Crochet Bear Video Tutorial

Introduction and Materials00:00:00

Sharon Ojala introduces a crochet pattern for a basic teddy bear that is in a sitting position. The head and body are made as one piece. The written pattern and supplies list are available on her blog, linked in the description. A Christmas hat and scarf pattern for the bear is also available. She encourages viewers to share pictures on her Facebook page.

Starting the Head and Body00:00:32

The tutorial begins at the top of the head and works down to the bottom of the body. It starts with a loop of 6 stitches using either a magic ring or chaining 2 and putting 6 stitches into the second chain. A stitch marker is added. Row 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Row 3: (1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in next) around (18 stitches). Row 4: (1 single crochet in next 2, 2 single crochets in next) around (24 stitches). Row 5: (1 single crochet in next 3, 2 single crochets in next) around (30 stitches). Row 6: (1 single crochet in next 4, 2 single crochets in next) around (36 stitches). Rows 7-14: 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 8 rows.

Shaping the Head and Stuffing00:14:53

Row 15: (1 single crochet in next 4, single crochet 2 together) around (30 stitches). Row 16: (1 single crochet in next 3, single crochet 2 together) around (24 stitches). Row 17: (1 single crochet in next 2, single crochet 2 together) around (18 stitches). Row 18: (1 single crochet in next 4, single crochet 2 together) around (15 stitches). Row 19: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Row 20: (1 single crochet in next 4, 2 single crochets in next) around (18 stitches). After row 20, stuff the head firmly, shaping it to be slightly elongated. Then continue: Row 21: (1 single crochet in next 2, 2 single crochets in next) around (24 stitches). Row 22: (1 single crochet in next 3, 2 single crochets in next) around (30 stitches). Rows 23-25: 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 3 rows. Row 26: (1 single crochet in next 4, 2 single crochets in next) around (36 stitches). Row 27: (1 single crochet in next 5, 2 single crochets in next) around (42 stitches). Row 28: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Row 29: (1 single crochet in next 5, single crochet 2 together) around (36 stitches). Row 30: (1 single crochet in next 4, single crochet 2 together) around (30 stitches). Row 31: (1 single crochet in next 3, single crochet 2 together) around (24 stitches). Row 32: (1 single crochet in next 2, single crochet 2 together) around (18 stitches). Stuff the body, then Row 33: (1 single crochet in next, single crochet 2 together) around (12 stitches). Row 34: (1 single crochet in next, single crochet 2 together) around (8 stitches). Add more stuffing, then Row 35: single crochet 2 together twice (4 stitches). Finish off and close the gap.

Making the Ears00:35:07

Ears are made starting with a loop of 6 stitches. Row 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Row 3: (1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in next) around (18 stitches). Row 4: (1 single crochet in next 5, 2 single crochets in next) around (21 stitches). Row 5: (1 single crochet in next 5, single crochet 2 together) around (18 stitches). Row 6: (1 single crochet in next 4, single crochet 2 together) around (15 stitches). Row 7: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Ears are not stuffed; they are folded flat.

Making the Muzzle and Nose00:40:42

Muzzle starts with a loop of 6 stitches. Row 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Row 3: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Finish off, leaving a tail for sewing. Embroider a nose on the muzzle using black embroidery thread or yarn, making a series of whip stitches to form a triangular shape. Optionally add a mouth with a straight line. Do not stuff the muzzle.

Making the Arms00:45:50

Arms start with a loop of 6 stitches. Row 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Row 3: (1 single crochet in next 5, 2 single crochets in next) twice (14 stitches). Rows 4-5: 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 2 rows. Row 6: (1 single crochet in next 5, single crochet 2 together) twice (12 stitches). Rows 7-9: 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 3 rows. Row 10: (1 single crochet in next 4, single crochet 2 together) twice (10 stitches). Finish off. Optionally add a thumb using double crochets. Stuff only the hand area lightly.

Making the Legs and Feet00:54:46

Legs start with a loop of 6 stitches. Row 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Row 3: (1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in next) around (18 stitches). Row 4: (1 single crochet in next 2, 2 single crochets in next) around (24 stitches). Rows 5-6: 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 2 rows. Row 7: (1 single crochet in next 2, single crochet 2 together) around (18 stitches). Row 8: single crochet 2 together four times, then 1 single crochet in remaining 10 stitches (14 stitches). Row 9: single crochet 2 together twice, then 1 single crochet in remaining 10 stitches (12 stitches). Rows 10-12: 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 3 rows. Stuff the foot only, then close the top of the leg by single crocheting across both sides. Optionally add toes using double crochets.

Making the Tail01:11:37

Tail starts with a loop of 6 stitches. Row 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Row 3: (1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in next) around (18 stitches). Row 4: (1 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) around (12 stitches). Finish off, leaving a tail for sewing. Stuff the tail lightly when attaching to the body.

Assembly: Sewing Legs, Arms, Tail, and Ears01:14:47

Sew the legs to the bottom of the body so the bear sits. Sew the arms just below the head, ensuring thumbs face each other. Sew the tail to the back. Sew the ears to the head, positioning them symmetrically. Use pins to hold pieces in place while sewing. Bury yarn tails inside the body.

Attaching the Muzzle01:29:51

Pin the muzzle to the face, with the top of the muzzle on the 11th row from the top of the head. Sew the muzzle in place using a whip stitch, being careful not to pull too tight to avoid distorting the shape. Add extra stitches at the corners for security if needed.

Eyes: Safety Eyes, French Knots, Painted, and Buttons01:36:19

Several options for eyes are demonstrated: safety eyes with felt behind, French knot eyes with painted white dots, French knot eyes with yarn, and painted eyes using acrylic paint. For safety eyes, use fabric glue on the stem and push into the head. For French knots, use a pointed needle and embroidery thread or yarn. For painted eyes, use acrylic paint and a small brush or needle. Buttons are another option, with a link to a separate tutorial.