Handmade knitted toys are timeless treasures that carry love, warmth, and personality. In this tutorial, we’ll create a cute knitted teddy bear that holds a little red heart and wears a cozy orange scarf. This bear makes a wonderful handmade gift for children, friends, or anyone who appreciates a thoughtful craft.
The project is beginner-friendly—if you know how to knit and purl, you can make this bear. We’ll use simple stitches, straightforward construction, and clear step-by-step instructions. By the end, you’ll have not only a cuddly bear but also valuable knitting skills to take on more projects.
Materials You’ll Need 🧶
Here’s the complete list of supplies:
Yarn:
- Main color: Light gray or beige DK (double knit) or worsted weight yarn (for the bear’s body).
- Accent colors:
1. Red yarn (for the heart).
2. Orange or mustard yellow yarn (for the scarf).
- Small amount of black yarn or embroidery thread (for the nose and eyes).
Knitting Needles:
- US size 6 (4.0 mm) straight needles (you can also use circular needles if preferred).
Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or cotton stuffing.
Notions & Tools:
- Yarn needle for sewing pieces together.
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers (optional).
- Pins for assembly.
Abbreviations & Techniques (US Terms)
- CO – Cast On
- BO – Bind Off
- K – Knit
- P – Purl
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- K2tog – Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- P2tog – Purl 2 stitches together (decrease)
- Inc – Increase (knit into the front and back of the same stitch)
- Stockinette Stitch – Knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side
- Garter Stitch – Knit every row
Pattern Overview
The teddy bear is worked in flat pieces, sewn together, and then stuffed. We’ll knit:
- Bear’s Body (Front & Back)
- Ears (2 pieces)
- Heart
- Scarf
Finally, we’ll assemble the pieces and add embroidered details.
Step-by-Step Knitting Instructions
1. Bear’s Body (Make 2: Front & Back)
CO 20 sts in gray yarn.
Body Section:
- Row 1-4: Knit (garter stitch for base).
- Row 5-24: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS). Continue until piece measures about 5 inches long.
Shaping the Head:
- Row 25: K2tog, K across until 2 sts remain, K2tog. (18 sts)
- Row 26: P across.
- Row 27: K2tog, K across until 2 sts remain, K2tog. (16 sts)
- Row 28: P across.
- Row 29: K2tog, K across until 2 sts remain, K2tog. (14 sts)
- Row 30: P across.
- Row 31: K2tog, K across until 2 sts remain, K2tog. (12 sts)
BO all stitches.
Repeat for the second body piece.
2. Ears (Make 2)
CO 6 sts in gray yarn.
- Row 1-4: Work in stockinette stitch.
- Row 5: K2tog, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
- Row 6: P across.
- Row 7: K2tog twice. (2 sts)
- Row 8: P across.
- BO remaining sts.
3. Heart ❤️
CO 6 sts in red yarn.
- Row 1: Knit across.
- Row 2: Purl across.
- Row 3: (Inc, K to last st, Inc). (8 sts)
- Row 4: Purl across.
- Row 5: Knit across.
- Row 6: Purl across.
Split into 2 lobes:
- Row 7 (First Lobe): K4, leave remaining 4 sts on holder.
- Row 8-10: Continue in stockinette on these 4 sts.
- Row 11: K2tog, K2tog. (2 sts)
- Row 12: P2tog. (1 st)
- BO.
Rejoin yarn to remaining 4 sts for the second lobe and repeat rows 7-12.
Make 2 hearts and sew them together, lightly stuffing before closing.
4. Scarf 🧣
CO 6 sts in orange yarn.
- Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until piece measures about 8–10 inches, depending on how long you want the scarf.
- BO all sts.
Assembly Instructions
1. Sew Body Pieces:
Place front and back body pieces together (right sides out).
Sew around the edges, leaving the bottom open.
Stuff firmly but gently to shape the body, then close the bottom seam.
2. Attach Ears:
- Sew ears onto the top corners of the head.
3. Embroider Face:
- With black yarn, embroider small straight stitches for the eyes.
- Use satin stitch for the nose and a small vertical stitch for the mouth.
4. Add Heart:
- Place the stuffed heart between the bear’s paws.
- Stitch the heart to the body so it looks like the bear is holding it.
5. Wrap Scarf:
- Tie the orange scarf around the neck and stitch in place so it doesn’t slip off.
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Finishing Touches ✨
- Trim all loose ends and weave them neatly inside.
- Shape the bear gently by massaging the stuffing into place.
- Optional: Add a few stitches across the arms to secure them against the body for a “hugging” look.
Tips for Beginners 🌱
- Yarn Choice: If you’re new, choose a slightly thicker yarn like worsted weight—it’s easier to handle than very thin yarns.
- Practice First: Knit a swatch in stockinette and garter stitch before starting the project.
- Stuffing: Add small amounts at a time and press gently to avoid lumps.
- Safety Note: If gifting to a baby, embroider eyes instead of using buttons or beads.
Variations 🌈
- Different Colors: Try brown, white, or pastel colors for the bear.
- Seasonal Versions: Use a green scarf for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or black-and-orange for Halloween.
- Accessories: Instead of a scarf, knit a tiny sweater, bowtie, or hat.
- Bigger Bear: Use chunky yarn and larger needles to make a huggable version.
Styling & Gifting Ideas 🎁
- Perfect as a handmade Valentine’s gift (bear + heart).
- Lovely as nursery décor, placed on a shelf or rocking chair.
- Pair with a handwritten note or gift box for an extra thoughtful present.
- Create a set of bears with different colored hearts for family and friends.
Final Thoughts 🧸
Knitting this teddy bear is a joyful experience that blends creativity, skill, and love. Even if you’re a beginner, the simple stitches and clear steps will guide you toward completing a toy that will make anyone smile. The combination of the cozy scarf and the heartfelt red heart adds warmth and charm, making this bear a cherished keepsake.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t worry if your first bear isn’t perfect—handmade toys are most beautiful when they carry the maker’s unique touch.
