There’s something deeply meaningful about transforming a well-loved piece of clothing into something you can hold close. That’s exactly what happened with this Hug Bug Bear. Crafted from the leftover scraps of Derek’s XXL flannel shirt, this little bear is more than just fabric and stuffing—it’s a tangible reminder of love, warmth, and cherished memories. While the larger memory bear from the same shirt is still in the works, I found myself with just enough fabric left to create this little guy. And honestly? He might just be my favorite yet.
The Story Behind Hug Bug Bear
The first Hug Bug Bear was made of cotton, but it wasn’t from a piece of clothing. At the time, I didn’t want to use the photos of the bear I made for a client because of how personal memory bears can be. So, I decided to create one of my own, using one of my husband’s old flannel shirts, to illustrate the step-by-step process. As I cut out the larger memory bear, I realized I had just enough fabric left to make this tiny bear. It felt like a sign—one more bear, one more memory, one more way to keep love stitched into something I could hold.
From Fabric to Forever Friend
This Hug Bug Bear started as leftover flannel—too small for another full-sized bear, but far too precious to discard. So, with a little stitching, a lot of stuffing (perhaps too much!), and plenty of care, this tiny bear was born. Plump, huggable, and brimming with warmth, he embodies everything that made that flannel shirt special in the first place.
The Process: Bringing Hug Bug to Life
- Selecting the Fabric – This shirt held years of love, comfort, and memories, making it the perfect material for a keepsake bear.
- Cutting & Pinning – Every inch of fabric was carefully measured and cut to ensure nothing was wasted.
- Sewing & Stuffing – He may be a little overstuffed (okay, a lot), but that just makes him all the more huggable.
- Adding Personality – With bright safety eyes, a sweet little safety nose, and hand-stitched details, he took on a personality all his own.
Lessons from a Hug Bug Bear
Each bear teaches me something new, and this little one was no exception:
- Overstuffing = Extra Love – Sure, he’s a little rounder than expected, but that just makes him an even better hugger.
- Every Scrap Holds Meaning – Even the smallest remnants of fabric can carry big emotions.
- Imperfect is Still Perfect – Handmade keepsakes don’t need to be flawless; they just need to be made with heart.
- A Second Chance for Fabric – What could have been scraps became something cherished—a reminder that love and memories can be repurposed into something new.
The Heart Behind Memory Bears
Making memory bears isn’t just about sewing—it’s about storytelling. It’s about turning something worn and familiar into something you can cherish forever. Every bear is a tribute to the person, the memories, and the moments that fabric represents. And sometimes, even the tiniest bears, like this one, hold the biggest love.
More Memory Bears to Come
This little Hug Bug Bear is just the beginning! I’m still working on the full-sized memory bear, made from the same flannel. But for now, this tiny version that I hand-stitched while watching TV serves as a reminder that love isn’t just in the grand gestures—it’s in the small things, the stitches, the scraps, and the keepsakes we create to hold onto those who matter most.
If you’ve ever considered making a memory bear, now is the perfect time to start. Here are the links to the Free Hug Bug Bear pattern and my previous Hug Bug Bear article so you can follow along and create your own special keepsake.
Would you ever make a memory bear? Let me know in the comments, and stay tuned for the big bear reveal soon!
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