Teddy Bear Restoration
- De-stuff and Vacuum. First thing I did was get an Xacto knife and cut the rear seam in his back, then proceeded to de-stuff him.
- Wash and Dry. Next, I filled up my sink with cold water and soaked him in there. ...
- Sew and Repair. Now that he's all clean I started on his repairs. ...
- Re-stuff Head. ...
- Re-stuff Arms and Legs. ...
- Sew and Re-stuff Body. ...
- Stuff and Seal. ...
- Enjoy! ...
What to do with your old teddy bear?
Every much loved old teddy bear deserves sympathetic repairs to carefully restore their former furry glory. Threadbear.care based in Warnham, Near Horsham in West Sussex has two decades of bear experience, patiently giving antique, vintage and old teddy bear friends a new lease of life.
How do you fix a teddy bear that has holes?
Turn the teddy bear inside out to examine each seam for holes and to examine the thread which may be, if the teddy bear is very old, weak and rotten. Sew the holes closed and reinforce the seams as needed, using either a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
How do you remove stuffing from a teddy bear?
Steps If your bear does not already have a hole in a seam through which the stuffing can be removed, very carefully open a straight seam (such as the back seam) by cutting the seam thread with a pair of scissors, a very sharp knife, or a seam ripper. Remove all of the stuffing and discard.
What kind of repairs can I do on my bear?
Repairing of split seams, holes in body etc. either by darning or patching. Eye replacements, as original to your bear, toy, or eyes can come in any color requested. Safety eyes, filling for child's toys. Replacing stuffing, with the same that's inside the bear or toy, such as wood wool, Kapok, cotton waste, modern polyester all types of beads.
How do you bring an old teddy bear back to life?
1:233:53How to make an old stuffed animal look new again - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing some carpet cleaner on a rag. I didn't want to get him really wet. So I just like went overMoreUsing some carpet cleaner on a rag. I didn't want to get him really wet. So I just like went over him you kind of use a baby wipe as well or if it's not dirty.
How do you make an old teddy bear fluffy again?
6 Techniques In Making Stuffed Toys Soft & Fluffy AgainCarefully Handwash It.Use A Conditioner.Use Clothes Dryer with Softener Sheets.Use A Towel & Rub It Dry.Brush Its Fur.Use Steam Cleaner (If With Electronics)Soak The Stuffed Animal In Fabric Softener.Brush It Down.More items...•
How do you fix the stuffing in a teddy bear?
Use a good seam ripper and start undoing the threads. Work very gently and carefully so as not to disturb worn patches on the stuffed animal and make them worse. Worn patches may show signs of being well loved, but they are very fragile and need to be worked around with care. Never cut the seam with a scissors.
How do you clean and restore a teddy bear?
For most teddy bear cleaning, we recommend a surface clean. The best way to do this is with carpet foam or a mild shampoo and warm water solution. Do not get your toy very wet – just enough water to loosen the dirt. Apply the foam or suds with a toothbrush and wipe down with a clean cloth to remove dirt.
Can you make stuffed animals soft again?
Make the Stuffed Animal Soft Again — One simple way to fluff up your stuffed animal again is by using a towel and rubbing the fur. The stuffed animal should be clean and damp. Use a soft comb to comb the fur as it dries and then allow it to air dry. You can also try using a hair dryer on damp fur.
How do you restore plush fabric?
How To Restore Plush (Minky) RemnantsOften that's all you need to do! ... How to Restore Dimple Plush (Dimple Minky Fabric) ... All you need to do is pop your dimple plush in the tumble dryer for 10 minutes (mine was on the highest setting). ... And here's the finished result, perfect!More items...•
How do you Refluff stuffed animal stuffing?
0:5611:13[DIY] How To Re-stuff a Stuffed Animal Plush (Easy Guide) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou could also take another older plushie that you have but you don't want anymore and sacrifice itMoreYou could also take another older plushie that you have but you don't want anymore and sacrifice it and take out its insides. And then use those for a new plushie. You can also find old pillows.
How do you clean a 30 year old stuffed animal?
Hand-washing stuffed animalsStep 1: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and detergent.Step 2: Wash using a pumping motion.Step 3: Let it soak for 30-60 minutes depending on its condition.Step 4: Rinse until free of suds.Step 5: Squeeze out any water and let it dry on a towel, using a hair dryer to fluff up the fur.
How do you clean old fragile stuffed animals?
Older or more fragile stuffed animals may need a lighter touch and can be washed gently by hand using the following simple steps.Step 1: Soak in cold water. Fill a bucket or sink with enough cold water to submerge the stuffed animal.Step 2: Add detergent. ... Step 3: Hand wash. ... Step 4: Rinse. ... Step 5: Air dry.
How do you get rid of bald spots on stuffed animals?
Use a matted knife or precision scissor for extra accuracy. Sew the fake fur onto the animal with invisible thread. Make sure there is enough fake fur to cover the balding area, but not too much to cause a large, clump-like appearance. Align the fur and sew the seems with your invisible threading.
How do you Unmat soft toys?
Determined to get her beloved soft toy back to how she always remembered it, Anna soaked it with Vanish's Oxi Action powder and fabric softener. And if that wasn't enough, she also added some scent booster pearls too. While the Vanish powder targeted any old stains, the fabric softener restored the toy's plush fur.
Why do stuffed animals go limp?
Sometimes the stuffing inside shifts and compresses to such a degree that portions of the body are rendered rather limp and hollow. To remedy this situation the stuffed animal will need to be restuffed. I recommend purchasing a bag of polyester fiberfill to use as stuffing.
How do you clean a stuffed animal with vinegar and baking soda?
Pre-treat any apparent stains with a color-safe pre-treater, baking soda or white vinegar. Place the stuffed animal in a pillowcase or mesh bag to protect it. Put it in with a load of dirty laundry, like towels or blankets. Set the machine to the gentlest cycle using warm water for added laundry disinfecting.
How do you clean a teddy bear with baking soda?
Clean with Baking Soda Put a light layer of baking soda on the full surface of the stuffed animal and toss them in a bag or pillow case. Shake the bag vigorously for a few minutes and then let it sit for about a half hour so that the soda can absorb all of the oils.
What to do if you still have a teddy bear face?
If you still have the face, try to sew it back on. If not, you could use some fabric and button eyes. The teddy may not look perfect this way, but at least it'll have a face.
How long will a refurbished teddy bear be good?
Take care of your newly refurbished teddy. It'll be good for decades to come.
How to remove stuffing from bear?
If your bear does not already have a hole in a seam through which the stuffing can be removed, very carefully open a straight seam (such as the back seam) by cutting the seam thread with a pair of scissors, a very sharp knife, or a seam ripper. Remove all of the stuffing and discard. 2.
What causes a teddy bear to be hard?
Don't overstuff your bear. This will cause your teddy bear to be hard, not fluffy.
What to use to wash a bear?
Scissors. Thimble (if sewing with a needle and thread) A bag of natural cotton or polyester fiberfill (approximately six times the size of the bear) An alternative to fiberfill stuffing is worn out panty hose. If you choose to use this you won't need to take the stuffing out of the bear next time you wash it.
What to do if your teddy is dusty?
If your teddy feels a bit dusty or makes you cough, gently tube vacuum it! It works great! You could wipe him/her with a wet wipe if she/he is dirty.
How to get rid of matted fur on bear?
Tease out the matted knots if the bear's fur was matted, after the bear is dry. A dental pick works well. Work the pick through the knots, being careful not to pull the fur out.
Can you use ladder stitch on back?
If you use a ladder stitch or other invisible stitch, the threading on the back won't be as visible! It's an easy stitch to learn, too, if you want to keep the thread out of the way for future loving :)
Do you have to wear a mask when you have stuffed animals?
NOTE: Make sure to wear a little dusk mask just in a case there's weird old dust inside your stuffed animal.
Can you sew a baby blanket to a baby's back?
You can find an old baby blanket that was yours (or buy fabric) and sew a little jacket for him/her and sew it to their back so you can’t see the spot where fur has come off. Or you can do the yarn thing that @Querrie said and make a little jacket that is not sewn on.
How to get tail thread out of stuffed animal?
Starting at one end of the incision, insert the needle through a small section of the fabric, pull until the tail end of the thread is about 2 inches from being pulled through the fabric. Grab the tail of the thread and tie it to the base of the thread you pulled through the fabric. Tuck the short excess tail thread into the stuffed animal.
How to make a stuffed animal incision?
Using a pair of scissors, make an incision approximately 3 inches in length along the middle major seam on the back of the stuffed animal (a seam ripper may also be used to open an existing seam).
What happens when you add more stuffing to a stuffed animal?
The more stuffing added, the more dense the stuffed animal will become.
How to attach a button to a stuffed animal?
Before you begin, place the button in the location where you would like it to be attached. Attach your thread to the stuffed animal in this location, and thread the button onto the needle.
Can you use scissors on stuffed animals?
However, these skills can be used on any stuffed object. Be aware when using scissors and a sharp needle; take any precautions to avoid misuse or injury. Prior sewing and knot tying knowledge is necessary. Adequate lighting is recommended.
Step 1: Making the Plan
First step is to take a good look as to what state the teddy bear is in. Mine was missing nearly all the fur on all the gold areas, but the brown fur was generally only missing at the seams. The bear also had a large hole in the crotch where styrofoam pellets were slowly falling out.
Step 2: Pick Out Materials
I chose to go with the original color scheme for the repair, so I collected a number of gold interior design fabrics. (There is no reason that you can choose completely different colors.) I started with a neutral sewing thread, but later brought in heavier cream and brown nylon string for the embroidery.
Step 3: Layout and Attach the Patches
I attached the patches with small stitches similar to boro stitching where there is a running set of small stitches. Most of these I made in parallel lines, but alternative patterns can be used to add interest. For example, I chose to create circles for the circle patches on the ends of the legs and arms.
Step 4: Restuffing the Teddy Bear
I fortunately had a bag of recycled polypropylene pellets to use as stuffing.
Step 5: Embroider the Edges of the Fabric
Most of the interior design fabrics will be woven fabrics and the edges will fray if not protected. I chose to add interest by covering the edges with embroidery. Since the teddy bear has a number of curves and shapes, it is helpful to have a curved needle.
Step 6: Other Ways to Use Embroidery Stitches
Embroidery stitches can also be used to create structure and shape in the fabrics. I shortened the length of the stitches on the inside of the ear to cup the ear and make it stand up on it's own.
Step 8: Embroider the Brown Seams
Most of the seams on the brown fur areas were still strong and just needed to be decorated. Here I just wrapped a stitch around the seam.
