Explore our free pattern for the Crochet Baby Bear Cuddler, available exclusively on our blog! This woodland-themed lovey is perfect for beginners and makes a delightful crochet gift. Follow the easy instructions below to create your own charming cuddler, ideal for snuggling and gifting to loved ones.
Pattern Design + Construction :
Our Crochet Baby Black Bear design is inspired by the cherished memories of family vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains, where we often spot black bears. This handmade lovey captures those special moments and is an ideal gift for anyone planning a woodland critters-themed nursery.
Perfect for beginners, this pattern uses basic stitches to make crafting enjoyable and straightforward. The lovey features front and back panels crocheted in flat rows, with the ears, eyes, and snout made separately and attached using a tapestry needle. After stuffing and joining the panels with a round of single crochet, the finished bear stands about 8 inches tall. For a larger version, simply increase the size of your crochet hook and yarn.
- Yarn:
- We’ll be using medium Worsted Weight (4) Yarn for this crochet baby bear cuddler pattern. This is my favorite yarn weight to work with for crochet rag dolls and it has a great price point. It’s versatile and wears well while also being soft and cozy which is perfect for a stuffed animal or lovey pattern! You could easily substitute brands of worsted weight yarn as long as the ounces per gram are similar.
- For this tutorial, I used the following yarn:
- Red Heart Super Saver, Medium 4, 7 oz / 198 g, in the color Café Latte
- Red Heart Super Saver, Medium 4, 7 oz / 198 g, in the color Black
- Additional Crochet Supplies:
- Size G (6) Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle / Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers
- Stuffing
- Stitches:
- This pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
- Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- INC – Single Crochet Increase
- DEC – Single Crochet Decrease
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- Magic Circle (buttons only)
- Slip Stitch
- * – Repeat sequence until the end of the round
- Front & Back Panels:
- Using black yarn, chain 15.
- Row 1: SC (single crochet) in each stitch, chain 1 (14 stitches).
- Row 2: INC (increase), SC in the next 12 stitches, INC, chain 1 (16 stitches).
- Row 3: INC, SC in the next 14 stitches, INC, chain 1 (18 stitches).
- Rows 4-18: SC in each stitch, chain 1 (18 stitches).
- Rows 19-23: SC 7, chain 1, turn (7 stitches). This will form the first leg.
- Row 24: DEC (decrease), SC in the next three stitches, DEC, chain 1 (5 stitches).
- Row 25: DEC, SC in the next stitch, DEC, chain 1 (3 stitches).
- Tie off with a long enough tail to weave in the end.
- Join on the other side and repeat Rows 19-25 to create the second leg.
- Eyes (Make 2):
- Using brown yarn,
- Round 1: In a magic circle, SC (single crochet) 6, pull tight (6 stitches).
- Round 2: INC (increase), SC in the next stitch (9 stitches).
- Slip stitch into the first stitch of the next round to join.
- Tie off with a long tail.
- Using a tapestry needle, stitch on a little black semi-circle (happy little eyes!).
- Muzzle/Nose:
- Using brown yarn,
- Round 1: In a magic circle, SC (single crochet) 6, pull tight (6 stitches).
- Round 2: INC (increase), SC in the next stitch (9 stitches).
- Round 3: INC, SC in the next 2 stitches (12 stitches).
- Round 4: [SC], [2 HDC], [2 DC], [2 HDC], SC in the next 3 stitches, [2 HDC], [2 DC], [2 HDC], SC in the last two stitches (18 stitches). The brackets indicate stitches worked in the same stitch.
- Slip stitch into the first stitch of the next round; tie off with a long tail.
- Using a tapestry needle, stitch on a little black nose and mouth (the muzzle should be slightly 3D; add a little stuffing behind it).
- Assembly:
- Using a tapestry needle and the long tails, attach the muzzle onto the front panel, adding a little stuffing behind it.
- Attach the eyes above the muzzle using the long tails and a tapestry needle.
- Line up the front and back panels and join with a round of SC (single crochet) all the way around. It’s recommended to start with the top left corner and work down the left side to join both legs before adding stuffing and completing the join.
Attach the ears using a tapestry needle and the long tails. Weave in any loose ends and trim the excess yarn
Thank you for following along with this crochet project! If you’re a beginner and looking to master essential techniques, check out the guide on the 10 Essential Crochet Stitches Every Beginner Should Master. Happy crocheting!