There are some very simple things which will help make your cloth dolls and teddy bears really beautiful, and keep them that way for a very long time.

Fabric

Always use good quality, natural fibres in your doll's construction. Cottons, linens and silks will stand the test of time. They have good colour retention, are washable, have strength and they are easy to sew. Making your teddies from mohair will give you an heirloom bear to treasure.

Stuffing your doll or teddy bear

The most economic stuffing to use is polyester. There are many brands of polyester stuffing available in different grades and qualities, so try a few to see which you find easiest to work with. It is good for soft cloth dolls that will be made of stretchy fabric or will be needle-sculpted and for dolls and teddies that will require frequent machine washes. Remember to add it a little at a time and stuff it in using a stuffing tool (a chop stick or the handle of a wooden spoon is good for this) to stop it from forming lumps. It is not easy to  "pack" this stuffing really firmly so if a "hard" stuff is desired try a more traditional stuffing.

Pellets are available in plain and scented varieties.  These 'food grade' pellets (means they pass harmlessly through if swallowed) create a soft stuff, squishy tummies or add weight to bottoms and limbs. This makes them great to add to the bottoms of sitting dolls and teddies.

Glass beads are also great for adding weight to your dolls and bears but aren't recommended for use in toys for small children. They are easy to use and don't give your doll or teddy a bean bag feel.

If you are looking for a more traditional look in a stuffed doll or teddy bear, one that requires a harder pack, then stuffing such as old-fashioned cotton or kapok, or an even more primitive stuffing of torn rags or sawdust, bran, rice or lentils may be used. 

A teddy stuffed with rice or dried beans may be heated in the microwave and used as a hot pack to ease aches and pains. Some lavender or rosemary may be added to the stuffing to provide aromatherapy. Always be careful when heating your hot pack in the microwave, never leave it unattended whilst heating and don't reheat it whilst it is still warm as it may become a fire hazard (no more than 1-2 minutes). Also make sure that those who use your hot pack don't have allergies to any herbs you have used in stuffing.

Probably the very best stuffing of all is wool. You can buy it in batting form or just carded. Wool packs well, stays light and stays put. It is natural and will keep its resiliency forever.

How to finish off machine sewing

To finish off machine stitched seams and hems neatly and achieve a professional look, leave a tail of thread a few inches long at the end of the seam, thread the tail onto a needle and push it through to the back of your work. Make a small back stitch in the seam allowance and cut the ends of the threads neatly.