Different types of teddy bears need different types of stuffing. The soft bear dragged around by a toddler needs a softer, squishier filling than the reproduction “antique” teddy bear designed to appeal to collectors. That bear will most likely be stuffed firmly with the same fillings used for the original teddy bears a hundred years ago.
Here’s a survey of the stuffing choices available today.
Wood Wool (Excelsior) was the Original Teddy Bear Stuffing
Wood wool, made of thinly shredded wood, was once the most popular teddy bear stuffing. It was sold under the brand name Excelsior and is still sometimes called excelsior today. Wood wool can be dusty and is not washable, so it isn’t good for bears that will be used by children. It works well for making collectible teddy bears, because authentic early bear details are popular with collectors. It is available from specialty teddy bear making supply stores.
Kapok Stuffing is a Traditional Teddy Bear Stuffing that’s Also Organic
Kapok fiber is a silky, fluffy fiber taken from the seed pods of the Ceiba tree. Because the trees that produce kapok grow wild in mainland Asia and Indonesia, kapok is an organic fiber and renewable resource that grows without chemicals. The fibers themselves are tiny, hollow cellulose tubes that are resilient, buoyant, fast-drying, and rot-resistant. Kapok is used as stuffing for life preservers, mattresses, pillows, and upholstery. It was once extremely popular for teddy bear stuffing, but has fallen out of favor now that polyester stuffing is so inexpensive and easy to find.
Polyester is Today’s Most Popular Teddy Bear Stuffing
Inexpensive, easy to use, and available everywhere, polyester filling is today’s most popular choice for making all kinds of stuffed animals, including teddy bears. Polyester is a petroleum-based product, so bear makers who want to use all natural materials should choose a different option. When buying polyester for teddy bear stuffing, it’s important to choose a high-quality brand. Low-quality polyester can cause lumps and uneven spots when it gets compressed inside the bear. High-loft polyester can also be slippery and hard to compress into the bear’s smaller nooks and crannies.
New Eco-Friendly Choices for Making Stuffed Teddy Bears
Several other, environmentally responsible options for teddy bear stuffing are available to today’s bear makers.
- Bamboo stuffing. Naturally microbe-resistant, soft, and silky, bamboo stuffing comes from a plant that grows without the need for harmful chemicals. It is increasingly available at chain fabric stores.
- Corn stuffing. The newest entry in the eco-friendly stuffing sweepstakes is derived from corn starch sugars and is both hypoallergenic and washable. It’s available under the brand name Nature-fil. Corn is a crop that is typically grown with heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, though, so environmentally cautious bear makers may want to choose one of the other “greener” stuffings.
- Wool stuffing. Wool’s softness, resilience, and durability make it a good stuffing for bears intended for children. Organic wool is available from companies that make supplies for Waldorf dolls. Wool stuffing should not be machine washed or dried with heat, because wool tends to felt and compress when agitated and heated.
Plastic or Glass Pellets Add Weight and Make Bear Posable
Pellets (also called beads) are used to make a bear heavier in certain areas so it can sit or stand on its own. Pellets can also give a bear a slouchy, slumpy look that some collectors like. Two kinds of pellets are commonly used for bear stuffing, although some bear makers use steel shot or BBs to add weight to miniature bears:
- Plastic pellets. These are made from high-density white plastic – not the lightweight beads used for beanbag chairs.
- Glass pellets. These can be found at specialty teddy bear making suppliers.
With so many choices available, it’s a good idea to experiment with different teddy bear stuffing and see which types work the best for the teddy bears you want to make.
Learn more about making stuffed teddy bears:
Christine Mann - Christine Mann writes about quilting, home decor sewing, and creativity in daily life.
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