Almost any clean fabric garment can be used to create a handmade memory bear. At MyMemoryBears in Malmesbury, South Africa, we work with cotton shirts, flannel pyjamas, denim jeans, dresses, ties, baby clothes, and many other fabric types. The best materials are soft, durable, and hold sentimental value — the shirt they wore on Sundays, the dressing gown they lived in, or the baby blanket that followed them through childhood.
Best Fabrics for Memory Bears
Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics are the easiest to work with and produce the best results. A standard button-down shirt in cotton or flannel creates a beautiful, soft bear with clean seams. Denim and khaki materials add durability and a rugged texture, while lightweight sweaters and jersey knits make for extra-snuggly bears. T-shirt fabric (jersey knit) works well but may stretch slightly when stuffed — we account for this in our pattern cutting.
Other excellent choices include dresses, blouses, skirts, pyjamas, dressing gowns, and even cloth napkins or handkerchiefs with sentimental patterns. If you have a favourite fleece blanket or a lightweight throw, that can also be transformed. The key rule is simple: if you can sew it, we can use it. Our standard bear requires roughly one adult-sized shirt, and we can combine fabric from multiple garments to create a patchwork effect.
Fabrics and Items We Cannot Use
While we can work with most materials, a few types are not suitable for memory bears. We cannot use leather, fur, vinyl, plastic-coated fabrics, or materials with heavy rubber backing. Extremely thick or bulky items like padded coats, quilted jackets, and heavy upholstery fabric do not feed through our sewing machines and would not produce a soft, huggable bear. Loosely knitted or crocheted items tend to unravel during cutting and are also unsuitable.
Heavily beaded or sequinned garments can sometimes be used for accent pieces (like a small heart patch on the bear’s chest) but cannot form the main body of the bear. If you are unsure whether a specific item will work, please contact us before sending it — we are happy to advise.
How Much Clothing Do You Need for a Memory Bear?
A standard memory bear at MyMemoryBears requires roughly one adult-sized long-sleeve shirt. If you are using children’s clothing, you will need approximately 6–8 baby outfits or 3–4 child-sized shirts to make one bear. A single large men’s shirt (size XL or bigger) can sometimes yield two smaller bears if you would like keepsakes for different family members.
If you do not have enough fabric from one garment, we can combine pieces from multiple items to create a coordinated patchwork bear. We can also add complementary fabric in subtle areas (such as the inner ears, paws, or under the arms) to make the bear work beautifully even with limited material. There is no charge for adding small amounts of coordinating fabric. View our full price list for more details on pricing.
Can You Use Multiple Garments in One Memory Bear?
Yes, combining fabric from multiple garments is one of the most popular options. Many customers send a collection of shirts, ties, and other items that belonged to their loved one, and we create a single bear that incorporates fabric from each piece. This is especially meaningful when different items represent different parts of their life — a work shirt, a weekend casual top, and a favourite holiday outfit.
When you send multiple garments, you can tell us exactly where you would like each fabric placed. For example, the shirt fabric could become the bear’s body, while a tie could be used for the ears or a bow. If you prefer, you can leave the design choices to us — we have years of experience arranging fabrics in a way that looks cohesive and honours each piece. Browse our bear collection to see examples.
Special Items That Make Meaningful Memory Bears
Beyond everyday clothing, some of the most touching memory bears we have created came from unusual items. Military uniforms, scout uniforms, sports jerseys, wedding dresses, and traditional South African shirts all make stunning keepsakes. Baby blankets, baptism gowns, and maternity clothing create beautiful bears for parents who have lost a child or want to preserve baby memories.
We have also made bears from neckties, scarves, cloth handbags, aprons, and even a beloved dressing gown that a customer’s grandfather wore every day for thirty years. If the item is special to you and made of fabric, we will find a way to include it. Each memory bear is completely unique because no two people’s clothing tells the same story. Learn how to order your memory bear and start the process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right clothing is the first and most meaningful step in creating your memory bear. Focus on items that spark memories and bring comfort — the fabric itself is secondary to the story it carries. If you have questions about a specific garment or would like guidance on how much clothing to send, we are here to help. Contact us via our website, WhatsApp, or phone at 062 641 7761, and we will walk you through everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a T-shirt to make a memory bear?
Yes, T-shirts made of jersey knit cotton work well for memory bears. The fabric may stretch slightly when stuffed, but we account for this in the pattern cutting. T-shirts with printed graphics or text can also be used, and we will position the design prominently if you request it.
How many baby outfits do I need for one memory bear?
You will need approximately 6 to 8 baby-sized outfits or onesies to make one standard memory bear. Baby clothes are small, so more pieces are needed to provide enough fabric. If you have fewer items, we can add coordinating fabric in subtle areas at no extra cost.
Can a memory bear be made from a wedding dress?
Yes, wedding dresses can be used to create beautiful memory bears. The fabric is typically high-quality and sews very well. A wedding dress usually provides enough material for multiple bears, which is perfect if you would like keepsakes for different family members.
Can I use denim or jeans for a memory bear?
Absolutely. Denim creates a sturdy, durable memory bear with a distinctive look. Jeans, denim jackets, and denim skirts all work well. Keep in mind that denim is thicker than cotton, so the bear will be slightly firmer. Denim also pairs beautifully with a softer fabric for the ears and paws.
What should I do if my clothing item has stains or damage?
Small stains or worn patches are not a problem — they are often part of the item’s story and add character to the finished bear. We will work around significant damage or cut around stained areas. Please ensure the clothing is clean and dry before sending it to us.