FAQs: Your Questions Answered About Our Services

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- LAST CHANCE for holiday delivery. Deadline extended -

- LAST CHANCE for holiday delivery. Deadline extended -

- LAST CHANCE for holiday delivery. Deadline extended -

- LAST CHANCE for holiday delivery. Deadline extended -

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For Christmas delivery, we must receive your clothes by Saturday, October 31.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We know it can be difficult to send your clothes to be made into a keepsake, so we made it easy. Here are a few frequently asked questions:

I want a keepsake made from my clothes. What do I do?

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!

How long does the process to take to have a memory bear or other keepsake made?

For [memory animals](/content/collections/memory-animals "memory animals made from your clothes"/index.html), it takes about four to six (5-7) weeks to complete AFTER we receive your clothes.

For [memory quilts](/content/collections/quilts-made-with-your-clothes "memory quilts"/index.html), [wedding keepsakes,](/content/collections/custom-wedding-dress-quilts "wedding keepsakes"/index.html) and [bags](/content/collections/bags-made-with-your-clothes "memory bags & pillows"/index.html), it takes about eight to twelve (10–12)weeks to complete AFTER we receive your clothes.

If you have a specific deadline, CONTACT US to make sure we can accommodate your timeline. In some cases we are able to 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.

SHIPPING FAQs

I'm worried about sending my irreplaceable clothes. Can I trust you?

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.

What method of shipping do you recommend to send our clothes?

In our experience, UPS is the most reliable shipper. We highly recommend sending your clothes via UPS.

If you use USPS Priority Mail or FedEx, 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).

Do I have to pay to ship my clothes to The Patchwork Bear?

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.

I don't want to ship my clothes, can I drop them off?

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

Please [**contact us**](/content/pages/contact-us-1 "Contact The Patchwork Bear"/index.html) to schedule an appointment.

Do you accept international orders?

Unfortunately due to the cost of shipping, customs fees and tariffs, we do not ship internationally.

CLOTHING FAQs

What types of clothes can I use for my keepsake?

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.

How many clothes should I send?

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.

I only have one shirt. Can you make a bear or animal from it?

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.

Do you send unused clothing or clothing scraps back to me?

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.

Can I make design requests for my keepsake?

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.

Can I personalize my keepsake?

Yes, see the [**ADD-ON**](/content/collections/add-ons-1 "personalization and customize orders for the patchwork bear"/index.html) section to add personalization and other special touches to your keepsake like embroidered hearts, a signature transferred to fabric, and more.

Can my memory bear be used as a toy?

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.

Our Promise

We take pride in the quality of our work. We take the time needed to create your keepsakes in our bright, professional studio where each order can be tracked, designed and shipped.

Each item is created to highlight the unique qualities of the clothes you send and time/care is taken in each step of the process from when we receive your clothes to when we ship your keepsake back to you.

Since 2003, we've been making keepsakes out of your clothes and we're the ORIGINAL Memory Bear maker. We're proud of our reputation for creating thoughtfully-designed and professionally-sewn keepsakes to preserve your memories.

We have been featured on/in CBS Morning Show, People, Women's Day, and Pregnancy and are one of Oprah's Favorite Things! If Oprah trusts us as one of her Favorite Things, you can too.

Ready to order?

SHOP HERE

Why choose The Patchwork Bear?

Your clothes are irreplaceable. Don't trust just anyone to cut them up! We've been turning clothes into keepsakes for over 20 years and have the experience to create a quality heirloom.

We are a small team of designers/makers that create all our keepsakes in a clean, professional sewing studio here in New Jersey. We take pride in our work and pay a fair wage; our prices reflect the talent and experience of our team—with thousands of memory bears made. What sets us apart is that we are a full business not a hobby and the quality of our work reflects this.

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REVIEWS

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Based on 1425 reviews

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Product Reviews (1048)Shop Reviews (377)

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The Original Memory Bear

10/24/2026

Holly C.

St Louis, US

Beautiful Bears

My husband passed away in May. He had several shirts he wore all the time that I wanted to something with but didn't know what. I came across this site and thought it was a wonderful idea. Sent the shirts off in August and got them yesterday. I couldn't be more delighted in how they turned out. I will be keeping two and giving the other two to his mother and sister. I highly recommend this company to anyone.

Read more

A Simple Memory Bear made with one shirt

10/24/2026

Karen H.

Hanover, US

Love my bear

This bear looks so beautiful made with my mother's everyday casual shirt. I absolutely love it. Everytime I see it I get excited and feel so good. Thank you for taking care of the only piece of clothing I have from my mother and turning into a beautiful gift that we will keep in the family.

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A Simple Memory Bear made with one shirt

10/19/2026

Julie H.

McKinney, US

The most precious keepsake

These sweet bears were made from from my husband’s shirts for our precious grands. A little piece of their Pops to hold close. ❤️🧸

Read more

Bitty Bear

10/18/2026

JR

Lake Hopatcong, US

Took my breath away

When I took my new arrival, the Bitty Bear, out of the box I could not believe what I was holding, a tee-shirt that belonged to my best friend and beloved brother David, that was now an adorable, just the right size, bitty bear and you think that you know what its going to look like. Then it arrives and its just so much more than I expected and I was overwhelmed with tears. Corny maybe to some but I lost David 20 years ago this past July and I knew there were places that did this kind of thing. I found The Patchwork Bear as the original makers of this kind of product. I am more than thrilled with and so very, very thankful for the wonderful and compassionate people that put not only the time but the love, I felt it when I saw and held my new buddy! Thank you so much!

Read more

Two-Shirt Memory Bear

10/17/2026

michelle w.

Allentown, US

A perfect memento

When I opened the box and saw my bear I was amazed on the quality and how well my mother’s garments had been put together to create this cute memento. I have placed it in a room where it will remain a subtle reminder of fond memories. Thank you for putting so much care in making it.

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The Original Memory Bear

10/16/2026

Melody A.

Big Lake, US

Memory Bears

The two bears we received from my dads clothes were absolutely stunning, they brought me to tears and far exceeded any expectations I had!

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Two-Shirt Memory Bear

10/16/2026

Lisa K.

Springfield, US

Best memory bear

Both bears came out great! The communication was fantastic.

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A Simple Memory Bear made with one shirt

10/15/2026

Donna D.

New York, US

My love Bear

I just absolutely love my bears

How you managed to put right pats of the shirt to

Include all the memories on what shirt is AMAZING

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Read More Reviews

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