Memory Bears Made From Clothing: What to Send and What to Expect
Some clothing holds more than memories of where we wore it. A familiar shirt can bring someone to mind. A tiny sleeper can take us back to those first days at home.
Choosing to transform those pieces is personal. You may know exactly which garment you want to use—or need a little guidance before you’re ready to send it.
At The Memory Bear Company, we create handmade memory bears in Jonesborough, Tennessee, using meaningful clothing and fabrics you provide. This guide will help you take the next step with confidence.
Start with the memories you want to keep close
You don’t need to choose clothing that matches perfectly. Start by thinking about what makes each item special: a familiar pattern, a favorite color, or an outfit connected to a person or milestone.
A keepsake bear might celebrate a baby’s earliest days, remember someone you love, or preserve clothing from an important chapter of life.
Our custom memory bears are available in 15-inch and 18-inch sizes, with options including bows and embroidery. Embroidery can include a name, date, or short phrase.
What clothing can be used for a memory bear?
Our fabric FAQs list cotton and flannel shirts, baby clothing, uniforms, blankets, quilts, denim, men’s ties, and some knit fabrics.
Please avoid extremely thin, stretchy, or loosely woven items, including loose-weave sweaters. Large logos and stiff patches can also be difficult to incorporate into the bear’s smaller, curved pattern pieces.
If you’re unsure about an item, send us photos before ordering. That gives us a chance to discuss whether your fabrics are suitable before you commit.
How much fabric should you send?
As a general guide, one adult-sized shirt—such as a men’s large button-up—is typically enough for one bear.
For baby clothing, our FAQs suggest approximately eight onesies or sleepers. The amount of usable fabric matters, so contact us if your items are especially small or you’re planning several bears.
When additional coordinating fabric is needed, our FAQs explain that we can supplement it with your approval.
Tell us which details matter most
Perhaps there’s a pocket, embroidered name, or section of fabric you especially hope to include.
After ordering, you’ll receive a form for your special requests. Use it to explain what matters to you, and include it with your clothing.
As described in How It Works, we aim to preserve meaningful details whenever possible. Each bear is individually designed, so the finished arrangement will depend on the fabrics you send.
Prepare your package with care
Send clean clothing, empty all pockets, and include your name, order number, and completed order forms.
Creating a bear permanently changes the original garments. Only send items you feel ready to have cut and transformed.
Follow the mailing instructions supplied after checkout. You can also find the address and order-form link on our FAQ page. Customers pay to ship their fabrics to us; we recommend using tracking.
What happens after your fabrics arrive?
Our FAQs explain that we notify you when your fabrics have been received and contact you with any questions.
Allow around four weeks for production after fabric receipt, with possible variation during busy periods. Delivery time is additional. If you have a particular date in mind, contact us before ordering.
Your completed bear arrives with a gift bag, keepsake tag, and blank note card—a place to add a message about the memories it holds.
A few things to know before ordering
Our bears are keepsakes for gentle handling and display. They are not toys for babies, young children, or pets. Spot-clean when needed; avoid the washing machine and dryer.
If you would like excess fabric returned, additional shipping charges apply. Sending extra garments does not guarantee that every item will be included.
Because orders are custom, we do not accept cancellations, returns, or refunds once an order is placed. Please read our full ordering and care policies before purchasing.
Take the next step when you’re ready
You don’t have to have every detail figured out before asking a question.
Contact The Memory Bear Company for help choosing fabrics, or explore our memory bear options when you’re ready to begin.