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CaliforniaI'm still completely new to both bear-making and sewing in general and want to get a better grasp on basic bear making techniques. Since my main interest is minis, I bought How to Make Enchanting Miniature Teddy Bears and it's been helpful but I get the impression it assumes some prior bearmaking, or at least sewing experience.
I'm very much a visual learner and have trouble understanding text descriptions of sewing stitches and other processes, so I'm trying to find a good book (or even an online guide) that provides clear visual instructions in the form of diagrams and/or photographs of as many of the steps as possible. I can read and re-read a description but it never makes as much sense to me as just seeing a picture of what I'm supposed to do. There are so many bear-making books out there (and some are very pricey) so I wanted to ask what book you guys would recommend for detailed visual instructions and someone with no sewing experience?
Posts: 177Try some of these on line sites they might help. Also these are tips and techniques on the site you are on that may make it clearer.
http://doit101.com/crafts/bearmaking.html
http://www.bearycheap.com/beginners%20t … structions
Chelsea, I think that most books are going to assume some sewing experience, but the web is rife with tutorials (many of them videos) on basic sewing techniques such as doing a back stitch, securing a knot, etc.
Though I never found one book that answered all my questions, I learned a lot in the beginning from Merrett and Stephens' Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques, which has many, many good photos and diagrams.
Good luck!
Becky
My favourite by a mile is Ted Mentens Teddy Bear Studio...clear, simple and easy....
Ted Menten wins hands down. If you go to Amazon.com you can check on used books. I got a dandy one fairly cheap and when it came it looked like it was brand new. I love it!~
Chaska, MinnesotaI love Ted Menten's book as well. Very easy to read and follow.
CaliforniaThanks for the recommendations! I decided to order Teddy Bear Studio and The Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques. I threw in Masterpieces in Miniature by Gerry Grey for good measure since I've been looking for a collector book and needed that free Amazon shipping. 
Have fun!!!!
