Harper the Bear – Free Crochet Pattern

This cute little free crochet bear pattern is the perfect toy for little hands! Harper the Bear is a beginner friendly amigurumi bear project that works up very quickly. The body and legs are worked in one piece, with the snout and ears then attached.

I would classify this free crochet bear pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

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Free Crochet Pattern for Harper the Bear

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

• Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
• All pieces are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
• Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
• Body, legs, and snout require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the ears. 
• See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Head/Body

Using color A (shown as brown):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. (22 sts)

R5: 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. (28 sts)

R6: 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts. 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. (34 sts)

R7: 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts [2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts, 2 SC in each of the next 2 sts], 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat [ ] once. 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. (40 sts)

R8-18: 1 SC in each st around. (40 sts)

Do not fasten off. Begin first leg.

First Leg

R19: 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Place a stitch marker in the next st (for reference with second leg). Skip the next 20 sts and 1 SC in the 21st st from hook (working across the opening of head to create first leg). 1 SC in each of the remaining 16 sts to beginning. (20 sts)

R20-25: 1 SC in each st around. (20 sts)

R26: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R27: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st, Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R28: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand. Weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

Fill first leg and body with stuffing.

Second Leg

R19: Beginning in the st of the body with the st marker, work 1 SC in each st around to beginning. (20 sts)

R20-25: 1 SC in each st around. (20 sts)

R26: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill leg with stuffing.

R27: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st, Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R28: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand. Weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

Sew the open space between the two legs.

Ears (make 2)

Using color A (shown as brown):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Leave long tail for sewing.

Fasten off.

Snout

Using color A (shown as brown):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Leave long tail for sewing.

Fasten off.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Sew the ear closed. Attach ears to either side of the top of the head over R4-8.  

Attach snout to the front of the face, between R10-15, adding stuffing before it is attached entirely.

Embroider a nose between R2 and R3, over 3-4 sts.

Embroider eyes on either side of the snout over R8-9 by first wrapping black yarn around R8-9. Next, embroider a white outline on the outside of each black eye. Then, using black yarn, embroider a black line from the top inside of the eye out about 2 sts to the outer end of the eye.

I hope you enjoyed this free crochet bear pattern!

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Harper the Bear

Tips & Tricks

• While attaching the snout and ears of this free crochet bear pattern, use pins to hold the pieces in place while you sew.
• Use stitch markers to indicate the beginning of each round of the free crochet bear pattern amigurumi.
• For more tips for improving your amigurumi, check out my list of amigurumi tips and tricks.

Alterations

• Make a larger baby bear amigurumi by using a plush yarn like Parfait Chunky and a comparable hook size.

More Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

I hope you’ve enjoyed this free crochet bear pattern! Be sure to check out my other amigurumi patterns, as well as my amigurumi baby lovey patterns.

First published February 2020.