Plush Pattern Shop Teddy Bear Sewing Kit Review

I’ve had some fun experiences reviewing products for SCK and this has to be near the top the list. Plush Pattern Shop (now Chebeto) offered me any kit from their shop and I admit I was a bit worried my sewing skills wouldn’t be up to the job. Let’s see how I got on.

I chose the teddy bear kit as it’s a classic and I didn’t want to try anything too complicated. I reviewed an older style of kit – the photo above shows the current packaging and it’s much fancier now.

My kit just came in a plastic bag and included plush fabric, pattern sheet, instruction booklet and embroidery thread. I had to provide my own stuffing, but that’s now included in the new kits too.

This pattern is rated as Easy, but reading through the instructions did leave me a little anxious, as I’ve not sewn a plush before. It starts off pretty simple though, with tracing and cutting out the required pieces and sewing some edges together. There’s also plenty extra fabric so not to worry if you do mess up badly. It’s great when bits become recognisable – bear paws!

After that, it gets a little more complicated, but as long as I read the instructions carefully and double checked my fabric matched the photos, it all went pretty well. My sewing machine did have some trouble when there were a few layers to sew through so the ears are a bit wonky – I would baste them more securely next time.

This was a great moment when it actually started looking like a bear! I was dreading sewing the head on the body, but that actually turned out to be quite easy. It’s great how the pattern starts off simply and adds more techniques so you keep learning and gaining more confidence. You finish off with some hand-sewing, which I always find relaxing, though I felt quite bad stabbing my fully-stuffed bear in the eyes!

Overall, I did a pretty good job. There’s quite a few wonky bits, and I under-stuffed him a little, but it’s nothing a bright yellow ribbon can’t distract from. I’m really pleased with how it turned out and would be happy to make it again or try another character.

I would definitely recommend this kit as long as you have some experience with a sewing machine. It’s a little bit fiddly in places, but nothing is too difficult as long as you read carefully and think about what you’re doing (and have a seam ripper handy!). It would make a great gift too, since it includes everything you need.

The teddy bear kit costs $24  and more kits are being added soon. The patterns are also available as digital downloads, which would be great if you have a stash of supplies already and want to get sewing straight away, or if you want to sew it in different colours.

(Kit was provided for review but these are my honest opinions and the photos are my own, except for the top and bottom images by Plush Pattern Shop)