All about Teddies. What are they and what are they made of?

Stuffed animals are those endearing toy friends that have earned a place in the hearts of children and not so children. But it is something inevitable, its softness and tenderness attract us regardless of age and the great variety that exists today satisfies all tastes.

If you have come this far, it is because you are curious about stuffed animals or because, like us, there is something that attracts you about them and you want to learn a little more about that inseparable companion.

What are Teddies?

Stuffed animals are neither more nor less than a cloth toy filled with cotton or other materials such as foam or polyester, among others. What makes a stuffed animal successful is its softness and sponginess, anti-allergenic synthetic fabric is normally used, as well as its filling, to avoid the development of allergic effects in those who enjoy their company.

These toys take on a multitude of shapes, but those in the shape of animals are very common. Perhaps the best-known shape for all and the one that first comes to mind when talking about stuffed animals is the classic and timeless teddy bear. Although the stuffed animals of movie or cartoon characters are increasingly demanded.

Currently, we can find stuffed animals that are capable of emitting sounds and/or are interactive. This reinforces the cognitive and didactic development of the little ones while allowing them to establish more intimate bonds with their toys.

What uses do stuffed animals have?

What uses do stuffed animals have? Seriously? Well YES, stuffed animals can perform more functions than many think and it is not bad to make a summary to exalt their great qualities.

The truth is that these toys have an important role in our lives. Well, children tend to become fond of them when they see them as playmates who are always there for them. It is not surprising that many people have great memories with these toys and even awaken dormant emotions when they find a stuffed animal from their childhood.

Childhood is a very important stage that marks our development, unconsciously in many cases. It is a proven fact that childhood is a key period to define character and personality, which is why everything that surrounds us influences us to a greater or lesser extent.

What are stuffed animals made of?

There is a fabric used specifically for stuffed animals and called for this reason “plush fabric”. This fabric is very light and pleasant to the touch as it presents a kind of silky and shiny hair (longer and a little less compact than velvet) with a softness similar to feathers or skin.

The quality of this fabric is such that it has not taken long to be used in other industries such as furniture upholstery or the design of clothing and accessories. But without a doubt, it is in the manufacture of stuffed animals where this fabric shines most intensely.

The manufacture of this fabric is achieved from synthetic fibers such as polyester. Traditionally, mohair or combed wool and silk alone or with cotton reinforcements had been used. But polyester was a revolution in quality and suitability thanks to its hydrophobic and hypoallergenic qualities, also lowering its production costs and therefore sales for us consumers.

Polyester is a synthetic polymer (PET) obtained from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, which, when extracted into fibers, can be used to manufacture polyester fabric. This fabric can be obtained using the recycling of polymers from other products such as plastic bottles.

The plush fabric is characterized in particular by a 3-thread system, whereby a third thread is woven between the warp and weft threads. This process forms the so-called characteristic hairs, which are cut to the desired height.

If you are interested in the manufacture of this material, we can say that it follows a process similar to other similar fabrics such as velvet. The synthesized fibers are normally woven in a machine known as a circular knitting machine, being transformed into a continuous fabric tube. Once woven, it is vigorously combed, which allows the fibers to loosen, giving the surface its characteristic appearance and feel. Finally, the fibers are cut to the desired length.