Alaskan’s polar bear is almost as popular as its ice melting products. In the Inuit language, the polar bear is called Pisugtooq, the eternal wanderer. To make it break its habits, this season, we invite the big white bear into the house.

Here is a template to make cushions and decorations for the tree in its image.

Making a polar bear cushion… in two versions

Template no. 1

The first version is a 18 in. by 18 in. cushion with a bear-shaped appliqué. The cushion cover, like the appliqué, can be made in the fabric of your choice (velvet, faux fur, tweed, flannel, cotton), in a solid colour or with patterns.

Materials

• For the cover: two square pieces of fabric measuring 18 ¼ in. by 18 ¼ in. (same colour or not)
• For the appliqué: piece of fabric measuring approximately 12 in. by 12 in. (different colour)
• Thread, needle and sewing scissors
• Cushion to slide into the cover (18 in. by 18 in.)
• Material to close the cover: buttons, staples, velcro, zipper… (optional)

How to do it

1. In the fabric chosen to make the cushion cover, cut two square pieces of fabric measuring 18 ¼ in. by 18 ¼ in.
2. Place them one on top of the other, inside towards the centre.
3. Sew 3 sides out of 4 about ½ in. from the edge, then turn over so that the good side of the fabric is visible.
4. Print the bear template and pin it on the fabric chosen to make the appliqué.
5. Cut out the bear shape according to the template.
6. Sew the bear-shaped appliqué to the centre of the cover.
7. Add a pompom for the tail (optional).
8. Insert a cushion inside the cover.
9. Close the cover using a seam, buttons, staples, velcro or by installing a zipper.

3 tips to save time and money

• Use fabric placemats or a table runner to make the cover.
• You can also use a cushion that you have at home or buy a cushion cover in store or online. This will save you a little sewing.
• If you choose to buy a cover, use glue designed to glue fabric for your appliqué. This is a great alternative to sewing, especially if your bear is made of faux fur. It can be tricky to sew!

Template no. 2

The second version is half cushion, half plush toy.

Materials

• 2 pieces of fabric of the size of your choice (different or similar colour and texture)
• Thread, needle and sewing scissors
• A bag of synthetic stuffing
• Pompom for the tail (optional)

How to do it

1. Print and cut out the polar bear template.
2. Pin the template to the chosen fabric and cut out following the pattern.
3. Turn the template over and repeat step 2 to cut out a second shape (reversed).
4. Place the two pieces of cut fabric on top of each other, inside towards the centre.
5. Sew the outline of the bear (½ in. from the edge), leaving a part open to insert the synthetic stuffing.
6. Turn the cover inside out so that the right side of the fabric is on the outside.
7. Insert the stuffing, then finish sewing to close the cover completely.
8. Add a pompom as a tail (optional).

Making polar bear tree decorations

Materials

• Fabric of your choice (you can use scraps from the bear-shaped appliqué or cushion)
• Thread, needle and sewing scissors
• A bag of synthetic stuffing
• Small pompoms (optional)

How to do it

1. Print out the polar bear-shaped template in the desired size (traditional decorations are about 4 to 5 inches wide, but you can also opt for a mini or oversized bear).
2. Follow steps 2 to 8 of the previous project (polar bear cushion).
3. Sew a ribbon or a cord on the back of each bear to hang them in the Christmas tree. You can also integrate our little bears into a wreath, a garland of pine cones, a decoration for the fireplace…

Click here to download and print.