Custom Memory Bear

Transform meaningful clothing into a one-of-a-kind memory bear, thoughtfully designed to preserve the pieces and details that mean the most to you. Each bear is individually created from your clothing, so no two will ever be exactly alike.

Size

Finished bears are approximately 25-30 cm tall (10–12 inches tall). Because each bear is handmade using different fabrics and materials, the finished size and shape may vary slightly.

Clothing Needed

For a patchwork-style bear, I recommend approximately:

• Baby clothing: 10–14 pieces
• Adult clothing: 8–14 pieces

You may be able to send fewer pieces if you have larger items, such as baby blankets, hospital blankets or burp cloths. Fewer items may also be needed if you're happy with a less varied patchwork design.

Don't have the recommended amount? Please reach out before deciding you don't have enough. In many cases, I can work with less depending on the size and type of clothing you have.

Choosing Your Clothing

Best clothing and fabrics include:
Clothing with printed or embroidered designs, T-shirts, dress shirts, light sweaters, onesies, pajamas, hospital blankets, burp cloths, and items made from cotton, polyester or fleece.

Please avoid:
Knitted or crocheted items, very thick materials such as heavy jackets or denim unless discussed beforehand, delicate or sheer fabrics that may tear when stuffed, and items with excessive beading, sequins or embellishments.

Items where the main design falls directly over a zipper or seam may also be difficult to incorporate.

If you're unsure whether a particular piece will work, send me a photo and we can discuss it before you send your clothing.

Make It Yours

Your bear can be personalized even further with optional embroidery and finishing details.

Foot Pad Embroidery
Add a name, date, birth weight, or a combination of all three to your bear's foot pad for an additional cost.

Due to the available embroidery space, dates must be kept short. Months can be abbreviated, such as Sept., or written numerically, such as 09.

Birth-Weight Bear
Your bear can be weighted to match your baby's birth weight to a maximum of 4.5 kg (10 lbs), creating a tangible reminder of just how little they once were.

Additional Add-Ons

• Bow or bow tie
• Matching hair scrunchie made from your clothing

Additional charges apply for customization, weighting, embroidery and add-ons.

How Weighting Works

To achieve a baby's birth weight within the relatively small size of the bear, weighted bears contain sealed, non-toxic steel shot originally manufactured for sandblasting applications.

The steel is securely enclosed inside the bear and allows significant weight to be added without requiring the bear to be much larger.

Because of the added weight, weighted bears should always be lifted and handled with care from the bottom and are intended strictly as keepsakes.

The remainder of the memory bear is stuffed with brand-new polyester fibre fill (Poly-Fil®) after weighting. If no weighted option is selected, the entire bear is filled with new polyester fibre fill.

Pricing

Pricing varies depending on the options you choose, including weighting, embroidery, customization and add-ons.

Your final price will be confirmed based on the options selected for your bear.

Turnaround

Your bear is typically completed within 2–4 weeks after I receive your clothing.

For information about sending your clothing, local drop-off, payment, progress updates, unused materials and the rest of the ordering process, please visit my How It Works page.

Important Safety Information

Memory bears are keepsakes, not toys.

This handmade item is intended for decorative and keepsake use only and should not be used for sleep or unsupervised play.

The bear may contain small components that could become hazardous if the bear is damaged. Keep out of reach of young children and pets. Do not use for sleep or unsupervised play.

Inspect your keepsake periodically. Weighted bears should be handled carefully due to their weight.

By purchasing a memory bear, you acknowledge that it is intended as a keepsake rather than a toy and accept responsibility for its safe handling and use.

Safety eyes are used on this product and are securely attached; however, as with any small component, they may present a choking hazard if they become loose or detached. This keepsake is intended for decorative purposes and is not designed or certified as a toy. Please keep out of reach of babies and young children.

Have a Special Request?

Your clothing doesn't have to fit perfectly into the recommendations above. If you have limited clothing, an unusual fabric, a specific design you'd like featured, or another idea for your bear, please reach out before ordering.

I'll be happy to look at what you have and discuss what's possible.

This item is handmade by Sew Loved by Vee using the “Melody Memory Bear" pattern by Funky Friends Factory.