Introduction

Knitting toys is one of the most rewarding ways to bring yarn to life. This knitted bear plush toy is soft, cuddly, and easy enough for beginners to try. With its golden-brown body and classic red sweater, this bear makes a heartwarming gift for children, a charming display piece for your home, or a thoughtful handmade keepsake.

Unlike complex toy patterns, this design keeps things simple by focusing on basic stitches and straightforward shaping. You’ll practice increasing, decreasing, and simple embroidery to create facial details. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll be guided through each stage, from knitting the bear’s body to sewing the seams and adding the final touches.

This bear pattern is also highly customizable—you can change the sweater color, embroider different expressions, or even knit a matching family of bears.

Materials Needed

To make your knitted bear plush toy, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn:
  1. Light brown / golden yarn (for body and head) – worsted weight, acrylic or cotton blend.
  2. Red yarn (for sweater).
  3. Black yarn (for nose, eyes, and mouth embroidery).
• Knitting Needles: 3.5 mm (US size 4) straight needles (or DPNs if you prefer working in the round).
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill (for toy filling).
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing parts and embroidering facial details.
• Scissors
• Optional: Stitch markers to keep track of shaping rows.

Abbreviations and Techniques

Here’s a handy guide to the abbreviations used in the pattern:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• kfb – knit into front and back of the stitch (increase)
• k2tog – knit two stitches together (decrease)
• p2tog – purl two stitches together (decrease)
• CO – cast on
• BO – bind off
• rnd(s) – round(s)

Techniques you’ll use in this project:

• Casting on and binding off.
• Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next).
• Simple shaping using increases and decreases.
• Sewing seams with mattress stitch.
• Embroidering simple features.

Pattern Instructions

We’ll knit the bear in sections: body, head, ears, sweater, and finishing details.

1. Body (Worked in Brown Yarn)

• CO 24 sts.
• Work in stockinette (knit RS, purl WS) for 10 rows.
• Begin increases:
  1. Row 11: k2, kfb repeat (32 sts).
  2. Row 12: Purl across.
  3. Row 13: k3, kfb repeat (40 sts).
  4. Row 14–20: Continue stockinette stitch.
• Begin decreases:
  1. Row 21: k3, k2tog repeat (32 sts).
  2. Row 22: Purl across.
  3. Row 23: k2, k2tog repeat (24 sts).
  4. Row 24: Purl across.
  5. Row 25: k1, k2tog repeat (16 sts).
  6. Row 26: Purl across.
• BO and leave a long tail for sewing.

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Assembly:

• Sew up side seam and stuff firmly.
• Close bottom neatly with running stitch.

2. Head (Brown Yarn)

• CO 24 sts.
• Knit 6 rows in stockinette.
• Row 7: k2, kfb repeat (32 sts).
• Row 8: Purl across.
• Row 9: k3, kfb repeat (40 sts).
• Row 10–18: Work even in stockinette.
• Begin shaping:
  1. Row 19: k3, k2tog repeat (32 sts).
  2. Row 20: Purl across.
  3. Row 21: k2, k2tog repeat (24 sts).
  4. Row 22: Purl across.
  5. Row 23: k1, k2tog repeat (16 sts).
  6. Row 24: Purl across.
  7. Row 25: k2tog across (8 sts).
• Cut yarn, thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight.

Assembly:

• Stuff firmly to form a round head.
• Sew onto top of body.

3. Ears (Make 2, Brown Yarn)

• CO 10 sts.
• Knit 2 rows in stockinette.
• Row 3: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog (8 sts).
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog (6 sts).
• Row 6: Purl.
• BO all sts.

Assembly:

• Fold ears slightly to give them a rounded look.
• Sew onto top sides of head.

4. Sweater (Red Yarn)

The sweater is knitted directly as part of the body for simplicity.

• When working the body section, switch to red yarn after Row 5.
• Continue knitting with red yarn until Row 20.
• Switch back to brown yarn for remaining rows.

Optional collar:

• Pick up sts around neckline in red.
• Knit 3–4 rows in rib stitch (k1, p1).
• BO loosely.

5. Facial Features (Black Yarn)

• Nose: Embroider a small oval at the center of the face.
• Mouth: Stitch a curved smile beneath the nose.
• Eyes: Small embroidered stitches, or use tiny safety eyes if making for older children.
• Eyebrows (optional): Add two short stitched lines above the eyes for expression.

Assembly and Finishing

1. Ensure all pieces are stuffed firmly but evenly.
2. Attach head to body securely with whip stitch or mattress stitch.
3. Sew ears neatly in place.
4. Add final embroidery for the face.
5. Shape toy gently with hands until proportions look balanced.

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Tips, Variations, and Styling Ideas

• Change Sweater Color: Use green, blue, or striped designs for variety.
• Festive Version: Add a tiny scarf or hat for winter holidays.
• Family of Bears: Knit in different sizes by changing yarn weight and needle size.
• Personalized Gift: Embroider initials or a small motif on the sweater.
• Safety Note: If gifting to babies, avoid plastic eyes—embroider instead.

Final Thoughts

This knitted bear plush toy is a simple yet delightful project for knitters of all levels. Beginners will enjoy learning basic shaping and assembly, while experienced knitters can customize details to create unique variations.

With its cozy red sweater and friendly face, this bear makes a thoughtful handmade gift or keepsake. Once you’ve completed one, you may find yourself knitting an entire collection, each with its own personality and style.

Knitting toys is not only a creative hobby but also a way to create lasting memories through handmade gifts. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let this cheerful bear bring joy to whoever receives it.