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Warren the Charity Bear – a free teddy bear pattern

Warren the Charity Bear - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

I designed the free Warren pattern especially for people who want to make bears for donations. I had a few goals in mind as I worked on his design. . .

  1. He had to be easy to make. Easy enough for kids to make.
  2. He needed to be a good, huggable size.
  3. I wanted him to have mix & match parts – so you could make a hundred of them and never get bored.
  4. He needed to be pretty foolproof – it doesn’t matter if his features are precisely positioned. It’s ok if he’s stuffed a little loose or a little tight. It’s all good. 🙂
  5. He needed to work well with easy-to-find polar fleece – but also work well with fancier fabrics like minky and cuddle fleece.

Jo and I tested this pattern a LOT – and then I used the pattern to teach softie-making to a bunch of kids – and then Jo and I made a bunch more. And now he’s ready to share. I can’t wait to see the bears that YOU make with him!

One note – I designed this pattern especially for charitable giving – but of course I’m giving it to you with no strings attached. Make bears for yourself and your kids and grandkids. Use the pattern when you teach. Sell finished bears. The pattern is yours! Make whatever you want with it! If you want to make bears to donate, I suggest the following places. . .

  • homeless shelters
  • battered women’s shelters
  • fire departments
  • police departments
  • children’s hospitals (check first to see if they have special requirements about the materials they’re made with)
  • Please suggest other places in the comments!

Here’s how to make him!

Prepare the Pattern

Download the pattern here. Print it out at 100%. Layer the two pieces together, overlapping so the edges of the pattern and the little hearts line up. Tape the pieces together into one large pattern piece and cut it out. I like to punch holes where the eyes are to make marking their placement easy.

Cut Out the Body

Lay the pattern on the fabric so the stretch of the fabric goes across the bear’s belly. You want him to stretch wide – not tall. 🙂

Cut two body pieces.

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy World

Mark the placement of the eyes on the front piece.

Applique Any Parts

Cut any muzzles or belly pieces you want to use out of felt and applique them in place. Just stitch them close to the edge with a basic straight stitch. Nothing fancy. If you have trouble on the tight curves of some of the smaller pieces, watch this video for help.

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy World

There are two different muzzle patterns so you can give your bear a wide muzzle, a tall muzzle or no muzzle. You can see the three nose sizes in these photos too. 🙂

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy WorldYou can also give him a belly patch, a heart patch, or no patch.

Embroider the Mouth

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy World

Thread a needle with a full six strands of black embroidery thread and knot the end. You’ll embroider the mouth in three stitches, always coming up at point A and going down at point B. If the A’s on the second and third stitches are above the B, your bear will be smiling. If the A’s are below the B he’ll be frowning. Don’t worry about making the sides exactly even. Crooked smiles are sweet. 🙂

Pop in Some Safety Eyes

I carry several sizes of safety eyes and three work well for these bears.

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy WorldThe small ones are 6 mm, the medium are 9 mm, and the large are 12 mm.

There are more eye options too. . .

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy WorldIf you want to use black eyes on black fabric, you might want to back them with a circle of colored felt so you can see them.

Mismatched eyes are always fun.

And even if the eyes don’t go exactly where they’re supposed to, the results are cute. 🙂

If you’re making your bears for kids under three, you’ll want to embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes. Here’s a tutorial showing the stitch I use.

Sew Up Your Bear

Layer your bear front and bear back pieces right sides together and pin or clip the layers in place.

Sew around the edge using 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving a stuffing opening on the side of one leg.

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy World

If you’re using a fabric that has no stretch, you’ll need to clip into all the concave curves. Watch this video for the why and how. Polar fleece, minky and cuddle fleece don’t need this step – they have a natural stretch that will allow the curves to turn smoothly without clipping.

Finish Your Bear

Turn your bear right side out and stuff it.

Make sure you get some stuffing in his ears and arms before you fill up the big body – once you block access to those bits it’s hard to get back in there. Watch this video for some stuffing tips.

Here’s a review of my favorite stuffing. I like Fairfield Brand Poly-fil Supreme Fiberfill – it really does make a difference.

Sew up the opening. Ladder stitch is totally invisible on fleece – here’s a video showing how to do it.

Warren the Charity Bear - a free teddy bear pattern from Shiny Happy World

Done!

If you like this free pattern, sign up for the Shiny Happy News! Subscribers get a weekly newsletter full of sewing tips and tricks, free patterns, special discounts, and other things to make you smile. 🙂

Happy sewing!

Best,
Wendi
That's me!

319 COMMENTS

  1. Lacey SAYS...

    So proud of you for making this available for all who want to make something for charity! You ROCK, Wendi!

    • Jane SAYS...

      Yes!!! This is so wonderful, really giving kids a gift!

    • Dani SAYS...

      Eine tolle Idee. Werde ich davon ein paar nähen und in der Krebsstation im Krankenhaus abgeben. Auch eine tolle Beschreibung.

  2. Emily SAYS...

    Hi Wendy, would you know of any sellers in the uk that would sel sell safety eyes? 🙂

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      I don’t know of any myself – but I’d be surprised if there’s not someone selling them there. You may need to try a few searches – if you don’t find them under safety eyes try amigurumi eyes, doll eyes, toy eyes, stuffed animal eyes, black plastic eyes, etc. I think Etsy will let you shop my seller location – so that should help. Good luck!

  3. Cheryl Land SAYS...

    ADORABLE bear!!

    • Hayley Penhall SAYS...

      Can’t wait to make thousands of these as part of a challenge and give these to sick children in hospitals around Australia.

      • Anonymous SAYS...

        That’s kind

      • Anonymous SAYS...

        oh my gosh. that is so sweet!! I love that idea

  4. Thank you for haring this very cute little bear with us for charity, Thank you too for showing us some delightful options, They look so cute! I will be making plenty of these for the Angels for the Forgotten charity this year.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Please send photos of your bears! I’d love to see them! And if you send a link to that charity I’ll include it in a Show & Tell post.

      • Rob SAYS...

        Pls, what are dimensions of bear as described? I can’t seem to find it in your otherwise comprehensive descn? With thks

  5. Hi Wendi – Awesome pattern and you hit it right on the spot!!! I’ve sewn for our children’s hospital here in Spokane WA for 3 years – it’s all I do. This bear is perfect! Nothing to get caught in IV lines, easy to cuddle and hold when afraid, or take with them to treatments. In NICU they will use them to prop up arms, legs, and equipment especially to bring a smile to the parents. Peds ER will use them to calm kids who are scared and if you use felt for eyes the toddlers can chew on them!!!! I will definitely be using this pattern!

    Dona
    http://sewingmilesofsmiles.blogspot.com

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Thanks so much! 🙂

    • Bettina SAYS...

      How much fabric is needed for the main body?

      • To accommodate the height of the pattern piece you’ll need 1/3 yard – but the width of the fabric will allow you to make more than one with that amount.

  6. Debbie Donovan SAYS...

    Thank you SO much, I just love these bears … you’re so clever!!

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Thanks so much!

  7. Nan SAYS...

    Thank you, Wendi, for sharing the patterns with us. I am going to make a bunch for charity for sure, especially with easter around the corner. Everyone deserves a spring bear for easter/spring.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Please send photos of the bears you make! I’d love to see them and share them in a Show & Tell post! 🙂

  8. Nan SAYS...

    Sorry, Wendi, I have a question regarding sewing with fleece. Since it is a stretchy material, do I neeed special thread or needle for it? I am afraid the thread might pop if I stuff it too hard.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Nope – I just use regular thread. My daughter sometimes stuffs hers REALLY hard and we’ve never had any popped threads. Usually I don’t stuff fleece as hard as I’d stuff a toy made with non-stretchy material. You lose the cuddly squishiness if you stuff too much. I usually shoot for the firmness of a marshmallow. 🙂

      I’ve never had trouble with skipped stitches, but different brands of fleece are all a little different. If you ever find the fabric you’re working with is giving you skipped stitches, try switching to a stretch needle (slightly different than a ballpoint needle – also used for stretch fabrics). That should fix the problem – but I just use a universal needle and all-purpose thread.

      I’ve got a video here that has tips and tricks for working with fleece. http://wendigratz.wpengine.com/2012/12/video-tips-and-tricks-for-working-with-fleece.html Have fun!

      • Anonymous SAYS...

        Thank you! This is great info!

    • DeAnne Wood SAYS...

      Thank you Wendy. I just made sixteen to donate to charities. My grandson died 5 years ago and every year we do service in his memory. Because of covid we can’t do what we usually do and I saw these bears and decided to make them and give to a charity that take kids waiting to be adopted.

      • Robin Ebaugh SAYS...

        Oh my goodness, bless you. I’m so sorry about your grandson.

  9. MarRene Alger Moulton SAYS...

    Thank you for sharing your adorable patterns. I love the bear pattern and will be making some for my charity sewing projects.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂

  10. Pingback: http://wendigratz.wpengine.com/2014/04/warren-charity-bear-free-teddy-bear-pattern.html | all perfect light and promises

  11. Kris SAYS...

    Hi, So cute!! Could these be made with felt? Looks like a great pattern. I think I could do it 🙂

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      I don’t see why not – though it will lose a bit of cuddliness. A general rule of thumb is that more stretch makes cuddlier softies.

  12. Elaine Judd SAYS...

    I have just started receiving your email updates and looking at your Tutorials and blog. (Came across your videos on You Tube while watching quilting videos.) I love your projects and appreciate that you are giving free patterns and selling patterns with ‘no strings’ … I hope everyone credits you with the patterns for their creations. I am looking forward to making your charity bear! I hope to give some to a local shelter and hospital… But will practice on my grandkids! 🙂 I love your badges too. Oh, and the kitty quilt! Oh, and … Everything! I think you are a breath of fresh air everytime I see an email or posting. Keep up the good work. Your daughter’s tutorial on You Tube is adorable.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Thanks so much! Enjoy! 🙂

  13. Sheryll SAYS...

    Thank you. I sew tops and receiving blankets for the preemie babies in my local hospital and I have been wanting to send along something for children in the pediatric unit. These should be perfect. My husband likes to stuff and I’ll do the sewing which will save time. Much appreciated!

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      My daughter and I also share the making. She loves to stuff – she says it’s like feeding them. 🙂

      • gracie SAYS...

        I love the idea I am doing a kindness project for school I am planning on making 50 and donating them to primary children’s hospital!

  14. Thank you, not only for the pattern but the idea. My sister has DS and attends Wellspring Community, in Colorado. As a non-profit, for disabled adults, they are always looking for ways to raise funds and engage the participants. I’ll see if we can make this easy for them to make — if not to sell then to donate to hospital.

    Thank you,
    Suzy

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      That’s a great idea! I hope it’s a good project for them! 🙂

  15. anonymous SAYS...

    Hey. I LOVE this teddy bear but can’t use a sewing machine and don’t have any of the fabric you used to make this. Can I use any fabric for this and can I sew this by hand? Thanks 😀

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Yup and yup! 🙂

    • SueZBear SAYS...

      I was thinking the same thing (sewing by hand). If I choose to try it I will be making them for my granddaughter age 2 1/2 (to try it out). If successful, I will make some to put in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, they go to children in 3rd world countries. http://Www.samaritanspurse.org
      I put a stuffie of some type in EVERY BOX. The ages range from 2-14 of both sexes. I’ve also recently learned of a women’s and children’s shelter, perhaps I can make some for them too.
      I collect teddy bears for myself but I live to give them as well. Thank you.

  16. anonymous SAYS...

    Hi, I love your teddy bears so much! I was wondering what to stuff them with? Will cotton wool do? Thanks 🙂

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      You can stuff them with anything squishy. I use Fairfield brand Polyfil Supreme Fiberfill and I love it! You can read my review of it here. Some people prefer to stuff with wool or bamboo. On small softies that really only need a tiny bit of stuffing, I often recommend a few cotton balls pulled apart of be more fluffy. It’s all good!

    • Judy SAYS...

      Cotton wool will end up in a fiat mess if washed, so polyfill is better.

  17. anonymous SAYS...

    Thankyou soo much! I can’t wait to make one!

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      You’ll have to share a photo when he’s finished! 🙂

  18. Pingback: Warren the Charity Bear Project – From Shiny Happy World | Easy Sewing For Beginners

  19. Sandra Phillips SAYS...

    Just about to send fleece jackets to carity but saw your bear and can’t wait to get going should make more for charity this way many thanks Sandra in England

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      You’re welcome! 🙂

  20. Sobia SAYS...

    Hi I just love these bears but I’m too scared to start making one! What difficulty would you give it on your 123 Thimble system?

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      He’s super easy! Definitely 1 thimble. 🙂 Before I released the pattern I made them with a group of kids ages 6 and up and they did a great job with them. Younger kids had a parent’s help, but most of the parents didn’t have a lot of sewing experience either. You can make him!

  21. Sobia SAYS...

    Ok thankyou. Hmm Still a bit scared. I’m only 13 and have only sewn one thing with the machine. But still eager to try 😀

    Thanks again!

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Give it a try! The worst thing that could happen is you’ll ruin a very small amount of fabric. 🙂

  22. Gail SAYS...

    So cute, easy to sew and change up the faces. I’m making some for a co-worker whose daughter has Aicardi Syndrome. They are raising funds to attend a conference where two doctors who specialize in AS will be speaking. I’m also making a couple to give to another co-worker’s nieces who just lost their mother to cancer. Thank you so much for allowing us to use this pattern – it’s great.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying making them – and for such great and personal causes! 🙂

  23. Adore this sweet fellow! Just shared him on my facebook page, he will be perfect for our current charity project at Hopeful Threads! We are having a FLUFF Drive for children in foster care! Thanks for sharing!

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      That sounds great! Please share photos after your drive – I’d love to see a big bunch of bears. 🙂

  24. Donna SAYS...

    What a wonderful pattern! Been looking for something easy the brownie Girl scout troop could do for their service project and this will be great. We are doing a collection for Foster kids this year.

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      I’d love to see photos of the troop with their bears! 🙂

  25. Sew Aud SAYS...

    A few of your shiny, happy plushies will soon be on there way Kristy at Hopeful Threads for her Fluff drive. Love that they are quick to make but also easy to personalize. Gave me a chance to practice my embroidery and put a big dent in my scrap pile too. Thanks for sharing your tremendous skills and creativity. Got photos up on my flickr site here https://www.flickr.com/groups/2234816@N23/

    • wendigratz SAYS...

      Thanks so much for sharing! I’m going to do a blog post soon about the Fluff drive – I bet lots of people at Shiny Happy World will want to contribute!

  26. madelineburgoon SAYS...

    Our quilt club will be donating the bears to the EMT’s. Thanks for a great pattern and idea.

    • That’s fabulous! I love knowing where they’re going. 🙂

  27. Pat Morton SAYS...

    Thank you so much for this pattern. I have been making quilts for the local police and fire departments, but since they take a long time to make, I am thankful for this easy and quick pattern. Please keep patterns like this coming.

  28. Judy P SAYS...

    Warren is just the cutest little bear! I am making them for children all around me, and I’ve cut out and basted a stack to help support Her House, in Danville, IL which is is still in the beginning stages, but is a place to help young women who want to keep their babies but feel that they don’t know how they could do that without help. I also plan to make some in my school’s colors (I teach) to contribute to our school’s incentive program. I just made a hairy version of Warren out of a furry fleece, and added little paw appliques and used the tall muzzle and safety eyes and nose. I don’t have a public posting page, but I’d be happy to send you a picture if you write to me at my email. Thank you so much for this pattern!

    • I’d love to see photos – especially of the hairy one. 🙂 Nobody has done that yet! You can email me at blockhead[at]wendigratz[dot]com or you can use the contact form at the top of any page. There’s a place there to add an attachment.

  29. m bender SAYS...

    thank you so much. just what I was looking for to make for cat rescue will make some bears and modify ears to make some cats. so kind of you

  30. Rita SAYS...

    I can’t thank you enough for this darling and easy teddy bear pattern. After I make one for each of my five grandsons, to put back for Christmas…..I would love to make a bunch more and take them down to the fire department my son works at. Thanks again.

  31. Marleen SAYS...

    This evening I made one for our neighbours’ newborn babygirl. She was born today, and that’s how I celebrate: sewing! It looks great, thank you so much for posting this pattern! My 2 year old son was jealous and when I told him I’d make him one next he asked that it’s be a bear with blue stars. His blankie has blue stars, that’s why. Luckily I still have some blue fleece with white stars, I hope he’ll accept that. These cute bears are really addictive to make!

    • She’s so cute with her gingham belly and nose! 🙂

  32. Beate Bartlick SAYS...

    Thank you for sharing this pattern. I always look for something simple to make for charity. I will make them for christmas. Can I use kam snaps for eyes? I would think it is save because they dont come undone unless you use tools.

    • I’ve never used kam snaps before, but they sound perfect for eyes. Have fun!

  33. Pingback: A Sewing Project for Beginners – Making a Teddy

  34. Hi Wendi, I just wanted to thank you for sharing this brilliant design! My little boy wanted to make a teddy but I am a complete beginner when it comes to using a sewing machine. We were so happy with our little bear I wrote about it on my blog, and advised my readers to visit yours: http://lecoindemel.com/a-sewing-project-for-beginners-making-a-teddy/ Thanks again, I will definitely be using your patterns again! Mel

  35. Judy Scott SAYS...

    I did the same thing with a pattern I found for a rabbit, it came with a hang tag to print and tie around the neck and it said; “Have a blessed Easter time” you gave them out as random acts of kindness, had a pocket on the back to stuff a dollar or so. I will do it with this maybe at Christmas.

  36. Joanne SAYS...

    Just the sweetest! Brightened my morning!! Thank you for the free tutorial.

  37. Julie SAYS...

    I was looking for a quick and easy pattern to make softies for Craft Hope’s most recent campaign (Project 25 for We Are Kenya). I am going to whip up as many as I can before their November 15 deadline. I would encourage everyone to visit their site (www.crafthope.com) — I have submitted projects for many of their campaigns and it does make a difference!

  38. Becky SAYS...

    I can not find the measurements of the bear or how much material is needed. Did I miss it? Please advise?

    Becky

    • The finished bear is about 11 inches tall and you can get 2-3 of them out of 1/2 yard of fleece, depending on how wide it is.

  39. Judy SAYS...

    Thank you for the pattern Wendi. I am making things for Christmas for our local Angel Trees and this is one I will make. I will also make some for the Women’s Shelter. You are so sweet to give this to us.

    • You’re so sweet for making them! Thanks for sharing!

  40. Elena SAYS...

    Thanks for sharing this pattern – it was a pleasure creating this bear and everybody loved it! Please check out my version here – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/487162884666337265/ I don’t have a sewing machine, so everything is hand stitched 🙂

    • He looks so sweet! I love the buttonhole stitching all around. 🙂

  41. Jeanne Dexter SAYS...

    Creek Lands DAR chapter (Broken Arrow, OK) got together today and made 60 “DARling” bears to donate to area first responders to give to children in need. Thank you SO MUCH for posting this pattern for all to use!

    • Wow! I’d love to see that many together! I don’t suppose anyone took a picture?

  42. Jeanne Dexter SAYS...

    Have sent photos your way! We plan on making this an ongoing project, thanx to you!!

  43. Marilyn Williams SAYS...

    Last night I used Warren as a sewing project for my beginning 4H sewists. He was a hit – the kids loved him and several in the group plan to make more as Christmas gifts. Thank you for such an adorable and kid friendly project.

  44. Brandi SAYS...

    Found your pattern a while ago and forgot about it. Came back to it last week and decided to give it a go. I got so far as to print it and haven’t had the fabric I’d like so I decided to incorporate Warren into a quilt. My daughter was happy, so I was too.
    http://www.craftsy.com/project/view/square-bear/239027

  45. Pingback: Sewing a Charity Bear | It's Raining Crafts & Dogs

  46. Darcy SAYS...

    Hi,

    I’m making Warrens for my nieces/ nephews. Are they washable in the machine if I use fleece?

    • Yep! Just make sure you use washable stuffing, too. Polyester fiberfill is great.

      • Darcy SAYS...

        I will! Yay! So excited. I’m doing a custom patch (Lego, ruby, princess crown and rubber ducky) for each bear.

  47. Pingback: More Charity Bears | It's Raining Crafts & Dogs

  48. Jackie SAYS...

    Thank you so much for sharing tbis pattern. I will be making some to sell for various charities close to my heart.

  49. sharon SAYS...

    thank you …he is very adorable !

  50. Thank you for this pattern! I’m making stuffed animals to include in our Operation Christmas Child boxes, and I think this is just the thing. I was trying to find a pattern that didn’t have too much in the way of tiny limbs since the OOC toys need to be small enough to fit in shoeboxes with other items. This looks perfect! 🙂

    • You may need to shrink the pattern down just a bit to make it easily fit in the shoebox, but it should work really well! 🙂

      • Shrinking it down to 80% makes a perfect shoebox size! We’ll squish each teddy in a ziploc bag to make him take up as little space as possible, and he’ll fluff back up when he’s opened 🙂

  51. Margaret SAYS...

    Hats and More for War Torn Syria sends handmade clothing, blankets and toys to Zata’ari Syrian refugee camp. Also Knit A Square.com welcomes toys for South African orphans, and the Uthando Project needs handmade dolls.

  52. Margaret SAYS...

    Thank you for this beautiful bear. There may be some travelling to the Middle East and Africa soon!

  53. josieness SAYS...

    Merci pour ce modèle c’est très généreux de ta part.

  54. Pingback: Baby Leg Warmers and Teddy Bears | Windswept Mind

  55. Sharon SAYS...

    These teddie bears are so cute! I’m going to share this with my sewing guild so we can start making them to donate to local kids agencies. Thanks so much!

  56. Hi, Wendy. We are about to launch a teddy bear making project in the slums of North Delhi and would so love to use your patterns. Please let us know if you have more. You are very kind.

  57. Pam SAYS...

    Hello Wendy! Thank you for the free Warren Charity Bear, am planning to make them to raise funds in the UK for Knit-a-Square.com South Africa. Although a regular sewer, have not attempted cuddly toys before, and found your videos clear and concise, especially the ‘stuffing’ and ‘closing up’ videos! All the best, Pam

  58. Marlena Von Hoffer SAYS...

    thank you for sharing this! my mom and i plan to make plush animals to give out to random children around the holidays and this is perfect!

  59. Camp Koala for grieving children, http://www.campkoala.org , thanks you very much for sharing this! We would be thrilled if anyone wants to help us fill our comfort boxes with one for each grieving child!
    Thank you!!

  60. dolly aunty yong SAYS...

    U really motivate me to make the cute teddies which I am making for donation to little sick kids in hospital (Kemaman, Terengganu Malaysia)

    • Do it! They’re very easy and so much fun! 🙂

  61. Gail SAYS...

    Wendy – I made some of these bears for an Aicardi Syndrome fundraiser. They were a big hit! I’d like to sell additional ones, with proceeds going to a couple of individuals. One is battling breast cancer. The other has some serious medical bills for her dog. Is that OK or do the proceeds need to go to organized, recognized charities? I love Warren and don’t want to do anything that goes against why you developed him in the first place. Thank you.

    • Absolutely. The Warren pattern is available no strings attached. The only thing you’re not allowed to do is repackage the pattern and sell it as your own. 🙂 In fact – you’re allowed to sell items made with any of my patterns (for charity or as a cottage business) as long as you’re making them yourself.

      • Angie V SAYS...

        Wendi, What generousity! Thanks for sharing and making a pattern that is impacting so many different charities (official or not). 🙂

  62. Sue A. Sillano SAYS...

    Hi Wendi,

    My sister teachers Kindergarten and needs washable stuffed toys for her classroom children to READ OUT LOUD TO. She says stuffed toys don’t interrupt her out loud readers with kooky remarks! cute!

    I’ll be making a small batch of charity bears for her kids : )

  63. Sandy Matley SAYS...

    Hi Wendy,
    This is a very cute pattern. I make soft animals for children who are entering the Foster Care System. Our church has a program called Fostering Hope. The children who have been taken from thier homes
    are given a box that is made for them. They contain a toy and crayons, writing tablets, and other necessities like a toothbrush.
    The Softy Toys are just the right size for the boxes. The kids appreciate them and feel comforted by receiving these gifts. I’ve mad owls, teddys, and elephants so far. I’m always looking for new patterns or making up my own.
    Thanks for this new pattern. Sandy

    • I’m so glad you’re putting the pattern to such good use! 🙂

  64. Hillary Potts SAYS...

    This is adorable! I’m sewing up some g-tube covers for a sweet mom who’s baby just got intubated. I wanted to send something for her big sister as well. This is perfect. Thanks!

  65. Angie V SAYS...

    THANK YOU for this whimsical pattern. My kids want to sew bears to send to refugee children. Out of all the patterns on the Internet, yours is the one that caught their eyes. Thank you for making this bear pattern FREE to us all. They call your charity bear, Love Bear, and we’re organizing to get our entire community involved in making them to send over to our friends in Europe who are directly working with the refugee crisis there too. Best of all, the pattern is simple. I don’t sew, but thanks to your website, I’ve bought a simple machine, followed your videos, and sewn my first “bear” (I made mine smaller thinking it would be easier, but it looked like a piglet! Now I’ll be sticking to your original pattern! LOL). I’ll be sure to post pictures when we have some. THANK YOU!!!!!

  66. Beverley SAYS...

    Thank you for making this available! My daughter’s American Heritage Girls troop is collecting bears to give to hospitals and folks that help children in crisis. Most folks are buying bears, but she wanted to try to make one. We found your pattern and so far she’s made 8 bears! We used all your videos and suggestions. She’s really improved in her machine sewing skills. The Bears were adorable and she’s thrilled to donate them. Thank you for making that happen for her! I couldn’t figure out how to attach a photo, but I have one to send if you’d like to see the bears!

    • I’d love to see a picture! If you use the contact form (there’s a link at the top of every page on the blog) there’s a way to attach a photo. 🙂

  67. Jennie wallick SAYS...

    Thank you Wendy, these will be perfect for our towns police and fire dept. Wondering if I could wrap one up with my quilts for the Linus Project?

    • That would be lovely! I know some people have used the pattern as an applique pattern too – and added a bear to the corner of a quilt. Have fun!

  68. Melissa SAYS...

    Thank you for this wonderful pattern! I’m getting my team at work geared up to make a bunch and donate them to the children’s hospital this Christmas!

  69. Melissa SAYS...

    I had a quick question for you, we are making a large quantity of these and I wanted to know if you have basic information on how much fabric/batting it takes to produce one bear. We are trying to calculate how much of everything we’ll need to make about 280 bears.

  70. Anonymous SAYS...

    Thank you so much . I can’t wait to make this cute little guy! You are such an angel for sharing 🙂

  71. Jessica SAYS...

    This is adorable! My grandmother died recently and I’m going to make these out of her flannel pajamas and give to the grandbabies and great-grandbabies.

    Thank you for sharing!

  72. Petra SAYS...

    It was exactly what I needed to make for my latest grandchild. I had leftover fabric from a brown blanket, it came out adorable. Will make more of those to bring joy to someone. Thanks for the easy pattern, it is really cute.

  73. Vanessa SAYS...

    I just want to thank you for posting this! Not only is your design awesome for this softie, but your explanations and videos are really great! I am a new sewist (seamstress? sewer?), and I had no problems with making this bear. It was so easy, I am making more!

  74. Denise SAYS...

    having a hard time printing the pattern instructions, help please!

    • Can you tell me more about the problem you’re having? It should be a simple matter of clicking to download the pattern, saving it to your computer, and then printing it at 100% (no scaling). If you let me know where things are going wrong/what exactly is happening I should be able to help.

  75. Kim SAYS...

    I love this bear but I have never appliqued anything before. I’m using a fleece material. The edges look a little jagged. Is there a way to make it look cleaner?

    • You have two options. If you’re sewing down the edges with a simple straight stitch, just be extra careful with your cutting to make sure the edges are as smooth as possible. Use a shorter stitch length to smooth out the curves if it’s the stitching that looks a little jagged. If you’re sewing down the edges with a zigzag or satin stitch, just sew very slowly to keep things as smooth as possible.

  76. Thank you for this wonderful quick bear project. May I suggest as another source to give these wonderful bears would be to Autistic children or children with physical, emotional or intellectual difficulties.
    Some of these children may have great difficulties to receive hugs but a bear could provide them a way to reach out their bear by giving it hugs, find comfort and safe.

    Again, thank you for your very creative abilities.

  77. Michelle SAYS...

    Hi there – I came across your website the other week. It couldn’t have been better timing! I have made a whole lot of bears to sell and raise funds for a charitable organisation I belong to. So easy to make and they come out so cute! So thank you very much for making this pattern free to allow us to do things like this.

    • I’m glad you’ve been able to put it to such good use. 🙂

  78. Saraya Fern SAYS...

    I just adore this pattern and the bears turn out to be soo adorable!! I am going to make a bunch of them for a childrens hospital we are visiting next week. Thanks so much for sharing!

  79. Pingback: DIY enkel nallebjörn med gratis mönster | DIY Easy Teddy Bear with Free Pattern – HUNGRY HEART

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  81. Pingback: Craftivism and Charity – Some examples on how to Make and Give – Beyond the Pussyhat

  82. Pingback: Warren the Charity Bear | lcbago's blog

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  84. Paula SAYS...

    I have been Crocheting hats to donate to a local church for Christmas. I think the kids would love a 🐻 more than a hat.. looks like they will be getting both. Thanks so much for this pattern. Looks like I’m going to Michael’s tomorrow for a few bags of stuffing and I will be ordering a box from Amazon..

  85. Kathryn SAYS...

    Thank you so much for this pattern. My dad passed away this year and I used his old sweaters to make the bears. I gave them to the grandkids as a keepsake, and they loved them

  86. Joannedenver SAYS...

    Today I dropped off 25 bears at the county Child Welfare Services office. They were thrilled, and I will probably be making more for them. I used felt stitched on for the eyes so they would be okay for all ages

  87. Karen SAYS...

    Thank you so much for this great pattern. I make fleece coats for shelter dogs and I was thinking that I could use some of the scraps to make dog and cat toys.

    It is a known fact that dogs and cats that appear to be playful get adopted faster. Unfortunately, shelters rarely have extra money to spend on toys. Hopefully, these toys will help more pets find “furever” homes!

  88. Kirsten SAYS...

    Thanks Wendi! I saw this first on Pinterest, and really was looking forward to doing it! I could not find safety eyes anywhere. Do you know of any sellers in Ontario Canada?

    • Sorry, I don’t. But I ship to Canada, and the shipping rate isn’t crazy on eyes because they’re pretty light weight.

  89. Pingback: Goodness of Your Heart: Crafting to Help Others OLFA – Craft

  90. Linda Clawson SAYS...

    Thank you Wendy.
    I am so excited to find your pattern that I can hardly stand it. I have been passionate about involving children in humanitarian service for many years. Sewing the more traditional bears has been challenging (for the adults as well) in the sewing as well as the stuffing. This is perfect. I appreciate your willingness to share your pattern.
    Linda

  91. earlybird SAYS...

    When you give these to children are you bound by CE requirements and product testing? I have found legislation that says any toy or teddy intended for a child must be tested?

    • No – those regulations are only for things that are being sold.

  92. Pingback: Many Hands Make Bright Work – Windswept Mind

  93. Thank you for sharing this! I plan to make them for Walter Reed Medical Center and to anyone who needs a hug.
    All my crafts are sent out free of charge to any who need that smile or hug. This is an easy pattern that I can do no problem!

  94. Julie SAYS...

    Thanks so much for this! I was looking for something easy and fun to make, as an extreme beginner, and this was perfect!

  95. Jan Eby SAYS...

    These are awesome! Thank you for the free & informative pattern. We make items for many many charities. Three other places I might mention are hospice organizations (yes, the have services for children), Veterans organizations…might be some parents that would like to share with a visiting child. And even our areas school district has a teen parents support system where the parents are awarded points by attending classes, training, even going to doctors appointments…and then they can redeem their points for baby/toddler gifts that are donated. And we will be making these.
    Thank you again.

  96. Shirley Martin SAYS...

    Thank You! These will be great to make for our Mission Retreat Craft Fair! All proceeds go toward Missionary Kids and Outfitting Missionaries!

  97. Li YunFen SAYS...

    Thank you Wendi for sharing your pattern and resources with us! Our charity organisation is going to use this design for our bear-making fundraising campaign.

    Would you happen to know the dimensions of this bear, so we can estimate the amount of cloth needed?

    And do you have tutorials demonstrating the different stitches needed for hand sewing of the bear?

    Thank you once again!

  98. Terri SAYS...

    You asked us to mention other charities. I will be making these bears for Operation Christmas Child. I looked for a pattern for weeks before I came across yours and I love it. These bears will go in shoe boxes packed with other hygiene and school supply items and you’d and used to share the live of Good with children all over the world. I love the heart applique you provide I will be putting one on each bear I make. Thank you for sharing!

  99. Jessica Marshall-Westfall SAYS...

    Do you have to have a sewing machine to sew these bears? And how much fabric would you buy if you were going to make about 50 of them?

    • No – you can sew them by hand. The amount of fabric you need depends on the width of the fabric (fleece is wider than cotton, for example). I recommend printing out the pattern and seeing how many you can fit in the width of the fabric you want.

  100. Anonymous SAYS...

    Thank you so much!!! I am an avid sewer (made lots of custom baby bedding/items for 6 years now) and my 6 year old son recently came to me to ask if he could learn to make teddy bears for sick kids… I absolutely LOVE this pattern! We will making lots of sweet teddies with it!! Thanks again!!!

  101. Pingback: 20 Adorable Crafts with Teddybear Faces | Just Crafting Around

  102. Deb DeMars SAYS...

    Wendi,
    I found your pattern for Warren the Charity Bear. I just love him! I have made many versions of him to send to first-year college students. They are homesick and love to get something from “home” as an encouragement. Several students have asked, “Would you make one for me friend, too?” Hahahaha! Just goes to show that it doesn’t matter how old or young, everyone is cheered up by this delightful bear! Thanks!

  103. Leslie SAYS...

    Just what I needed! I have a bunch of fleece to use and wanted to use it to go to others who need something.

  104. Liz Rambo SAYS...

    I saw that someone else suggested child welfare as a place to donate. Kids coming into foster care often come with NOTHING from their home. This is just right for comfort and at least a little security. Something to be theirs.

  105. JO SAYS...

    Dear Wendi. Thanks so much for the super pattern. I was looking for something productive to do whilst spending time with my Mum whilst she is receiving cancer treatment. There are a few cancer charity shops in her town and I will take my creations there. Thanks again.

  106. Pip SAYS...

    Can these be sewn by hand? I don’t know how to use a sewing machine.

  107. Pingback: Loving Kindness Sewing Projects – Amy Loves to Sew

  108. Pingback: Super Cute Felt Toy Patterns Your Kids Will Love to Play With!

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  110. Hey there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my
    friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.

  111. I just wanted to say thank you for this pattern. I was looking for something simple for my son’s first sewing project (he’s getting a sewing machine for his 4th birthday), and this will be perfect. Now I just have to wait until May to start! The suspense is killing me.

  112. Pingback: Sewing Projects For Kids - A Little Craft In Your Day

  113. Thank you so much for this wonderful, universal pattern! I am a second grade teacher hosting a summer club to teach 2nd-5th grade students to sew. I was searching for project kits or patterns to use with a variety of ages that would work for boys and girls. This is just perfect! So much room for error that only adds character. The ability to have a variety of results with every one looking fantastic because it is unique. I am so happy and relieved to find this! Thank you!!

  114. C. Robinson SAYS...

    Thank you for sharing !
    My son is an EMT for the ambulance district, he said they often run out of Teddy Bears. Hope to recruit my Mom and Sis to make sure they don’t run out any time soon.

  115. Blanche Swanston SAYS...

    I can hardly wait to make some bears!! Thank you so much for your good ideas!

  116. Meg Cerwin SAYS...

    I made a dozen Warrens for the children that will be attending my daughter’s baby shower. They will be great with the camping/adventure theme! I added a name tag to each one with a small gingham tushy patch.
    Wish I could add pix for you cuz I think they are pretty cute!

  117. Maxine H SAYS...

    Thanks for the pattern. I plan on reducing the size of the bear to give to seniors at memory/skill living centers. I was given a large quantity of upholstery fabric samples and velvet type fabric that would be perfect for these bears!

  118. Lori D Carroll SAYS...

    Your beautiful bears are going to go in Operation Christmas Child, he will be given to 25 boys this Christmas. Thank ypou so very much for sharing this pattern.

  119. Don’t forget Hospice patients. My son is a hospice RN and his patients would love these bears.

  120. Trish SAYS...

    Can you provide an estimate of how much polyfill is needed? I’m getting together with a group to make some and we have no idea how much to buy. Thanks!

    • I would guess 4-6 oz. of stuffing for each bear.

  121. We are using the pattern with our residents living with dementia to make bears to give to the children at Shriners Hospital. Some residents cut, some choose the colors, others can turn and stuff. Such a wonderful way for them to be engaged in giving back to the community.

  122. Thank you so much for this free, easy pattern! I will be making stuffies for our local ER to hand out to kids, along with a group of volunteers for our local school DECA club. 🙂

  123. Jennifer SAYS...

    Thank you so much for this! My son, who is 8, wants to make toys to give to kids who don’t have toys and I was looking for an easy Teddy Bear pattern to teach him to sew and that would be a good gift to bring to Children’s Hospitals.

  124. Anonymous SAYS...

    How did you come up with the name Warren? Just wondering?

  125. Katie Shell SAYS...

    Thank you so much. I look forward to making these for local charities. It’s very generous of you to share!

  126. Mary Esther SAYS...

    This is so cute!

  127. Kathy SAYS...

    Thank you so much for these free patterns. I love making items for Charity and the Charity Bear is so cute and looks so easy! Your a wonderful person for doing this!

  128. Janie Harvey-Douglas SAYS...

    I want to say a big thank you. I have made dozens of your teddies (if I can I’ll send some photos) for charity. I belong to Wonky WI in St Leonards (East Sussex UK) and we have lots of sale for our chosen charities. The bears are always popular and really it depends on me how many get made.

    /Users/janieharvey-douglas/Pictures/Photos Library.photoslibrary/resources/derivatives/0/0CEB25ED-8B25-4E79-9D5A-0F50AE3AB83D_1_105_c.jpeg

  129. Tracy SAYS...

    Hello!

    Thank you for the pattern! Are the snout and other accents also best made out of fleece, or is felt preferable?

    • You can use either. Fleece is machine washable, wjhich is a great option. If you want to wash the bears you can make the tiniest parts (eyes and nose) out of felt, but fleece (or other washable fabric) would be better for muzzles and tummies. 🙂

      • Tracy SAYS...

        Thank you!

      • Tracy SAYS...

        Thank you!

  130. Pingback: 20+ Easy Sewing Projects for Kids - I can sew this

  131. Chelsey SAYS...

    These are so cute! My daughter is 6 now, she was diagnosed with cancer a 3.5 years old and we spent a lot of time at the children’s hospital here and traveled to Seattle for more treatment. She saw this pattern and has decided she wants to make some to donate to her hospital. Thanks for sharing!!

  132. Grandma and Brynn SAYS...

    My 5 year old granddaughter and I used your pattern to make a brown felt bear. She loves it. Thanks for posting your pattern for free!

  133. Angela Elkordy SAYS...

    love this – thank you!

  134. Linda Helmer SAYS...

    This would be a great item to make for Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts! I’m going to print the pattern now! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  135. Daria Wilber SAYS...

    Dear Wendi,
    I just found this pattern and I’m so grateful. I live in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico and am interested in making a large number of stuffed dolls for kids in a Mayan pueblo that has been hit hard by corona virus.
    I tend to over think and over complicate things so i was looking for a cloth doll/critter pattern that would be quick, easy and loveable. And this is it!

    Thank you so much for you talent, kindness and generosity.

    Best wishes,

    Daria Wilber

  136. Emma SAYS...

    Lovely bear, wondering how much fill I will need?

  137. Mona SAYS...

    Thinking of doing this with a classroom, to give out to homeless shelters. Do you think we could sew this by hand? Would you then suggest gluing the appliques instead of hand stitching?

    • You can definitely sew them by hand. You can glue on the applique – but it won’t hold as well (or be as soft) as sewing them on.

  138. Wilmer SAYS...

    Hi what fabric did you use?

    • I’ve made these with lots of different fabrics – but my favorite is fleece.

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  140. Gotjava SAYS...

    Thank you so much for sharing this adorable pattern. Do you know if anyone has come up with a crochet version of this pattern?

    • Not that I know of, but that’s a good idea! I’m adding it to my list.

  141. Jackie Pitts SAYS...

    I’m impressed with Warren! I might have to make him a bit smaller to get him in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. But he would definitely be a candidate for a One Day Doll Factory [a bunch of people making a bunch of dolls for needy kids] if I ever get do do one again. SO comfy and versatile!

  142. Harley SAYS...

    Hello! I’m fairly new at sewing, I just started this summer (I’m 20 for reference) and I started with basic embroidery, recently I started patch work. A couple days ago I had to interview a non profit organization in my community that has volunteers come in & teach kids a skill/hobby or give them an experience like visiting a farm. While interviewing I was wondering if there was any way I could volunteer, I didn’t know what sewing project I could show kids that would be easy for them & interesting at the same time (and not super time consuming!) and while babysitting I thought about making a stuffed animal. Warren the bear is PERFECT to teach children; it took me one day to completely master making him & I even added my own spin on him by sewing on pattered fabric as a belly (I used cinci bengals & Mickey Mouse!) I’m very excited to teach kids how to make him & I wanted to thank you for this pattern!

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  145. Hello Wendi – just wanted to add my thanks to all the others for the freebie. I’ve long admired the project but only recently made my own versions. I did put a new spin on one version, using your template to create a baby mobile. They’ll be sent to new parents in January, so thank you again for providing the inspiration for a handmade gift. (My blog post about this is at https://esheepdesigns.blogspot.com/2020/12/warren-charity-bear-two-ways.html if you’re curious to see.)

  146. Pingback: 17 Easy Sewing Projects for Kids to Make

  147. Janet SAYS...

    Hi. What a cute easy to make bear. I think they would also be good charity projects for nursing homes and memory care homes. I plan on make some to donate along with the lap robs that our quilt club sews for a local medical care facility.

  148. Joan SAYS...

    How much material for the bear’s body please?

    Joan

  149. S SAYS...

    Wendy, Thank you for this cute pattern and well written directions. I am an experienced sewer and still watched your how-to videos on embroidering the eyes, clipping curves, stuffing the bear, and the ladder stitch. Your directions are easy to follow, concise and spot on! Thanks so much!

  150. Cristi SAYS...

    Has anyone made these with cotton woven?

    • Yes – it works just fine – just not quite as squishy. You’ll also need to clip into the curves, which you wouldn’t need to do for fleece. The pattern instructions tell you where.

  151. kable SAYS...

    SO FUN AND EASY. I enjoyed making warren the charity bear

  152. Wow this is really to good about the warren charity bear free teddy bear thanks sharing this article

  153. Margo Marshall SAYS...

    Hello. Love your cute but simple pattern. I’m a quilter with lots of cotton fabric scraps. Can your charity bear be made with quilter’s cotton?

    • Yes! I’ve made it with quilting cotton, fleece, velvet, corduroy, denim, and more. Fleece is easiest. 🙂 If you use a non-stretchy fabric, be sure to take note in the pattern of where it tells you to clip the curves.

  154. Anonymous SAYS...

    Hi Wendy! I’m a beginner at sewing, and I was wanting to make some Warrens for a school project. Do you know about how long Warren should take to make?

    • It’s always hard to say because everyone works at their own pace – but I’ve made them with kids in a couple of hours.

  155. Bettsi SAYS...

    What an adorable pattern! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to make a few of these cute guys. I’ll send them off to Enchanted Makeovers, but I’ll make one special one for my husband- he’s my Bearfriend. Wendi, I’m so happy to have found your site. Thank you for putting so much love and positivity into the world.

  156. Pingback: The 10 Best Sewing Projects for Kids - SewCanShe Free Sewing Patterns for Beginners

  157. Bryan Gaiser SAYS...

    Dear Wendi,

    3 year past I started teaching Home Skill to 6th graders. Home Skills is really hand sewing for the quarter. The main project was making a “Emoji” pillow. The students needed to find something to practice on and one of my students found “Charity Bear”. I made my first bear and a student say, “I am not going to lie, those eyes are a little creepy. Creepy Bear was named and became a huge part of my life. He serves to show my students how they can improve in a short time. All humans learn. Just because they can’t remember how long it took them to learn how to walk, tie their shoes or blow their own nose. Just don’t give! In the last 2.5 weeks of school last year my 25 – 35 students made over 100 bears for the adults in the building. They handed out the bears and gave a card that said, “Thank you for making the year … bearable! LOL. The school year ended and I continued to make more personalized bears.

    My most recent project was a wedding party: 18 bride maids/groom men, bride & mom in a dress, groom & father in tux =22 bears in two weeks. I would love to send you pictures… please let me know how.

    Bryan

  158. Pingback: 15+ Free Teddy Bear Patterns To Sew {Adorable} ⋆ Hello Sewing

  159. Kim SAYS...

    My 8 year daughter just made one. She wanted a sewing machine for Hanukah and this was her first sewing machine project. I’m not a sewer so it was the blind leading the blind. Took us two sessions cause we ran out of time. But we did most of it including the face, sewing and stuffing in one. I’d attach a pic if I could. It came out amazing. So proud

  160. Mel SAYS...

    So excited, this is exactly the type of pattern I was in search of for my girls to make to donate!!

    Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

  161. Lorrae SAYS...

    I’ve been making stuffed bears, dogs and cats for a domestic abuse shelter in my town. This pattern is wonderful, cute and easy for mass production. Thinking a small size is good for a toy and a bigger size as an cuddly throw pillow for a bed or couch.

    Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  162. Ninia James SAYS...

    Thank you so much Wendi. Creating this pattern was so generous of you. For 10 years I’ve been crafting and donating all proceeds to animal rescue. Your bear will make a lovely addition to my makes. Thanks again xx

  163. Melissa W SAYS...

    Thank you for sharing this adorable pattern, Wendi! I especially liked seeing photos of the different designs you made. I want to make lots of these for Operation Christmas Child. Do you know if sweatshirt fleece would be an acceptable fabric to use instead of polar fleece? I wanted to see how it would look with that material inside-out, so it would have a fuzzy-ish texture. I am a brand new, beginner sewist, so I need all the help I can get. 🙂

  164. Jayne SAYS...

    I’m going to be volunteering as a skills share teacher at a local primary(grade) school in our little town on the outskirts of Melbourne & teaching sewing. Could I use this pattern for the students?

  165. Thanks ❤️ for sharing love through this lovely huggable bear

  166. Pingback: 20+ of the cutest teddy bear sewing patterns - Swoodson Says

  167. Pingback: 13 Free Teddy Bear Patterns - DIY & Crafts

  168. Thank you for sharing this cute little bear pattern. I was searching for the perfect pattern for our kids at school (for grades 2, 3, 4 and 5)…something simple and fun, that would be a great introduction to the sewing machines. I showed them the pattern today and they are so excited to get started. I’m thinking we might make some for the homeless shelter in town too…so thank you 🙂

  169. Pingback: 25 Free Teddy Bear Patterns To Sew - DIYS Craftsy

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  171. Sunbeam SAYS...

    Hi Wendi
    I’ve been searching for a simple yet pretty pattern for a stuffed bear. And I found yours! Thanks for offering it for free. I plan to share it with my church group to donate to an NPO this Christmas.

    Best regards

  172. Kaye SAYS...

    Lovely bear. I’ll give it a go. Aged care home residents may enjoy these too.

  173. Darla Thomas SAYS...

    Hi Wendi,

    I just found this pattern. I have several old wool and cashmere sweaters. Will the pattern work on these types of fabric? I intend to sew some up to give to participants of a program that serves adults with intellectual disabilities (most communities have a similar program so this is another idea for giving).

    • I haven’t tested them with that kind of fabric, but I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work. 🙂

  174. Diane Gordon SAYS...

    I have just printed the Warren bear pattern, I can’t wait to get started. I am making them for the Samaritans Purse operation Christmas child. So thank you very much. X

    • Cara SAYS...

      I made this for my new grandson. It’s my 1st time sewing with felt. I loved making it. I will make a few more just to keep for any little one who may need it.

  175. Pingback: 15 Free Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns - DIY Crafts

  176. Mary Murray SAYS...

    Thank you for making this pattern available. You’re helping many of us find an enjoyable way to spread some love. Do you use craft or wool felt for muzzles, noses, etc?

    • I use wool felt. It holds up so much better! Craft felt pills too easily. 🙁

    • Linda J Krenning SAYS...

      I make rag quilts with flannel and always have scraps. I’m going to try to make a patchwork Warren with some of those scraps.

  177. Pingback: DIY Felt Toys to Make at Home - Kids Art & Craft

  178. Pingback: 11 Free Teddy Bear Patterns ( Adorable And Cute) - Craftsy

  179. Linda J Krenning SAYS...

    I am very much an amateur at sewing anything but squares together. In 2019 my mom was diagnosed with cancer and I had her Sunday School class members pray over some fabric squares that I then used to make a patchwork “prayer bear” for her to take to chemo treatments as a reminder that she was not going through her struggle alone. We wanted her to remember that she always had God and many friends thinking of her and praying for her as she traveled that difficult road. The pattern I used worked okay but I struggled with it because it was a 3 piece, kind of 3D bear. Warren the charity bear looks SO simple and I can NOT wait to make my next prayer bear with his pattern. Thank you for sharing it and giving us the freedom to use it as a blessing to others!!! God bless you!

  180. Dakota Carreyn SAYS...

    I love this pattern! Now I can’t stop making them. 😂

  181. Pingback: How to Make a Charity Bear Stuffy -

  182. Thanks so much for the free Warren bear pattern! I’m modifying it to make little sewing/craft kits to put into the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes we pack at our church. I’ll make the bear pattern about 6 inches tall and include fabrics, stuffing, eyes, a needle, thread, the pattern, and an instruction sheet for making a cute bear. Thank you again. God bless!

  183. Janet SAYS...

    Thank you for Warren the Charity Bear pattern! It was so easy to sew up. We made 39 to donate to a local agency. Thank you!!

  184. Alex SAYS...

    Just found this! Hoping to make some for a doggy rescue I support. 🙂

  185. Pingback: 22 Free Teddy Bear Patterns (Download PFD Sewing Pattern)

  186. Pingback: 20+ Free Teddy Bear Patterns

  187. Christine SAYS...

    Thank you! I have made tons (over 100 so far) of these adorable bears to donate from all kinds of fleece fabric! I especially love the ones made from cheerful patterns! Is there a way to send a picture of some of them? The latest batch will be going to Primary Children’s Hospital in remembrance of our infant granddaughter’s birthday who died shortly after her birth almost 6 years ago. I love doing a service project every year near her birthday. It helps me feel closer to her. 🙂 Love these so much!!

  188. Peggy SAYS...

    I have stuffed this bear with rice and given it as a BooBoo Bear that can be kept in freezer for boo boos or put in microwave briefly for ear or tummy aches for little ones. To be safe for any young age group I have refrained from using the eyes or felt appliqué but prefer to machine embroider the facial features on a quilt quality cotton body.

  189. Kathy Bartholomew SAYS...

    I love this bear. I crochet, but with tendinitis in 1 thumb and carpal tunnel in the other, my crochet days are slowly winding down when it comes to animals.

    This cute bear will be a great addition to my crochet animals.

  190. Lynda R SAYS...

    Wow these are adorable. Thank you for making your pattern available to all. Along with the group of sewing friends I used to make and donate quilts of all sizes to sick children at PMH in Perth, but authorities put a stop on these because of the health risks…apparently.
    I hope I can get into my stash again and make a family of these little darling bears I hope will be gratefully accepted by a charity. It’s personally very rewarding to do these kinds of projects.

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  193. Anonymous SAYS...

    I just wanted to let you know that , 9 years later a Baby Bank in Coventry called Baby Godiva has found this fantastic idea! We are going to ask our followers to sew this bear for us to include in our donations to babies in Coventry and Warwickshire. Thank you so much for making this available for us to use xx

  194. Sam SAYS...

    Going to make 40 of these for kids to stuff at a vacation bible school camp this summer. Do you know how much filling I need for each (or 40 total)? Thanks!

  195. I have shared this pattern with dozens of schools throughout New Zealand. Schoolchildren have sewn bears to donate to charities working with children’s counsellors. The bears have been made “make one, give one” to support mental health among students affected by Covid lockdowns and the natural disasters that have been prevalent in New Zealand in 2023.
    My current project is making bears in #PublicLivingRooms to combat loneliness.
    That’s a lot of hugs, a lot of kindness and a lot of positivity from one pattern!
    Thank you so much.
    The ripples you have created have had an incredible impact.

  196. VICK SAYS...

    Just found your site yesterday. Here’s my first attempt. I decided to digitize one of your pics of the muzzle, nose, and mouth, and stitch it out on an embroidery machine.
    https://imgur.com/a/stXmJFE

  197. ChrisAnne SAYS...

    Thank you for this fun pattern that will be so simple to mass produce. I have already started making them for our church’s Operation Christmas Child shoebox project. I have others adding the eyes and doing embroidery so I can cut and mass sew. Great system for a great project for a great cause!

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  199. Jennifer SAYS...

    Thank you! I am going to Make these to donate to our local animal shelter!

  200. Xylia SAYS...

    These are cute. I think care homes would like them as well.

  201. CIndy SAYS...

    Warren is cute! He will be the perfect project for my grandchildren and me to donate to our favorite Police and Firefighters. Thank you

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  203. maretta r walker SAYS...

    I would like to make some for donations as in Samaritans Purse boxes as example. What percentage of reduction would you suggest for a smaller size to fit? This is a very versitile pattern.
    Thanks

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  205. Thank you so much for this pattern. Our church crafting group has been making these and gifting them to residents in local assisted living facilities as well as folks in the community who are ill, injured, grieving, or otherwise need encouragement. So far we have given away 48, and it’s amazing to see the joy they bring.

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  208. Thank you for sharing the Warren pattern! It’s fantastic that it’s so versatile and easy to make, perfect for charity projects. I love how customizable it is, and I’m excited to start making some bears. Keep up the great work!