Introduction
Teddy bear making is a beloved craft enjoyed by many enthusiasts in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned teddy bear artist or a novice crafter, having access to quality teddy bear making supplies is essential for bringing your creations to life. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of shops in the UK where you can find everything you need to embark on your teddy bear making journey.
Overview of Teddy Bear Making Supplies
Crafting adorable teddy bears requires a practical assortment of supplies. Mohair and faux fur are popular fabric choices, providing a variety of textures and colors to suit your creations.
To give your bear a sturdy structure, you’ll need quality stuffing like polyester fiberfill, along with discs and cotter pins for jointing. Opt for glass eyes to achieve a classic, lifelike appearance, and use waxed thread for secure stitching.
Additional accessories such as suede, ultrasuede, or felt fabric for paw pads add an extra touch of realism. When selecting supplies, consider the style and size of your bear, as well as your crafting expertise. Investing in high-quality materials ensures your teddy bears will become cherished keepsakes for years to come.
For a deeper dive into the world of teddy bear fur fabric, check out our post Exploring Different Types of Teddy Bear Fur Fabric: A Comprehensive Guide to learn more.
List of Shops for Teddy Bear Making Supplies in the UK
- Bear Basics: Formerly known as Thistleberry Bear, Bear Basics has been in the teddy bear making industry for approximately 25 years. Started after a weekend course in Derbyshire, the Thistleberry Bear label was born to meet the growing demand for handmade bears.
About 20 years ago, Bear Basics expanded to sell supplies directly from manufacturers, ensuring the best prices year-round. Renamed and launched a new website in December 2005, Bear Basics became known for its personalized service and quality materials, particularly Schulte mohair.
In February 2007, Bear Basics became the official authorized partner for Schulte in the UK, allowing direct ordering and importing from the mill. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Bear Basics invites inquiries and shares fair dates for potential in-person visits. - Mohair Bear Making Supplies Ltd: Known as the largest leading UK retailer of Mohair and faux fur fabrics, Mohair Bear Making Supplies offers a vast selection of materials for teddy bear and doll making enthusiasts.
With warehouses in Shropshire, they stock the largest selection of Steiff Schulte mohair in the UK, along with other quality fabrics like Helmbold mohair, South African mohair, and alpaca. Additionally, they provide viscose fabrics in various colors and textures.
Their extensive product range includes teddy bear making patterns, glass eyes, joints, fillings, safety toy joints and eyes, bear and doll making tools, soft toy making kits, and much more. - BearSupplies.co.uk: Formerly known as BSB Bear Supplies, this website offers a variety of quality teddy bear making supplies, including hand-dyed mohair, premium joints, eyes, and tools.
With over 20 years of experience in crafting artist bears, BearSupplies.co.uk provides materials for bear enthusiasts worldwide. - Alice’s Bear Shop: Offers a collection of heirloom, jointed teddy bear, and calico rag doll making kits, patterns, and digital pattern downloads.
Operating online and by email Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Alice’s Bear Shop also runs a Teddy and Doll Hospital, staffed by a dedicated team of doctors and administrators. As an ethical company, Alice’s Bear Shop welcomes inquiries and support for their Teddy and Doll Hospital. - Amazing Craft: Founded in 2015, Amazing Craft is dedicated to providing inspiration and supplies for crafting teddy bears, dolls, and cute creatures.
Amazing Craft offers a crafty range of products including mohair teddy bear fabric, glass and safety eyes, kits, doll jersey, books, patterns, and supplies for crocheting, knitting, sewing, and needle felting.
With clear and comprehensive instructions and quality components, Amazing Craft strives to empower crafters to create their magical world of dolls, teddy bears, and other adorable animals. - Katys Kwilts: Katys Kwilts offers supplies for teddy bear making, including fur, joints, eyes, paw fabric, and accessories, thanks to a partnership with Christie Bears.
- Make A Teddy: Formerly known as Norbeary Fabrics since 2007, Make A Teddy, is dedicated to providing teddy bear making supplies and Barbara Ann Bears teddy bear patterns.
With a commitment to quality, Make A Teddy offers a selection of mohair, including hand-dyed varieties, patterns, kits, and essential accessories for teddy bear making.
While the website is still under construction, Make A Teddy plans to expand its offerings over time to include more mohair options, patterns, kits, and workshop information. - Peacock Fibres: Specializing in mohair and alpaca fabric. Additionally, they provide filling and weighting options along with Alcantara Ultrasuede.
- Pipaluck Bears: offers a delightful array of bear supplies.
Explore their shop categories, which include bear accessories, buttons, eyes, fabric, filling, joints, thread, yarn, ribbons, lace, trimmings, bear making tools, bear noses, and paw fabric.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shop
When choosing a shop for teddy bear making supplies, there are several factors to consider:
- Pricing and affordability: Compare prices across different shops to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
- Range and quality of supplies offered: Look for shops that offer a diverse selection of high-quality materials and accessories.
- Customer reviews and reputation: Read reviews from other customers to gauge the shop’s reliability and customer service.
- Shipping options and policies: Consider the shop’s shipping options and policies, especially if you’re ordering online.
Conclusion
Having access to quality teddy bear making supplies is essential for any teddy bear enthusiast. By exploring the list of shops provided in this article, you can find everything you need to start or continue your teddy bear making journey.
Whether you’re looking for fabrics, patterns, eyes, or joints, these shops offer a wide range of options to suit your needs.
At the end of your journey exploring the myriad of teddy bear making supplies available in the UK, it’s essential to equip yourself with the knowledge of how to bring your creations to life.
Learn invaluable techniques in our tutorials on 5 Ways to Attach Teddy Bear Eyes and Bring Them to Life and How to Make a Jointed Teddy Bear: Mastering Limbs with Discs and Cotter Pins.
With these skills, coupled with the high-quality supplies from the shops listed above, you’re poised to create timeless teddy bears that will be cherished for generations to come. Happy crafting!
Join our Facebook page to get exclusive updates on more inspirational articles, free patterns, tutorials, and tips for crafting adorable teddy bears. Let’s create, and cuddle up with the joy of teddy bear art!
Subscribe to our newsletter for instant access to free patterns, exclusive insider tips, the latest buzz in teddy bear art, and a golden opportunity to win Teddy Bear crafting supplies!
Hello Hanna! You provide a valuable resource for both seasoned teddy bear artists and novice crafters. Your article offers insights into the essential materials and tools needed for crafting adorable teddy bears, emphasizing the importance of quality supplies for creating cherished keepsakes.Your guide goes beyond listing shops, offering factors to consider when selecting a shop, including pricing, range and quality of supplies, customer reviews, and shipping options. This thoughtful inclusion assists readers in making informed decisions based on their preferences and requirements.
Your article serves as a comprehensive and informative resource, guiding teddy bear enthusiasts through the world of crafting with valuable information, shop recommendations, and tips for creating timeless teddy bears. Thank you!
Hey there! Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that you found my article helpful and informative. Providing valuable resources and insights to fellow teddy bear enthusiasts like yourself is what I’m all about. Crafting these adorable bears is not just a hobby, it’s a passion, and I’m glad to help others navigate through the world of teddy bear making with confidence. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out anytime. Happy crafting! 🧸✨
Hello Hanna,
Thank for providing your overview of the supplies needed to create lovely teddy bears and the best shops to get high quality materials in the UK. I had never thought of creating a teddy bear until I started reading your post, and then a thought hit me. My toddler enjoys playing with her teddies amongst other toys, what a wonderful memory it would create to have one specially handmade for her by her dad.
Could you kindly advice me on the size, color, and type of teddy that would most likely have the biggest impression on a toddler? I am thinking of a bunny.
Hey there!
I’m so glad to hear that my post inspired you to consider making a special teddy bear for your toddler! That’s such a heartwarming idea, and I’m sure she’ll cherish it forever, especially since it’s handmade by her dad.
When it comes to choosing the right teddy for a toddler, there are a few things to consider. Since you’re thinking of a bunny, you’re already on the right track! Bunnies often have a universal appeal to children because of their cute, floppy ears and soft, cuddly bodies.
In terms of size, you’ll want to aim for something that’s not too big or too small. A medium-sized bunny would be perfect for little hands to hold and cuddle with ease.
As for color, you might want to consider pastel shades like light pink, baby blue, or soft gray. These colors are gentle on the eyes and are often associated with sweetness and innocence, perfect for a toddler’s companion.
When it comes to the type of teddy, opt for one that’s made from plush, hypoallergenic materials that are safe for your toddler to snuggle with. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to withstand some rough play but still soft and huggable.
Use safety eyes for your bunny.
Ultimately, the most important thing is the love and care you put into creating the teddy bear for your little one. I’m sure whatever you make will be cherished and loved dearly by your toddler for years to come!
Let me know if you need any more advice or tips as you embark on this heartwarming crafting journey. Happy teddy bear making! 🐻❤️
How cool is that!?! Such a great, informative article for teddy bear creating. You’ve provide such great ideas for building teddy bears, along with great insight on what kind of materials to use throughout your bear. Being a novice in teddy bear building, I have some questions. Is the material I would buy for the bear’s fur come ready to stuff and sew up, or would I need to cut to size? Also, do the stores you’ve provided, for the materials I would need for everything, sell online, and would they ship to the United States?
Mike
Hey Mike! Thanks a bunch for your enthusiastic comment! 🐻 I’m thrilled to hear you found the article informative and helpful for your teddy bear endeavors.
To answer your questions, typically the fur material you purchase comes in pieces or by the yard, so you might need to cut it to size depending on your pattern. As for the stores I mentioned, many of them do sell online and ship to the United States, but it’s always a good idea to double-check their shipping policies just to be sure.
Feel free to ask any more questions you have as you dive into the world of teddy bear making! Happy crafting! 🧵✨