The Official Steiff Schulte
Distributor in North America

Beginners

Welcome to Edinburgh’s beginner information section, and to the wonderful world of making bears and animals!

It can be overwhelming for a beginner to choose from the many bear-making products that we offer. We have set aside this section just for you, filled with handy information to easy you on the way to making your first piece.

We have a selection of user friendly pattern, kits and instruction, Book Section and tutorials to help get you started. 

Don't forget to sign-up for the monthly mailing list to take advantage of all the specials and discounts we have to offer; just submit your e-mail address in the form to the right. (add links)

Please remember you can always call us directly to ask questions 310-370-5800 

Edinburgh Imports Inc.
info@edinburghimports.com 

 These are the different fabric types we carry at Edinburgh imports.

Synthetic plush
These top quality imported man-made plush fabrics are created from a mix of ultra-thin poly- and mod-acryl fibers. Luxurious plush faux furs very closely resemble the fur of real animals. They are perfect for creating stand-ins, animal doubles, or costumes requiring a fur look. Our synthetic faux furs have been featured in major motion pictures by Steven Spielberg, Disney, Jim Henson's Creature Shop, and many others. Santa in The Grinch wore our fabric, as did Beethoven the dog.

Rayon (Viscose) 
Natural fibers from the yucca plant are processed and spun into yarn to make up the fine, soft and silky pile of our rayon. Our rayon also comes in a variety of  colors and finishes.

Wool plush
The natural hair fibers are shorn from the coat of the sheep and are then woven into a warm, dense pile. Our piles use a combination of soft, Merino wool and other sheep types. This is because Merino wool, when used by itself, is less suitable for dyeing.

Alpaca plush
These natural hair fibers are shorn from the coat of the alpaca (a type of llama) and then woven onto a tight cotton backing. The alpaca fibers absorb light, giving the fabric a soft, fluffy matte finish.

Mohair plush
The long, lustrous fibers of mohair come from the Angora goat (no relation to the Angora rabbit). Soft, strong and resilient, mohair is one of the oldest textile fibers known to man. Mohair fabrics dye beautifully and does not crush, mat or pill.

To make our "fur" fabric, Angora goats are sheared, and the fleece is spun in much the same way as wool; it is combed, cleaned, teased, scoured, and twisted into long strands.

The next step is weaving.
A machine weaves two pieces of fabric at the same time-one on top, one on the bottom. A wooden shuttle speeds across the weft (width) of the fabric as the warp (length) strands are moved up and down. This weaves and traps the strands of mohair into a cotton backing fabric. The strands are then cut, resulting in two pieces of un-dyed, un-brushed fabric, also known as string mohair (an interesting fabric in itself). The length of the fur is decided at the weaving stage by having the two pieces of cotton backing fabric closer or farther apart. The density of the mohair pile is also established at this time. A dense pile has many strands trapped per square inch, while a sparse pile has fewer strands and shows the cotton backing through the pile.


Last, the fabric is dyed and returned wet to the weavers. If the fur is to be straight, it is put on machines that brush the pile to make it soft, crop it to the desired length, and spread a coating on the underside of the backing fabric.
Many textured finishes can be created at this stage, and special patterns are made with brushes and rollers.
The natural mohair fibers reflect light, giving the fabric a silky sheen. Our Schulte® 100% mohair imported from Germany is the highest quality mohair available.

 

Items you will need to make your first bear:

• Pattern ( The pattern cover will list all supplies needed to make that bear. If you choose to buy the kit, it will contain the correct amount of fabric and ultrasuede or felt, the eyes, the pearle cotton for the nose/mouth and all joint hardware.)
• Fabric for Bear - mohair, synthetic plush, alpaca or other fur.
• Contrast Fabric for Paw pads - usually felt or ultrasuede
• Joint set including:

1) Cotterpins, tapbolts or set screws with locknuts
2) Hardboard discs and
3) Washers

• Eyes - usually either glass or plastic safety
• Pearl Cotton - for embroidering nose and mouth

A general overview of eye size and placement.

"What size eyes should I use for my bear?"

Choosing the size and placement of your bear's eyes is a major part of his overall character look, there is no absolute answer to this question it is more a personal preference.

Larger eyes and/or placing the eyes further apart will make a bear look younger and more cub-like. Smaller eyes and/or placing the eyes closer together will give him an adult, older bear look.

  1. Solid black eyes appear larger than eyes with a colored iris with a pupil even though they may be the exact same size eyes.

    Eyes are measured in millimeters. The eye is measured from edge to edge, right through the middle. 5mm. is less than 1/4". 25mm. equals approximately 1".

    Playing around with the size and placement will give you a variety of different expressions and looks. We carry a very useful product called     Perfect Size Eyes. 


   Pairs of test eyes are available in different sizes.     The eyes pairs are mounted on a pointed straight heavy duty prong, that will allow you to place eyes in the head or move them around to see if you like the look, size or placement.

To see all of our eyes go to our eye page. 

Joint Hardware

Size

Joints

Washers

Disc

Eyes

Fur

1 in.

 

 

 

1 mm glass

1/8 to 3/16 in.

 

 

 

 

beads

 

2 in.

10 ea. 1/4 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-8

1/4 in. Disc set

 

1/8 to 3/16 in.

 

10 ea. 5/16 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

5/16 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/8  x 1/16 & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

3/8 Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5 in.

10 ea. 1/4 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-8

1/4 in. Disc set

2 mm. Onyx

1/8 to 3/16 in.

 

10 ea. 5/16 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

5/16 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/8  x 1/16 & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

3/8 Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 in.

10 ea. 1/4 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-8

1/4 in. Disc set

2 mm. Onyx

1/8 to 3/16 in.

 

10 ea. 5/16 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

5/16 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/8  x 1/16 & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

3/8 Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5 in.

10 ea. 1/4 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-8

1/4 in. Disc set

2 mm. Onyx

1/8 to 3/16 in.

 

10 ea. 5/16 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

5/16 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/8  x 1/16 & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-8

3/8 Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 in.

10 ea. 1/2 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-7

1/2 in. Disc set

3 - 4 mm.

3/8 in.

 

10 ea. 5/18 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

5/8 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4  x 1/16 & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

3/4 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT -1

10 ea. W-2

3/4 Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 in.

10 ea. 1/2 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-7

1/2 in. Disc set

4 - 6 mm.

3/8 in.

 

10 ea. 5/18 x 1/16 &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

5/8 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4  x 1/16 & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

3/4 Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT -1

10 ea. W-2

3/4 Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 in.

10 ea. 1/2" x 1/16" &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-7

1/2" Disc set

5 - 7 mm.

3/8 in.

 

10 ea. 5/18" x 1/16" & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

5/8" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4"  x 1/16" & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/"  x 1/8" & 5 ea. CPT -1

10 ea. W-2

3/4" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 in.

10 ea. 1/2" x 1/16" &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-7

1/2" Disc set

6 - 8 mm.

3/8 in.

 

10 ea. 5/18" x 1/16" & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

5/8" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4" x 1/16" & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4"  x 1/8" & 5 ea. CPT -1

10 ea. W-2

3/4" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 in.

10 ea. 1/2" x 1/16" &  5 ea. CPT mini 

10 ea. W-7

1/2" Disc set

7 - 9 mm.

1/2 in. to 5/8 in.

 

10 ea. 5/18" x 1/16" &  5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

5/8" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4"  x 1/16" & 5 ea. CPT mini

10 ea. W-7

3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 3/4"  x 1/8" & 5 ea. CPT -1

10 ea. W-2

3/4" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 in.

10 ea. 1"Thin x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Thin Disc set

8 -10 mm.

1/2 in. to 5/8 in.

 

10 ea. 1" Reg. x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 1 1/4" x 1/8"  & 5 CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 in.

10 ea. 1"Thin x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Thin Disc set

9-11mm.

1/2 in. to 5/8 in.

 

10 ea. 1" Reg. x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 1 1/4" x 1/8"  & 5 CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 in.

10 ea. 1"Thin x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Thin Disc set

9 -11mm.

5/8 in. to 3/4 in.

 

10 ea. 1" Reg. x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 1 1/4" x 1/8"  & 5 CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 in.

10 ea. 1"Thin x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Thin Disc set

9 -11mm.

5/8 in. to 3/4 in.

 

10 ea. 1" Reg. x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 1

10 ea. W-5

1" Disc set

 

 

 

10 ea. 1 1/4" x 1/8"  & 5 CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 in.

10 ea. 1 1/2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 1/2" Disc set

10 -12 mm.

5/8 in. to 3/4 in.

 

10 ea. 1 3/4" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 in.

10 ea. 1 1/2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 1/2" Disc set

10 -12 mm.

5/8 in. to 3/4 in.

 

10 ea. 1 3/4" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 in.

10 ea. 1 1/2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 1/2" Disc set

10 -12 mm.

1 inch

 

10 ea. 1 3/4" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

1 3/4" Disc set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 in.

10 ea. 2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

2" Disc set

12 - 14 mm.

1 inch

 

10 ea. 2" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 in.

10 ea. 2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

2" Disc set

12 - 14 mm.

1 inch

 

10 ea. 2" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 in.

10 ea. 2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

2" Disc set

12 - 14 mm.

1 inch

 

10 ea. 2" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19 in.

10 ea. 2"  x 1/8 & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

2" Disc set

12 - 14 mm.

1 inch

 

10 ea. 2" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 in.

10 ea. 2"  x 1/8" & 5 ea. CPT 2

10 ea. W-5

2" Disc set

12 - 14 mm.

1 inch

 

10 ea. 2" x 1/8"  & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2" Disc set (Strong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 in.

10 ea. 2 1/2"  x 1/8" & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2 1/2" Disc set

14 -16 mm.

1 inch

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 - 27 in.

10 ea. 2 1/2"  x 1/8" & 5 ea. CPT 9

10 ea. W-3

2 1/2" Disc set

14 -16 mm.

1 inch

BEAR-MAKING TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Articles by Kimberly Foster

Getting Started - Choosing a Pattern

Are you using the right needle?

Choosing Your Fabric

How to Decipher Edinburgh's Fabric Codes

Choosing a Jointing Method

How to use Set Screws

How to Joint with Loc-Line®

The Irresistible Wobble Joint

Simple Explanation of the Double Joint

Choosing Eyes for Your Bear

Noses

How to Wax a Nose

Creating an Open-Mouth Bear

What's Inside Your Bear?

Giving Your Bear a Voice

Sculpting Your Bear's Personality

Pattern Alteration - Introduction to Design

The Perfect Gusset

Introduction to Miniature Bears

Making Safe Bears for Kids

Teddy Bear Ethics

Putting a Value on your Bears

Are you ready for your first show?

Get Together and Make Bears

Teddy Bear Clubs

 

 

 

 
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