Bear Amigurumi For Cozy Nursery Decor
Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 3.5 mm
Yarn: worsted yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyfill
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook
Why This Pattern Is Worth Your Time
There is something quietly satisfying about watching a small pile of yarn turn into a bear with a round belly, two soft ears, and a stitched smile you can almost see wiggling. This amigurumi pattern works in worsted weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook, the kind of hook that sits comfortably between your thumb and forefinger for hours of steady stitching. The finished bear measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, a size that feels just right for a nursery shelf, a stroller handle, or a wide-eyed toddler who insists on bringing one stuffed friend to every meal.
The skill level on the pattern card is Beginner, so the vocabulary stays friendly and the steps stay grounded in the basics. You will work in single crochet, count your stitches carefully as the rounds build, and shape the head and body with simple increases and decreases that any new crocheter can master with a little patience. There is no surface crochet, no shaping rows, no color changes to juggle, and no gauge swatch to wrestle with before you begin. Just a hook, a ball of yarn, and a few stitch markers to keep your place as the rounds spiral upward.
Imagine finishing the last round, stuffing the body until it feels firm but still squeezable, and sewing the ears on with two small triangles of fabric-soft yarn. The texture is dense and slightly springy, the kind of surface that holds its shape when a child tugs it across the floor. This bear works beautifully as a baby shower gift, a quiet companion on a long car ride, or a handmade keepsake for a new grandchild. Crocheters choose this project because the shaping is for giving, the pieces come together quickly, and the result is a chubby, huggable bear that looks far more complicated than the simple stitches that built it.
Quick Notes for Success
This bear works up quickly with simple shapes and basic stitches, making it a satisfying project for anyone who wants a finished plush in just a weekend. The pattern uses only a handful of pieces sewn together, so it is a great choice for first-time amigurumi makers or crocheters who want a relaxing make between bigger projects. It also makes a heartfelt gift for kids, friends, or anyone who loves handmade toys, and the classic teddy look means it fits in with most nursery or shelf displays.
For yarn, a medium weight acrylic or cotton blend in worsted weight gives the bear a soft, huggable feel while keeping the stitches easy to read. A 3.5 mm hook paired with this yarn weight produces a tight fabric that holds stuffing well and prevents gaps between stitches, which is important for a plush toy. The finished bear measures roughly 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide, so it is a nice lap-sized companion without taking over your shelf. Classic colors like honey brown, tan, or soft gray work beautifully, but you can also try pastel pink, blue, or cream for a baby shower gift. Just keep in mind that very dark yarns can make it harder to see your stitches, so good lighting helps when working in deep shades.
One common pitfall is counting stitches loosely, which leads to pieces that cup or curve instead of sitting flat. To avoid this, count every stitch in each round before moving on, and place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row so you always know where the round begins. Taking a moment to check your count saves time later and keeps your bear looking neat and even.
Everything You Need to Make This
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in tan, white, black, brown, pink, cream, dark brown |
| Hook | 3.5 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyfill or fiberfill |
| Eyes | Safety eyes or embroidery thread |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
Stitch Guide for This Pattern
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) |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| ch | Chain |
Crochet Along: Full Instructions
head, tan 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, tan 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: (11 sc, dec) x 2 (24)
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 14: dec around (6)
Rnd 15: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to white yarn for the muzzle.
muzzle, white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
Rnd 3: sc around (9)
Rnd 4: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6)
Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)
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.
eyes (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 tan yarn for the ears.
ears (make 2), tan 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 white yarn for the inner_ears.
inner_ears (make 2), white yarn
Row 1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (9)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (9)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (9)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (9)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (9)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (9)
Switch to tan yarn for the arms.
arms (make 2), tan 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)
Rnd 12: (dec) x 1 (1 sc, dec) x 5 (11)
Rnd 13: (dec) x 4 (1 sc, dec) x 1 (6)
Rnd 14: fasten off, close hole (6)
legs (make 2), tan 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)
Rnd 12: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 13: dec around (6)
Rnd 14: fasten off, close hole (6)
bow, tan yarn
Row 1: Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (7)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (7)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (7)
hat, tan yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 24, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (23)
Rnd 2: sc around (23)
Rnd 3: sc around (23)
Rnd 4: sc around (23)
Rnd 5: sc around (23)
Rnd 6: sc around (23)
Rnd 7: sc around (23)
Rnd 8: sc around (23)
Rnd 9: sc around (23)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
Switch to white yarn for the ear inner.
ear inner (make 2), white 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 tan yarn for the hat tie.
hat tie, tan yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 24, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (23)
Rnd 2: sc around (23)
Rnd 3: sc around (23)
Rnd 4: sc around (23)
Rnd 5: sc around (23)
Rnd 6: sc around (23)
Rnd 7: sc around (23)
Rnd 8: sc around (23)
Rnd 9: sc around (23)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
Switch to dark brown yarn for the feet.
feet (make 2), dark brown 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)
Final Stitch Counts
- head: 30 stitches at widest point
- body: 26 stitches at widest point
- muzzle: 9 stitches at widest point
- nose: See pattern
- eyes (x 2): See pattern
- ears (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- inner_ears (x 2): 9 stitches at widest point
- arms (x 2): 17 stitches at widest point
- legs (x 2): 18 stitches at widest point
- bow: 7 stitches at widest point
- hat: 23 stitches at widest point
- ear inner (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- hat tie: 23 stitches at widest point
- feet (x 2): 24 stitches at widest point
Final Assembly, Step by Step
1. Stuff head, body, hat 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 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.
3. Embroider the nose with black thread centered between the eyes. Work a small triangular satin stitch about 8 mm wide.
4. Attach eyes 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.
5. Sew ears 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 bow onto the head as shown in the reference photo, using the long tail for a discreet anchor. Pin first to try positions before committing.
7. Sew ear inner 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.
8. Sew arms to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
9. Sew legs to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
10. Sew inner_ears in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
11. Sew hat tie in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
12. Sew feet 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.
Maker Tips and Keeping It Clean
These practical tips will help you crochet a well-shaped bear amigurumi using a 3.5 mm hook. Each suggestion is designed to keep your stitches even, your stuffing smooth, and your finished bear looking nicely proportioned.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round so you always know where each round begins, which prevents you from accidentally adding extra stitches and keeps the body shape symmetrical.
- Maintain even tension throughout your work because loose stitches will allow stuffing to show through, while stitches that are pulled too tight will make the fabric stiff and reduce the soft, huggable feel of the bear.
- Decrease gradually by working two stitches together across several stitches rather than skipping stitches, because skipped stitches leave small holes that stuffing can poke through and ruin the smooth surface.
- Stuff the bear firmly but not tightly, adding small amounts of fiberfill at a time and shaping it with the tip of your hook so there are no lumps or gaps that would distort the head, arms, and legs.
- Check your gauge by crocheting a small swatch of single crochet before starting the body, since a 3.5 mm hook paired with your chosen yarn weight determines whether the bear comes out the intended size and whether the stitches are dense enough to hold stuffing.
- Join pieces with a whip stitch through the outer loops of each piece, aligning the stitches carefully so the seam sits flat and does not create a visible ridge along the bear's neck or limbs.
- Embroider facial features before attaching the head to the body, because this gives you better control over placement and avoids accidentally poking the needle through already-stuffed areas.
- Weave in yarn ends as you go using a needle threaded through several nearby stitches, which secures the tails firmly and prevents them from unraveling when the bear is handled or washed.
Good to Know: Reader Questions
What yarn and hook should I use for the bear amigurumi?
You will need worsted weight yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook for this bear amigurumi pattern. The worsted weight gives the bear amigurumi a soft, sturdy body that holds its shape well. Stick with the recommended hook size to keep your stitches tight so the stuffing does not peek through.
Is this bear amigurumi pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes, this bear amigurumi pattern is rated Beginner, so it uses only basic stitches like single crochet and simple increases and decreases. The pattern avoids advanced techniques, so you can focus on learning amigurumi shaping. If you know how to make a chain and a single crochet, you are ready to start.
How long does it take to crochet the bear amigurumi?
Most crocheters finish the bear amigurumi in about 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and how many breaks you take. The body, head, and limbs are small and work up quickly with worsted weight yarn. Set aside a relaxed afternoon and you can likely complete it in one or two sittings.
Can I sell finished bear amigurumi made from this pattern?
Yes, you may sell finished bear amigurumi made from this pattern, as long as you credit the designer. Please do not sell the pattern itself or share the written instructions. Many crocheters love selling these bears at craft fairs and online shops because they are quick to make and giftable.
How do I customize the color of my bear amigurumi?
You can use any color of worsted weight yarn to make your bear amigurumi unique, from classic brown to pastel pink or bright teal.
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