Frequently Asked Questions

Theodore Bear and Friends are aimed to be made by anyone over the age of 13 and are intended as heirloom characters rather than toys due to the small parts they contain.

Theodore Bear and friends are intended to be machine sewn so you will need a sewing machine and a basic sewing kit. You can of course hand sew any of the items if you wish to, it will just take a bit longer. Each pattern includes a full list of equipment and materials. It is not necessary to buy lots of fancy equipment to make these characters. A basic sewing kit is all that is needed to create Theodore Bear and Friends.

The kits contain all of the materials and accessories needed to make the character but you will need to provide your own toy stuffing. A small 125g bag will be ample for each character. 

When you purchase the pattern, you will be sent an email which will contain a link to the downloadable pdf pattern. Simply click this link and you will have the full set of instructions and pattern. The pattern pieces are at the end of the instructions. When you print the pattern pieces off,  you can simply select the pages with the pattern on rather than having to print the entire document. The pattern pieces are all to scale so do not need to be resized and they already include a seam allowance so there is no fiddling around required. They can be printed on A4 paper.

The best thing to do is to read through all of the instructions before you start and make sure that you have all of the equipment and everything that you're going to need. If you get stuck, read the next few instructions because that will often show you where you are headed and help you work it out. If not, go and have a break and come back with fresh eyes, which often helps.

If you're still stuck, you can email us and we'll be happy to help you lisa@asewinglife.com

Yes, they are. Each of them is made in the same way but they all have slightly different shapes.

James Fox is slightly more difficult than the other characters because he has a tail and a chest and neck panel.

If you buy a pdf downloadable pattern, you will receive the email containing the pattern as soon as you have made payment.

If you buy a kit, it will be posted out within 1-2 working days and delivered by Royal Mail First Class which takes 2-3 working days. In total that should be 5 working days to arrive with you.  See Delivery and Returns.

The patterns and kits are designed for anyone who wants to enjoy a stress-free experience creating a unique handmade project from scratch. It will be easier if you have some knowledge of sewing but even if you are a complete beginner, the instructions guide you through every step helping you unlock your creativity.

If you'd like to do a very simple project first, join in with the 'share the love, sew a bear hug' and request your FREE copy of the mini Theodore Bear pattern. There is a request button at the top of every page in the green panel. 

Absolutely, yes. You will find that once you have made your first one, you will want to make the other characters and then you'll want to make them all clothes. One solution is to make lots of them and give them as gifts.......with love sewn into every stitch...they will make a wonderfully personal present.