purlJam

# Grizzly Bear Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

**Skill Level**: Beginner  
**Finished Size**: Approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) tall when made with specified yarn

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**:
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in brown (approximately 50-60 yards)
- Small amount of lighter brown or tan for muzzle (optional - can use same brown)
- Small amount of black for nose and eyes (if embroidering)

**Suggested Yarn**: Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend (Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar)

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing and embroidery
- Stitch marker
- 6mm safety eyes (2) OR black embroidery thread
- Scissors
- Pins (for assembly)

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## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for amigurumi, but working tightly is important to prevent stuffing from showing through.

**Suggested Gauge**: 18-20 sc and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet

**Gauge Note**: Your hook should be 1-2 sizes smaller than the yarn label recommends to create a tight, firm fabric.

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## SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES

**Magic ring (mr)**: Adjustable loop to start working in the round

**Invisible decrease (dec)**: Insert hook in front loops only of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook. This creates a smoother decrease than standard sc2tog.

**Working in continuous rounds**: Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- All pieces are worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted
- Numbers in brackets [ ] indicate total stitch count at end of round
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go - it's difficult to add stuffing after closing
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through stitches

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### 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: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 6-10**: sc around [30]  
*5 rounds of even stitches*

**Rnd 11**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 12**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Insert safety eyes between Rnds 9 and 10, approximately 6-7 stitches apart** (or mark placement for embroidered eyes).

**Stuff head firmly.**

**Rnd 13**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

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### 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: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: sc around [18]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (muzzle should be slightly flat/oval shaped, not round).

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### EARS (make 2)

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

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

**Rnds 3-4**: sc around [12]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten opening and pinch closed.

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### 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: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnds 5-11**: sc around [24]  
*7 rounds of even stitches*

**Rnd 12**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Stuff body firmly.**

**Rnd 13**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

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### 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 3-8**: sc around [12]  
*6 rounds of even stitches*

**Stuff lightly** (arms should be flexible, not stiff).

**Rnd 9**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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### 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: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats; 3 × 5 = 15 ✓*

**Rnds 4-7**: sc around [15]  
*4 rounds of even stitches*

**Stuff firmly** (legs need to support the bear).

**Rnd 8**: (3 sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 15 ÷ 5 = 3 repeats; 3 × 4 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 9**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

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## ASSEMBLY

Use pins to position pieces before sewing for best results.

1. **Attach muzzle to head**: Position muzzle centered on lower half of head, below eyes. The top edge should be approximately at the same level as the eyes. Sew around edge using whip stitch, adding tiny bit more stuffing if needed before closing completely.

2. **Embroider nose**: Using black yarn, embroider a small triangle or oval nose at the top center of the muzzle. Add a vertical line down from nose (about 3-4 stitches long) for mouth line if desired.

3. **Attach ears**: Position ears on top of head, approximately Rnds 2-4 from top, spaced about 8-10 stitches apart. Sew flat edge of ears to head securely.

4. **Attach head to body**: Position head centered on top of body. The back of head should align with back of body. Sew securely around entire neck join, going around at least twice for strength.

5. **Attach arms**: Position arms on sides of body at approximately Rnd 3-4 from top (just below neck join). Sew closed end of arms to body, stitching through several times for security. Arms should point slightly forward.

6. **Attach legs**: Position legs at bottom of body, spaced evenly. Legs can be positioned sitting (attached to bottom/front) or standing (attached to bottom at sides). Sew securely, going through join multiple times.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all remaining ends** securely, making sure to weave through several stitches to prevent unraveling.

2. **If you used embroidery thread for eyes** instead of safety eyes, embroider two circles between Rnds 9-10 of head, approximately 6-7 stitches apart. Use satin stitch or multiple French knots for solid eyes.

3. **Optional details**:
   - Add tiny claws by making small straight stitches in black yarn at end of arms and legs
   - Add inner ear detail with lighter brown yarn in center of each ear
   - Embroider eyebrows for expression
   - Brush finished bear gently to fluff up any fuzzy yarn fibers

4. **Check all joins** by gently tugging on each piece to ensure secure attachment.

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## SIZING VARIATIONS

**For a larger bear (6-7 inches)**:
- Use bulky weight yarn (5) with 5mm hook
- OR add 1-2 more increase rounds to each piece and add 2-3 more even rounds to head and body

**For a smaller bear (2-3 inches/keychain size)**:
- Use DK weight yarn (3) with 2.75mm hook
- Reduce number of even rounds by 2 in head and body
- Reduce number of rounds in limbs by 2

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Different bear species**: Use black yarn for black bear, white/cream for polar bear, or reddish-brown for cinnamon bear
- **Baby bear**: Make head and body same size (both increase to 24 sts max) for cuter proportions
- **Accessories**: Add a small crocheted scarf or bow
- **Sitting vs. standing**: Adjust leg position during assembly

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Stuffing shows through stitches  
**Solution**: Work more tightly, or use a smaller hook size

**Problem**: Head wobbles on body  
**Solution**: Sew around join 2-3 times for extra security; add extra stitches through both pieces

**Problem**: Bear won't sit/stand properly  
**Solution**: Add more stuffing to body and legs; position legs further apart during assembly

**Problem**: Pieces are different sizes  
**Solution**: Check that you're counting stitches correctly; use stitch markers; maintain consistent tension

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap
- Air dry completely
- If using machine-washable yarn without safety eyes, can be machine washed in mesh bag on gentle cycle and air dried
- **Warning**: If safety eyes are used, this toy is not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazard

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- dec = invisible decrease (see Special Stitches)
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- mr = magic ring
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- sc = single crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)

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**Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. Take your time and count stitches carefully!**

*This grizzly bear makes a perfect gift, nursery decoration, or first amigurumi project. Enjoy creating your cuddly companion!*