This pattern is for making a teddy bear all in one go. You start at the top of the head, work down the front of the bear (making the ears, front of the arms and paws as you go), make the front of the legs, bottom and back of the legs, then, still making one piece, make the tail, back, back of the arms, neck and head and end up at the top of the head at the back.

The legs and arms are created in the same row using a combination of working single crochets into chains (created in the previous row) and foundation single crochet.

To assemble, you sew the one side seam shut (maybe with the ears tucked in if you prefer to turn the bear inside out before stuffing), stuff as you go. You can use safety eyes and nose if you’d like, or use embroidered facial features.

The pattern is written as a round head and body, but have alternative stitches included to add a muzzle (straight or piggy) and/or tail (short, curly or long).

The legs are angled to the front so that it looks like it’s sitting.

Using thicker yarn, the bear turns out a bit bigger. Use a hook that creates a fairly tight fabric as you don’t want the stuffing to come out. If you’re new to amigurumi (crocheted soft toys), you might want to use a hook size or two smaller than it says on the yarn label.

This bear takes quite a bit less than a single ball of yarn, so I’ve found it a good stash buster. I’ve made it with anything from worsted weight to baby yarn and they’ve all turned out quite well (I think :-)).

Have fun!