Okay, so I saw these ridiculously cute Build-A-Bear boxing gloves online, and I just had to try and make some for my kid’s teddy. I mean, how awesome is a bear with boxing gloves? I figured, “I can do that!” Famous last words, right?
Gathering Supplies (A.K.A. Raiding the Craft Bin)
First, I needed materials. I’m no professional sewer, but I’ve got a decent stash of felt and fabric scraps. I rummaged through my bin and found:
- Red felt – gotta have that classic boxing glove color.
- White felt – for the wristband part.
- Stuffing – I just used cotton balls, ripped ’em up a bit.
- Needle and thread – red and white, naturally.
- Scissors – my trusty, slightly rusty, fabric scissors.
- Paper and pencil – for making a rough pattern.
The “Pattern” (More Like a Wild Guess)
I’m not gonna lie, I totally winged the pattern. I basically traced my kid’s hand, made it a bit bigger and rounder, and hoped for the best. It looked more like a mitten than a glove, but hey, close enough. I cut out two of these shapes from the red felt for each glove – that’s four pieces total.
Stitching It Up (And Stabbing Myself a Few Times)
Right sides together (that’s the “good” side of the felt), I started stitching around the edges of the glove shapes. I used a simple running stitch, nothing fancy. I did poke myself with the needle a couple of times – occupational hazard, I guess. I left the bottom open, obviously, for stuffing.
Stuffing Time!
Once I had the basic glove shape stitched, I turned them right-side out. Then came the fun part – stuffing! I just ripped up those cotton balls and shoved them in until the gloves looked suitably puffy. Not too much, not too little. Just…puffy.
Making the Wristbands
For the wristbands, I cut out two rectangles from the white felt, long enough to wrap around the bottom of the gloves. I folded these in half lengthwise and stitched them to the bottom of the gloves, making a little cuff. Again, running stitch – it’s my go-to.
The Final Result (Not Bad, If I Do Say So Myself)
And…that’s it! They actually turned out pretty good! A little lopsided, maybe, but definitely recognizable as boxing gloves. My kid loved them, and the teddy bear looks ready to rumble. Totally worth the effort (and the minor finger injuries).
