Teddy bear makers! Are there simple alternatives to plastic joints?

Question

Hi! I've never made a bear before- in fact, I only really enjy improvising crafts that I've rarely or never done before.
I have micro-fiber suede, and would just like a simple bear, hopefully one whose legs hang down and go flush with the child holding it!
Why do we use plastic joints, and is there are way to go without?
Thank you!

Answer 1

you use joints to articulate the bear and make the limbs positionable.
You could make all limbs separately and stitch them shut. Make the head and body and stitich it shut.
Attach arms and legs with whip stitches.
OR.. to make a button joint...sew button to arm top, go through body to other side, through arm and another button...then back the way you came. Use buttonhole thread and don't pull too awfully tight.
OR cut the bear and body as one flat rag doll shape, sew turn, stuff and love.

Answer 2

I've made several teddy bears and the way I usually do it is to make all of the pieces seperately (body and head as one, two arms, two legs) and then simply sew right the way through the limbs. For example, to attach the arms sew through the right arm, through the body and then the left arm. You can use buttons to hide the sewing. If you do it quite loosley the bear remains jointed and it's much easier to fix if it comes off (lets face it children aren't known for their ability to keep toys intact!)

Answer 3

You can use buttons, string or homemade cotter pins. I am not a fan of things like plastic joints. It gets us out of crafting and more into assembly, which is NOT crafting.

Answer 4

buttons and button holes