🧸 How to Crochet a Plushie Bear (That You’ll Instantly Fall in Love With)


Is there anything cuter than a little crocheted bear with button eyes and a squishy belly? I think not. Whether you want to gift something handmade, start your own tiny zoo, or just need an emotional support bear (we don’t judge), this project is your perfect next obsession.

And here’s the best part — this adorable bear might look complicated, but it’s totally doable for beginners. With a few basic stitches, some soft yarn, and a touch of patience, you’ll have your own huggable bear in no time.

Ready to fall down the plushie-making rabbit hole? Let’s get started! 🐾

🧺 What You’ll Need

Before we start stitching our fuzzy little friend into existence, let’s gather supplies:

🧶 Materials:

  • Yarn: Super bulky plush yarn (like Bernat Blanket Yarn or Himalaya Dolphin Baby) in brown or beige for the body, and a contrasting colour for the nose/muzzle.

  • Hook: 6.0 mm or 6.5 mm crochet hook (check your yarn label).

  • Safety Eyes: 10–12mm plastic safety eyes (or embroider with black yarn if for young children).

  • Polyester stuffing: For plumping up your bear.

  • Yarn needle: For sewing parts together.

  • Scissors

  • Stitch marker: Super helpful for counting rounds in amigurumi.

🧸 Optional: A small ribbon or button to add personality!

🧩 Pattern Overview

We’ll be working in continuous rounds (no slip stitches unless noted) using single crochet. This bear is made of individual pieces:

  • Head

  • Body

  • Arms (x2)

  • Legs (x2)

  • Ears (x2)

  • Snout

  • Tail (optional)

Once all the parts are made, we’ll sew them together and bring our bear to life!

🧵 Basic Stitches You’ll Use

Even if you're new, you only need to know a few things:

  • sc = single crochet

  • inc = increase (2 sc in one stitch)

  • dec = decrease (single crochet two stitches together)

  • st = stitch

  • rnd = round

Ready? Let’s crochet some bear-y cute magic.

🐻 Head (Start Here!)

Using main color yarn:

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat around (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* repeat around (30)
Rnd 6–10: sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 11: *sc 3, dec* repeat around (24)
Rnd 12: *sc 2, dec* repeat around (18)
Insert safety eyes between rounds 7–8, about 5 stitches apart.
Stuff head firmly.
Rnd 13: *sc 1, dec* repeat around (12)
Rnd 14: dec around (6)
Fasten off and weave tail through remaining stitches to close.

🧸 Body

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat (24)
Rnd 5–9: sc in each st around (24)
Rnd 10: *sc 2, dec* repeat (18)
Rnd 11: *sc 1, dec* repeat (12)
Stuff body.
Rnd 12: dec around (6)
Fasten off and close hole.

💪 Arms (Make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3–6: sc in each st (12)
Rnd 7: *sc 2, dec* repeat (9)
Stuff lightly.
Rnd 8–9: sc in each st (9)
Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing.

🦵 Legs (Make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat (18)
Rnd 4–6: sc in each st (18)
Rnd 7: *sc 1, dec* repeat (12)
Stuff firmly.
Rnd 8–9: sc in each st (12)
Fasten off with long tail.

👂 Ears (Make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat (18)
Rnd 4: sc in each st (18)
Flatten and don’t stuff.
Fasten off, leave a long tail.

🐽 Snout (Muzzle)

Use contrast yarn (light beige or white):

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat (18)
Rnd 4: sc in each st (18)
Fasten off and leave tail for sewing.
Use black yarn to embroider a little nose and smile.

🐾 Tail (Optional but adorable)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* repeat (9)
Rnd 3: sc in each st (9)
Stuff lightly and sew to back.

🧵 Assembly Time!

Okay, now comes the fun part: turning your pile of yarn parts into a real bear.

  1. Sew head to body: Make sure it’s centred.

  2. Attach arms: Sew each arm to the upper sides of the body.

  3. Attach legs: Place the legs at the bottom of the body, angled slightly forward.

  4. Sew on ears: Attach to the top sides of the head.

  5. Attach snout: Centred between the eyes. Embroider nose if you haven’t yet.

  6. Add tail: Sew it to the back for extra cuteness.

  7. Optional: Add accessories! Little bowtie, scarf, or buttons.

🪡 Pro Tip: Use pins or stitch markers to position each part before sewing — this helps get the perfect placement without guessing.

🐨 Customize Your Bear

Once you've made one plushie bear, it's hard to stop. Try these ideas:

  • Change colours: Brown, cream, grey, pastel — go wild!

  • Make mini bears: Use thinner yarn and a smaller hook.

  • Dress them up: Add a tiny sweater, hat, or even a crochet heart.

  • Give them names: Trust me, it makes them more huggable.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Crocheting a plushie bear is more than just a craft — it’s like giving life to yarn. With every stitch, you create personality, warmth, and a little friend who’ll sit proudly on your shelf (or in a lucky child’s arms).

And now that you’ve made your first one... you’re officially part of the amigurumi club. Welcome! 🎉

Show me your bear!
If you make one, tag me on Instagram or drop a photo in the comments — I can’t wait to see your fluffy creations. 🧸💕


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