The process to have one made is easy:

1. Choose a keepsake and place your order.

2. We’ll email shipping instructions and a printable order form.

3. Send us your clothes with the order form and we’ll make your keepsake!

For memory animals, it takes about 4–6 weeks to complete AFTER we receive your clothes.

For memory quilts, wedding keepsakes,and bags, it takes about 8–12 weeks to complete AFTER we receive your clothes.

If you have a specific deadline, please let us know in advance and include the date on your order form so we can expedite your order. Additional rush or overnight shipping charges may apply.

NOTE: Production times may be longer from Oct–Dec due to the number holiday orders we receive.

Absolutely! Your peace of mind is our top priority. In addition to having a dedicated sewing studio, we took the added step/cost to have all packages delivered to a certified UPS Store location. Why? So that each and every package is kept in a safe, indoor location and is signed for when received. We can't guarantee we'll be in the studio 24/7 when packages arrive, so this process ensures your clothes are ALWAYS safe and not left outside, subject to bad weather or theft. Once your clothes are in the studio, we'll email you to let you know they arrived. 

We recommend UPS or FedEX since all shipments come with real-time tracking which is most reliable. If you use USPS Priority Mail, please be sure to add tracking to your order. 

All finished keepsakes are shipped back to you through UPS Ground with tracking (or USPS for PO Boxes or Canada).

Since the weight of each customer's clothes varies so much, we can't cover the cost to ship your clothes to us.

The cost to send the finished product back to you is included when you place your order. 

We LOVE meeting with customers in our sewing studio. We're located at 20 South Main St, Pennington, NJ 08534.

Please contact us to schedule an appointment. 

First, the most important thing is to choose clothes that have meaning to you. Don't worry too much if they don't match or are different patterns. We're The Patchwork Bear and love the patchwork look.

That said, we can use almost any type of clothing EXCEPT: leather, fur, heavyweight knits and outerwear, bulky fleece or other thick fabrics, costumes, tulle or other sheer material, heavily beaded or sequined clothes, swimwear and underwear (oh please, no undies!). We can use satin in limited amounts. All clothing is stabilized for added durability.

We will send detailed info and tips on choosing clothes after your order placed. As a general guideline: for a patchwork pet (bear, bunny, puppy or elephant): Send 1–2 adult-sized (or 6–8 child; 8–12 baby) clothes. For a memory quilt, send 8–15 adult-sized clothes. We'll email specific instructions to you based on the item your order since the clothing amount varies based on size and style of clothing.

Yes, we can make a memory animal from just one article of clothing. If it is not enough fabric, we can use a coordinating cotton fabric in limited amounts so the final design highlights your piece.

Yes, you can indicate on the order form if you'd like the scraps sent back (less than 3 lbs). In general, we try to use ALL the clothes you send to us, unless otherwise requested. Please don't send too many clothes as they overcomplicate design and increase shipping costs.

YES! We encourage you to pin notes on clothes with special requests like: use this logo, use as much of this as possible, use this for the body, etc. The order form that comes with your order has space to write down general requests.

Yes, see the ADD-ON section to add personalization and other special touches to your keepsake like embroidered hearts, a signature transferred to fabric, and more.

No. These are keepsake memory bears and not toys. They are not designed or intended for use as a toy for children 12 and under. While we do not use any buttons, plastic eyes, or small parts, they are made entirely from your clothes and therefore have not been tested and do not conform to any safety standards or guidelines in place for children’s toys. As of August 2024, we cannot include buttons or small parts from your clothes on keepsakes for this reason.
The Patchwork Bear does not accept any liability for the misuse of these keepsakes.