Enter the whimsical world of woodland crafting with this sophisticated bear project. The design features a classic brown bear with a vintage aesthetic, perfect for collectors and those who appreciate detailed needlework. This character is not just a toy but a storytelling piece, dressed in a cozy autumn-toned cardigan and an intricately embroidered skirt reflecting the beauty of a forest floor. If you are looking to embark on this creative journey, you can buy yarn and all necessary tools through trusted online retailers like Amazon to ensure your materials provide the best stitch definition. Crafting this set requires patience, especially during the embroidery phase, but the result is a breathtaking heirloom. The estimated cost for materials is approximately $20, while a finished, high-quality handmade doll of this detail can command a resale price of $85 to $110. This project is a perfect way to practice your amigurumi shaping and decorative floral stitching simultaneously.

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

Materials and Preparation Guide

Success in amigurumi depends heavily on selecting the right fibers and maintaining consistent tension. For this project, a semi-cotton or 100% mercerized cotton yarn is recommended to prevent pilling and ensure the embroidery stands out sharply against the fabric. You will need various shades of brown, cream, and autumn-inspired colors for the floral details. Using a hook size slightly smaller than recommended on the yarn label will help create a dense fabric that keeps the stuffing securely inside.

• Yarn Selection:
  • Medium Brown: For the bear’s head, body, and limbs.
  • Light Tan or Cream: For the muzzle and the mini hedgehog’s face.
  • Deep Burgundy or Plum: For the beret.
  • Chocolate Brown: For the cardigan and shoes.
  • Off-White or Cream: For the base of the skirt.
  • Eyelash or Boucle Yarn (Brown): For the hedgehog’s spikes.
  • Scrap Yarn (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow): For the mushroom and wildflower embroidery.
• Tools:
  • 2.5mm or 2.75mm Crochet Hook.
  • 10mm Black Safety Eyes for the bear.
  • 6mm Black Safety Eyes for the mini hedgehog.
  • Tapestry needle and embroidery needle.
  • Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
  • Stitch markers and sharp scissors.
  • Three small wooden buttons for the cardigan.

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

To navigate these instructions successfully, please familiarize yourself with the following abbreviations. Consistency in your stitch height is essential for the garments to fit the bear correctly.

• MR: Magic Ring.
• sc: Single Crochet.
• inc: Increase (two sc in the same stitch).
• dec: Invisible Decrease (sc two stitches together using the front loops).
• hdc: Half Double Crochet.
• dc: Double Crochet.
• sl st: Slip Stitch.
• ch: Chain.
• st(s): Stitch or Stitches.
• BLO: Back Loops Only.
• FLO: Front Loops Only.

The Bear: Head and Facial Features

The head is the most expressive part of the bear. We use a rounded sphere that is slightly elongated to provide a classic teddy look. Ensure you stuff the head firmly to support the weight of the beret. We will work in continuous spirals unless otherwise noted.

The Main Head

1. Round 1: Start with Medium Brown yarn. 6 sc in a MR (6).
2. Round 2: 6 inc around (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18).
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (24).
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (30).
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (36).
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (42).
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (48).
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (54).
10. Round 10: (8 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (60).
11. Rounds 11-20: sc in each st around (60).
12. Round 21: (8 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (54).
13. Round 22: (7 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (48).
14. Round 23: (6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (42).
15. Round 24: (5 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (36).
16. Placement: Insert 10mm safety eyes between rounds 16 and 17, with approximately 10 stitches of space between them.
17. Round 25: (4 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (30).
18. Round 26: (3 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (24).
19. Round 27: (2 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (18).
20. Round 28: (1 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (12).
21. Round 29: 6 dec (6). Fasten off and close the hole.

The Snout and Ears

The muzzle provides depth to the face. Using the Light Tan yarn, we will create a small oval shape. The ears are simple semicircles that frame the head.

Muzzle:
1. Round 1: Ch 5. Starting in second ch from hook, 3 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Turn to work on other side of chain, 2 sc, 1 inc in the final st (10).
2. Round 2: inc, 2 sc, 3 inc, 2 sc, 2 inc (16).
3. Round 3: 1 sc, inc, 2 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 3, 2 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 2 (22).
4. Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around (22).
Fasten off leaving a long tail. Embroider a triangular nose in Dark Brown and sew the muzzle between the eyes, stuffing lightly as you go.

Ears (Make 2):
1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6).
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18).
4. Rounds 4-6: sc in each st around (18).
Flatten the ear and sc through both layers to close. Sew to the top of the head at round 8.

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The Bear: Torso and Limbs

The body of the bear should be pear-shaped, providing a sturdy base for the clothing. We will begin with the legs and join them to form the torso.

Legs and Body Assembly

1. Leg 1: Start with Medium Brown. MR, 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18). R4-10: 18 sc. Fasten off.
2. Leg 2: Repeat Leg 1 but do not fasten off.
3. Join: Ch 3, join to Leg 1 with a sc. This marks the start of the round.
4. Round 11: sc around Leg 1, 3 sc in the chain, sc around Leg 2, 3 sc in the other side of the chain (42).
5. Round 12: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (48).
6. Rounds 13-22: sc in each st around (48).
7. Round 23: (6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (42).
8. Round 24: sc in each st around (42).
9. Round 25: (5 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (36).
10. Round 26: sc in each st around (36).
11. Round 27: (4 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (30).
12. Round 28: (3 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (24).
13. Round 29: (2 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (18).
14. Round 30: sc in each st around (18).
15. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

Arms (Make 2)

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6).
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12).
3. Rounds 3-18: sc in each st around (12).
4. Stuff the bottom half of the arm and flatten the top. Work sc through both layers to close. Sew to the sides of the body at round 28.

The Forest Warden Outfit

The clothing gives this bear its distinct personality. We will start with the plum beret, which is a fashion staple for this character, followed by the cardigan and the embroidered skirt.

The Deep Plum Beret

The beret is worked in rounds and uses a series of increases and decreases to achieve its floppy, circular shape. We use a slightly larger hook or looser tension to make the hat look cozy.

1. Round 1: Start with Deep Plum yarn. 6 sc in a MR (6).
2. Round 2: 6 inc around (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18).
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (24).
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (30).
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (36).
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (42).
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (48).
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (54).
10. Round 10: (8 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (60).
11. Rounds 11-13: sc in each st around (60).
12. Round 14: (8 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (54).
13. Round 15: (7 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (48).
14. Round 16: (6 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (42).
15. Round 17: (5 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (36).
16. Round 18: sc in each st around (36). Fasten off and weave in the ends.

The Chocolate Brown Cardigan

The cardigan is worked in rows to create the front opening. We will add the sleeves separately later.

1. Row 1: Ch 33. Starting in second ch from hook, 32 sc. Ch 1, turn.
2. Row 2-6: sc across (32). Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 7: 6 sc, ch 8, skip 6 sts (armhole), 8 sc, ch 8, skip 6 sts (armhole), 6 sc (36).
4. Row 8-15: sc across (36). Ch 1, turn.
5. Sleeves: Reattach yarn to the armhole loops. 14 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
6. Finishing: Sew three small wooden buttons to the front. We will leave the cardigan open or buttoned depending on the desired look.

The Cream Meadow Skirt

The skirt is worked in rounds starting from the waist. It should flare out to provide a wide surface for embroidery. Use the Off-White yarn.

1. Round 1: Ch 36. Join to form a ring. 36 sc around.
2. Round 2: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (42).
3. Round 3: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (48).
4. Round 4: (7 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (54).
5. Round 5: (8 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (60).
6. Rounds 6-15: sc in each st around (60).
7. Round 16 (Hem): (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in each st around to create a subtle lace edge. Fasten off.

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Wildflower and Mushroom Embroidery Guide

This is the stage where the bear truly comes to life. We will use various embroidery techniques to decorate the cream skirt. Use your colored scrap yarns and an embroidery needle.

Embroidering Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a central motif for the forest theme. Use Red and White for the caps and Tan for the stems.

• Method: Use a satin stitch for the cap. Start by making a semicircle in Red. Once filled, use White yarn to create small French knots or tiny straight stitches across the cap for the spots. For the stem, use Tan yarn and a vertical satin stitch to create a small thick pillar beneath the cap.
• Placement: Space three large mushrooms around the front center of the skirt, alternating their heights.

Embroidering Wildflowers

We want the meadow to look diverse. Use Blue, Yellow, and Green yarn.

• Lazy Daisy Flowers: Use Blue yarn. Make 5 loops in a circle to represent the petals. In the center, add a single Yellow French knot.
• Stems and Leaves: Use Green yarn and a backstitch to create winding stems between the mushrooms and flowers. Add small fly stitches along the stems to represent leaves.
• Hedgehog Silhouette: In the lower right of the skirt, use Brown yarn to create a small rounded shape using satin stitches. Add a tiny black dot for an eye. This mirrors the mini pet companion.

The Mini Hedgehog Companion

The hedgehog is a small, textured character that sits beside the bear. We use a combination of smooth and fuzzy yarn to achieve the “spiky” look.

Body and Face

1. Round 1: Use Light Tan yarn. 6 sc in a MR (6).
2. Round 2: 6 inc around (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18).
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (24).
5. Rounds 5-7: sc in each st around (24).
6. Eyes: Place 6mm safety eyes at round 5.
7. Change Yarn: Switch to Brown Eyelash or Boucle yarn.
8. Rounds 8-12: sc in each st around (24).
9. Round 13: (2 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (18).
10. Round 14: (1 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (12).
11. Round 15: 6 dec (6). Fasten off and close.

Embroider a tiny black nose on the tip of the Tan section. The fuzzy yarn will naturally cover the back, creating a spiky appearance without needing individual quills.

Autumn Accessories: Basket and Shoes

The accessories complete the scene, showing the bear has been out foraging in the woods. Use Chocolate Brown and Tan yarn.

Foraging Basket

1. Round 1: Use Tan yarn. 6 sc in a MR (6).
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18).
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24).
5. Round 5: BLO sc in each st around (24).
6. Rounds 6-10: sc in each st around (24).
7. Handle: Ch 15, sl st to the opposite side of the basket.
8. Tiny Mushrooms: Crochet a small white MR with 4 sc for a stem and a tiny red circle for a cap. Sew two or three inside the basket.

Brown Strap Shoes

The shoes are simple Mary Jane style shoes that match the bear’s cardigan. Make two using Chocolate Brown yarn.

1. Round 1: Ch 6. Start in second ch from hook. 4 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn to work on other side of chain, 3 sc, inc (12).
2. Round 2: inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc (18).
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 9 (27).
4. Round 4: BLO sc in each st around (27).
5. Round 5: sc in each st around (27).
6. Round 6: 9 sc, 5 dec, 8 sc (22).
7. Strap: Ch 8 from one side of the shoe, sl st to the other side. Fasten off.

Assembly and Final Touches

Now that all your components are finished, it is time to assemble the character. This phase requires a delicate touch to ensure the bear looks proportional and lively.

Joining the Parts

1. Head to Body: Use the tail from the body to sew the head securely. Add extra stuffing to the neck as you close the seam to ensure the head does not wobble.
2. Arm Placement: Pin the arms to the sides of the body at round 28. Ensure they are aligned with the legs. Sew firmly.
3. Face Sculpting: Before finishing the muzzle, you can use a bit of Medium Brown yarn to pull the eye sockets slightly inward. This adds depth to the face and makes the eyes look more realistic.
4. Dressing the Bear: Slip the skirt onto the bear first, ensuring the embroidery is facing forward. Next, put the cardigan on and secure the buttons. Finally, place the beret on the head between the ears and put the shoes on the feet.

Creating the Scenery

To recreate the image perfectly, place the mini hedgehog to the right of the bear’s feet. Place the basket in the bear’s right hand. You may wish to use a small stitch to secure the basket handle to the hand so it doesn’t fall off during display. Finally, use a bit of pink blush on a brush to add small rosy circles to the bear’s cheeks and the tip of the muzzle. This subtle detail provides a “glow” that makes the character appear warm and friendly.

Your Wildflower & Hedgehog Bear is now complete! This project is a celebration of autumn and the quiet beauty of nature. Because of the small parts like safety eyes and buttons, this doll is intended for decorative purposes or for older children. Store your creation in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep the yarn colors vibrant. The combination of different crochet textures and fine embroidery makes this a unique piece that showcases your skills as a fiber artist. I hope you enjoyed the creative process and feel inspired to explore more woodland-themed projects in the future.

Would you like to learn how to make alternative seasonal accessories for this bear, such as a winter scarf or a spring floral crown?