DIY Collectible Bears – The Martin Bear Kits (Martin Bären)

Who doesn’t love a collectible bear? They are usually so adorable. Well, have you heard of Martin Bears in Germany? This family run business has been making bears for 100 years and they are all lovingly made.

What has this got to do with crafts you may be wondering. Well, they now do craft kits to make some of their bears (and other animals). I was lucky enough to be gifted one (Benni)so I am going to share it with you here. Spoiler alert: I don’t think it will be the last one I make.

When you visit the site do not be put off if you don’t speak German, neither do I. Simply use Google translate (or something similar) and you will be able to read everything. There is plenty to read too including all about the German Teddy Bear Museum they have that holds the largest teddy bear in the world.

While I was gifted this kit I am not on any sort of commission and the thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Key Thoughts

You can see exactly what I received and what I did with my kit below but if you just want my key thoughts and takeaways then this section is for you:

• It feels like a lovely traditional bear
• I love the history on the website and the feeling that I have one of these special bears
• The kit is set up so that kids can make them (with supervision)
• The needle is not too sharp and is already threaded with a knot in it (no time for kids to get bored)
• Perfect gift idea!
• Your bear has the classic green ‘Martin’ heart on it

Video of Martin Bear Craft Kit

Unboxing the Kit

Your bear arrives safely packaged in a cardboard box and is clearly labelled so you know that you have the correct bear.

Once you open it you will find:

• your bear (unstuffed)
• toy filling
• threaded needle
• Booklet including instructions and passport

Creating your Bear

Firstly it is time to stuff your bear. There is a hole in the back of the bear and it is easy to fill the bear. The toy filling is super soft and goes in really well. There is just the right amount to make a squishy, cuddly bear!

Then it is time to sew up the hole in his back. There are instructions included in the kit (in German) but it includes a picture that shows you how to do invisible stitching (ladder stitch). Simply remove the threaded needle from the card and start sewing. It already has a knot but to be honest I still did a little starting knot stitch just to be sure.

I started at the end nearest the head so that I could finish near the tail and hide my finishing stitch down there. I also then pushed my needle through the bear and cut off my thread there so that it would not pull through at any point.

Then your bear will be all finished and ready for cuddles. Super quick and easy and a great idea to do with a child, perhaps a grandchild. Despite being a grown woman I will not be parting with my new bear!

Other Great Ideas

So, I recommend these bear kits as they are so sweet. Take a look now at the Martin bear website and see which one you fall in love with (remember to set the site to translate).

If you love sewing then check out my other sewing ideas and tutorials in the sewing section on this website.

Pin this review on Pinterest so that you can find it again when you are looking for the perfect sewing kit to do with a child (or on your own like me!).