Sewing pattern/tutorial for a keepsake bear?

[Lozzapops]

Hi there, hopefully one of you lovely lot can help me. I would like to make a stuffed bear/bunny/other cute animal out of my daughter's first items of clothing. I did look into just getting one made up for me, but they are quite expensive, and I'd like to be able to say "I made that for you" when she is older.

Does anyone know of a good pattern/tutorial online (preferably free, but I'm not opposed to paying for it)? I'm not an absolute beginner, but nor do I have particularly advanced sewing skills. I am, however, willing to push myself a bit! I suppose I would be able to work with a standard toy pattern, as opposed to a "memory bear" pattern, and just sort out the patchwork bits for myself.

Any help would be much appreciated. I have added a couple of pics of the kind of style I am looking for (hopefully the pics have worked). Thanks in advance!

[AwfulMaureen]

I think the thing to do is to just find a pattern you like and use her clothing to make it up. You don't need a special soft toy pattern...any will do and there are tonnes free online or to be bought for a few quid on Ebay or Amzon.

The patchwork effect is achieved by simply using one garment for each piece...so your arms...on a bear for eg. you need two pieces...use a different vest for each piece...same with the tummy and the head parts...

[Lozzapops]

Thanks AwfulMaureen. I guess I was really wondering whether anyone has seen a pattern for the type of toy I'm after (regardless of whether it is a plain one or patchwork), as I can't seem to find what I am looking for! I haven't seen many patterns (and particularly tutorials, which I prefer as I like to have step by step instructions!) that are for the traditional shape toys I have pictures above (though obviously the cat on the left isn't traditional, just super cute!).

[AwfulMaureen]

I looked a while back and could only find ones for sale...nothing for free. Do you want to pay or are you looking for something free?

[Lozzapops]

Free is always nice, but certainly willing to pay!

[RueDeWakening]

I know a couple of keepsake bear makers, they started out using Funky Friend patterns www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/ although now have their own drafted up.

[ElizaCBennett]

I was in Hobby Craft yesterday and noticed some plain toys; a bear and a dog, that were meant to be patchworked? Seemed strange to me but perhaps this is what they are for? They were in a cream plain material. You could cut out pieces of your baby's clothing and sew them on? Sorry f that's not what you are looking for.

[ElizaCBennett]

They are the RICO patchwork stuffed animal range. Meant to have material/notions etc added to personalise them

[Primrose123]

I second the funky friends that Rue mentioned above. The patterns are not free, but they are not expensive. I've made the teddy bear and it turned out well, (although make sure you do not sew the back of the bear's head on upside down as I did ). There is a small honey bear pattern on there that is free, but it is quite small and may not be what you are looking for.