The Design, Testing & Production ...
The teddy bears idea came about after I made a 'special' looking teddy bear for my Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary. I absolutely loved making him and I was so incredibly proud of the fact I could make an actual teddy bear, I decided to look into making them properly. I knew that they'd need to be incredibly neat and a super strong design because prototypes would need to be tested to know they're safe toys to sell... and legal. It literally took several months at the start as I wanted to design my very own brand of Teddy Bear and get better at sewing. Yes, there are others with templates which I could purchase and use commercially, but what's the fun in being like anyone else!?!? Apart from being fully hand-sewn, my bears are in no way traditionally made but they're my very own style from start to finish which is something to be proud of I think.
I wanted to do things right, which was a huge task as there was a LOT of learning required but I believe it's best to do things properly to make toys safe. Also, once the overwhelming fear settled down, learning about and doing the UKCA testing is actually really interesting. Having the UKCA mark on my teddy bears' boxes and labels makes me really happy and confident with my product, plus it makes my little business look professional too.
Although my bear testing and making began years ago, the current range was designed and tested in December 2023 and launched officially on 1st January 2024. I am in the Collective Member Directory who have provided the tools and information in order for me to test my design and method over the years and to keep up with the latest UK Toy Safety Standards. The tests all relate to actions of play and what a child may do with a toy and if any prototype fails it must be re-made differently to then be put through the testing process again in order to pass. Prototypes are tested both unwashed and washed.
Luckily, I've never had a bear fail their UKCA testing so I know they're super strong and actually don't even light when a flame is put near them, they just get a burny mark on their bottom but even that wipes off.
Rainbow (in the photo) is a prototype from the newest Bear Range tests.
One of the many tasks in the testing is the Tension Test - Designed for assessing the seams: showing they will not break apart after a weight of 7.2kg is used. The total weight clamped to the prototype is achieved by gradually adding items available in my office to a bag, in 5 second intervals, until the 7.2kg is reached ...
Along with the flammability test: For my Bears, there's no burn rate!
The care instructions are always printed on the Bear's packaging as well as on one of the neck labels. Each Bear is documented as part of the UKCA regulations.
People often ask if they can have one of my bears in a different fabric with the idea that it's made "just for them" as an adult so it's "not a toy" - the answer is always no to any changes as ANY changes have to be tested. I cannot change their shape/silhouette, fabric, any materials or the process of how they're made unless that change is tested.
It's a simple rule... any item, if it has any play value whatsoever, it MUST be tested as a toy.
The whole idea of having toys tested to UKCA standards is that they are a safe standard... no ifs or maybes. Any toy from a toy range should ALWAYS be made to the same standard as the rest of that range, with the same method used for the tested prototypes which passed the testing of that toy range. Labelling a toy that's from a UKCA tested range as 'not suitable from birth' because the maker has made untested changes should simply never happen. There should be no confusion for a buyer. Every single wool felt bear I make has the same range of materials used, all of which has been tested on my prototypes. I have just two suppliers of 100% wool felt, one supplier of toy stuffing and I always use Gutermann Sew All threads. Nothing else is ever added or changed. If any supplier changes their products or stops supplying what I use, then I would have to source an alternative and retest my bears.
I display my UKCA declaration at craft fairs and have it on a digital format as well, plus I take all the documentation with me to craft fairs too because I am really proud of all the work I've done to make my bear range as safe as I possibly can. Plus, I think it's really good to show people what's actually involved because sellers which only label their 'toys' as 'lovingly handmade with care / not suitable for small children' without bothering to test are illegal and dangerous. Ideally, there's a need for people to stop buying such goods so the businesses that have done all the necessary safety requirements can thrive without unfair (and usually cheap) competition from hobbyists who sell.
If you have any questions at all regarding my Teddy Bear range, please just get in touch.
