different sizes (a large one being held by a child, and mini bear on a backpack)

Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97

Sizes: 22, 15 or 7.5 inches / 56, 38, 19 cm.
Design: Simple style memory bear. Felt eyes and nose. Contrast arms and legs. Optional bow tie. Elasticised loop to hold pens.
Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven fabric. For example, cotton, muslin, or broadcloth. Felt is recommended for the applique.
Format: Printed pattern.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the printed pattern.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The level suggested is ‘very easy’. I think a beginner could definitely have a go at this pattern. It’s a simple style bear sewn with easy-to-work-with woven fabric.

Vintage style teddy bears:

24. “Grimble” Traditional jointed bear with 3d muzzle (collector item)

2 brown vintage teddy bears with 3d muzzles

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 17 inches / 43 cm.
Design: Traditional, vintage style bear. Jointed design (meaning the arms and legs can rotate). Long muzzle. Large ears. Large, contrasting paw pads. Button or bead eyes. Embroidered nose. The designer says this bear is a collector’s item, not a toy for children.
Fabric needed: Half a meter / yard of mohair fabric.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download. Diagrams are included for some parts of the process.
Suitable for beginners? The seller suggests the pattern would suit a beginner. I think this would be difficult for a complete beginner due to the jointing and working with tricky fabrics like mohair.

25. “Francis” Traditional vintage jointed bear (collector item)

light brown vintage teddy bears with jointed arms and legs

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 14 inches / 36 cm.
Design: Traditional, vintage style bear. Jointed design (meaning the arms and legs can rotate). Round muzzle. Small ears. Contrasting paw pads. Button or glass eyes. Embroidered nose. The designer says this bear is a collector’s item, not a toy for children.
Fabric needed: Mohair or velvet fabric. Approximately 1/4 yard or meter fabric, plus extra for the contrasting paw pads.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? The seller suggests the pattern would be suitable for a beginner. An adventurous beginner could give this a try, but I think it would be challenging due to the jointing and working with a tricky fabric like mohair.

26. Small vintage jointed bear

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 7.48 inches / 19 cm.
Design: Small, classic, vintage-style teddy bear. Round muzzle. Small ears. Contrast paw pads with embroidery on the feet. Bead eyes. Embroidered nose. Additional scarf decoration.
Fabric needed: Fabric requirements are given upon download. I would suggest a mohair or similar fur style fabric.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included within the PDF download, but they’re brief and include no photos.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would be better suited to an intermediate sewist since the pieces are quite small and the type of fabric used is quite difficult to work with. The instructions are also brief and include no photos.

What to read next:

Sewing Patterns for 18” Doll Clothes
FREE Sewing Patterns for Kids, Babies & Toddlers

This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Sara Maker.

Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…