Kuddles for Kids

Kuddles For Kids™ was developed in 1998 by the staff of the American Sewing Expo™ to provide adorable stuffed animals for police officers to carry in their squad cars. When an officer comes upon a child in crisis, these 'Kuddles' are comforting to both the child and the police officer. A sewing station was set up at each of our American Sewing Expos where our staff and local volunteers manned the booth with pre-cut, easy to sew, Teddy bear kits. Expo attendees were asked to sit and sew an animal. Patterns were donated by Carol's Zoo and sewing machines were provided by Bernina of America. Hobbs Bonded Fiber pitched in with stuffing, along with Kunnin Felt and Malden Mills for the fabric. Darice donated safety eyes and noses, and Offray added colorful ribbons for decorative bows!

Every American Sewing Expo event since has had at least 6 sewing machines occupied all the time. The local law enforcement departments parked a squad car on the exhibit floor, and many times the officers were in attendance as well. Often they even join in the sewing! As each animal was finished, it's creator was asked to ring the bell to announce the 'birth' of another Kuddles! Each time that bell would ring, applause and cheering could be heard from all corners of the exhibit floor! This program seemed to touch the hearts of all who participated, as many returned several times throughout the expo to make another animal. To date, there have been over 1500 Kuddles for Kids animals donated from our Expos, with an unknown additional amount from satellite groups, to help little children as they go through scary, difficult times.

The response to this program has been phenomenal! Many guilds, churches and other organizations expressed the desire to start their own satellite groups. The American Sewing Expo now offers kits to those interested in holding a Kuddles for Kids event in their area.

Kuddles for Kids Kits are $12 each

(Regular prices for the patterns alone are $6 apiece)

Each Kit Include:

• 1 Bear Pattern
• A set of safety eyes plus 1 nose for each pattern
• Booklet containing hints and tips for conducting a successful event and obtaining the necessary materials

To order the Kuddles for Kids kit, go to the Contact Us page to find out more information.