purlJam

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# 🐻 Knitted Bear Amigurumi

**A beginner-friendly knitted soft toy bear, worked in the round**

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Piece | Approximate Size |
|---|---|
| Head diameter | ~2¾ inches (7 cm) |
| Body height | ~4 inches (10 cm) |
| Body width | ~3 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Arm length | ~2¼ inches (5.5 cm) |
| Leg length | ~3 inches (7.5 cm) |
| **Bear height (assembled)** | **~9–10 inches (23–25 cm)** |

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards (185 m) total in main color (MC)
  - *Optional:* A small amount of a contrasting color (CC) for the inner ears and snout — approx. 20 yards (18 m)
  - *Suggested fibers:* Acrylic or wool blend for easy care and good stitch definition
- **Needles:** US 5 / 3.75 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 4 or 5; *or* 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for Magic Loop method
  > *Note: Using a needle 2–3 sizes smaller than the yarn label recommends creates a tighter fabric that holds stuffing in and gives the bear a firm shape. This is standard practice for amigurumi.*
- **Notions:**
  - 2 safety eyes, 9 mm or 12 mm diameter
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing, approx. 1–2 oz (30–60 g)
  - Stitch markers (at least 3–4)
  - Yarn needle (blunt tapestry needle)
  - Scissors
  - Black embroidery floss or scrap of black yarn for nose and mouth
  - Sewing pins (helpful for assembly)

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## GAUGE

**22 sts × 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch, worked in the round on US 5 / 3.75 mm needles.

> *Gauge is not critical for a toy — your bear may be slightly larger or smaller than stated. However, ensure your fabric is dense enough that stuffing does not show through the stitches. If stuffing is visible, try going down one needle size.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| kfb | knit into the front and back of the same stitch (1 st increased to 2 sts) |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased) |
| k3tog | knit 3 stitches together (2 sts decreased) |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| PM | place marker |
| SM | slip marker |
| MC | main color |
| CC | contrasting color |
| BO | bind off |
| CO | cast on |

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## CONSTRUCTION NOTES

- All pieces are worked in **stockinette stitch in the round** (knit every round) except the ears, which are worked **flat in garter stitch** (knit every row).
- Each piece begins with a **backward loop cast-on** of 6 sts distributed across DPNs (2 sts per needle on 3 needles), then joined to work in the round.
- A **stitch marker** placed at the beginning of each round is strongly recommended.
- Pieces are **stuffed and then seamed together** at the end.
- **Safety eyes must be inserted BEFORE closing the head.** Do not skip this step! Once the head is closed, it is very difficult to add them.
- All stitch counts at the end of each round are noted in **[brackets]** for easy verification.

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

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### PIECE 1: HEAD
*Make 1 in MC*

**Setup:** CO 6 sts. Distribute evenly over DPNs (or use Magic Loop). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. PM for beginning of round.

- **Rnd 1:** (kfb) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 2:** (kfb, k1) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnd 3:** (kfb, k2) 6 times. **[24 sts]**
- **Rnd 4:** (kfb, k3) 6 times. **[30 sts]**
- **Rnd 5:** (kfb, k4) 6 times. **[36 sts]**
- **Rnd 6:** (kfb, k5) 6 times. **[42 sts]**
- **Rnd 7:** (kfb, k6) 6 times. **[48 sts]**
- **Rnds 8–15:** Knit all sts. (8 rounds even) **[48 sts]**

> ✂️ **SAFETY EYE PLACEMENT — Do this now!**
> After completing Rnd 15 (or between Rnds 12–15 as you prefer), turn the piece inside out temporarily if needed and insert safety eyes. Position them roughly on **Rnd 12**, approximately **6–8 sts apart** (about 1¼–1½ inches apart). Secure the washers firmly on the inside. Once you are happy with the placement, continue.

- **Rnd 16:** (k2tog, k6) 6 times. **[42 sts]**
- **Rnd 17:** (k2tog, k5) 6 times. **[36 sts]**
- **Rnd 18:** (k2tog, k4) 6 times. **[30 sts]**
- **Rnd 19:** (k2tog, k3) 6 times. **[24 sts]**

> 🧸 **Stuff the head now!** Fill firmly and evenly with polyester fiberfill. The head should feel solid and hold its round shape. Add more stuffing as you continue decreasing.

- **Rnd 20:** (k2tog, k2) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnd 21:** (k2tog, k1) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 22:** (k2tog) 6 times. **[6 sts]**

**Finishing:** Break yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle. Run needle through the remaining 6 sts and remove from knitting needles. Pull snugly to close the hole. Weave in end on the inside. Set head aside.

> *Math check: 6→12→18→24→30→36→42→48 (increase), 8 even rounds, 48→42→36→30→24→18→12→6 (decrease). ✓*

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### PIECE 2: BODY
*Make 1 in MC*

**Setup:** CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round. PM.

- **Rnd 1:** (kfb) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 2:** (kfb, k1) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnd 3:** (kfb, k2) 6 times. **[24 sts]**
- **Rnd 4:** (kfb, k3) 6 times. **[30 sts]**
- **Rnd 5:** (kfb, k4) 6 times. **[36 sts]**
- **Rnd 6:** (kfb, k5) 6 times. **[42 sts]**
- **Rnd 7:** (kfb, k6) 6 times. **[48 sts]**
- **Rnd 8:** (kfb, k7) 6 times. **[54 sts]**
- **Rnds 9–20:** Knit all sts. (12 rounds even) **[54 sts]**
- **Rnd 21:** (k2tog, k7) 6 times. **[48 sts]**
- **Rnd 22:** (k2tog, k6) 6 times. **[42 sts]**
- **Rnd 23:** (k2tog, k5) 6 times. **[36 sts]**
- **Rnd 24:** (k2tog, k4) 6 times. **[30 sts]**

> 🧸 **Stuff the body now!** Fill firmly. The body should be plump and egg-shaped.

- **Rnd 25:** (k2tog, k3) 6 times. **[24 sts]**
- **Rnd 26:** (k2tog, k2) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnd 27:** (k2tog, k1) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 28:** (k2tog) 6 times. **[6 sts]**

**Finishing:** Break yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts and close as for Head. The closed end will be the **top** of the body (where the head attaches). The cast-on end (with the small starting hole) will be the **bottom** of the body.

> *Math check: 6→12→18→24→30→36→42→48→54 (increase), 12 even rounds, 54→48→42→36→30→24→18→12→6 (decrease). ✓*

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### PIECE 3: ARMS
*Make 2 in MC*

**Setup:** CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round. PM.

- **Rnd 1:** (kfb) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 2:** (kfb, k1) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnds 3–16:** Knit all sts. (14 rounds even) **[18 sts]**

**Finishing:** Stuff lightly — arms should be soft and flexible, not rigid. Leave the top of the arm open. Bind off loosely, or leave sts live on a holder. This open top will be seamed flat against the body. 

> *Tip: Pinching the top of the arm flat before seaming creates a more natural arm shape.*

> *Math check: 6→12→18 (increase), 14 even rounds. ✓ Approximately 2¼ inches (5.5 cm) long.*

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### PIECE 4: LEGS
*Make 2 in MC*

**Setup:** CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round. PM.

- **Rnd 1:** (kfb) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 2:** (kfb, k1) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnd 3:** (kfb, k2) 6 times. **[24 sts]**
- **Rnds 4–20:** Knit all sts. (17 rounds even) **[24 sts]**

**Finishing:** Stuff firmly — legs need to support the bear when positioned. Leave the top open and bind off loosely. The rounded cast-on end is the **foot**; the open end attaches to the body.

> *Math check: 6→12→18→24 (increase), 17 even rounds. ✓ Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.*

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### PIECE 5: EARS
*Make 2*
*Work in MC, or use CC for a pop of color*

These are worked **flat** (back and forth) in **garter stitch** (knit every row).

**Setup:** CO 3 sts.

- **Row 1 (RS):** kfb, k1, kfb. **[5 sts]**
- **Row 2 (WS):** Knit. **[5 sts]**
- **Row 3:** kfb, k3, kfb. **[7 sts]**
- **Row 4:** Knit. **[7 sts]**
- **Row 5:** kfb, k5, kfb. **[9 sts]**
- **Rows 6–8:** Knit 3 rows even. **[9 sts]**
- **Row 9:** k2tog, k5, k2tog. **[7 sts]**
- **Row 10:** Knit. **[7 sts]**
- **Row 11:** k2tog, k3, k2tog. **[5 sts]**
- **Row 12:** Knit. **[5 sts]**
- **Row 13:** k2tog, k1, k2tog. **[3 sts]**
- **Row 14:** Knit. **[3 sts]**
- **Row 15:** k3tog. **[1 st]**

**Finishing:** Break yarn and pull through the remaining stitch. Weave in ends. The ears will naturally cup slightly — this is the desired shape.

> *Math check: 3→5→7→9 (increase), 3 even rows, 9→7→5→3→1 (decrease). ✓*

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### PIECE 6: SNOUT
*Make 1 — work in CC if desired, or MC*

This small oval gives the bear its characteristic muzzle.

**Setup:** CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round. PM.

- **Rnd 1:** (kfb) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 2:** (kfb, k1) 6 times. **[18 sts]**
- **Rnds 3–4:** Knit all sts. (2 rounds even) **[18 sts]**

**Finishing:** Stuff very lightly — just enough to give it a slight dome. Bind off loosely, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches / 45 cm) for seaming to the face.

> *Math check: 6→12→18 (increase), 2 even rounds. ✓ Approximately ¾ inch (2 cm) tall, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.*

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### PIECE 7: TAIL
*Make 1 in MC*

**Setup:** CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round. PM.

- **Rnd 1:** (kfb) 6 times. **[12 sts]**
- **Rnds 2–3:** Knit all sts. (2 rounds even) **[12 sts]**
- **Rnd 4:** (k2tog) 6 times. **[6 sts]**

**Finishing:** Stuff lightly. Break yarn, thread through remaining 6 sts, pull closed. Leave a long tail for seaming.

> *Math check: 6→12 (increase), 2 even rounds, 12→6 (decrease). ✓ A small round pom-pom shape.*

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## ASSEMBLY

Take your time with assembly — it greatly affects how cute and polished your finished bear looks! Use pins to position each piece before seaming.

*Use a yarn needle and lengths of MC yarn (about 18 inches / 45 cm each) to seam pieces together using whipstitch or mattress stitch.*

### Step 1: Attach the Snout to the Head

1. Position the snout on the **front center** of the head, approximately centered between the two safety eyes and slightly below them (around Rnd 17–18 of the head, toward the decrease area).
2. Pin in place and adjust until you are happy with the position.
3. Using the long tail from the snout bind-off, stitch around the entire edge of the snout, attaching it firmly to the head. Leave a small opening to add a tiny pinch of stuffing if the snout needs more fullness, then close completely.
4. Weave in end.

### Step 2: Embroider the Nose and Mouth

Using black embroidery floss or a small length of black yarn threaded onto a yarn needle:

- **Nose:** At the top center of the snout, work 3–4 horizontal satin stitches to create a small oval or triangular nose shape, approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) wide.
- **Mouth:** From the bottom center of the nose, bring the needle down about ¼ inch (6 mm) and make one vertical stitch (the center of the mouth), then angle out to each side to form a small "V" or smile shape. 
- Secure all embroidery thread ends firmly on the inside of the head.

> *Tip: Use a water-soluble marker or pins to sketch the nose/mouth placement before stitching.*

### Step 3: Attach the Ears to the Head

1. Position the ears on the **top of the head**, one on each side, approximately 4–5 sts from the top center (around Rnd 4–5 of the head, in the increase area). 
2. The bottom edge of each ear should sit flat against the head. The cupped side of the ear should face forward very slightly.
3. Pin in place. Step back and look at the bear from the front to check symmetry.
4. Seam each ear firmly around its bottom edge using whipstitch. Weave in all ends.

### Step 4: Attach the Legs to the Bottom of the Body

1. Lightly flatten the open top of each leg.
2. Position the legs on the **underside/bottom front** of the body, approximately 1½–2 inches (4–5 cm) apart, pointing downward and slightly forward.
3. Pin in place.
4. Seam each leg firmly around its entire open top edge, stitching through both the leg and the body. Make sure the seam is secure — the legs need to hold the weight of the body.
5. Weave in ends.

### Step 5: Attach the Arms to the Body

1. Lightly flatten the open top of each arm.
2. Position the arms on the **upper sides of the body**, approximately ½–¾ inch (1.5–2 cm) below the top closed end, and pointing slightly downward.
3. Pin in place and check for symmetry.
4. Seam each arm firmly. Weave in ends.

### Step 6: Attach the Tail to the Back of the Body

1. Position the tail at the **center back** of the body, roughly at the body's "equator" (widest point or just below it).
2. Seam in place using the tail end. Weave in end.

### Step 7: Attach the Head to the Body

This is the final and most important seaming step!

1. Position the head on **top of the body**, centered. The head should sit slightly forward (the face angled slightly down toward the viewer) for a cute, natural look. 
2. Pin the head in place all the way around. 
3. The head will overlap the top of the body by about ¾–1 inch (2–2.5 cm). 
4. Using MC yarn, seam all the way around the base of the head, stitching through both the head and the top of the body. Work in a circle, catching stitches on both pieces. 
5. Before closing completely, check that the head is centered and at the angle you want. Adjust if needed.
6. Complete the seam and weave in all remaining ends securely.

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## FINISHING

- **Trim** all yarn ends close to the surface after weaving in.
- **Lightly steam** (do not press) the finished bear with a steam iron held 1–2 inches above the surface to even out any uneven stitches. *Skip this step if using acrylic yarn — use a damp cloth instead.*
- **Sign your work!** You can sew a small label with your initials or name onto the bear's back seam.

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## SAFETY NOTE

> ⚠️ **This toy contains small parts (safety eyes).** If the bear is intended for a child under 36 months, replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes only (satin stitch circles in black yarn) and omit safety eyes entirely. Ensure all seams and yarn ends are extra-secure.

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## ABBREVIATIONS QUICK REFERENCE

`k` = knit | `kfb` = knit front and back (increase) | `k2tog` = knit 2 together (decrease) | `k3tog` = knit 3 together | `rnd` = round | `st(s)` = stitch(es) | `CO` = cast on | `BO` = bind off | `PM` = place marker | `MC` = main color | `CC` = contrasting color

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## YARN SUBSTITUTION GUIDE

Any **worsted weight** (⑤ Bulky or ④ Medium label) yarn will work. Recommended fiber choices:

| Fiber | Pros | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Acrylic | Machine washable, widely available, affordable | Great for toys |
| Wool / Wool blend | Beautiful stitch definition, slightly elastic | Hand wash recommended |
| Cotton | Very firm, clear stitch definition | Less stretch; good for well-defined shapes |

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*Pattern designed for a beginner knitter comfortable with casting on, knitting in the round, and basic increases and decreases.*

*Gauge: 22 sts × 28 rnds = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st in the round on US 5 / 3.75 mm needles with worsted weight yarn.*

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