purlJam

# Jumbo Teddy Bear Amigurumi

A cuddly oversized teddy bear that works up quickly in bulky weight yarn! This huggable friend stands approximately 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) tall when seated.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Bulky weight yarn (Category 5), approximately 800-900 yards (730-825 m)
  - Main Color (MC): 750 yards for bear body
  - Contrast Color (CC): 50 yards for muzzle (or use MC for single-color bear)
  - Suggested yarns: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, Bernat Blanket, Premier Parfait Chunky

**Hook:**
- US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)

**Other Supplies:**
- 24mm safety eyes (1 pair)
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Fiberfill stuffing (approximately 2-3 lbs)
- Scissors

## GAUGE

10 sc x 11 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds)

*Gauge is important for size consistency. A tighter gauge is preferred to prevent stuffing from showing through.*

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- BLO = back loop only
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets
- ( ) = total stitch count at end of round

## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.
- Do not join or turn unless instructed.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before decreasing rounds.
- Count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy.
- For a seamless look, use invisible decreases and finish with invisible finish.

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD

**Rnd 1:** Start with magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2:** [Inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3:** [Sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4:** [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 5:** [Sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 6:** [Sc 4, inc] 6 times (36)  
**Rnd 7:** [Sc 5, inc] 6 times (42)  
**Rnd 8:** [Sc 6, inc] 6 times (48)  
**Rnd 9:** [Sc 7, inc] 6 times (54)  
**Rnd 10:** [Sc 8, inc] 6 times (60)  
*Check: 6 increases per round, 60 sts = correct*

**Rnds 11-24:** Sc in each st around (60) — *14 rounds even*

**Rnd 25:** [Sc 8, dec] 6 times (54)  
**Rnd 26:** [Sc 7, dec] 6 times (48)  
**Rnd 27:** [Sc 6, dec] 6 times (42)  

*STOP: Insert safety eyes between Rnds 17-18, approximately 8-9 stitches apart. Secure backings.*

**Rnd 28:** [Sc 5, dec] 6 times (36)  
*Begin stuffing head firmly.*

**Rnd 29:** [Sc 4, dec] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 30:** [Sc 3, dec] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 31:** [Sc 2, dec] 6 times (18)  
*Stuff head very firmly, shaping as needed.*

**Rnd 32:** [Sc 1, dec] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 33:** [Dec] 6 times (6)  

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use tapestry needle to weave through remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

### MUZZLE

With CC (or MC):

**Rnd 1:** Start with magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2:** [Inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3:** [Sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4:** [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 5:** [Sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnds 6-8:** Sc in each st around (30) — *3 rounds even*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly. Set aside for assembly.

### EARS (Make 2)

**Rnd 1:** Start with magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2:** [Inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3:** [Sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4:** [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnds 5-7:** Sc in each st around (24) — *3 rounds even*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten ears and set aside.

### BODY

**Rnd 1:** Start with magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2:** [Inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3:** [Sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4:** [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 5:** [Sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 6:** [Sc 4, inc] 6 times (36)  
**Rnd 7:** [Sc 5, inc] 6 times (42)  
**Rnd 8:** [Sc 6, inc] 6 times (48)  
**Rnd 9:** [Sc 7, inc] 6 times (54)  
*Check: 54 sts = correct*

**Rnds 10-28:** Sc in each st around (54) — *19 rounds even*

**Rnd 29:** [Sc 7, dec] 6 times (48)  
**Rnd 30:** Sc in each st around (48)  
**Rnd 31:** [Sc 6, dec] 6 times (42)  
**Rnd 32:** Sc in each st around (42)  
*Begin stuffing body firmly.*

**Rnd 33:** [Sc 5, dec] 6 times (36)  
**Rnd 34:** [Sc 4, dec] 6 times (30)  
**Rnd 35:** [Sc 3, dec] 6 times (24)  
*Stuff body very firmly.*

**Rnd 36:** [Sc 2, dec] 6 times (18)  

Fasten off, leaving a very long tail (at least 24 inches) for attaching head. Set aside.

### ARMS (Make 2)

**Rnd 1:** Start with magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2:** [Inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3:** [Sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4:** [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnds 5-8:** Sc in each st around (24) — *4 rounds even*

**Rnd 9:** [Sc 2, dec] 6 times (18)  
**Rnds 10-24:** Sc in each st around (18) — *15 rounds even*

*Stuff paw section (first 9 rounds) firmly. Stuff arm moderately, leaving top portion slightly less stuffed for easier sewing.*

**Rnd 25:** [Sc 1, dec] 6 times (12)  

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten opening slightly and set aside.

### LEGS (Make 2)

**Rnd 1:** Start with magic ring, 6 sc in ring (6)  
**Rnd 2:** [Inc] 6 times (12)  
**Rnd 3:** [Sc 1, inc] 6 times (18)  
**Rnd 4:** [Sc 2, inc] 6 times (24)  
**Rnd 5:** [Sc 3, inc] 6 times (30)  
**Rnds 6-10:** Sc in each st around (30) — *5 rounds even*

**Rnd 11:** [Sc 3, dec] 6 times (24)  
**Rnds 12-26:** Sc in each st around (24) — *15 rounds even*

*Stuff foot section (first 11 rounds) very firmly. Stuff leg firmly, leaving top portion slightly less stuffed.*

**Rnd 27:** [Sc 2, dec] 6 times (18)  

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Set aside.

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Attach Muzzle**  
Position muzzle centered on face, below and between safety eyes (approximately Rnds 19-24). Pin in place. Using tapestry needle and long tail, whipstitch around edge of muzzle to head. Weave in ends securely.

**Step 2: Attach Ears**  
Position ears on top of head, approximately Rnds 5-10, spaced evenly on either side of center. Flatten bottom edge of each ear and sew across the base, slightly pinching to create cupped shape. Sew securely and weave in ends.

**Step 3: Embroider Face Details**  
Using black yarn or embroidery floss:
- Embroider nose as inverted triangle in center of muzzle
- Embroider mouth line down from nose and curved smile
- Optional: Add eyebrow stitches above eyes for expression

**Step 4: Attach Head to Body**  
Position head on body opening. Using long tail from body, whipstitch all around, going through stitches of both head and body. Add more stuffing to neck area if needed before closing completely. Sew around twice for security. Weave in ends.

**Step 5: Attach Arms**  
Position arms on sides of body at Rnds 2-3 down from neck. Pin in place. Sew around opening of each arm to body securely, using whipstitch or ladder stitch. Ensure arms are positioned symmetrically.

**Step 6: Attach Legs**  
Position legs at bottom front of body for seated position. Pin in place. Sew around opening of each leg to body securely. Legs should angle slightly forward for stable sitting.

**Step 7: Final Check**  
- Verify all pieces are securely attached
- Check for any visible stuffing and add more if needed
- Weave in any remaining ends
- Shape bear as desired

## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Give your bear a gentle shape adjustment. Optional: Tie a ribbon around neck, add bow tie, or create small accessories.

## SIZE & CARE

**Finished Size:** Approximately 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) tall when seated, 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) head to toe

**Care Instructions:** Spot clean only. If machine washable yarn is used, consider hand washing in cold water and air drying flat, but safety eyes may rust. Supervise children during play if under age 3 due to safety eye choking hazard.

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Color Variations:** Create a brown bear, polar bear (white), panda (white with black patches), or rainbow bear
- **Expressions:** Change eye placement for different looks
- **Accessories:** Add bow tie, scarf, vest, or small props
- **Size Adjustment:** Use worsted weight yarn with smaller hook for medium bear, or super bulky yarn for extra jumbo version

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**Pattern Notes:** This pattern has been technically verified for stitch count accuracy at each round. Each increase round adds 6 stitches, and each decrease round removes 6 stitches from the previous count.

*Designed for intermediate crocheters comfortable with amigurumi techniques, working in the round, and assembly.*