This sophisticated Polar Bear features pristine, snowy white fur that serves as the perfect canvas for her stunning attire. She is a collector of fine things, dressed in a voluminous white gown that pays homage to the ceramic arts. The dress features intricate blue detailing—reminiscent of the pagodas, bridges, and weeping willows found on the classic plates. To mimic the intricate transferware, this pattern utilizes a mix of colorwork crochet and surface embroidery.

She keeps warm with a delicate, gauzy shawl in a soft sky blue, draped elegantly over her shoulders. Her accessories are nothing short of museum-quality miniatures: she holds a classic blue-and-white teapot, ready to pour a cup of Earl Grey, and a matching miniature saucer. Perched delicately on her hand is a Blue Swallow, a nod to the romantic legend depicted in the Blue Willow pattern. This pattern is designed for intermediate to advanced crocheters who enjoy detailed embroidery and colorwork.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR – Magic Ring
• ch – Chain
• sc – Single Crochet
• hdc – Half Double Crochet
• dc – Double Crochet
• sl st – Slip Stitch
• inc – Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec – Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
• st(s) – Stitch(es)
• rnd – Round
• row – Row
• BLO – Back Loop Only
• FLO – Front Loop Only
• Surface Slip Stitch – Insert hook through fabric, pull up loop, pull through loop on hook (used for embroidery).
• FO – Fasten Off

Materials Needed

• DK or Sport weight yarn in White (Bear Body, Dress Base, Teapot, Plate)
• DK weight yarn in Cobalt Blue (Dress Pattern, Shoes, Bow, Bird)
• DK weight yarn in Light Powder Blue (Shawl)
• Embroidery Floss in Cobalt Blue (For fine details on the dress and teapot)
• 2.5 mm crochet hook (for amigurumi parts)
• 3.0 mm crochet hook (for the shawl and dress skirt drape)
• Pair of 10mm black safety eyes
• Black embroidery thread (Nose/Mouth/Bird Eyes)
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, pins
• A small piece of cardboard (for shoe soles and plate base)

Gauge & Finished Size

Work tightly in continuous spiral rounds for the bear body so the stuffing does not show. Using DK yarn and a 2.5mm hook, the finished bear stands approximately 28 cm (11 inches) tall. The dress is designed to be removable, but the shoes are best crocheted as part of the legs for stability.

Construction Overview

The bear is constructed in pieces. The head is round with a distinct muzzle. The body is pear-shaped and sturdy. The dress is the masterpiece of this project: it is crocheted in white, and the “Blue Willow” patterns are added using a combination of color changes at the hem and embroidery for the scenic details (trees, pagodas) on the skirt. The accessories—teapot, plate, and swallow—are detailed miniatures.

Body Parts (Polar Bear)

Head

Use White yarn and 2.5mm hook.

• Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
• Rnd 2: inc around (12)
• Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around (18)
• Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat around (24)
• Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat around (30)
• Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat around (36)
• Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) repeat around (42)
• Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) repeat around (48)
• Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) repeat around (54)
• Rnd 10–22: sc around (54) (13 rounds).
• Rnd 23: (7 sc, dec) repeat around (48)
• Rnd 24: (6 sc, dec) repeat around (42)
• Rnd 25: (5 sc, dec) repeat around (36)

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, spaced about 10 stitches apart. (Muzzle will be placed between them).

• Rnd 26: (4 sc, dec) repeat around (30)
• Rnd 27: (3 sc, dec) repeat around (24)
• Rnd 28: (2 sc, dec) repeat around (18).

Stuff firmly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Muzzle

Use White yarn.

• Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
• Rnd 2: inc around (12)
• Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around (18)
• Rnd 4–5: sc around (18).

FO. Sew to the face between the eyes. Stuff lightly. Embroider a triangular nose and mouth using black thread.

Ears (Make 2)

Use White yarn.

• Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
• Rnd 2: inc around (12)
• Rnd 3–5: sc around (12).

Flatten and sew to the top sides of the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with Cobalt Blue (Shoes).

• Rnd 1: Ch 7. Oval start: sc 5, 3 sc in last, sc 4, inc (14).
• Rnd 2: inc, sc 4, 3 inc, sc 4, 2 inc (20).
• Rnd 3: (BLO) sc around (20).
• Rnd 4–5: sc around (20).
• Rnd 6: sc 7, 3 dec, sc 7 (17).
• Rnd 7 (Strap): sc 5, ch 5, skip 5, sc 7 (17).
• Change to White (Fur).
• Rnd 8: Work into the stitches and chains of previous round: (BLO) sc around (17).
• Rnd 9–20: sc around (17).

Stuff firmly. FO first leg. Do not cut yarn on second leg.

Body

Join legs: From second leg, ch 4, join to first leg with sc.

• Rnd 21: sc 17 (leg 1), sc 4 in ch, sc 17 (leg 2), sc 4 in ch (42).
• Rnd 22: (6 sc, inc) repeat around (48).
• Rnd 23–30: sc around (48).
• Rnd 31: (6 sc, dec) repeat around (42).
• Rnd 32–34: sc around (42).
• Rnd 35: (5 sc, dec) repeat around (36).
• Rnd 36–37: sc around (36).
• Rnd 38: (4 sc, dec) repeat around (30).
• Rnd 39: sc around (30).
• Rnd 40: (3 sc, dec) repeat around (24).
• Rnd 41: sc around (24).
• Rnd 42: (2 sc, dec) repeat around (18).

Stuff firmly. FO. Sew head to body.

Arms (Make 2)

Use White yarn.

• Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc.
• Rnd 2: inc around (12).
• Rnd 3–15: sc around (12).

Stuff lightly. Flatten top and sew to body.

The Porcelain Collection Wardrobe

Blue Willow Dress

Use White and Cobalt Blue yarn. Use 3.0mm hook for the skirt to allow drape.

• Bodice (White): Ch 30. Join. sc around (30).
• Rnd 2: (4 sc, inc) around (36).
• Rnd 3 (Armholes): sc 5, ch 6 (skip 8), sc 10, ch 6 (skip 8), sc 5.
• Rnd 4: sc around including chains (32).
• Rnd 5–8: sc around (32).
• Skirt Flare (White):
• Rnd 9: (3 sc, inc) around (40).
• Rnd 10: (4 sc, inc) around (48).
• Rnd 11: (5 sc, inc) around (56).
• Rnd 12–20: dc around (56).
• The Border Pattern (Colorwork):
  Note: Carry the yarn not in use behind the stitches.
• Rnd 21: *3 dc White, 1 dc Blue* repeat around.
• Rnd 22: *2 dc White, 2 dc Blue* repeat around.
• Rnd 23: *1 dc White, 3 dc Blue* repeat around.
• Rnd 24 (Hem): With Blue, (sc, ch 2, sc) in each stitch. FO.
• Embroidery Decoration: Using Cobalt Blue yarn or thick embroidery floss, embroider simple motifs on the white section of the skirt.
  Ideas: Stitch vertical lines with drooping tops to resemble weeping willows. Stitch small geometric houses to look like pagodas. The key is the density of the blue on the white.

Light Blue Silk Shawl

Use Light Powder Blue yarn. Worked flat.

• Row 1: Ch 4. In 4th ch from hook work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Turn.
• Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first st. In ch-2 space work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). 3 dc in last st. Turn.
• Row 3–8: Continue “Granny Triangle” pattern until the shawl fits over the bear’s shoulders.
• Row 9: Scallop edge – *5 dc in next space, sc in next space* repeat. FO.

Head Bow

Use Cobalt Blue yarn.

• Ch 15. Work rows of sc until piece is 3cm wide. Seam ends to make a loop.
• Wrap yarn tightly around the center to form a bow shape. Sew to the bear’s head near the ear.

Ceramic Accessories

Teapot

Use White and Cobalt Blue.

• Body (White): MR 6 sc. Inc to 12, 18, 24. sc 4 rounds. Dec to 18, 12. Stuff.
• Lid (White/Blue): MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Sew to top. Add a blue french knot on top for the handle.
• Spout (White): Ch 6, join. sc around for 3 rnds. Sew to side.
• Handle (Blue): Ch 8. Sew to opposite side.
• Decoration: Embroider a blue band around the belly of the pot.

Mini Plate

Use White and Cobalt Blue.

• Rnd 1 (White): MR 6 sc.
• Rnd 2 (White): Inc around (12).
• Rnd 3 (White): (1 sc, inc) around (18).
• Rnd 4 (Blue): (2 sc, inc) around (24). FO.
• Glue a small cardboard circle to the back to keep it flat.

The Blue Swallow

Use Cobalt Blue yarn.

• Body: MR 6 sc. Inc to 10. sc 2 rounds. Dec to 5. Close.
• Wings (Make 2): Ch 5. sc, hdc, dc, hdc. Sew to sides, angled back like a swallow in flight.
• Tail: Ch 5. Sl st back. Ch 5. Sl st back. (Forked tail). Sew to back of body.
• Use a tiny stitch of white/black for the eye.

Assembly

1. Dress the bear in the Blue Willow Dress.
2. Wrap the Light Blue Shawl around her arms.
3. Secure the Blue Bow to her head.
4. Stitch the Teapot to one hand.
5. Attach the Blue Swallow to the other hand (or perched on the teapot).
6. Place the Mini Plate by her feet.

Your Blue Willow Collector Bear is a masterpiece of fiber art! Display her proudly.