Introduction
Meet the Vintage Vinyl DJ Bear—a retro-loving teddy in cacao flared trousers with herringbone lines, a butter-yellow button shirt with tiny check texture, red-brick derby shoes, a deep-olive newsboy cap, and a crossbody vinyl-record bag whose round “disc” actually slides out.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Form & Proportion Analysis
- Height: ~10 in (25 cm) using DK cotton + 2.5 mm hook.
- Head: Round-oval with the widest band around Rnds 15–18. Eyes (8 mm) sit low and wide, between Rnds 13–14, ~8 sts apart. A separate shallow muzzle gives the classic teddy look.
- Ears: Small circular tabs, high on the head with a slight forward tilt.
- Body: Compact cylinder with a natural waist at Body Rnd ~12 to keep the shirt tidy under the waistband.
- Arms: Slim tubes, lightly stuffed at the hands; set slightly forward so the record bag strap drapes naturally.
- Legs/Feet: Straight legs attached to rounded derbies. Shoe opening sits low; a surface line suggests the sole edge.
- Outfit & accessories:
- Trousers: Cacao brown; straight at thigh then subtle flare from mid-calf. Herringbone effect built with alternating BLO/FLO and diagonal surface lines; pressed front crease line.
- Shirt: Butter yellow; short collar stand with pointed collar; tiny check texture via linen/moss colorwork in butter + cream.
- Shoes: Red-brick derbies with a narrow saddle and stitched “laces.”
- Cap: Deep olive newsboy with segmented crown and short curved brim.
- Bag: Round vinyl disc (black) in a tan sleeve with flap; crossbody strap lands from left shoulder to right hip.
Fabric density: ~8 sc per 1 in (2.5 cm) for the bear; clothing slightly looser for drape but still crisp. Attach legs perpendicular and parallel for stable posing.
Materials
- DK-weight 100% cotton yarn in:
- C1 Teddy brown (head, body, limbs, ears)
- C1b Cream (muzzle)
- C2 Butter yellow (shirt)
- C2b Light cream (shirt check contrast)
- C3 Cacao (trousers)
- C4 Red-brick (derby shoes)
- C4b Cocoa/dark brown (shoe saddle/sole line/laces)
- C5 Deep olive (newsboy cap)
- C6 Tan (record sleeve bag + strap)
- C7 Charcoal/black (vinyl disc)
- C8 White + C9 Red (disc label and small “record” dot)
- C10 Cocoa (nose/mouth embroidery; eye highlights if crocheted)
- Hooks: 2.5 mm (amigurumi); 3.0 mm (cap brim, trouser hem optional).
- Notions: 8 mm safety eyes (or crochet circles), stuffing, tapestry needle, markers, scissors.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – magic ring
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec – invisible decrease
- sl st – slip stitch
- ch – chain
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet (if used)
- BLO / FLO – back loop only / front loop only
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd – round
- Row – row
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- MOSS (linen/mesh stitch) – (sc, ch 1, skip next st) across; on the next round work sc into each ch-1 space, with ch 1 after each sc.
Gauge & Notes
- Target gauge: ~8 sc × 9 rnds ≈ 1 in (2.5 cm) in spiral rounds with 2.5 mm hook.
- Work in continuous spirals unless a join is noted.
- Stuff gradually and firmly; keep cheeks smooth; shape shoe toes by pinching while warm from light steam.
- All trims and accessories are yarn-only to keep the build 100% crochet.
The Bear
Head (C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc)×6 [42]
Rnds 8–18: sc around [42]
— Insert eyes between Rnds 13–14, 8 sts apart.
Rnd 19: (5 sc, dec)×6 [36]
Rnd 20: sc around [36]
Rnd 21: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 22: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — begin stuffing.
Rnd 23: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18]
Rnd 24: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 25: sc around [12]; fasten long tail.
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Muzzle (C1b)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: sc around [18]; sl st to finish. Stuff lightly and sew centered two rounds below eyes. Embroider a small triangle nose and short smile with C10.
Ears (make 2, C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc)×3 [12]
Rnd 4: sc around [12]; flatten (no stuffing). Sew high with a slight forward tilt.
Body (C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnds 6–8: sc around [30]
Rnd 9: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 10: sc around [36]
Rnd 11: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — natural waist
Rnd 13: sc around [24]
Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18] — stuff firmly
Rnd 15: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 16: dec around [6]; close.
Sew head to body with secure ladder stitches.
Arms (make 2, C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnds 3–11: sc around [9]
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec)×2, sc 1 [7]
Lightly stuff the hand; flatten top; sew slightly forward under the neckline.
Legs & Derby Shoes (make 2)
Sole (C4)
Rnd 1: ch 6; sc in 2nd ch, sc 3, 3 sc in last; rotate, sc 3, inc in last [12]
Rnd 2: inc, sc 3, inc×3, sc 3, inc×2 [18]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around [18]
Upper (C4)
Rnd 4–5: sc around [18]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, dec)×3 [15]
Rnd 7: (3 sc, dec)×3 [12] — rounded toe.
Saddle/Laces (C4b): surface stitch a small saddle across the instep; embroider two short bar “laces” and a tiny knot.
Leg Tube (C1)
Rnd 8: switch to C1; sc around [12]
Rnds 9–12: sc around [12]
Rnd 13: (sc, dec)×4 [8]
Rnds 14–16: sc around [8]; fasten long tails.
Stuff and sew both legs parallel so soles align.
Clothing
Butter-Check Button Shirt (C2 + C2b for micro-checks)
Shirt body is worked in the round with MOSS to mimic a tiny check; collar added after.
Rnd 1: with C2, ch 56, join to ring [56]
Rnd 2 (C2): (sc, ch 1, sk next st) around [56]
Rnd 3 (C2b): sc in each ch-1 sp with ch 1 after each sc
Rnd 4 (C2): rep Rnd 3
Rnd 5 (divide sleeves, C2b): work MOSS 9 sts, ch 4, sk 12, MOSS 22, ch 4, sk 12, MOSS 9 [48 incl. chains]
Rnd 6 (C2): MOSS around, placing sc into each ch-4 gap to close underarm [56]
Rnd 7 (C2b): MOSS around [56]
Rnd 8 (C2): MOSS around [56]
Rnd 9 (hem): switch to sc in C2; sc around; sl st and fasten.
Sleeves (each)
Pick up 22 sts around the armhole in C2.
Rnd 1 (C2): MOSS around [22]
Rnd 2 (C2b): MOSS around [22]
Rnd 3 (C2): sc around; sl st to finish.
Front Placket & Buttons (faux)
Choose a center line. Surface sl st a vertical line in C2b from neck to hem. Make two tiny “buttons” with MR (C2b), 5 sc; sew along the placket.
Collar
Join C2 at neckline center back. Row 1: sc evenly around neck (≈ 40–44 sts).
Row 2: (sc 4, inc) repeat to softly flare [≈48].
Row 3: split at center front to form points: work to 2 sts before center, turn, dec at outer edge each row for 3 rows per side to get a pointed collar. Steam lightly to set.
Cacao Herringbone Flares (C3)
Waistband
Rnd 1: ch 48, join [48]
Rnd 2: sc around [48]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around [48] (inner casing ridge)
Hips/Thighs
Rnd 4: (sc 7, inc)×6 [54]
Rnds 5–6: sc around [54]
Divide for Legs
Mark join; count 27 sts opposite.
— Right Leg: sc 27; join back to start of this segment [27].
Rnds 1–2: BLO sc around [27]
Rnds 3–4: FLO sc around [27] (alternating rows create subtle herringbone ribs)
Rnds 5–6: sc around [27]
Rnd 7 (Flare start): (sc 8, inc)×3 [30]
Rnd 8: sc around [30]
Rnd 9 (hem): optional 3.0 mm hook; sc around; sl st, fasten.
— Left Leg: attach to remaining 27 sts; repeat all.
Front Crease
With C4b (or C10), surface backstitch a straight crease down the middle front of each leg. Add one or two short diagonal lines at outer thigh to echo herringbone.
Deep-Olive Newsboy Cap (C5; brim on 3.0 mm)
Crown
Rnd 1: MR, 8 sc [8]
Rnd 2: inc around [16]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×8 [24]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×8 [32]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×8 [40]
Rnd 6: sc around [40]
Rnd 7: BLO sc around [40] (subtle seam line)
Side Band
Rnd 8–9: sc around [40]
Brim
Row 1: rejoin at front center; ch 1, sc 14 across.
Row 2: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 10, sc2tog [12]
Row 3: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog [10]
Row 4: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 6, sc2tog [8]; sl st around the brim edge for firmness.
Cap should sit just behind ear roots; tack at two points if needed.
Red-Brick Derbies — Finishing
After legs are attached, if the opening feels loose, add one extra sc round at the shoe top in C4. Surface sl st a sole line in C4b along the BLO ridge (Rnd 3) and a short heel counter.
Vinyl Record Crossbody Bag (Working Sleeve + Removable Disc)
Record Sleeve Body (C6)
Front/Back Panels (make 2)
Row 1: ch 18; sc in 2nd ch and across [17]
Rows 2–16: sc across [17]. Fasten.
Gusset/Side Strip
Row 1: ch 40; Rows 2–3: sc across [39].
Whipstitch the strip around one panel’s edges, then attach the second panel to the open side to create a shallow square “sleeve.” Leave the top edge open.
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Flap
Row 1: ch 18; sc across [17]
Rows 2–6: sc across [17]
Round lower corners by working sc2tog at both ends on the last row. Sl st around the flap for a crisp edge. Sew the flap to the back panel’s top edge as a hinge.
Strap
Ch 90 with C6; sl st back for a sturdy cord. Sew to side walls so the bag hangs left shoulder → right hip.
Closure
Loop: ch 10; sl st back; sew to flap tip. Stud: MR with C6, 5 sc; sew to front so the loop catches.
Label Patch (optional)
Small rectangle: ch 8, 2 rows sc. Embroider “LP” or a tiny star; sew to sleeve front.
Vinyl Disc (removable) (C7, C8 white label, C9 red center)
Disc
Rnd 1: MR with C7, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: sc around [30]; sl st and fasten.
Center Label
Rnd 1: MR with C8, 6 sc [6]; sl st to close.
Sew to disc center; add a tiny C9 French-knot “spindle” dot.
Slide the disc into the sleeve; tack lightly if the display will be permanent.
Assembly & Dressing
Order
- Dress the bear in the butter-check shirt.
- Pull on the cacao flares; align the front crease.
- Attach arms (if you waited until after dressing) angled slightly forward.
- Put on the derbies; shape toes; add lace bars.
- Seat the newsboy cap just behind ear bases.
- Hang the vinyl sleeve bag across the body; insert the disc so the label peeks.
Embroidery & Details
- Eyebrow ticks: two tiny upward stitches in C10 for an expressive look.
- Mouth line: a short curve below the muzzle center.
- Shirt check: keep MOSS tension even so squares stay small and crisp.
Blocking, Styling & Care
- Hover-steam the trouser hems and cap brim to relax; do not press flat.
- Pinch the shoe toes while warm to keep the rounded derby shape.
- Spot clean only; air dry.
- For photos, seat the teddy on a wooden table by a window; let the crossbody strap sit at ~45° and pull the disc halfway out for that “DJ about to spin” moment.
Troubleshooting
- Head wobble: Before sewing the head, crochet a short neck peg (6 sc around × 4–5 rnds) and insert between body and head.
- Shirt tight underarm: On the divide round, use ch-5 instead of ch-4 and add 2 extra sts under each arm on the next round.
- Cap slides: Remove one crown increase round (stop at 32–36 sts) or finish with a snug sl-st edging.
- Trousers too snug: Start waistband at ch 50; keep legs divided evenly (25/25).
- Bag flap floppy: Add one extra row to flap or surface-stitch a ridge along its edge.
Quick Reference (Counts at a Glance)
- Head: max 42; eyes at R13–14 (8 sts apart); close at 12.
- Muzzle: 18-st oval.
- Ears: to 12 sts, flattened tabs.
- Body: max 36 → waist 24 → close at 6.
- Arms: 9-st tubes → taper to 7.
- Legs/Shoes: sole 18; leg tube 12 → 8.
- Shirt: ring 56 (MOSS); sleeve gaps 12; sleeves 22; collar pointed.
- Trousers: waist 48; legs 27/27; flare to 30; crease surface line.
- Cap: crown to 40; brim 14 → 8.
- Bag: sleeve panels 17×16 rows; gusset 39×2 rows; strap ch-90; disc to 30 sts with white label.
