Computer screen displaying a Guide Collection e-book for teddy bear patterns, showing a stack of teddy bear pattern booklets and guides.

Step by Step guides

A collection of 12 Bear Making patterns, & 12 Step-by-step photo guides. Build your patten collection with this beautiful range of bears.

From miniatures to mink, beginner to advanced This collection has it all!

Computer screen displaying a slide titled 'Mink Masterclass' with an image of a stuffed mink toy and pink flowers.

Mink Masterclass videos

A focused video bear making workshop, in the comfort of your own home. Watch, re-wind, re-watch, whenever, wherever.  Follow along learning all the techniques to master.

I show you my top tip and bear making hacks how to make bears using all the hacks I have developed over the years making and improving my bears.

Ready to access it all in once place?

Bundle includes the guides, the mink Masterclass videos and access to the Bare Cub Designs pattern library

Price is $89 AUD (approx $59 US)

Please check conversion rates

Ready to enjoy bear making?

Everything you need in one place to Master Bear Making

Check out the bundle

Three greeting cards featuring plush teddy bears from Bare Cub Designs, with the words Cadbury, Malta, and Malt on them.

New!!

The Pattern Library

A collection of my very own patterns used to make the Bare Cub Designs available for your enjoyment!

Beauty in Bear Making Bundle
$89.00
One time

Online Bear Making course including Mink Masterclass 4+ hours of video. 12 Step-by-step photo guides and access to the Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library

Cover image of a book titled "Vol 1 Snuggle" by Bare Cub Designs showing a plush teddy bear with a plaid ribbon around its neck. The top features a logo with a small plush teddy bear and the text "Bare Cub Designs by Helen Gleeson."

1 Snuggle

Learn to sculpt and shade eyes. Learn a special way of inserting eyes that you can do all on your own, while still getting that nice "sculpted" look, using the "Button Method" No more ugly dimples on the back of your bears head. This bear was nominated for Toby Award.

A plush teddy bear and a plush bunny toy, both handmade, featured on a craft catalog cover titled "Bare Cub Designs" by Helen Gleeson, with a floral decoration on the bear's shoulder, and the collection name "Vol7 Blossom" at the bottom.

7 Blossom

An introduction to needle felting, this issues shows you the tools and gives you the felting knowledge to create a master piece, starting with a simple felted nose. Pulled paw pads are also covered in this issue.

12 Step By Step Guides

These guides include tips and techniques, tools of the trade and step by step photos showing how to master the methods that you can then use on any pattern once you know how. Learn all the techniques I use to create perfect bears without all the hassles.

A plush teddy bear sitting on a small wooden chest with a bed headboard in the background. The bear has a dark brown ribbon around its neck and appears to be part of a collection called 'Vol 2 Jester' from Bare Cub Designs.

2 Jester

Learn how to make miniature bears using the "Slit Jointing Method" A great way to close the arms and legs without the ladder stitching showing along the seam lines

Fuzzy teddy bear with a tan face, dark button eyes, black nose, and brown fur, sitting on a floral blanket, with a label above reading "Bare Cub Designs" and a smaller teddy bear logo at the top left. The text at the bottom says "Vol 8 Hershy."

8 Hershy

The bumper mink issue, over 150 photos showing every step from cutting out the pattern to scissor sculpting the perfect cheeks. This is like a one-to-one workshop with me, except you can look at it over and over. I believe this is one of the most important skills to master, you can create this finished look with mohair and alpaca too.

A vintage-style stuffed teddy bear named Alfred, sitting on furniture with a dollop of white cloth draped over its lap, in front of a pinkish floral background. The cover features the text 'Bare Cub Designs by Helen Gleeson' at the top, with a small bear logo, and 'Vol 3 Alfred' at the bottom.

3 Alfred

Make a beautiful antique style bear, learning the ageing techniques to make your bear look

very loved. Make little overalls from a old flour or rice calico bag. The easy overall pattern can be used for any bear just reduce or enlarge the one-piece pattern. Stuffing options revealed, using the right stuffing for miniatures, larger bears and even antique options.

Cover of Bare Cub Designs catalog featuring a plush teddy bear with butterfly wings, with the title 'Vol 9 Firefly'

9 FireFly

Another miniature bear, this time with antenna and wings. Learn how to make your own.

Image of a handmade, plush teddy bear with cream-colored curly fur, a pink nose, and dark eyes. The bear holds two small orange fruits with green leaves. The background is white with a fabric texture. The top has a heading with a small dark brown teddy bear and cursive text that reads "Bare Cub Designs by Helen Gleeson." The bottom has text that says "Vol 4 Duo" in light blue.

4 Duo

Working with colour create a simple bear in 2 colours and learn how colour can work for you, blending them together with the 2 colour raised appliquedéd paw pads that are a beautiful addition to any bear.

A cover for Bare Cub Designs featuring a plush puppy with fluffy beige fur, black eyes, and a small black nose, with the title "Vol 10 Ginger" at the bottom.

10 Ginger

Learn the easy way to add open mouth and tongue to any bear. Another beautiful mink pattern.

Beauty in Bear Making Bundle
$89.00
One time

Online Bear Making course including Mink Masterclass 4+ hours of video. 12 Step-by-step photo guides and access to the Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library

Price is $89 AUD (approx $59 US)

Please check conversion rates

Cover of a catalog titled "Bare Cub Designs" featuring a plush teddy bear with a dark brown body and a lighter brown face, sitting among green fern leaves, with the text "Vol 5 Teddy" at the bottom.

5 Teddy

The first bear to use mink, as an insert muzzle, not only do you get to work with mink, but this pattern can be made from any fur and alpaca or mohair to create fluffy cheeks.

Cover of a book or catalog titled 'Bare Cub Designs' by Helen Gleeson, featuring two plush teddy bears, one black and white panda and one fluffy brown, with a light blue decorative border.

11 Zhu Zhu

Time for a challenge, try a 40 + piece pattern, including the double jointed neck that allows bears to look up to the stars and down to form many poses. Add an optional open mouth, appliquéd paw pads. This pattern makes a beautiful panda or sun bear. The perfect realistic award winning bear pattern.

Cover of a pattern book titled 'Bare Cub Designs by Helen Gleeson, Vol 6 Briget,' featuring a photo of a white plush bunny toy with long ears and a small embroidered flower on its stomach.

6 Bridget the bunny

Create a sweet faced bunny with long ears and soften the look by using flannel for the inner ears and paw pads. Learn how to make your own bendy limbs for a fraction of the price of the ones you can buy, allowing your bears and bunnies to bend arms and legs for posing

Cover of a craft pattern booklet for a plush bear named Tiger Lilly, featuring a photo of a handmade bear with brown and tan fur, with decorative text and logos, and the title 'Vol 12 Tiger Lilly' at the bottom.

12 Tiger Lilly

By popular demand another mink pattern, This bear was featured on the cover of Teddy Bear Review (US) and on the cover of Bear Basics and Beyond (by Helen Gleeson) and nominated for Golden Teddy awards. This issue shows how to add the eye accents and dark fur patches under the eyes. Make your very own famous Tiger Lilly Bear.

Mink Masterclass Video course

The Mink Masterclass is created so you can watch as I create a bear from start to finish and learn along the way. There is over 4 hours of video, broken down into easy to watch bite sized chunks to fit into any busy lifestyle. Watch on the go or at home enjoying a creative weekend workshop in the comfort of your home. The overview of the course is listed below

Computer screen displaying a slide titled 'Mink Masterclass' with an image of a teddy bear and pink flowers in the background.
Computer monitor displaying a slide for a 'Mink Masterclass' with a plush mink toy bear and pink flower decoration.
Computer monitor displaying a presentation titled 'Mink Masterclass' with a plush mink toy on the screen.
Computer monitor displaying a 'Mink Masterclass' title with a plush mink toy and floral decoration in the background.
Computer screen displaying a presentation slide with the text 'Mink Masterclass' and an image of a plush mink toy with a pink bow.
Computer monitor displaying a presentation slide for a "Mink Masterclass" with a plush mink toy and pink flower decoration.
Computer screen displaying a dulled teddy bear and text that reads 'Mink Masterclass' with a pink flower and polka dot background.
Computer screen displaying a presentation titled 'Mink Masterclass' with an image of a plush mink toy and pink flowers.
Computer monitor displaying a graphic for a Mink Masterclass with an image of a plush mink toy and pink flowers.
Computer screen displaying a logo for Mink Masterclass with a cute plush mink plush toy and pink flowers in the background.
Computer screen displaying a sign for a Mink Masterclass with a plush mink toy and pink flowers in the background.
Computer screen displaying a pink background with a brown plush teddy bear, pink flower, and text that reads 'Mink Masterclass' in blue.
Computer screen displaying a presentation slide for a "Mink Masterclass" with a plush mink toy, pink flower, and pastel polka dot background.
Computer screen displaying a presentation titled 'Mink Masterclass' with a plush mink toy and pink flower decoration.
Computer screen displaying a presentation slide for a 'Mink Masterclass' with an image of a stuffed mink toy and pastel pink and yellow accents.
Computer screen displaying a presentation titled 'Mink Masterclass' with a plush mink toy and pink flower decoration in the background.
Computer screen displaying a bear plush toy and the words 'Mink Masterclass' on a polka dot background.
Computer screen displaying a slide titled 'Mink Masterclass' with a fluffy plush mink toy and pink flowers in the background.
Computer screen displaying text 'Mink Masterclass' with a cute plush mink toy and pink flowers in the background.
Computer screen displaying a 'Mink Masterclass' announcement with an image of a plush mink toy and a pink flower.

Mink Masterclass Preparation

Introduction - Before we begin

4:55 minutes

What you’ll need - Tools and Supplies

4:08 minutes

3 x Bare Cub Design Patterns for you to use

1:52 minutes

Mink Masterclass Sewing the Bear

Fur - Garment deconstruction Trace, Line and Cut

19:56 minutes

Sewing the bear - Backstitch

10:44 minutes

Mink Masterclass - Using the slit jointing method

Slit jointing method - slit and turn the limbs

8:12 minutes

Slit jointing method - stuffing the limbs

9:48 minutes

Slit jointing method - Jointing the limbs

18:37 minutes

Mink Masterclass - Creating the head - with loads of trimming along the way!

Head - Stuffing

9:17 minutes

Head - First trim

13.31 minutes

Head - insert eyes with button method 1/2

25:08 minutes

Head - insert eyes with button method 2/2

25:14 minutes

Head - sewing the mouth

10:53 minutes

Head - turning the ears

5:43 minutes

Head - Making the Clay Nose

4:43 minutes

Head - Finishing the face - Trimming the Face and adding colour

8:56 minutes

Head - Finishing the face - nose and panda patches

6:26 minutes

Head - Finishing the face - attach the nose and ears

23:37 minutes

Mink Masterclass - Finishing your bear!

Head - Joint the head

26:04 minutes

Head - the final trim - of course

7:27 minutes

Beauty in Bear Making Bundle
$89.00
One time

Online Bear Making course including Mink Masterclass 4+ hours of video. 12 Step-by-step photo guides and access to the Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library

Price is $89 AUD (approx $59 US)

Please check conversion rates

Access the Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library

Three bookmarks featuring cute teddy bear plush toys from Bare Cub Designs, labeled Cadbury, Milda, and Malt.
Beauty in Bear Making Bundle
$89.00
One time

Online Bear Making course including Mink Masterclass 4+ hours of video. 12 Step-by-step photo guides and access to the Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library

Price is $89 AUD (approx $59 US)

Please check conversion rates

Free - 3 day Mini Bear Mastery Course

Cover of a kit checklist guide titled "The Mastery of Bear Making" by Bare Cub Designs, featuring a plush bear logo, a pair of scissors, and a polka dot background.
A plush teddy bear with fluffy, light beige fur and black eyes, set against a blue background. The text on the image reads "Bare Cub Designs by Helen Gleeson" at the top and "Bliss" at the bottom in pink font.
Cover of Bear Cub Designs guide titled 'The Mastery of Bear Making Perfect Clay Noses,' featuring a teddy bear graphic, polka dots, and a pair of clay modeling tools at the bottom.
A digital advertisement for Bare Cub Designs featuring a plush bear and a computer monitor with the text 'Mink Masterclass' and an 'Enroll Now' button, promoting online workshops for making bear plush toys.
Computer screen displaying a digital course about bear-making mastery, featuring a pink and white theme, a photo of a fluffy white dog on a phone, and a checklist titled 'Mastery of Bear Making Checklist' with scissors and a bow in the background.

Day 1 - Bear Making Kit

First lets review and upgrade your bear making kit so you will love using it. Be ready to get sewing in and instant and pack up in no time.

9:59 minutes

DIY Stuffing Bag

No I know it’s no Chanel, but it’s a long way from a plastic bag. Make your own bag and you’ll enjoy stuffing your bears from it for years to come.

DIY Pin Cushion

This is the one product I cant live without. I even made one myself. You can find these online if you hunt around, but I’ll show you how t make your own.

DIY Mood Board

A great way to store your bulk joints, eyes etc. Learn how to create these beautiful storage and note boards to organize your sewing space.

Day 2 - Patterns and storage

Watch as I show you how to create your own templates and store our patterns so they are always ready to use. To get you started you will be able to download your own Bare Cub Design pattern.

4.03 minutes

Day 3- Perfect Clay Noses

Ever taken the time to make a bear only to be let down by an uneven nose? Watch as I make a clay nose. Then make your very own. The best psrt, if it’s not perfect - dont use it.

7:08 minutes

Still Want More?

Beauty in Bear Making Bundle
$89.00
One time

Online Bear Making course including Mink Masterclass 4+ hours of video. 12 Step-by-step photo guides and access to the Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library

Price is $89 AUD (approx $59 US)

Please check conversion rates

A plush teddy bear with a yellow ticket in its paw sits in front of a promotional poster for 'Bare Cub Designs' by Helen Gleeson, advertising online workshops for making bear crafts. The poster features smaller images of the teddy bear and a computer screen displaying the workshop details.

Bundle includes the guides, the mink Masterclass videos and access to the Bare Cub Designs pattern library

Collage of various black and white logos and text related to teddy bears and bear-themed brands and magazines.