How to Refurbish a Teddy Bear

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: If your bear does not already have a hole in a seam through which the stuffing can be removed

   Remove all of the stuffing and discard. , Rinse well with warm water.
   
   Repeat these steps as necessary, until the wash water no longer becomes coloured with the dirt that may come out of the fur.
   
   Gently squeeze (do not wring) the fur to remove most of the water., This will squeeze excess water from the fur without wringing it, which could damage the fabric., Allow it to further air dry overnight to ensure the seams are completely dry., A dental pick works well.
   
   Work the pick through the knots, being careful not to pull the fur out., Sew the holes closed and reinforce the seams as needed, using either a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
   
   If a needle and thread is used, be sure to place the stitches close together and pull each stitch tight., Examine the seams and areas you've stitched to ensure the seams are tight and the stitches are invisible from the outside.
   
   Tight seams are crucial!, Buttons work well., Using one ball for each arm and leg is better than filling them with many smaller balls of fiberfill., Pack tightly, ensuring there is enough fiberfill to make the arm, leg and neck joints firm.,,,, It'll be good for decades to come.
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   Step 2: very carefully open a straight seam (such as the back seam) by cutting the seam thread with a pair of scissors

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   Step 3: a very sharp knife

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   Step 4: or a seam ripper.

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   Step 5: Very gently hand-wash the now empty fur in warm water with a mild laundry detergent.

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   Step 6: Remove the excess water by placing an old towel on the floor

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   Step 7: placing the bear on the towel

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   Step 8: folding the towel over the bear

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   Step 9: then standing on it.

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    Step 10: Blow dry the bear with a blow dryer

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    Step 11: being careful not to scorch the fur.

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    Step 12: Tease out the matted knots if the bear's fur was matted

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    Step 13: after the bear is dry.

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    Step 14: Turn the teddy bear inside out to examine each seam for holes and to examine the thread which may be

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    Step 15: if the teddy bear is very old

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    Step 16: weak and rotten.

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    Step 17: Turn the bear right side out.

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    Step 18: Replace missing eyes if necessary.

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    Step 19: Fill each of the legs and arms using a ball of polyester fiberfill approximately 6 times the size of the volume of the cavity to be filled

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    Step 20: packing each very tightly.

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    Step 21: Fill the head and body cavity

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    Step 22: using one large clump of fiberfill for each.

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    Step 23: Sew the seam closed that you've packed the fiberfill through.

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    Step 24: Comb the fur to make it fluffy.

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    Step 25: Dress your teddy in nice

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    Step 26: clean clothes

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    Step 27: if you and (s)he agree on it.

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    Step 28: Take care of your newly refurbished teddy.

Detailed Guide

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