purlJam

# **TEDDY BEAR FACE MOTIF**
## *A Charted Colorwork Design for Socks*

### DESCRIPTION
A charming teddy bear face motif designed to fit perfectly on the front of a sock. This 12-stitch by 12-row chart features rounded ears, sweet eyes, and a nose/muzzle that creates an adorable bear face. Ideal for the instep of children's or adult socks.

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- DK weight yarn in 2 colors:
  - **MC (Main Color/Background)**: Approximately 5-10 yards
  - **CC (Contrast Color/Bear)**: Approximately 5-10 yards
  
*Suggested color combinations: Cream MC with Brown CC, Light Blue MC with Tan CC, or any contrasting pair*

**Needles:**
- Size appropriate for your sock pattern (typically US 2-4 / 2.75-3.5 mm for DK socks)

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional, for marking motif placement)

---

## GAUGE

Use the gauge established in your sock pattern. Standard DK sock gauge is approximately **22-24 stitches and 30-32 rows = 4 inches** in stockinette stitch.

*Note: The motif will measure approximately 2" wide × 1.5" tall at standard DK gauge.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **MC** = Main Color (background)
- **CC** = Contrast Color (bear face)
- **RS** = Right Side
- **WS** = Wrong Side
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)

---

## PATTERN NOTES

**Chart Reading:**
- Read RS (odd-numbered) rows from RIGHT to LEFT
- Read WS (even-numbered) rows from LEFT to RIGHT
- Chart shows RS of work
- All stitches are worked in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)

**Float Management:**
- Maximum float length in this chart is 4 stitches
- For floats longer than 3 stitches, consider catching the float on the wrong side to prevent snagging
- Maintain even tension when carrying yarns to prevent puckering

**Placement Suggestions:**
- Center motif on sock instep, typically 2-3" above toe
- Begin motif after completing toe and any gusset decreases
- Works best on the front/instep of the sock where it will be visible
- For adult socks with 60+ stitches, position motif in center 12 stitches
- Mark first and last stitch of chart with removable markers if helpful

---

## TEDDY BEAR FACE CHART

**Chart A: Teddy Bear Face (12 sts × 12 rows)**

```
Row 12: □ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ ■ ■ ■ □
Row 11: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Row 10: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Row  9: □ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □
Row  8: □ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □
Row  7: □ □ ■ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □
Row  6: □ □ ■ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □
Row  5: □ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □
Row  4: □ □ □ ■ ■ □ □ ■ ■ □ □ □
Row  3: □ □ □ ■ ■ □ □ ■ ■ □ □ □
Row  2: □ □ □ □ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □
Row  1: □ □ □ □ □ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □
```

**CHART KEY:**
- **□** = MC (Main Color/Background)
- **■** = CC (Contrast Color/Bear)

**Stitch Count Verification:**
Each row contains exactly 12 stitches.

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Integration into Your Sock

1. **Preparation:**
   - Knit your sock following your chosen pattern until you reach the desired placement for the motif (typically on the instep, 2-3" from toe).
   - If working on circular needles, ensure the 12-chart stitches are positioned in the center of your instep stitches.
   - Place markers on either side of the 12-stitch chart section if desired.

2. **Working the Chart:**
   - Join CC and begin working Chart A from Row 1.
   - **Row 1 (RS):** Reading chart from right to left, work: k4 MC, k2 CC, k6 MC. [12 sts]
   - **Row 2 (WS):** Reading chart from left to right, work: p6 MC, p2 CC, p4 MC. [12 sts]
   - Continue working Rows 3-12 following the chart.
   - Remember to catch floats longer than 3 stitches on the wrong side.
   - Maintain consistent tension with both colors.

3. **After Completing Chart:**
   - Break CC and weave in end on wrong side of work.
   - Continue with sock pattern using MC only.

### Detailed Row-by-Row Instructions

For knitters who prefer written instructions:

**Row 1 (RS):** k4 MC, k2 CC, k6 MC
**Row 2 (WS):** p6 MC, p2 CC, p4 MC
**Row 3 (RS):** k3 MC, k4 CC, k5 MC
**Row 4 (WS):** p5 MC, p4 CC, p3 MC
**Row 5 (RS):** k2 MC, k8 CC, k2 MC
**Row 6 (WS):** p2 MC, p1 CC, p1 MC, p4 CC, p1 MC, p1 CC, p2 MC
**Row 7 (RS):** k2 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC, k4 CC, k1 MC, k1 CC, k2 MC
**Row 8 (WS):** p2 MC, p8 CC, p2 MC
**Row 9 (RS):** k1 MC, k10 CC, k1 MC
**Row 10 (WS):** p1 MC, p2 CC, p2 MC, p2 CC, p2 MC, p2 CC, p1 MC
**Row 11 (RS):** k1 MC, k2 CC, k2 MC, k2 CC, k2 MC, k2 CC, k1 MC
**Row 12 (WS):** p1 MC, p3 CC, p4 MC, p3 CC, p1 MC

*Math verification: Each row = 12 sts total ✓*

---

## FINISHING

1. **Weaving in Ends:**
   - Weave in all colorwork ends on the wrong side of the fabric.
   - Weave ends through stitches of the same color for 1-2", splitting the plies for security.
   - Trim ends close to fabric.

2. **Blocking:**
   - Block completed sock according to yarn specifications.
   - Pin out flat, being careful not to over-stretch the colorwork section.
   - The teddy bear face should lie flat and smooth after blocking.
   - Steam or wet block as appropriate for your yarn fiber.

3. **Optional Embellishments:**
   - For extra detail, consider duplicate stitching white highlights in the eyes (Row 6-7, positions for eye dots).
   - A small straight stitch in darker yarn can define the nose/muzzle line if desired.

---

## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Tension:** Keep floats loose enough that the fabric doesn't pucker, but not so loose that they snag.
- **Color Dominance:** Hold MC over CC (or vice versa) consistently to maintain even colorwork appearance. The color held lower will appear slightly more dominant.
- **Practice:** If this is your first colorwork motif, consider swatching the chart first.
- **Visibility:** The bear face reads best with high contrast between MC and CC.
- **Modifications:** This chart can be worked on any stockinette fabric with a 12-stitch width, not just socks!

---

## DESIGN DETAILS

**Motif Features:**
- **Rows 1-3:** Nose/muzzle
- **Rows 4-5:** Lower face/snout
- **Rows 6-7:** Eyes (MC stitches within CC face)
- **Rows 8-9:** Main face
- **Rows 10-12:** Rounded ears on sides

The design is symmetrical and balanced, creating a sweet, friendly teddy bear expression perfect for children's and adult socks alike.

---

## VARIATIONS

**Size Adjustments:**
- To make a smaller bear, work the chart on finer gauge needles/yarn
- To make a larger bear, work the chart on bulkier gauge needles/yarn (chart remains 12×12)

**Color Options:**
- Classic: Brown bear on cream background
- Polar bear: White/cream bear on blue background  
- Panda: Black bear on white with additional duplicate stitch details
- Rainbow: Multicolored background with solid bear

**Multiple Bears:**
- Work motif on both socks, matching placement
- Stagger height on left vs right sock for asymmetrical fun
- Work on leg section above heel for higher placement

---

*Pattern designed for intermediate knitters comfortable with stranded colorwork and sock construction.*