How to Make Your Own Jellycat Bartholomew Bear (Step-by-Step DIY Tutorial)
Want to make your own Jellycat-style teddy bear without spending $70–80? This step-by-step tutorial will show you exactly how to sew a soft, cuddly Bartholomew Bear using minky fabric and a printable PDF sewing pattern.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plush maker, this guide covers everything from choosing the right fabric to stuffing, assembling, and finishing your handmade teddy bear.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a beautiful Jellycat-inspired bear that's completely unique—and handmade by you.
Why Make Your Own Jellycat Teddy Bear?
Jellycat's Bartholomew Bear has become one of the most loved teddy bears in the world. Its round body, floppy limbs, and incredibly soft fur make it almost impossible to resist.
Unfortunately, they're also expensive.
Depending on the size, a genuine Bartholomew Bear usually costs $50–80, and larger versions can be even more expensive.
Making one yourself has several advantages:
- You can choose any fabric color.
- You can make different sizes.
- Handmade gifts are far more meaningful.
- The total material cost is often under $15.
- You'll learn plush-making skills that can be used for countless future projects.
Best of all, you'll end up with a teddy bear that no one else in the world owns.
Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, prepare all of your materials.
Fabric
- Short pile minky
- Plush fleece
- Teddy fleece
- Velboa
For the closest Jellycat look, short-pile minky gives the best balance between softness and clean seams.
Supplies
- Polyester stuffing
- 9–12 mm safety eyes
- Polyester thread
- Embroidery floss
- Fabric clips
- Sharp scissors
- Sewing machine (recommended)
You'll also need a printable Bartholomew Bear sewing pattern, available in A4 and US Letter formats.
Step 1 – Print the Pattern
Print the PDF at 100% scale and check the test square before cutting.
Don't use "Fit to Page," or the finished teddy bear will be smaller than intended.
Cut every pattern piece from the back side of your minky fabric to avoid trimming the pile.
Step 2 – Sew the Head
Start by sewing the front face pieces together, followed by the back head pieces.
Insert the safety eyes before stuffing.
Stuff the head firmly—the round head is one of the defining features of a Bartholomew Bear.
Step 3 – Assemble the Body
Sew the belly pieces together first.
Complete the inner leg seams before attaching the legs.
Although this step seems small, it makes the rest of the assembly much easier.
Step 4 – Attach the Legs
Clip around the curves carefully before sewing.
Take your time on tight corners to avoid puckering.
Once both legs are attached, close the body.
Step 5 – Sew the Arms
Stuff the arms lightly.
One reason Jellycat bears feel so lovable is that their arms aren't overstuffed—they stay floppy and relaxed.
Attach them by hand after the body has been stuffed.
Step 6 – Join the Head and Body
This is where your teddy bear finally comes to life.
Use a ladder stitch around the neckline, sewing twice for extra strength.
Finally, embroider the nose and mouth.
Choosing the Right Fabric
One of the biggest differences between an average teddy bear and a Jellycat-style bear is the fabric.
Here's how the most popular plush fabrics compare:
| Fabric | Softness | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minky | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Best overall |
| Teddy Fleece | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Vintage look |
| Velboa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Budget-friendly |
| Faux Fur | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Extra fluffy bears |
If you're making your first plush toy, I strongly recommend using minky.
A4 vs A3: Which Size Should You Choose?
| Print Size | Finished Bear |
|---|---|
| A4 | 38 cm |
| A3 | 50 cm |
The A4 version is perfect for gifts or children's rooms.
The A3 version creates a large cuddle-sized teddy.
Beginner Tips
If you're new to plush sewing, these small tricks make a huge difference:
- Always cut minky from the back.
- Keep every pattern piece facing the same nap direction.
- Use clips instead of pins.
- Stuff gradually instead of all at once.
- Embroider the nose after the head is fully stuffed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes! This project was designed with beginners in mind.
Can I hand sew it?
Yes, although using a sewing machine will make the process faster.
What fabric feels closest to Jellycat?
Short-pile minky.
Can I resize the pattern?
Yes. Printing in A4 and A3 creates two different finished sizes.
Final Thoughts
There's something incredibly satisfying about sewing your own teddy bear.
Instead of buying a mass-produced plush, you're creating something completely personal—a bear with its own character, stitched together by hand.
If you've always wanted a Jellycat-style Bartholomew Bear, this project is a wonderful place to start.