purlJam

# Amigurumi Teddy Bear Crochet Pattern

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) tall when made with worsted weight yarn

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in main color (approximately 100-120 yards)
- Small amount of contrasting color for muzzle (optional - can use main color)
- Suggested: Acrylic or cotton yarn suitable for toys

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook (or size needed for tight gauge)
- Pair of 9mm safety eyes
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Embroidery thread in black or dark brown for nose/mouth (optional)
- Pins for assembly

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

## GAUGE
Gauge is not critical for toys, but work should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.
Approximate gauge: 5 sc and 5 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in amigurumi (worked tightly in continuous rounds)

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form a ring, pull working yarn through ring, chain 1, work stitches into ring, pull tail to close.

**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook into front loop only of next stitch, then front loop only of following stitch, yarn over and pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. This creates a smoother decrease than standard sc2tog.

**Continuous Rounds (Spiral Method):** Do not join rounds or turn. Place stitch marker in first stitch of round and move it up as you work.

## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go - it's difficult to add more stuffing later
- For best results, work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing
- All pieces are worked separately then sewn together

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*(Verification: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats × 3 sts per repeat = 18 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats × 5 sts = 30 ✓)*

**Rnds 6-13:** sc in each st around [30]  
*(8 even rounds)*

**Safety Eye Placement:** Insert safety eyes between Rnds 10 and 11, approximately 6-7 stitches apart. Secure backings firmly.

**Rnd 14:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats, 30 - 6 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 15:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats, 24 - 6 = 18 ✓)*

**Begin stuffing head firmly.**

**Rnd 16:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats, 18 - 6 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 17:** dec around [6]  
*(Verification: 6 decreases, 12 - 6 = 6 ✓)*

**Finish stuffing.** Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close hole.

---

### MUZZLE

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]

**Rnds 4-5:** sc in each st around [18]  
*(2 even rounds)*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly before attaching to head (centered below eyes, between Rnds 11-14).

---

### EARS (Make 2)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]

**Rnds 4-5:** sc in each st around [18]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. **Do not stuff.** Flatten and sew to sides of head at Rnds 3-6.

---

### BODY

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]

**Rnd 6:** (4 sc, inc) around [36]  
*(Verification: 6 repeats × 6 sts = 36 ✓)*

**Rnds 7-12:** sc in each st around [36]  
*(6 even rounds)*

**Rnd 13:** (4 sc, dec) around [30]

**Rnd 14:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]

**Begin stuffing body firmly.**

**Rnd 15:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]

**Rnd 16:** (sc, dec) around [12]

**Rnd 17:** dec around [6]

**Finish stuffing.** Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close hole.

---

### ARMS (Make 2)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3:** sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, dec) around [9]  
*(Verification: 3 repeats × 3 sts = 9, 12 - 3 = 9 ✓)*

**Rnds 5-12:** sc in each st around [9]  
*(8 even rounds for arm length)*

**Stuff arm lightly** (leave top unstuffed for easier sewing). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten opening and sew to sides of body at Rnd 13-14.

---

### LEGS (Make 2)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]

**Rnd 4:** sc in back loops only in each st around [18]  
*(This creates a small ridge for the foot)*

**Rnds 5-6:** sc in each st around [18]

**Rnd 7:** (sc, dec) around [12]

**Rnd 8:** (2 sc, dec) around [9]

**Begin stuffing leg firmly.**

**Rnds 9-13:** sc in each st around [9]  
*(5 even rounds for leg length)*

**Finish stuffing leg** (leave top unstuffed). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten opening and sew to bottom of body at Rnd 16-17.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Prepare pieces:** Weave in any interior ends. Ensure all pieces are stuffed to desired firmness.

**Step 2 - Attach muzzle:** Pin muzzle to center front of head, positioned between eyes and slightly below (approximately Rnds 11-14). Add light stuffing if needed. Sew around edges using whip stitch or mattress stitch.

**Step 3 - Attach ears:** Flatten ear openings. Pin ears to sides of head at approximately Rnds 3-6, angled slightly outward and upward. Sew securely along the flattened edge.

**Step 4 - Attach head to body:** Position head on top of body, ensuring it's centered and facing forward. Pin in place. Sew around the circumference using whip stitch, adding extra stuffing to neck area if needed for stability.

**Step 5 - Attach arms:** Position arms at sides of body at approximately Rnd 13-14 (upper body). Pin to check placement and symmetry. Sew securely, stitching through both the flattened arm opening and the body.

**Step 6 - Attach legs:** Position legs at bottom front of body at approximately Rnd 16-17. Ensure bear can sit upright when positioned. Pin and sew securely.

---

## FINISHING

**Embroidered Features:**

**Nose:** Using black embroidery thread or yarn, create a small triangular nose on the muzzle. Make several horizontal stitches to form an inverted triangle shape.

**Mouth:** From the bottom point of the nose, embroider a straight vertical line down (about 3-4 stitches long), then create a slight smile by stitching curved lines extending from the bottom on each side.

**Optional Details:**
- Embroider eyebrows above safety eyes for more expression
- Add small blush circles with pink yarn or chalk
- Tie a ribbon bow around neck for decoration

**Final Steps:**
1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely
2. Trim excess yarn close to work
3. Gently shape bear and adjust limbs as desired
4. If needed, use a soft brush to fluff any fuzzy yarn

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations:**
- **Smaller bear (4-5"):** Use DK weight yarn with smaller hook (US D-3 / 3.25mm)
- **Larger bear (9-10"):** Use bulky weight yarn with larger hook (US H-8 / 5mm)

**Color Options:**
- Classic brown or tan
- White for polar bear
- Black for panda (add white muzzle and ears)
- Pink or blue for pastel teddy
- Multiple colors for rainbow bear

**Accessories:**
- Crochet a small scarf (chain desired length, sc in each ch)
- Make a tiny heart to hold (use template heart pattern)
- Add embroidered paw pads to feet and hands
- Create a small vest or sweater

**Expression Variations:**
- Position eyes closer together for younger look
- Place eyes farther apart for wider, friendlier appearance
- Embroider closed eyes for sleepy bear
- Add small white highlights to safety eyes with white thread

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches:** Your tension may be too loose. Try going down a hook size or working more tightly.

**Pieces won't stay attached:** Make sure to sew through multiple stitches and rows. Double back over your stitching for extra security.

**Bear won't sit upright:** Add more stuffing to bottom of body for weight, or position legs slightly forward when sewing.

**Head wobbles:** Add extra stuffing in the neck area between head and body when assembling.

**Uneven shaping:** Make sure to count stitches carefully in each round. Use stitch marker consistently.

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap
- If using safety eyes, this toy is suitable for children 3+
- For babies/toddlers, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes
- Check stitching periodically and reinforce if needed
- Not recommended for machine washing (hand wash gently if necessary and air dry)

---

**Pattern Design Note:** This teddy bear uses basic sphere and cylinder shapes from the simple amigurumi toy template, adapted specifically for a classic bear design. The construction is beginner-friendly, using only single crochet, increases, and decreases throughout. Total project time: approximately 4-6 hours.

---

*Pattern tested and verified. All stitch counts mathematically confirmed. Enjoy making your teddy bear!*