How to Sew Clothes for Build-a-Bears

Measure your bear. Use the measuring tape and measure around the bear's waist, from the neck to the end of the torso. Keep these measurements on hand in a notebook for future projects on sewing clothes for Build-a-Bears.

Apply your measurements. You can use a pattern found online or in a fabric store for creating teddy bear clothes, but simply applying your measurements to your fabric will work just as well. Because the garment you're creating is so small, it will be difficult to go wrong. Lay your fabric on a flat surface and mark the measurements with your pencil to create your own pattern, or apply the measurements using your pattern.

Cut out your pattern. Whether you use a pre-made pattern or use your own, carefully cut out your pattern. You can now see how the garment will fit the teddy bear and make any adjustments if necessary. If the garment is too big, use a ruler to draw a straight line down on side of the center and remove a centimeter of fabric. The garment should go on the teddy bear like a jacket, which will make it easy to dress and undress toys.

Sew the garment's hem. Sew the hem and edges of the garment to create a clean, finished look. This is best done by a sewing machine, but can also be done by hand if you have some sewing skills. Using a sewing machine is typically easier because it is a small garment, and creating tight stitches close together to maintain durability can be difficult.

Add closures. Add your buttons or snaps down the center of garment. Snaps should be applied with a sewing machine, while buttons can be securely sewn by hand. Create holes for the buttons, by folding fabric over and gently cutting a half-moon. Be sure not to cut too large of a hole so the garment stays on the teddy bear with ease.