The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories [Paperback]

Sandra Polley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2004

Making an heirloom toy has never been more accessible than with the clear, easy-to-follow directions and illustrations featured in The Knitted Teddy Bear. Only basic knitting skills are needed to create the twelve adorable bears and myriad outfits found in this colorful collection. Whether you want to make classic humpbacked, long-armed collector's bears or miniature teddy bears for children, you'll be sure to find a pattern to inspire you to pick up your needles. Plus, there are lots of pattersn for charming sweaters, vests, dresses, overalls, scarves, and hats to adorn your bears. With all the options, you'll be creating good cheer as warm and cuddly as the teddy bear itself.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Polley's top-notch guide teaches readers how to knit adorable miniature teddy bears that can be completed in a few nights' time. The knitting isn't difficult, but the directions must be followed carefully in order to shape the bears properly. (The author provides a concise guide to the basics of doll-making, including forming ears, thread-jointing limbs and adding eyes, and all her projects are illustrated with full color photos.) A simple Beginner's Bear is the best place to start-each is made from five rectangles and easily dressed up with a little bow around the neck. Then knitters can move on to Polley's more whimsical, and dressy, creations, such as: Thomas, a sweet bear wearing a jacket, "shawl neck" sweater, wooly hat and scarf, or Sleepy Sam, whose long arms can tuck under his head when he drifts off for the night. Other bears include Rosie, who's dressed up in pink overalls, and Jack, a black bear modeled after the ones made for the survivors of the Titanic in 1912. Each bear resembles the others-most have longish faces and demure expressions-but Polley has given them enough individual personality to make sure readers will be drawn to one or two in particular. Readers will have to adjust the occasional UK/English instructions to American English, but otherwise, a skein of yarn, a few small needles and this book will set them well on their way to making beautiful toys.
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About the Author

Sandra Polley has had many years' experience with crafts, especially knitting and soft-toy construction, and has a particular interest in making and collecting miniature teddy bears. She runs a successful business selling her knitting patterns worldwide. Sandra lives in Essex, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (August 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400054370
• ISBN-13: 978-1400054374
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 0.4 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These projects are delightful!, June 18, 2005

By 

a reader (West Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories (Paperback)

I have knit 2 of the bears in this book: Catherine and Jack. I used the materials suggested (Rowan and Jaeger yarns), and both turned out delightfully. With my next bear, I will venture out into the land of less expensive yarns.

The directions provided are, for the most part, clear. One or two minor errors were discovered, both of which should be detectable by knitters with moderate logical thinking skills. I had never made dolls/bears of any sort, so visualizing pieces and joints was somewhat of an initial challenge. A few more diagrams would have cut down on some of the mental gymnastics.

Since none of the craft stores in my area carry firm stuffing, eyes or plastic safety joints, I ordered these items from www.sparebear.com. Service was prompt and friendly. Using quality parts is essential. As each bear is stuffed and eyes set, personalities are created. Using quality materials will ensure your bear will hold up to the love it is sure to receive.

Knitting these little friends is a pleasant experience. Each is made up of small pieces, easily knit during leisure time, car rides and other stolen moments. I kept each bear's finished pieces together on a stitch holder until I was ready to assemble.

I gave both Catherine and Jack away to loving homes. They made unique gifts, especially when dressed in colors representing special memories to the recipients.

If you enjoy knitting and making gifts to give to those you love, I highly recommend the projects in this book.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow, even for beginners, January 5, 2006

By 

briezee (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories (Paperback)

I picked this book on a whim shortly after I started knitting. At the time, I knew only the knit and purl stitches. I learned very simple increases and decreases in order to do these bears and completed the "George" pattern fairly quickly and neatly. I'm currently working on another bear. I haven't found any typos yet, but I've only looked at 2 of the many patterns.

Editing 7 Feb 2006 to add: I've now a few of the bears in the book and do have a minor quibble - the author recommends using the same needle size for the clothes for each bear and I've found I've had to increase the needle size consistently or the clothes are too small.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, January 11, 2006

By 

K. T. Gilbert - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories (Paperback)

I am a beginning knitter and have had no problem making the patterns in the book. It has been a great way to practice new techniques on a small scale. And you should see the results! I have made five bears(Catherine, Thomas, Bertie and 2 Bruces)so far- and delighted all the children in my life this last Christmas. This book is truly delightful! I highly recommend it.