Snugglebug Teddy Bear

Simple Knitted Amigurumi — Beginner

A classic cuddly teddy worked entirely in stockinette stitch in the round. Separate pieces are stuffed firmly and seamed with mattress stitch. Perfect first toy project.

Finished size: Approximately 8–9" (20–23 cm) tall when seated.

Difficulty: Beginner (knit, purl through back loop not required; only k, kfb, k2tog, and basic seaming).

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or wool-blend, approx. 150–180 yd (137–165 m) main color (MC) for bear. Small amount of contrasting yarn or embroidery floss for nose/mouth (and optional eye highlight).
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or 32–40" circular for Magic Loop — one to two sizes smaller than yarn label to create a dense fabric.
• Notions:
  • Polyester fiberfill stuffing (approx. 3–4 oz / 85–115 g)
  • 9–12 mm safety eyes (pair) or black embroidery floss for stitched eyes
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch marker
  • Small scissors
  • Optional: embroidery floss for facial features, ribbon bow

Gauge: 5 stitches and 7 rounds = 1" (2.5 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round, measured on a firmly knitted swatch.
Note: Exact stitch count is less critical than a tight, even fabric that does not show stuffing. If fabric is loose, drop another needle size.

Abbreviations (US)

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 st increased)
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• St st: stockinette stitch (knit every round when working in the round)
• pm: place marker
• inv-dec (optional): k2tog through back loop or ssk for smoother decrease (beginners may use plain k2tog)

Pattern Notes

• Worked in the round on DPNs or Magic Loop. Join carefully without twisting; pm for beginning of round.
• Stuff each piece firmly as you go (especially head and body) before the opening becomes too small. Use small bits of fiberfill and a chopstick or knitting needle to pack evenly.
• Safety eyes: Insert between indicated rounds and lock washers on the inside before closing the head. For children under 3 years, embroider eyes instead.
• All seams use mattress stitch for an invisible join. Weave every yarn tail securely inside the stuffed piece.

Head

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round, pm.
Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: k around.
Rnd 3: *k1, kfb; rep from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: k around.
Rnd 5: *k2, kfb; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 6: k around.
Rnd 7: *k3, kfb; rep from * around. (30 sts)
Rnds 8–14: k around. (7 rnds even)
Insert safety eyes now between Rnds 10 and 11, spaced about 6–7 sts apart, centered on the face. Lock washers inside.
Rnd 15: *k3, k2tog; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 16: k around.
Rnd 17: *k2, k2tog; rep from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 18: k around.
Stuff head firmly, shaping a smooth sphere.
Rnd 19: *k1, k2tog; rep from * around. (12 sts)
Rnd 20: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, thread tail through remaining 6 sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave end inside. (Head circumference approx. 6" / 15 cm; diameter ~3.5" / 9 cm.)

Body

With MC, CO 8 sts. Join, pm.
Rnd 1: kfb around. (16 sts)
Rnd 2: k around.
Rnd 3: *k1, kfb; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 4: k around.
Rnd 5: *k3, kfb; rep from * around. (30 sts)
Rnds 6–16: k around. (11 rnds even)
Rnd 17: *k3, k2tog; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 18: k around.
Rnd 19: *k2, k2tog; rep from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 20: k around.
Stuff body firmly, fuller at the base for a stable seated shape.
Rnd 21: *k1, k2tog; rep from * around. (12 sts)
Rnd 22: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, secure, weave inside. (Body approx. 4–4.5" / 10–11.5 cm tall.)

Arms (make 2)

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join, pm.
Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnds 2–12: k around. (11 rnds)
Lightly stuff arm (leave top ½" less stuffed so it sews flat).
Rnd 13: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, secure. Leave a long tail for seaming. (Arm approx. 2.5–2.75" / 6.5–7 cm long.)

Legs (make 2)

With MC, CO 6 sts. Join, pm.
Rnd 1: kfb around. (12 sts)
Rnds 2–4: k around.
Rnd 5: *k1, kfb; rep from * around. (18 sts) — creates a slightly wider foot.
Rnds 6–8: k around.
Rnd 9: *k1, k2tog; rep from * around. (12 sts)
Rnds 10–14: k around.
Stuff firmly, more in the foot, less at the top.
Rnd 15: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, secure. Leave long tail for seaming. (Leg approx. 3" / 7.5 cm long.)

Ears (make 2)

With MC, CO 4 sts. Join, pm.
Rnd 1: kfb around. (8 sts)
Rnds 2–4: k around.
Rnd 5: k2tog around. (4 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight. Flatten ear into a small semicircle; leave long tail for seaming. Do not stuff.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Face: Using tapestry needle and contrasting yarn or embroidery floss, embroider a simple triangular or Y-shaped nose centered below the eyes spanning 3–4 sts. Add a short vertical stitch down and a gentle curved or straight mouth. If not using safety eyes, embroider eyes as small satin or French-knot circles.
2. Ears: Position ears on top of head, slightly toward the back, about 4–5 sts apart. Sew securely with mattress stitch or whipstitch through both layers of the flattened ear, weaving ends inside head.
3. Head to body: Pin head to the open top of the body (the cast-on or closed end you prefer as the neck). Mattress-stitch all around, adding a tiny bit more stuffing in the neck if needed for support. Weave ends inside.
4. Arms: Attach arms at shoulder height on either side of the body, 1–2 rnds below the neck seam. Sew securely over 4–5 sts so arms sit symmetrically.
5. Legs: Attach legs to the base of the body, angled slightly forward for a seated pose, spaced evenly. Sew firmly.
6. Weave in any remaining ends deep inside the toy. Roll the bear gently between your hands to even the stuffing. Optional: tie a ribbon bow around the neck.

Care: Spot clean or gentle hand wash in cool water; reshape and air dry flat. Do not machine dry.

Inline Math Validation (key rounds)

• Head: 6 → kfb = 12 ✓; k1, kfb = 18 ✓; k2, kfb = 24 ✓; k3, kfb = 30 ✓; k3, k2tog = 24 ✓; k2, k2tog = 18 ✓; k1, k2tog = 12 ✓; k2tog = 6 ✓.
• Body: 8 → 16 ✓; k1, kfb = 24 ✓; k3, kfb = 30 ✓; k3, k2tog = 24 ✓; k2, k2tog = 18 ✓; k1, k2tog = 12 ✓; k2tog = 6 ✓.
• Arms/Legs start: 6 → kfb = 12 ✓. Leg foot: k1, kfb = 18 ✓ then k1, k2tog = 12 ✓.
• Ears: 4 → 8 ✓ → 4 ✓.

Enjoy your Snugglebug Teddy! Once comfortable, try a contrasting muzzle patch or striped sweater accent on a future version.