Guide
Choosing the right clothes for a memory bear
A memory bear is only as special as the clothing sewn into it. Here's how to choose garments and fabrics that will make a beautiful, durable keepsake for years to come.
Start with meaning
The most powerful memory bears come from clothing tied to real moments — a first baby grow, a grandparent's shirt, a wedding-day jumper, a favourite pair of pyjamas. Before worrying about fabric weight or stretch, gather the items that carry the story. We can almost always find a way to make them work.
Fabrics that work beautifully
- Cotton shirts and blouses — soft, easy to shape, and take detail well.
- Baby grows and cotton jersey — the classic. Prints and embroidered logos become gorgeous features.
- Flannel and brushed cotton — cosy texture, holds its shape.
- Denim and chambray — hard-wearing and perfect for accents like ears, paws or the muzzle.
- Wool jumpers — beautifully huggable; we back these with interfacing for structure.
Fabrics to think twice about
- Slippery silks and satins — stunning as an accent, tricky as the main body.
- Heavy leather or coated fabrics — hard to sew smoothly around curves.
- Very fragile vintage lace — best used sparingly, as a keepsake detail.
None of these are dealbreakers — just let us know what you'd like to include and we'll advise on the best way to feature them.
How much fabric do I need to send?
One or two adult garments (a shirt plus a jumper, for example) is usually plenty for a single memory bear. For baby clothes, three or four small items gives us more variety to piece together. If you're unsure, send more than you think — we'll return anything we don't use.
Preparing your clothing
Freshly laundered items make the process easier — no need for ironing or unpicking seams. Please leave buttons, embroidery and labels intact; those little details often become the most-loved features of the finished bear.
Ready to start?
When you're ready, reserve your memory bear with a £25 deposit and we'll be in touch within two working days to gather your clothing and confirm the details.