The bear in the original pattern is considered a small bear but because of the way Cynthia designed her patterns you can enlarge it to at least a 16" bear without loss of design or proportions.
A beginner to Intermediate bear
Sample made of distressed Mohair
Your bear may be made of fabric of your choice
Read all instructions through before beginning.
Pattern is a template, no seam allowances included. Trace pattern pieces onto lightweight cardboard. Transfer pattern pieces to wrong side of fabric or fur. This is the seam line. If using fur be careful to follow the nap. All body pieces nap run down. On the ears only nap runs up. Mark openings. Sew all seams using 1/4" seam allowance. Bear can be machine sewn or hand sewn. If hand sewn use double thread and back stitch. Seam allowances are trimmed before turning.
Baste seams of each body part first to prevent shifting as you sew. Sew completely around each piece leaving the opening as marked. Lock stitch at beginning and end of each seam. Sew two ear pieces right sides together around the curved edge (repeat for second ear).
Clip and trim all seams. Turn each piece. Ears are not stuffed so use your chopsticks to smooth the seams inside the ear.
Stuff all body parts firmly using polyester Fiberfil. Close each opening (head must be jointed at neck before the back is closed, see jointing below) with a ladder stitch using double thread or carpet thread. Embroider nose and mouth with pearl cotton using a satin stitch for the nose. Form an upside down "Y" for the mouth using three single long stitches or back stitches. Attach eyes (see picture for positioning).
Leaving a long tail enter the inner left arm exiting the arm approximately 1/2" from the top of the curve. Using your needle jiggle to find the exit hole and insert needle going through the arm, through the entire body, through the right arm to the outside. Again jiggle to locate the original exit hole and repeat back through the body and tie off the thread under the left arm (may be necessary to repeat complete step a second time to get a firm joint). Entering and exiting the outside of the arm through the same hole gives you a strong joint by catching on the stuffing but does not dimple the outside of the arm. Repeat same procedure with the legs.
To joint the head begin with your long thread tail entering the opening in the back go back up and exit at the neck, enter the bottom of the head and making a small stitch exit the head. Enter the same hole in the neck exiting at the opening in the back (may be necessary to repeat this step a second time for strength). Tie off thread ends, clip and ladder stitch opening closed.
Whip stitch the raw edges of each ear and attach the ears to the head using a ladder stitch with double thread using the picture for positioning.
Embellish your bear in a patriotic manner appropriate to state/province/country of your choice. Sample was made with stars and stripes fabric bow.