Easy Beginner Knit or Crochet Stuffed Teddy Bear
Turn Squares of Fabric Into a Fun Animal to Keep or Give as a Gift
Oct 30, 2009
The beginner to knitting or crocheting can create fun stuffed animals to give as gifts. As long as the child or teen can make a square, they can make this critter. This toy also require some basic hand sewing skills; although, sewing together knit or crocheted blocks is easier than sewing fabric because the crafter can follow the “holes” in the fabric.
Selecting Knitting Needles or Crochet Hooks
The following project is fairly open-ended, which means that the exact size doesn’t really matter. A small hook or needle will create a tight fabric (and smaller squares) and it will take more time to create the squares. A large hook or needle creates a looser fabric (bigger squares) but has the advantage of working up quickly.
Use a big needle or hook with a fine yarn and the result will be lacy – good for a scarf but not for a toy. Look on the label of the yarn – it will indicate the size needle or hook that will make a not-too-loose and not-too-tight fabric.
Selecting Yarn
When in doubt, use a 4-ply worsted weight yarn for his project. Furry eyelash yarns create a fun finished project but can be difficult to work with because the hairs get in the way of seeing the stitches. Hold a strand of eyelash yarn together with a 4-ply worsted weight for a sturdier fabric with fuzziness.
Make the bear in one color or several. Use a multicolored yarn for an almost tie-dyed effect. Make the bear in pastels for a baby, in school colors for a teacher, or favorite colors for a friend. Use bits of yarn from a yarn stash for a patchwork effect.
Knit or Crochet Teddy Bear Pattern
Teddy Bear Body – Cast on or chain 20 stitches and work until the piece is square. If knitting, use the garter stitch (knit every row). If crocheting, use the single crochet stitch for each row. Remember to chain one turning stitch at the end of each row. Create two.
Teddy Bear Head – Cast on or chain 15 stitches and work until the piece is square. See the directions for the body. Create two.
Teddy Bear Legs – Cast on or chain 15 stitches and work until the piece is square. See the directions for the body. Create four.
Sewing the Block Knit or Crocheted Teddy Bear
- Sew three sides of the body pieces together. Stuff with polyester fiberfill and sew the fourth side.
- Sew three sides of the head pieces together. Stuff with polyester fiberfill and sew the fourth side. Push the head on top of the body so the squares are squashed together. Sew the head onto the body, stitching the second or third row of the head to the second or third row of the body. This will make the head sit a bit more flatly on the body. If the sewn edges are connected the head will flop around.
- Sew each of the legs into a tube and sew one of the short ends shut. Stuff with polyester fiberfill, but don’t sew shut. Instead stitch the open end of the tube to the body, in whatever position is desired. Instead of looking pinched and stuck on, the leg will look round and full.
- Take some yarn and wrap it around the top corners of the head to form the ears. Use a contrasting color and leave the bows visible or tuck the ends into the fabric.
- Sew on black button eyes and a nose.
By crocheting or knitting squares, the beginner can create this simple bear. Play with the type of yarn used to create different looks to each bear.
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