I designed the Kuki Needle Keeper teddy bear in 2007 in honour of a bear maker and quilter, Kitty, who is a friend. At a time when I needed an extra pair of hands, she was a tremendous help in my studio. Kitty is practical and organized, serene and funny, and I think Kuki the needle book teddy portrays those qualities beautifully.
During the next three years, I used the Kuki pattern to teach teddy bear making at a craft fair and over 600 students became the proud owners of their own teddy needle keepers. Kuki was so popular that I decided to publish the pattern so that bear makers all over the world could make their own.
As you can imagine, my original pattern sample soon started looking a bit worse for wear with all the passing from hand to hand in workshops. I recently decided to make a new teddy and while I was at it, I revamped the pattern sheets, rewrote the instructions, and added some fresh images. I also added a collar pattern that was not part of the original design.
Kuki needle keeper teddy bear has magnetic hands to hold your scissors and her body opens to reveal a needle book for your needles and pins. This pattern is suitable for all bear maker skill levels.
If you need a needle minder in your life, Kuki is your new best friend. She’s also the ideal craft to make to sell, or to give as a gift. The pattern for Kuki Needle Keeper is available to download HERE, and in my Etsy store.
