Introduction
Let’s knit a charming Cozy Winter Bear exactly like the one in the photo: a soft brown teddy wearing a lavender rolled-brim hat, lilac pants, a creamy open cardigan with lavender trim, and a pink textured scarf. Everything is knitted (no crochet required), the clothing is removable, and the bear stands about 20–24 cm (8–9½ in) tall when made with DK yarn and small needles for a firm fabric. This tutorial is beginner-friendly but detailed enough to give you confident, row-by-row instructions with stitch counts, shaping notes, and finishing steps.
Materials
Yarn (DK/Light Worsted, smooth, non-fuzzy recommended for beginners):
- Bear (Main): Light brown/tan – 50 g
- Hat & Pants: Lavender – 30–40 g total
- Cardigan: Cream/ivory – 30–40 g
- Trim/Colorwork: Lavender (same ball as hat/pants) – small amount
- Scarf: Soft pink – 15–20 g
- Face embroidery: Black – a few meters (or 6 mm safety eyes + black yarn for nose/mouth)
Needles & Notions
- 3.25 mm (US 3) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or 80–100 cm circular for magic loop – for the bear
- 3.5 mm (US 4) DPNs/circular – for clothes (slightly looser so they slide on/off)
- Stitch markers (at least 6), waste yarn/holders
- Tapestry needle, scissors
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill (approx. 50 g)
- Optional: 6 mm safety eyes (or embroider eyes)
- Optional: A small amount of thin elastic for pants waistband (or knit an I-cord tie)
Gauge (not critical but affects size): about 28 sts × 36 rnds = 10 cm (4 in) in stockinette on 3.25 mm needles. Aim for firm fabric so stuffing doesn’t show.
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Abbreviations & Techniques (US terms)
k – knit
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd(s) – round(s)
RS/WS – right/wrong side
kfb – knit front and back (increase 1)
m1L/m1R – make one left/right (optional alternative to kfb)
k2tog – knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
ssk – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
BO – bind off
CO – cast on
pm/sm – place marker / slip marker
Magic Loop or DPNs: work in the round
Mattress stitch / whip stitch: for seaming
Duplicate stitch/embroidery: for face details
Skills you’ll use: small-circumference knitting in the round, basic increases/decreases, simple seaming, light colorwork (two rows of a 2×2 dot/chevron effect), and basic embroidery.
Finished Measurements
Bear height: ~20–24 cm from toe to crown (without hat). Clothing sized to fit this bear with slight positive ease.
Pattern Overview
You will knit: Feet & Legs (2) → Join for Body → Neck & Head, plus separate Arms (2), Ears (2), Muzzle, then the removable Hat, Cardigan, Pants, and Scarf. Stuff as you go. All body pieces are in brown unless noted.
The Bear
Feet & Legs (make 2)
Using brown and 3.25 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Distribute for working in the round, pm for start.
Rnd 1: kfb around – 16 sts
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* around – 24 sts
Rnd 3: *k2, kfb* around – 32 sts
Rnd 4–9: knit even – 32 sts (forms the length of the foot)
Toe/Wedge shaping
Rnd 10: *k6, k2tog* ×4 – 28 sts
Rnd 11: knit
Rnd 12: *k5, k2tog* ×4 – 24 sts
Rnd 13: knit
Rnd 14: *k4, k2tog* ×4 – 20 sts
Rnd 15–18: knit even – 20 sts
Lightly stuff the foot, shaping it into a rounded oval.
Ankle taper (optional but cute):
Rnd 19: k2tog, k7, k2tog, k7 – 18 sts
Rnd 20–35: knit even – 18 sts (leg tube)
Break yarn on the first leg and leave sts on a holder. Knit the second leg the same but do not break yarn.
Join for Body
On the second leg, knit its 18 sts, CO 4 sts (front crotch), knit across the held 18 sts of the first leg, CO 4 sts (back crotch). Join – 44 sts now in the round. Place markers at the 4 newly cast-on stitches to track front/back centers if you like.
Rnd 1: knit
Rnd 2: *k11, kfb* ×4 – 48 sts
Rnd 3: knit
Rnd 4: *k12, kfb* ×4 – 52 sts
Rnd 5–8: knit even – keep stuffing legs and lower body as you go
Waist to chest shaping
Rnd 9: *k12, k2tog* ×4 – 48 sts
Rnd 10: knit
Rnd 11: *k10, k2tog* ×4 – 44 sts
Rnd 12: knit
Rnd 13: *k9, k2tog* ×4 – 40 sts
Rnd 14: knit
Rnd 15: *k8, k2tog* ×4 – 36 sts
Rnd 16–18: knit even to neck – 36 sts (firmly stuff tummy)
Neck shaping
Rnd 19: *k4, k2tog* ×6 – 30 sts
Rnd 20: *k3, k2tog* ×6 – 24 sts
Rnd 21–22: knit even (this slightly snug neck supports the head). Stuff up to the neck.
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Head (worked straight on)
We’ll expand from the neck to a rounded head.
Rnd 23: *k1, kfb* ×12 – 36 sts
Rnd 24: *k2, kfb* ×12 – 48 sts
Rnd 25: *k3, kfb* ×12 – 60 sts
Rnd 26–36: knit even – 60 sts
Eyes placement: If using safety eyes, insert between Rnds 31–32, approximately 8 sts apart, centered above where the muzzle will go. (If embroidering the eyes later, skip this step.)
Shape crown
Rnd 37: *k3, k2tog* ×12 – 48 sts
Rnd 38: knit
Rnd 39: *k2, k2tog* ×12 – 36 sts
Rnd 40: knit – firmly stuff the head, shaping the cheeks
Rnd 41: *k1, k2tog* ×12 – 24 sts
Rnd 42: *k2tog* ×12 – 12 sts
Rnd 43: *k2tog* ×6 – 6 sts. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, weave in.
Arms (make 2)
Using brown and 3.25 mm, CO 6 sts. Work in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around – 12 sts
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* ×6 – 18 sts
Rnd 3–10: knit even – 18 sts
Rnd 11: *k4, k2tog* ×3 – 15 sts
Rnd 12–18: knit even – 15 sts
Rnd 19: *k3, k2tog* ×3 – 12 sts
Rnd 20–22: knit even – 12 sts
Leave a long tail, lightly stuff (hands a bit fuller than upper arm). Flatten the top and seam closed later when attaching to the body.
Ears (make 2, worked flat)
Using brown and 3.25 mm.
CO 12 sts.
Row 1 (WS): purl
Row 2 (RS): kfb, k10, kfb – 14 sts
Row 3: purl
Row 4: kfb, k12, kfb – 16 sts
Rows 5–8: work in stockinette (k RS, p WS)
Row 9: k2tog, k12, k2tog – 14 sts
Row 11: k2tog, k10, k2tog – 12 sts
Row 13: k2tog, k8, k2tog – 10 sts
Row 15: k2tog, k6, k2tog – 8 sts
Row 16: purl
BO leaving a tail. Fold the ear so it cups slightly; a tiny gather along the cast-on edge gives a rounded look.
Muzzle (worked flat)
Using brown (or a shade lighter if you prefer a contrast), 3.25 mm.
CO 8 sts.
Row 1: knit
Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb – 10 sts
Row 3: purl
Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb – 12 sts
Row 5: purl
Row 6: kfb, k10, kfb – 14 sts
Rows 7–10: stockinette (k RS, p WS)
Row 11: k2tog, k10, k2tog – 12 sts
Row 12: purl
Row 13: k2tog, k8, k2tog – 10 sts
Row 14: purl
Row 15: k2tog, k6, k2tog – 8 sts
Row 16: purl, BO. Lightly stuff into a shallow pillow when sewing on.
Clothing
Rolled-Brim Hat (lavender)
Use 3.5 mm needles.
CO 60 sts, join to work in the round (take care not to twist), pm.
Rnd 1–6: knit (stockinette; the brim will naturally roll)
Rnd 7–18: knit even (hat body)
Crown decreases
Rnd 19: *k8, k2tog* ×6 – 54 sts
Rnd 20: knit
Rnd 21: *k7, k2tog* ×6 – 48 sts
Rnd 22: knit
Rnd 23: *k6, k2tog* ×6 – 42 sts
Rnd 24: knit
Rnd 25: *k5, k2tog* ×6 – 36 sts
Rnd 26: knit
Rnd 27: *k4, k2tog* ×6 – 30 sts
Rnd 28: *k3, k2tog* ×6 – 24 sts
Rnd 29: *k2, k2tog* ×6 – 18 sts
Rnd 30: *k1, k2tog* ×6 – 12 sts
Rnd 31: *k2tog* ×6 – 6 sts
Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts and secure. Turn the brim up for the look in the photo.
Pants/Shorts (lavender, in the round)
Use 3.5 mm needles.
CO 44 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1–6: *k1, p1* rib – waistband
Rnd 7–16: knit even – 44 sts
Divide for legs
K 22 sts, place remaining 22 sts on a holder.
First leg: CO 2 sts at the join, pm, and work 12 rnds knit – 24 sts. BO loosely.
Second leg: place the held 22 sts back on needles, attach yarn, CO 2 sts, work 12 rnds knit – 24 sts, BO.
(For a drawstring, knit an I-cord: CO 3 sts, work 35–40 cm, thread through the ribbing.)
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Cardigan (cream with lavender trim)
Worked flat and seamed. Use 3.5 mm needles and cream; use lavender for the trim motif. All edges start with a few garter rows for neatness. The cardigan is open-front with no buttons, matching the photo.
Trim motif (2-row dot/chevron):
Row A (RS): With both colors on hand, k2 in cream, k2 in lavender repeat across, end with cream if needed.
Row B (WS): Work the same as Row A, keeping the colors stacked. Carry floats loosely on the back.
Back
CO 26 sts in cream.
Rows 1–4: knit (garter hem).
Rows 5–6: Trim motif (as above).
Row 7 (RS): knit in cream only.
Row 8 (WS): purl.
Work even in stockinette until piece measures ~7.5 cm (about 28 rows from CO).
Armholes:
Row 29 (RS): BO 2 sts, knit to end – 24 sts
Row 30 (WS): BO 2 sts, purl to end – 22 sts
Work 8 more rows even.
Shoulders & back neck:
Row 39 (RS): BO 6 sts, knit to end – 16 sts
Row 40 (WS): BO 6 sts, purl to end – 10 sts
Row 41 (RS): BO remaining 10 sts.
Left Front
CO 14 sts in cream.
Rows 1–4: knit (garter).
Rows 5–6: Trim motif.
Then work in stockinette to Row 24.
Armhole (side edge):
Row 25 (RS): BO 2, knit to end – 12 sts.
Work 6 rows even.
Neck shaping (front opening edge):
Row 32 (RS): BO 3 sts at front edge – 9 sts
Row 34 (RS): BO 2 sts at front edge – 7 sts
Rows 36 & 38 (RS): BO 1 st at front edge twice – 5 sts
Row 39 (RS): BO all 5 sts (shoulder).
Right Front
Work as Left Front but mirror the shaping.
Sleeves (make 2)
CO 16 sts in cream.
Rows 1–3: knit (garter cuff).
Rows 4–5: Trim motif.
Rows 6–17: stockinette (k RS, p WS).
Row 18: BO all sts.
Finishing the Cardigan
Seam shoulder tops (left/right fronts to back). Sew sleeve tops to armholes, then seam sleeve underarms and side seams. Weave in ends. The cardigan should sit open with the trim visible on cuffs and hem, just like the photo.
Scarf (pink, textured)
Use 3.5 mm needles.
CO 8 sts.
Work garter stitch (knit every row) for 80 rows (approx. 22–26 cm depending on your gauge). BO. This creates the softly bumpy texture seen in the picture and drapes nicely at this scale.
Assembly & Finishing
- Stuffing & Shaping
- Ensure both feet are firmly filled and symmetrical before fully stuffing legs.
- After joining the legs, stuff the lower body gradually so there are no hard lumps.
- Pack the head firmly—this keeps the face smooth for embroidery.
- Arms
- Flatten the top opening of each arm, align with the bear’s sides roughly 1–2 rounds below the neck, and seam in place using the yarn tails and whip stitch. A slight forward tilt gives a friendly pose.
- Ears
- Fold each ear and stitch the straight edge to the head at the “10 o’clock” and “2 o’clock” positions. The lower edge should sit just above the hat’s brim line so the ears peek out like in the photo.
- Muzzle
- Center the muzzle on the lower half of the face (its top roughly level with or a touch below the eyes). Pin, ladder stitch all around, stuffing very lightly as you close the last gap.
- Face Embroidery (or Safety Eyes)
- If you didn’t use safety eyes, embroider small almond/oval eyes in black with a few neat satin stitches.
- Stitch a tiny triangle nose centered on the muzzle. From the bottom of the triangle, embroider a short vertical line and a tiny smile curve—as in the picture. Keep it minimal for the sweet expression.
- Dress the Bear
- Put on the pants first, then the cardigan (it stays open), wrap the scarf once around the neck with the tails hanging down the front, and pop on the rolled-brim hat.
- Final Touches
- Roll the hat’s brim to the depth shown in the photo.
- Tug the cardigan hem and sleeves gently to even out stitches.
- Trim any visible ends. Give the bear a soft squeeze to settle the stuffing.
Tips for Success (Beginner-Friendly)
- Tight, even tension is key for toys. If you see stuffing peeking, go down a needle size.
- Use magic loop if DPN tips feel fiddly—whichever method keeps you relaxed is best.
- When carrying the second color for the cardigan’s trim, float loosely to avoid puckering—spanning just two stitches is ideal for beginners.
- For perfectly round heads, stuff in small tufts and shape with your hands. You can add a touch more stuffing through the top before closing the crown completely.
- If your pants slide down, thread a slim elastic through the ribbing or add the I-cord drawstring.
- Embroidery looks cleanest with short lengths of yarn (30–40 cm); longer strands tend to fuzz.
Care & Safety
This pattern is designed to be family-friendly. For small children, embroider the eyes instead of safety eyes. Hand-wash gently in cool water, squeeze in a towel, and air dry flat. Avoid harsh chemicals or heat.
Pattern Recap (Stitch Counts at Key Points)
- Leg at join: 18 sts each → 44 sts after adding crotch stitches
- Body max: 52 sts, then tapered to 36 sts at neck
- Head max: 60 sts, decreased to 6 sts before closing
- Arms: 18 sts max, finished flat at 12 sts
- Hat cast-on: 60 sts; crown decreased evenly to 6 sts
- Pants cast-on: 44 sts; legs 24 sts each after division
- Cardigan back/fronts/sleeves sized to fit with easy dressing
You’re Done!
Your Cozy Winter Bear should now look just like the photo: a warm-hearted teddy in a lavender hat and pants, cream cardigan with lavender trims, and a rosy scarf. The proportions, colors, and textures have been chosen to match the image closely, while keeping the knitting straightforward for beginners. Enjoy your new friend, and feel free to knit a little wardrobe—change scarf colors, add tiny buttons to the cardigan, or stripe the pants—once you’ve made the first set true to the original.
Happy knitting!
