The Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques [Paperback]

Alicia Merrett (Author), Ann Stephens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 2003

There's an easy way to own a traditionally styled teddy bear: make it yourself! It's not difficult at all; with basic sewing skills, and this encyclopedia at your side, you're ready to begin. Materials lists explain what to use for children's and collectors' bears. Information on the best tools and equipment will help you do the job well. Work from a pattern, or see how to design your own; follow detailed instructions on fabric layout, marking, and cutting; and stitch it up, piece by piece. Get the "bear bones" on inserting joints and stuffing. Add expressive facial features, antique or distress the animal to give it a much-loved look, and make miniatures and garments. You'll cherish these bears for a lifetime.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (January 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402703937
• ISBN-13: 978-1402703935
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,047,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for teddy bear making instructions, January 4, 2007

By 

Lucy by the sea - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques (Paperback)

This is the best technical book that I've found for teddy bear making instructions. All the photographs throughout the book are in color with several to a page. Every single step is clearly photographed along with a sidebar that gives the equipment that is used for that step.

Tools and equipment are photographed together on a page to show the real life size differences. Stitches are diagrammed and photographed as they are being done. Materials are photographed side by side so that the reader can see the differences. Stuffing is discussed with photos and the pros and cons of each type such as polyester, plastic pellets, kapok, steel shot, and wood wool.

Assembling and jointing techniques are taught and all varieties are photographed step by step. Teddy features such as eyes and nose placement are taught and photos of the different varieties are shown as well as tips for successful teddy bear faces.

There is a section on making miniature bears and the differences between miniature bears and larger bears that need to be taken into account. Teddy bear clothes, hats and accessories are shown with patterns to use.

At the end of the book is a 27 page inspirational gallery of work from some of the leading teddy bear artists today. There are also three bear patterns and a miniature bear pattern that can be copied on a machine and printed out to use.

This book is a delight to use. The photos are great and the bears are charming. I highly recommend it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very misleading duplicate information repackaged and retitled., September 10, 2009

By 

Karen D. Pereda "Just Given You My Opnion" (La Quinta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques (Paperback)

Was very disappointed not at the book but at the fact that it was very misleading when I purchased it. I thought this book had different information but it turns out that is was a duplicate of The Complete Book of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques (Hardcover)by Alicia Merret. I can however recommend the books information as it is really helpful and detailed but I would choose one or the other as they are a mirror image with different covers.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Encyclopedia of Teddy Bear Making Techniques: A comprehensive Visual Guide to Tradition and Contemporary Techniques, April 7, 2011

By 

Linda J. Nowlin (Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques (Paperback)

This book is chocked full of information on bears and techniques for constructing your very own bear. Many visual guides and techniques. Good book for anyone interested in Teddy Bear's.