Just because your baby has outgrown their clothes doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them. This is such a clever and sweet thing to do with a onesie after your baby has outgrown it: Artists and crafty moms are turning those old baby clothes into teddy bears — and other parents are absolutely loving the idea.
These so-called “memory bears” are keepsakes that can be cherished by parents and kids for many years to come. There are other animals you can try besides bears, too!
Memory Bears Made From Baby Clothes
Check out some of these examples from Etsy, where artists turn those tiny outfits into precious, creative bears that your kids can cuddle with.
This bear by 4MonstersMerchandise is covered with sweet teddy bear faces. We love how the artist even stitched the baby’s name and birth date on the bottom of the bear’s foot.
This one from MemoryBears2Treasure is made from various patterned clothing to make a colorful, snuggly keepsake.
Remember how we mentioned you can morph baby clothes into other animals as well? Check out this stuffed elephant made from “little brother” pajamas. You would never know he was once a onesie! He’s so cute, and we love the personalized embroidery in the ears.
Typically, you are responsible for sending the garment you want the designer to use, but you don’t necessarily have to pay someone else to make you a memory bear.
MORE: This jewelry is officially the coolest way to save kids’ artwork
How To DIY
If you have the sewing skills, here’s a pattern with instructions you can buy on Etsy for just $7.49.
Sherry Sopoci, who made the pattern and has years of experience making memory bears, offers some advice.
“The main thing, no matter what fabric you’re using, is to add fusible interfacing to stabilize the fabric,” she wrote.
Sopoci said interfacing will help to prevent the onesie fabric from bunching. She also shared the following advice:
- For sewing beginners: When you’re using the pattern to cut pieces, remember to cut two opposite pieces (one for each half of the bear).
- Instead of adding the interfacing to separate onesie pieces, try lining and ironing the entire onesie at one time before cutting (a huge time-saver).
And instead of onesies, you can always use other pieces of special clothing, a hospital blanket or even a two-piece set of pajamas.
You can also turn special outfits into a pillow. Check out these patterns and tutorials from PA Country Crafts shared.
For something really special, parents often make a memory bear from the outfit their little bundle of joy was wearing when he or she left the hospital. We can imagine that would never end up buried in the attic!
MORE: These ‘Memory Pillows’ Are A Sweet Way To Remember Loved Ones