What is a KimberBEAR?

by Sara Snuggerud in Sewing Tips

Join the bear craze! It’s FREE!

This adorable bear has been specially designed by Kimberbell Designs as a charity project. The Kimberbear is a FREE downloadable sewing or embroidery project stitched with any variety of soft fur fabrics. What child wouldn’t want to cuddle up with a new friend!

Kimberbell Designs has graciously created the Kimberbear to be stitched and given to local organizations that help children get through tough times. These bears can be stitched up for local fire and police departments, foster care centers, and children’s hospitals.

Of course, any small child within your family or friend circle is going to want one too! Be prepared to make extras.

Sew OR Embroider!

This free bear pattern from Kimberbell Designs is BOTH sewing or an embroidery project. Sewists can enjoy downloading and following the sewing directions, while those with embroidery machines can quickly embroider out all eight bear parts in an embroidery hoop!

For the softest bears, select Cuddle fur from Shannon fabrics. This bear requires only 1/4 yard for the body, arms, legs, ears, and head. 

Hoop Size 5″ x 7″

These designs will fit in a 5″ x 7″ embroidery hoop!

Finished Size

The finished size of the original Kimberbear is approximately 14″.

Don’t Have Enough Fabric? It’s OK to Mix and Match!

When one fabric runs low, look to mix and match some fur fabrics together! The possibilities are endless.

No-Show Mesh Stabilizer

Embroiders, you will need a single layer of No-Show Mesh stabilizer for each bear-part hooping. There are a total of five hoopings to embroider the bear – arms, legs, body, muzzle, and head.

YES, YOU CAN…Resize a Kimberbear

We decided to try a 35% reduced-sized bear. It makes the perfect “baby bear” to go with the original bear size. We used embroidery software to properly resize the stitch count when going smaller. If you don’t own embroidery software, most embroidery machines will resize a design 20% up or down from the original size without distorting the stitches too much. For best results, always use embroidery software that will adjust the stitch count. 

Selecting the Right Fur Fabrics

We have seen a variety of bear fabrics being used for this project. From flannel to fleece to even cotton fabric, but the Cuddle Fur from Shannon fabrics wins hands down! Find your favorite fabric choice for your Kimberbears by trying a variety of types. 

Add a Ribbon

We are seeing Kimberbears across social media with ribbons added to both the neck and ears. Add your own touch of personality by adding a bow!

Laurie’s Kimberbear Tips

In this video, Kimberbell Designs lead educator shows some extra secrets to making these bears extra special. Be sure to watch as Laurie explains some of the ways to successfully sew or embroider your first Kimberbear. Laurie offers tips every Tuesday in the Kimberbell Facebook groups.

Thank You Kimberbell!

Be sure to tell Kimberbell THANK YOU for the free Kimberbear design. Help spread the word by posting pictures of your Kimberbears on social media using hashtag #kimberbearstory

Who Are You Making a KimberBear For? 

Many of us are donating our Kimberbears to local organizations. Post below who you are making your bears for.