Jointed Bear/Kitty/Doll

Materials: 1/4 yard fabric, thread, stuffing, 4 plastic joints in size to fit inside pattern arms and legs. 
Optional additions for doll: Fabric paint for face, yarn hair
Optional additions for Bear/Kitty: Contrasting fabric scrap for paw pads, safety eyes and noses.

Pattern (click to view pattern image):  Bear | Kitty | Doll
Print from internet or save to your computer and print.  Pattern can be resized.

General instructions:
Trace pattern onto heavier stock paper so it’s easier to trace onto the fabric.  Cut out pieces after you stitch the sew lines.  Allow 1/4 inch seam allowance and cut on cut lines where noted.  Since this is for children, it’s important that everything be washable and able to resist nibbling. 

Head:

1. Trace head front onto fabric, sewing where indicated.  Cut out on cut line and add 1/4” around seams.  Clip under nose for doll where indicated, careful not to cut the seam. 
2. Trace head back onto fabric, sewing where indicated.  Cut out on cut line and add 1/4” around seams.
3. For bear, with right sides together, line up muzzle where indicated and stitch.  Refold to have bear’s head in profile and stitch from nose to neck. 
4. Trace ears onto fabric and sew where indicated.  Cut out and flip right side out.  Pin where indicated on head front pattern, lining up raw edges. 
5. With right sides together pin and sew around the sides of the head with 1/4” seam allowance.
6. Flip head right side out.
7. For Bear and Kitty, add eyes and nose where indicated on pattern head front.

Kitty tail:

1. Trace kitty tail onto fabric and sew.  Cut out.
2. Lightly stuff tail.
3. Trace back body onto fabric and cut out.  Place tail between body pieces where indicated on the pattern.  Sew center back seam as shown on pattern.
4. Trace body front onto fabric and sew where indicated.  Cut out.
5. Go to step 2 in Body directions below.

Body:

1. Trace body twice onto fabric, sewing where indicated.  On one body leave the stuffing gap open where indicated.  Cut out.
2. With right sides together, sew sides.
3. Line up head center front seam to body center front seam.  Stitch all the way around neck opening.
4. Flip right side out and stuff head firmly.

Arms:

1. Trace arms onto fabric, sewing where indicated, leaving opening for stuffing.  Cut out.
2. Flip right side out and cut out a small hole as shown on pattern for joint stud.  Make sure you have a right and a left arm.
3. Cut a hole into the body where you want the arm placed.  Insert stud and snap on backing.
4. Stuff arm and close opening.

Legs:

1. Trace legs onto fabric, sewing where indicated, leaving open for stuffing.  Cut out.
2. You may wish to add the sole of the foot.  Instead of sewing the bottom of the foot closed, make that line a cut line.  Cut two foot soles and fold in half lengthwise to find the midpoints.  Pin to the seam at those midpoints.  Sew around bottom edge.
3. Flip right side out and cut out a small hole as shown on pattern for joint stud.  Make sure you have a right and a left leg.
4. Cut a hole into the body where you want the leg placed.  Insert stud and snap on backing.
5. Stuff leg and close opening.

Finish the body:

1. Stuff the body and close back.
2. Decorate body as you wish, keeping in mind that young children may be receiving this toy.

For dolls, please visit the Basic Clothes pattern page for patterns.