The teddy bear is the classic amigurumi, built from spheres and cylinders: a round head, a rounded body, four limbs, two ears, and a small muzzle. It is the project most makers use to learn even sphere shaping, since a lumpy bear shows every uneven increase and decrease.
The variations are endless. A roly-poly bear keeps everything round and squishy. A jointed bear uses buttons or joints so the limbs move. A dressed bear adds a tiny sweater or bow. All of them rest on the same handful of single crochet techniques.
What you need
- Yarn
- Amigurumi cotton or worsted (CYC 4) with a 3.0 mm hook. About 120 yards for a small bear.
- Skill
- Beginner to intermediate. Smooth spheres are the one skill worth practicing on a swatch first.
Bear projects to make
- 1Roly-poly bear. A single round body with short limbs. Teaches even sphere increases and decreases.
- 2Classic teddy. Separate head and body with a stitched muzzle. Teaches assembling shaped pieces.
- 3Tiny pocket bear. A miniature worked in fine yarn. Quick and very portable.
- 4Dressed bear. Add a small crocheted sweater or bow. Teaches making fitted accessories.
Where to find free bear patterns
Free teddy bear patterns are plentiful on Ravelry and amigurumi blogs. Choose one with clear counts and assembly photos, since bears have more pieces to join than most first amigurumi.
Stitches you will use
- Single CrochetUS: sc / UK: dc
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: ch
- Slip StitchUS: sl st / UK: ss
Looking for more? See all crochet amigurumi patterns.