Knit Teddy Bear
(revised 01/16/2006)

Materials Needed:
Yarn, of choice
Polyfill
Strand of yarn
Embroidery Needle
Knitting Needles
Embroidery Thread
Sewing Machine (optional)
Crochet Hook (optional)
Heavy Black Yarn (nose)

NOTE: Size of needles and yarn determine the size of the bear. Use size needle and yarn that will produce close and tight stitch needed for stuffing with polyfill. You can sew two pieces of yarn together if the yarn is thin. Example : Use 1-2 sizes smaller needles than what yarn label suggests.

BASIC PATTERN:
Stitch: Stockinette (Knit 1 Row ~ Pearl 1 Row)
~ Cast on 8 stitches and work 16 rows—break off yarn.
~ Cast on 8 stitches and work 16 rows to form other leg.
~ Knit across both legs (16 sts) and complete 12 rows.
~ Cast on 8 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
~ Work 8 rows.
~ Bind off 8 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
~ Now work 38 rows on these 16 sts
~ Cast on 8 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
~ Work 8 more rows.
~ Bind off 8 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
~ Work 12 rows.
~ Using only first 8 stitches, work 16 rows—then bind off.
~ Return to remaining 8 stitches and work 16 rows—then bind off.

NOTE: (to do the legs simultaneously, use both ends of yarn ball)
Cast on 8 sts each leg and follow instructions for leg X2

BEAR BUILDING (PERSONALITY)
Finishing Your Bear
Choice: Hand whip stitch or machine zigzag stitch

#1 STITCHING BEAR TOGETHER
* Fold bear at top of head (right sides together), matching arms and legs.
* On Wrong side, start inside leg (leaving crotch area open for stuffing), sew around outline of bear and at ears, legs, and arms - round off slightly.
* Turn bear to right side.

#2 FORMING EARS - NO STUFFING IN EARS
Place thumb at angle to guide where you will top stitch (cross between a straight stitch and a stem stitch) with embroidery needle to form ear. Start on side, then when at top of ear, cross over with thread inside bear to where 2nd ear starts on topside, finish and secure thread.

#3 STUFFING HEAD
Stuff full with Polyfil and then place a ball of Polyfil where snout will be. Tie temporary yarn around neck so you can see where to work.

#4 FORMING SNOUT
Long piece of yarn in embroidery Needle and on right side, insert needle at the lower chin area - just above neck, leaving 2” thread exposed, blind stitch in a circle on face to form snout back to where you began.
Pull both 2 threads to form snout. Tie in secure knot. Cut thread and pull strands through to inside with crochet hook.

#5 FACE
NOSE: Heavy Black Yarn
6" (e.g. Red Heart Worsted 4-ply) in Embroidery Needle, insert at lower snout until you cannot see ends—at angle to upper side of snout where nose will be and embroider back and forth horizontally, then thread perpendicular to make connection to mouth, making a smile mouth, then take yarn to first eye.

EYES: French Knot Stitch (wrap yarn around needle 6X and re-insert needle into bear at eye location, making sure to insert needle through center of piece of yarn on bear face and from inside go to other eye with needle and repeat for 2nd eye. Then go back through to 1st eye and back into second just to tack. Secure thread.

#6 BODY & FINISH
~ Stuff arms, body, and legs full with Polyfil. Add 2 small balls to fill on each side of snout for cheeks.
~ Close crotch area by hand stitch
~ Crochet; knit or use ribbon for tie and bow around neck.
* Simple tie option - crochet single chain, using several strands of yarn and large crochet hook. (approx. 50 ch.)

Project copied with permission from Sierra Pacific Crafts