Harper the Bear – Free Crochet Pattern

*** I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

Another member of my baby toy series, Harper the Bear, is now available here on the blog! Harper the Bear was my first design in this series, and he remains a go-to for baby shower gifts. These baby toys are the perfect size for baby to hold on to, and filling it with a rattle insert will keep baby smiling!

For this pattern, I’ve used Red Heart Super Saver in the Fleck variation of the color Buff. This color looks great worked up in amigurumi! In addition, you’ll need stitch markers, a craft needle, and poly-fil.

Don’t forget to save this pattern in your favorites and add it to your project queue to save it for later! View this pattern on Ravelry here.

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

I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share a photo of your finished work in your Ravelry projects and my Facebook group!

Harper the Bear

ABBREVIATIONS

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

SPECIAL STITCHES

SC2tog (using invisible decrease methods). 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 row.
• Body, legs, and snout require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure each piece is completely filled
• See tutorial photos.

PATTERN

Head/Body

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 around once to end. (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, 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 SC in the 21st st from hook (working across the opening of head to create first leg). SC in each of the remaining 16 sts to beginning SC of this round. (20 sts)

R20-23: 1 SC in the first st from previous round and each st around. (20 sts)

R24-25: 1 SC in the first st from previous round and each st around. (20 sts)

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

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

R28: SC2tog. Repeat around. (6 sts)

If you would like your toy to be a rattle, add your rattle insert at this point.

Leave long tail for sewing.

Weave in and out of remaining stitches and pull tight to close.

Fasten off.

Second Leg

R19: Beginning in the st that you left a stitch marker in when completing the first leg, work 1 SC in each st around to beginning SC of this round. (20 sts)

R20-23: 1 SC in the first st from previous round and each st around. (20 sts)

R24-25: 1 SC in the first st from previous round and each st around. (20 sts)

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

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

Fill second leg with stuffing.

R28: SC2tog. Repeat around. (6 sts)

Leave long tail for sewing.

Weave in and out of remaining stitches and pull tight to close.

Using an extra piece of yarn, sew up the space left between the legs.

Fasten off.

Ears (make 2)

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

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

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

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

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

Leave long tail for sewing.

Fasten off.

Snout

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

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

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

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

Leave long tail for sewing.

Fasten off.

ASSEMBLY

Attach ears to either side of the top of the head.

Attach snout approximately between R10 and R17. Embroider a nose on rows 2 and 3 of snout.

Embroider or attach eyes at approximately R9 of head with approximately 4-5 sts between each eye. The exact placement will vary depending on the type of eyes you use or create. I used felt eyes in the project pictured.

*Note: 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.

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Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Nicole

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