HOW IT WORKS: Memory Bears and Keepsakes from Your Clothes
Designed and sewn for you by our professional team, using the clothes that matter most.
What is a memory bear?
We all have them: special clothes saved that hold memories from when they were worn. Baby clothes, team jersey, concert t-shirt, wedding dress, even clothes from a lost loved one.
A memory bear is a keepsake made from these sentimental clothes, so you can save the memories, not the clothes.
Your clothes have memories. We help save them.
What sentimental clothes do you have saved away?
(Swipe the image to see how we can transform your clothes into an instant heirloom)
How would you like your memory bear made?
We offer two simple ways to turn your clothes into a keepsake.
- Made For You: our professional team creates your keepsake in our studio
- Make Your Own: use our innovative iron-on pattern and can sew it yourself
We create your keepsake: How it works
Creating a keepsake with The Patchwork Bear is easy. Our caring, professional team guides your clothes through each step, so you can feel confident your memories are in the best hands.
Choose your keepsake
Choose a memory bear, quilt, pillow, or bag. Each is designed to highlight the details of your clothes & made in our professional sewing studio.
Send us your clothes
After you order, we’ll email shipping instructions & order form to include with your clothes. We’ll guide you on what works best.
We create your keepsake
Our talented makers turn your clothes into a one-of-a-kind keepsake, with attention to detail and respect for your memories.
Trusted since 2003 & one of Oprah's Favorite Things
We are the ORIGINAL Memory Bear company and one of Oprah's Favorite Things! Don't let just anyone cut up your irreplaceable clothes- we've been trusted to make thousands of memory bears and would love to make one for you.
From start to finish, we take pride in our work. It starts when your clothes arrive- each package is signed for and kept in a secure, indoor facility, safe from theft or bad weather.
We work in a professional sewing studio with a small, talented team of designers and sewers. We take the time with your clothes to create keepsakes that are as special as the people who wore them.
(Photo: Founder, Jennifer Cura at Oprah's Favorite Things Media Event)
Growing up, one outfit at a time
Baby & children's clothes
Tiny onesies, favorite pajamas, first-day outfits and well-worn play clothes each tell part of your child’s story. A memory bear lets those moments live on, long after the clothes no longer fit.
You may already remember exactly when they wore each piece and how quickly those days seemed to pass.
Favorite Shirts & Everyday Clothes
The Clothes You Reached for Again and Again
Concert tees, favorite pair of jeans, weekend shirts, or the clothes that just felt like you.
These everyday favorites hold memories of real life and simple moments, and they can become something meaningful you don't have to tuck away in a drawer.
You know, the ones you reached for without thinking because they felt familiar and comfortable.
Remembering a Loved One
A Way to Hold Onto Someone You Miss
Clothing from someone you love can offer comfort and connection. A memory bear created from those pieces becomes a tangible reminder of the person who wore them and the memories you shared.
You may already have clothing set aside because it still feels too meaningful to part with.
Weddings & Special Moments
Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments, Preserved
Wedding dresses, suits, or special-occasion outfits carry the details of meaningful days. Turning them into a keepsake preserves those memories in a way that can be held and passed down.
You can picture the day it was worn and why the fabric still feels too special to let go.
Trusted for over 20 years to turn clothes into keepsakes
read our reviews
I truly cannot express how thankful I am for this company and the beautiful work they do. Losing my poppy last year was the hardest thing my family has ever gone through, and having his clothing turned into these stuffed animals has brought more comfort than I ever imagined possible. They followed every detail I requested perfectly and treated his clothing with such care and respect.
Seeing the finished pieces was incredibly emotional, especially knowing the clothes used are the same ones my grandfather is wearing in the photos I’ve included. One was made for me and one for my grandmother, and giving hers to her touched her heart beyond words. It brings her so much comfort.
This is more than just a product, it’s a meaningful keepsake that helps with healing and remembrance. I will be forever grateful and could not recommend this company enough.
These Bears turned out absolutely beautiful. My kids were deeply moved and truly loved them. I gifted one to each of two of my children this Christmas for the grandchildren who will be arriving in 2026. We lost their dad five years ago, and while he'll never get to meet his grandbabies, the Patchwork Bears will now forever hold his memory and be a cherished part of our family.
Everything I expected and more. I lost my husband 20 months ago. Having his clothes turned into something so beautiful makes me feel happy. I plan to have more of his clothing make into a quilt. Thanks so much for doing a great job.
Thank you so much! The bears are absolutely amazing. They came out wonderful. They brought tears to our eyes.
This quilt is perfect. I am so happy it was made. I was almost too scared to send the last of my late Nana's dresses. I am so glad I did because it really is perfect. Beautiful stitching and a sturdy backing on the quilt. My quilt was shipped back in a sturdy box. I am happy the quilt was so well protected for shipping.
My patchwork puppy is adorable. It is a perfect blend of my son's baby clothes. I love it.
Thank you so much to the Patchwork Bear for making this Christmas without my mom, "Bearable." Every smile in this picture comes after many tears, hugs, and a lot of "I remember that shirt." followed by a special memory story of my mom. Christmas is so difficult for us. It was her favorite holiday. I can promise you that every bear will have to endure a lot of tears, but they will also be held and cuddled and loved a lot. It's a good thing they are SO WELL-MADE. Each one is so different, personal, and exceptional. You did that for my family. I really cannot thank you enough.
My dad passed away in July, and I noticed everyone wanted to take his T-shirts as a special memory. We had all of his dress shirts left so when I found this site I got an idea....I sent them in and on Chrismas Eve I had everyone pick a bag abd open them all at once. The tears flowed and joy emerged. Everyone was overjoyed to have such a sweet memory that will last forever. Thank you to the talented seamstresses who made this blessing possible.
We had previously purchased a memory bear, so when my mom passed away a couple of months ago, I knew I would be buying again. I bought bears and ornaments for myself, my dad, siblings, and nieces, and they are simply perfect. To know we have something of my mom’s to remember her by means the world to my family. I can’t thank you enough for all of the hard work and care that went into making these memories for us!
Thank you so much for the custom bears out of my dad’s Burberry trench. My sisters were so excited!!!
First and foremost these ladies go above and beyond. The communication is wonderful!
We got my son a bear to remember his pap pap. He cried and said that’s my pap paps handwriting and his clothes, I’ll forever have long lasting memories.
The bear was absolutely beautiful! It was the perfect gift for my son’s girlfriend and created a timeless memory! Your work is always exceptional!!!
Absolutely exceptional work!
You went above and beyond to get this most precious gift to me before Christmas for my daughter!
Thank you so very much!
I highly recommend and would give 10 stars!!!
I cannot put into words how much this bereavement bear means to me. Holding it truly feels like a hug from my loved one. The craftsmanship and quality are exceptional, but the comfort it brings is priceless. What stands out most is the compassion behind the work—you can tell it was made with great care, sensitivity, and respect for the memories it represents. This is a deeply meaningful and healing keepsake that I will always cherish.
Absolutely the most unique memory of my husband has been created by the staff at Patchwork Bears. High quality, attention to each detail. A treasure to cherish in his memory.
Shop our collections
Common questions we’re often asked before getting started
How many clothes should I send?
It depends on the bear you choose. Our Simple Memory Bear uses one shirt, the Two-Shirt Bear uses two shirts, and our Original Memory Bear is made from 3-5 clothing items.
Can I make more than one memory bear from the same clothing item?
In some cases, yes. Larger items like adult long-sleeved shirts or dresses can typically be used to make two bears.
If you’re hoping to create multiple bears, it’s easiest to order them together so we can plan the best use of the fabric from the start.
What happens to any leftover fabric?
After you order, we’ll email an order form to include with your clothes. There’s a place to let us know if you’d like any remaining fabric returned with your finished bear.
How long does it take?
Once we receive your clothes in our studio, it typically takes 4–6 weeks to create your memory bear. During busy seasons and holidays, please allow a little extra time, closer to 5–7 weeks.
Can you work with worn or well-loved clothes?
Yes. Meaning matters more than perfection. We carefully work with well-loved items and add a stabilizing fabric to the back of all clothes to help with durability and shape.
If you still have questions, we’re here to help.
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