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.
Sew the head to the body by hand.
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.
11 Comments
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My great granddaughter
Trying and trying to find link to download free bear pattern where is it? Every link i think is a link is not! Please ahelp!
Hi Pat,
Yes, the links will take you to Kimberbell Designs website. You will find all the information on the Kimberbears on their website. It is the first item at the top of their website. https://www.kimberbelldesigns.com
I would love to make some for my grandchildren, baby shower gifts and charity BUT cant print out the pattern ????? HELP
Thanks
Hi Kris,
Please contact Kimberbell for help with printing the pattern.
My great grandson and new baby to come😊
Ive been making another bear ITH for our local TN Hiway Patrol for a few years,, but tired of the same pattern. Despite all attempts, am unable to D/L this pattern–it just doesn’t seem to be there at all !! So many tries over so many days…I learned of it on the QuiltingBoard–it is adorable.
Hi Sadie,
You can connect Kimberbell if you need some help getting the bear designs. https://www.kimberbell.com
Love this but I do not own an embroidery machine. Any way to do one otherwise? Love to send to my 3 ‘guys’ grandchildren who live distance. Thanks so much.
Hi Janet,
Yes, the Kimberbear download includes both embroidery and sewing instructions. https://www.kimberbell.com/kimberbear/
I started making these sweet bears In March 2020 and have managed to make 30 to date this year. The majority will go to charity in Las Vegas and others to family and friends. Who doesn’t need a snuggle buddy?