purlJam

# Classic Teddy Bear Amigurumi Pattern

A sweet and simple bear perfect for beginners! This cuddly friend uses only basic amigurumi techniques and creates a classic teddy bear approximately 5-6 inches tall.

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in main color (approximately 100-120 yards)
  - Suggested: Tan, brown, cream, or gray for classic bear
- Small amount of contrasting color for muzzle (optional - can use main color)

**Other Supplies:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- 9mm safety eyes (2) OR black embroidery thread
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Pins (helpful for assembly)

## Gauge
Approximately 5-6 sc and 6 rounds = 1 inch in single crochet
*Gauge is not critical, but tighter tension creates a firmer toy with less stuffing visible*

## Finished Size
Approximately 5-6 inches tall when sitting, 4 inches wide

## Special Stitches & 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, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- **st(s)** - stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** - round(s)
- **[ ]** - total stitch count at end of round

## Pattern Notes
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Use stitch marker to track beginning of round.
- Do not join or turn unless instructed.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, but not so tight that stitches separate.
- Use invisible decrease for smoothest finish.

---

## HEAD

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

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

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

**Rnds 6-11:** sc in each st around [30]
*(6 rounds even)*

**Rnd 12:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

*If using safety eyes, insert now between Rnds 9-10, approximately 7-8 sts apart. Secure backs.*

**Rnd 13:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing head firmly.**

**Rnd 14:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 ✓*

**Add more stuffing, filling completely.**

**Rnd 15:** dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 1 st = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

---

## BODY

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

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

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

**Rnds 6-12:** sc in each st around [30]
*(7 rounds even)*

**Rnd 13:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly.**

**Rnd 15:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 ✓*

**Add more stuffing.**

**Rnd 16:** dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 1 st = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to head. Do not close opening yet (will attach to head).

---

## ARMS (Make 2)

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 3-10:** sc in each st around [12]
*(8 rounds even)*

**Stuff arm lightly** (not too firm, so it's poseable).

**Rnd 11:** dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 1 st = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten opening and sew closed.

---

## LEGS (Make 2)

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (3 sc, inc) around [15]
*Math check: 3 repeats × 5 sts = 15 ✓*

**Rnds 4-9:** sc in each st around [15]
*(6 rounds even)*

**Stuff leg firmly.**

**Rnd 10:** (3 sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 3 repeats × 4 sts = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 11:** dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 1 st = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Thread tail through remaining sts and pull tight to close.

---

## EARS (Make 2)

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** sc in each st around [18]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. **Do not stuff.** Flatten ear and pinch bottom together slightly to create curved ear shape.

---

## MUZZLE

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

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** sc in each st around [18]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. **Stuff very lightly** (just enough to give shape, not puffy).

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Attach Head to Body**
- Position head opening over body opening (body's last round).
- Pin in place to ensure centered alignment.
- Using yarn needle and long tail from body, whip stitch or mattress stitch head to body, going through both layers.
- Add extra stuffing to neck area if needed before completing seam.

**Step 2: Attach Muzzle**
- Position muzzle on front of head, centered between eyes (or where eyes will be), approximately at Rnds 10-12.
- Pin in place.
- Sew around edge using whip stitch and long tail from muzzle.
- Note: The muzzle will be slightly oval/flattened when sewn - this is correct!

**Step 3: Attach Ears**
- Position ears on top sides of head, approximately at Rnds 4-6, about 6-8 sts apart.
- Pin in place with flattened edge against head.
- Sew bottom curved edge of ear to head using whip stitch.
- Curve ears slightly forward for classic teddy look.

**Step 4: Attach Arms**
- Position arms on upper sides of body, approximately at Rnds 3-4 of body.
- Arms should point slightly forward.
- Sew flattened end of arm to body securely, stitching through body slightly so arm is firmly attached.

**Step 5: Attach Legs**
- Position legs at bottom front of body for sitting position.
- Legs should angle slightly outward.
- Sew top of legs to bottom of body (Rnds 13-15), allowing bear to sit.

---

## FINISHING

**Embroidered Features:**

**Eyes (if not using safety eyes):**
- Using black yarn or embroidery thread, make French knots or satin stitch circles between Rnds 9-10, approximately 7-8 sts apart.

**Nose:**
- Using black yarn, embroider small triangle or oval on center of muzzle.
- Option 1: Satin stitch (fill in shape completely)
- Option 2: Outline with backstitch

**Mouth (optional):**
- Using black yarn, make straight stitch down from nose (about 2-3 rows).
- Add curved lines from bottom for smile, or leave simple.

**Final Details:**
- Weave in all remaining ends securely.
- Trim any excess yarn.
- Gently brush bear to fluff up any fuzzy yarn fibers.
- Give your bear a squeeze to settle stuffing!

---

## Customization Ideas

**Size Variations:**
- **Smaller bear (3-4")**: Use DK weight yarn with 3mm hook, reduce max stitch counts (head to 24, body to 24)
- **Larger bear (7-8")**: Use bulky yarn with 5mm hook, or add extra increase rounds

**Color Ideas:**
- **Classic brown bear**: Tan or brown with cream muzzle
- **Panda bear**: Black body/ears with white head/muzzle
- **Polar bear**: All white or cream
- **Rainbow bear**: Each body part a different bright color

**Embellishments:**
- Add small bow around neck
- Embroider heart on chest
- Stitch on felt paw pads to bottom of feet and hands
- Add blush to cheeks with pink embroidery thread or fabric marker

---

## Troubleshooting

**Stuffing shows through stitches:**
- Work with tighter tension
- Use smaller hook size
- Use darker stuffing or match stuffing color to yarn

**Bear won't sit up:**
- Add more stuffing to bottom of body for weight
- Position legs more forward
- Add small amount of plastic pellets to bottom before stuffing (for weight)

**Head wobbles:**
- Add more stuffing at neck
- Use more stitches when attaching head to body
- Go around connection twice for reinforcement

**Parts look uneven:**
- Always use stitch marker to track rounds
- Count stitches at end of each round
- Block finished bear lightly with steam if needed

---

## Care Instructions
- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- If using safety eyes: Not suitable for children under 3 years
- If fully embroidered: Hand wash in cool water, air dry flat

---

**Pattern by: Pattern Designer**
**Skill Level: Beginner**
**Time to Complete: 3-4 hours**

Enjoy your adorable handmade teddy bear! Perfect for gifting or adding to your amigurumi collection. 🧸