Bear Amigurumi For Woodland Nursery Decor

Why You'll Love This Pattern

There is a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from turning a single skein of bulky yarn into something with a face, a personality, and a permanent spot on your shelf. This bear amigurumi starts with a 5 mm hook and works up into a finished piece approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, which is large enough to hug but small enough to perch on a windowsill or tuck into a nursery corner. The bulky weight means your rounds grow quickly, and the fabric comes out dense and sturdy, exactly what you want for a stuffed toy that will be handled, squeezed, and dragged around by small hands.

Because this pattern sits at an intermediate level, you will work through shaping that keeps things interesting without becoming fiddly. Expect to use the decreases to close up the muzzle and limbs cleanly, and to manage your keeping even tension carefully so the stuffing stays hidden and the silhouette holds its shape. The head and body are joined with simple whipstitch seams, and the ears are worked in continuous rounds before being attached. You will also shape the snout with a few shaping rows to give the face a gentle curve rather than a flat plane. a small practice piece is not strictly required here, but checking your stitch height against the pattern will save you from a bear that comes out wider than 7 inches (18 cm) across.

Think of where this bear will live. A finished amigurumi at this size makes a thoughtful baby shower gift, a reading nook companion, or a handmade addition to a child's bedroom shelf. It also works as a desk friend for an adult who likes soft textures nearby. The concrete reason to choose this project over a smaller amigurumi is the yarn itself: bulky weight plus a 5 mm hook means fewer stitches per round, so you see real progress in an evening, yet the finished bear still stands 10 inches (25 cm) tall and feels substantial in your hands.

Gather your bulky yarn, your 5 mm hook, and a handful of polyester fiberfill. The pattern below walks through each section in order, from the muzzle to the final ear placement, with stitch counts at the end of every round so you can check your work as you go.

Pattern Notes

This bear works up into a huggable companion that measures about 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, a size that sits nicely in a child's arms or on a nursery shelf. The pattern uses joined rounds for the body and limbs, so you get clean lines without a visible seam running up the face. If you have already made a few amigurumi pieces and can read a stitch chart, you will find the shaping here satisfying rather than frustrating. The ears, muzzle, and belly patch are worked separately and sewn on, which lets you adjust placement before committing to the final look.

For a 5 mm hook, choose a worsted weight yarn that feels dense when you rub it between your fingers. Cotton blends hold their shape well and show stitch definition, while acrylic gives a softer, squishier bear that costs less. A solid color like warm brown or cream keeps the focus on the face, but you can also work the muzzle in a contrasting shade or add a simple two-tone body by switching yarn after the first few rounds. One 3.5 oz (100 g) skein is enough for the main color, with small amounts for the nose and paw pads. Gauge matters less than consistency here, so check that your fabric is tight enough to hide the stuffing before you begin round one.

A common pitfall is losing track of the round count when the body grows wider, which throws off the leg placement later. Place a stitch marker at the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go. Count your stitches at the end of every increase round, and the bear will sit straight.

What You'll Need

Material	Details
Yarn	bulky yarn in maroon, yellow, black
Hook	5 mm crochet hook
Stuffing	Polyfill or fiberfill
Eyes	Safety eyes or embroidery thread
Extras	Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors

Gauge: Approximately 9 sc x 11 rounds = 4 inches with 5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.

Stitches & Abbreviations

Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.

Abbreviation	Meaning
sc	Single crochet
inc	Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec	Decrease (sc 2 together)

Pattern Instructions

head, maroon yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)

Rnd 6: sc around (30)

Rnd 7: sc around (30)

Rnd 8: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)

Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Rnd 10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 11: dec around (6)

Rnd 12: fasten off, close hole (6)

body, maroon yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rnd 5: (11 sc, inc) x 2 (26)

Rnd 6: sc around (26)

Rnd 7: sc around (26)

Rnd 8: sc around (26)

Rnd 9: sc around (26)

Rnd 10: sc around (26)

Rnd 11: sc around (26)

Rnd 12: sc around (26)

Rnd 13: sc around (26)

Rnd 14: sc around (26)

Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x 4 (3 sc, dec) x 2 (20)

Rnd 16: (1 sc, dec) x 4 (2 sc, dec) x 2 (14)

Rnd 17: (dec) x 4 (1 sc, dec) x 2 (8)

Rnd 18: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)

Rnd 19: fasten off, close hole (6)

ear (make 2), maroon yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)

Rnd 3: sc around (8)

Rnd 4: sc around (8)

Rnd 5: sc around (8)

Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)

Rnd 7: fasten off, close hole (6)

Switch to yellow yarn for the inner ear.

inner ear (make 2), yellow yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)

Rnd 3: sc around (8)

Rnd 4: sc around (8)

Rnd 5: sc around (8)

Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)

muzzle, yellow yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)

Rnd 3: sc around (9)

Switch to black yarn for the nose.

nose, black yarn

Embroider the nose with black thread after the eyes are placed.

Work a small triangular satin stitch centered between the eyes, about 8 mm wide.

eye (make 2), black yarn

Use 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes; place them on the upper half of the head, about one eye-width apart.

If using safety eyes, insert the posts before closing the head opening and secure the backs firmly on the inside.

If embroidering, work two small black satin stitches, then add a tiny white stitch highlight if desired.

Switch to maroon yarn for the arm.

arm (make 2), maroon yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (2 sc, inc) x 2 (17)

Rnd 4: sc around (17)

Rnd 5: sc around (17)

Rnd 6: sc around (17)

Rnd 7: sc around (17)

Rnd 8: sc around (17)

Rnd 9: sc around (17)

Rnd 10: sc around (17)

Rnd 11: sc around (17)

Switch to yellow yarn for the hand.

hand (make 2), yellow yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rnd 5: sc around (24)

Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Rnd 8: dec around (6)

Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)

Switch to maroon yarn for the leg.

leg (make 2), maroon yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Rnd 4: sc around (18)

Rnd 5: sc around (18)

Rnd 6: sc around (18)

Rnd 7: sc around (18)

Rnd 8: sc around (18)

Rnd 9: sc around (18)

Rnd 10: sc around (18)

Rnd 11: sc around (18)

Switch to yellow yarn for the foot.

foot (make 2), yellow yarn

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)

Rnd 2: inc around (12)

Rnd 3: dec around (6)

Rnd 4: fasten off, close hole (6)

Assembly

1. Stuff head, body, hand, foot firmly with polyfill for stability. Shape as you go, pressing and molding to match the reference photo. Add extra stuffing to the base for a sturdy foundation.

2. Sew body to the head. Align the pieces first and pin them in place, checking the overall shape against the reference photo, then whipstitch around the seam with matching yarn. Weave in the ends securely so the joint stays closed and firm.

3. Sew hand to the head. Align the pieces first and pin them in place, checking the overall shape against the reference photo, then whipstitch around the seam with matching yarn. Weave in the ends securely so the joint stays closed and firm.

4. Sew foot to the head. Align the pieces first and pin them in place, checking the overall shape against the reference photo, then whipstitch around the seam with matching yarn. Weave in the ends securely so the joint stays closed and firm.

5. Sew ear to the sides of the head. Position on the upper sides of the head, angled outward. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles. Use the long tail left for sewing and whipstitch around the base.

6. Sew inner ear to the sides of the head. Position on the upper sides of the head, angled outward. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles. Use the long tail left for sewing and whipstitch around the base.

7. Sew muzzle to the front of the head. Center between the eyes, slightly below the eye line. Stuff lightly with polyfill before closing for a 3D effect. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles.

8. Embroider the nose with black thread centered between the eyes. Work a small triangular satin stitch about 8 mm wide.

9. Attach eye to the head. Position on the upper half of the head, spaced about one eye-width apart. Secure firmly with embroidery thread or fabric glue. Embroider a small line below each eye for a more expressive look.

10. Sew arm to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.

11. Sew leg to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.

12. Sew inner ear in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.

13. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Give the finished piece a gentle squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly and shape the final form.

Tips & Care

These practical crochet tips are written for an intermediate-level bear amigurumi made with a 5 mm hook, and they focus on clean shaping, even stuffing, and a tidy finish.

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round, because amigurumi is worked in a continuous spiral and the beginning of the round can shift without a visible seam.
• Use the decreases when shaping the head and limbs, since it reduces gaps and keeps the bear's surface smooth and nicely closed.
• Maintain firm and consistent tension, because loose stitches allow stuffing to show through and can distort the bear's proportions after assembly.
• Check your gauge by measuring the first few rounds, since a matching stitch count helps the bear hold the intended shape and size.
• Stuff small amounts of fiberfill at a time and shape the head and body with your fingers, because over stuffing stretches the fabric while understuffing causes dents and weak posture.
• Join pieces with a whipstitch or mattress stitch and align the limbs carefully before sewing, because secure joins prevent gaps and keep the bear balanced when it sits or stands.
• Change colors on the last yarn over of the previous stitch, because this technique creates a clean transition for the muzzle, ears, or any contrasting details.
• Block the finished bear lightly with steam and shape it with your hands, because gentle blocking settles the stitches and gives the amigurumi a well-defined finish.

Care instructions for the bear amigurumi should protect the fiber, the stuffing, and the embroidered or sewn details.

• Hand wash the bear in cool water with a mild detergent, because machine washing can distort the shape and loosen the stuffing.
• Air dry the bear flat on a towel and reshape it while damp, because hanging it can stretch the limbs and body.
• Keep the bear out of direct sunlight for long periods, because sun exposure can fade the yarn colors over time.
• Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and mild soap, because this avoids unnecessary full washing and reduces wear.
• Store the bear in a clean, dry place or a breathable cotton bag, because dust and moisture can dull the yarn and affect the stuffing.

FAQ

What hook size and yarn weight should I use for this bear amigurumi?

This bear amigurumi pattern is designed for a 5 mm hook and bulky weight yarn. Using these exact materials ensures your bear amigurumi reaches the intended proportions and stitch density. Substituting a different hook size or yarn weight will change the finished size and may create gaps in the fabric.

How long does it take to crochet this bear amigurumi?

The time for this project is 2-4 hours, depending on your crochet speed and experience. Intermediate crafters familiar with shaping and assembly will likely finish toward the lower end of that range. Plan extra time if you are new to amigurumi techniques like decreases or attaching limbs.

Can I sell the finished bear amigurumi I make from this pattern?

Yes, you may sell finished bear amigurumi items made from this pattern, provided you credit the designer for the original design. Please do not share, resell, or redistribute the pattern itself. Selling your handmade bear amigurumi online or at craft fairs is generally welcome.

Is this bear amigurumi pattern suitable for beginners?

This bear amigurumi pattern is rated Intermediate, so it is best suited to crafters with some amigurumi experience. You should be comfortable with magic rings, single crochet, increases, decreases, and basic assembly. Beginners may find the shaping and limb attachment challenging, though the pattern is achievable with patience.

How can I resize this bear amigurumi?

To resize your bear amigurumi, change the yarn weight and matching hook size rather than altering the stitch counts. A lighter yarn with a smaller hook creates a mini bear amigurumi, while chunkier yarn makes a larger one. Keep in mind that the 2-4 hour applies to the original 5 mm bulky yarn version.

Can I customize the colors of this bear amigurumi?

Absolutely, color customization is one of the easiest ways to personalize your bear amigurumi. Choose any bulky weight yarn shades for the body, muzzle, and ears to match a gift recipient's favorite colors. Just keep the yarn weight consistent so your bear amigurumi maintains even tension throughout.

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