purlJam

# Classic Knitted Bear Amigurumi

**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Finished Size:** Approximately 22 cm (8.5 in) tall standing.

## Pattern Notes
This pattern is designed to be knitted **in the round** using Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) or the Magic Loop method. This technique creates a seamless fabric similar to crochet amigurumi.
*   **Fabric Density:** It is crucial to knit tightly so the stuffing does not show through. If your fabric is loose, go down a needle size.
*   **Stuffing:** Stuff firmly as you go, particularly the limbs and neck area.

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran weight) wool or acrylic blend.
    *   Main Colour (MC): approx. 120 metres (Brown/Grey/Tan).
    *   Contrast Colour (CC): small amount for muzzle (Cream/White).
*   **Needles:** 3.5 mm (US 4) set of DPNs or circular needle for Magic Loop. (Or size needed to obtain tension).
*   **Notions:**
    *   Tapestry needle (darning needle).
    *   Toy stuffing (polyester fibre fill).
    *   Stitch marker.
    *   12 mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidery).
    *   Black embroidery thread for nose/mouth.

## Tension (Gauge)
24 stitches and 30 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch (worked in the round).
*Note: Tension is not critical for fit, but essential for fabric density.*

## Abbreviations (UK Terms)
*   **k:** knit
*   **kfb:** knit into front and back of next stitch (increase 1)
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (decrease 1, right-leaning)
*   **ssk:** slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (decrease 1, left-leaning)
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **rem:** remaining
*   **rep:** repeat

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## Instructions

### Head
*Worked from the nose to the back of the head.*
Using **CC** (Muzzle colour), cast on 6 sts. Distribute over needles and join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for start of round.

*   **Rnd 1:** Knit all sts. [6 sts]
*   **Rnd 2:** (Kfb) in every st. [6 + 6 = 12 sts]
*   **Rnd 3:** (K1, kfb) rep to end. [12 + 6 = 18 sts]
*   **Rnd 4:** Knit all sts.
*   **Rnd 5:** (K2, kfb) rep to end. [18 + 6 = 24 sts]
*   **Rnd 6:** Knit all sts.

*Change to **MC** (Main Body Colour).*

*   **Rnd 7:** (K3, kfb) rep to end. [24 + 6 = 30 sts]
*   **Rnd 8:** (K4, kfb) rep to end. [30 + 6 = 36 sts]
*   **Rnd 9:** (K5, kfb) rep to end. [36 + 6 = 42 sts]
*   **Rnd 10:** (K6, kfb) rep to end. [42 + 6 = 48 sts]
*   **Rnds 11–22:** Knit straight (12 rounds).

*Note: If using safety eyes, insert them now between Rnds 13 and 14, spaced approx. 9 sts apart.*

*   **Rnd 23:** (K6, k2tog) rep to end. [48 - 6 = 42 sts]
*   **Rnd 24:** (K5, k2tog) rep to end. [42 - 6 = 36 sts]
*   **Rnd 25:** (K4, k2tog) rep to end. [36 - 6 = 30 sts]
*   **Rnd 26:** (K3, k2tog) rep to end. [30 - 6 = 24 sts]
*   **Rnd 27:** (K2, k2tog) rep to end. [24 - 6 = 18 sts]
*   **Rnd 28:** (K1, k2tog) rep to end. [18 - 6 = 12 sts]
*   **Rnd 29:** (K2tog) rep to end. [12 - 6 = 6 sts]

Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 6 sts, pull tight to close the back of the head. Fasten off. Stuff head firmly through the muzzle opening (if not already done) or manipulate stuffing to ensure roundness. Note: The muzzle end is the cast-on edge; tighten the starting tail to close the hole.

### Body
*Worked from bottom up.*
Using **MC**, cast on 12 sts. Join in the round.

*   **Rnd 1:** (Kfb) in every st. [12 + 12 = 24 sts]
*   **Rnd 2:** (K1, kfb) rep to end. [24 + 12 = 36 sts]
*   **Rnd 3:** (K5, kfb) rep to end. [36 + 6 = 42 sts]
*   **Rnds 4–18:** Knit straight (15 rounds). [42 sts]
*   **Rnd 19:** (K5, k2tog) rep to end. [42 - 6 = 36 sts]
*   **Rnds 20–22:** Knit straight.
*   **Rnd 23:** (K4, k2tog) rep to end. [36 - 6 = 30 sts]
*   **Rnds 24–26:** Knit straight.
*   **Rnd 27:** (K3, k2tog) rep to end. [30 - 6 = 24 sts]
*   **Rnds 28–30:** Knit straight.
*   **Rnd 31:** (K2, k2tog) rep to end. [24 - 6 = 18 sts]
*   **Rnd 32:** Knit all sts.

Cast off loosely. Leave a long tail (approx. 30 cm) for sewing the head to the body. Stuff body firmly.

### Legs (Make 2)
Using **MC**, cast on 12 sts. Join in the round.

*   **Rnd 1:** (Kfb) in every st. [12 + 12 = 24 sts]
*   **Rnds 2–5:** Knit straight (forms the foot). [24 sts]
*   **Rnd 6:** K8, (k2tog) 4 times, k8. [24 - 4 = 20 sts] (Creates curve for top of foot).
*   **Rnd 7:** K8, (k2tog) 2 times, k8. [20 - 2 = 18 sts]
*   **Rnds 8–22:** Knit straight (15 rounds).
*   **Rnd 23:** (K1, k2tog) rep to end. [18 - 6 = 12 sts]
*   **Rnd 24:** (K2tog) rep to end. [12 - 6 = 6 sts]

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight. Stuff leg firmly.

### Arms (Make 2)
Using **MC**, cast on 10 sts. Join in the round.

*   **Rnd 1:** (Kfb) in every st. [10 + 10 = 20 sts]
*   **Rnds 2–16:** Knit straight (15 rounds). [20 sts]
*   **Rnd 17:** (K2, k2tog) rep to end. [20 - 5 = 15 sts]
*   **Rnds 18–20:** Knit straight.
*   **Rnd 21:** (K1, k2tog) rep to end. [15 - 5 = 10 sts]

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight. Stuff arm lightly at the top (so they lie flat against body) and firmly at the hand.

### Ears (Make 2)
Using **MC**, cast on 12 sts. Do not join (work flat for the first row to ease tension, then join, or work flat entirely). *Instruction below is for working flat to create a curve.*

*   **Row 1 (RS):** Knit.
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
*   **Row 3:** K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. [12 - 2 = 10 sts]
*   **Row 4:** Purl.
*   **Row 5:** K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. [10 - 2 = 8 sts]
*   **Row 6:** Purl.
*   **Row 7:** K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. [8 - 2 = 6 sts]

Cast off. Curve the cast-on edge to form a C-shape when sewing.

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## Assembly

1.  **Face:** Before attaching the head, embroider the nose and mouth on the muzzle (CC area) using black embroidery thread. A 'Y' shape works well for the mouth.
2.  **Head to Body:** Using the long tail from the body neck, sew the body to the underside of the head (approx Rnds 9-14 of the head). Add extra stuffing into the neck gap before closing the seam completely to prevent a "floppy head."
3.  **Limbs:**
    *   Pin legs to the bottom of the body, slightly forward-facing so the bear can sit. Sew firmly using mattress stitch.
    *   Pin arms to the sides of the body, approx. 3 rounds below the neck seam. Sew in place.
4.  **Ears:** Sew ears to the top of the head (approx. Rnd 18-20), curving them slightly.
5.  **Finishing:** Weave in all loose ends. Massage the toy to shape the stuffing evenly.