Meet Benedict the Bear, a charming amigurumi teddy bear with a sweet expression, rounded ears, and classic bear coloring. This free teddy bear crochet pattern is a fun project for crocheters who enjoy making detailed stuffed animals with carefully shaped pieces.
Benedict was designed as part of a trio of free amigurumi animal patterns inspired by the famous phrase, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” He makes a wonderful companion to the matching lion and tiger designs, but he is just as adorable crocheted on his own.
If you have made plenty of basic amigurumi before and are ready for a slightly more involved project, this bear is a great choice. The pattern uses familiar techniques such as single crochet, increases, decreases, continuous rounds, color changes, and crocheted assembly.
Why You'll Love This Amigurumi Bear
There are countless teddy bear crochet patterns available, but Benedict has a particularly lovable shape. His proportions give him a classic stuffed-animal appearance while the color-blocked body and carefully positioned facial features add plenty of character.
This pattern is especially enjoyable if you like projects where the individual pieces are crocheted first and then incorporated into the main body as you work.
The finished bear stands approximately 13.5 inches tall when made according to the original gauge.
Project Details
- Finished height: Approximately 13.5 inches (34 cm) standing
- Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Crochet terminology: US terms
- Construction: Amigurumi worked primarily in continuous rounds
- Main stitches: Single crochet, increases, and invisible decreases
Materials You'll Need
Gather the following supplies before beginning your bear.
Crochet Tools
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- 15 mm safety eyes
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Scissors
Yarn
Use acrylic worsted-weight yarn (weight 4) in three colors:
- Cream – for the muzzle, face, and feet
- Dark brown – for the nose and portions of the head
- Medium brown – for the ears, arms, legs, tail, and body
The original design uses Red Heart Super Saver yarn, but another worsted-weight acrylic yarn can also be used as long as you maintain a consistent gauge.
Crochet Abbreviations
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase; work two single crochets into the same stitch
- dec – invisible decrease
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- sl st – slip stitch
- BLO – back loop only
- *sc x* – repeat the instructions between the asterisks the indicated number of times
- (sc x) – crochet the indicated stitches while attaching a body part
Before You Begin
Benedict is worked in a continuous spiral rather than joined rounds. Place a stitch marker in the last stitch of each round and move it upward as you work.
Unless the instructions specifically tell you otherwise, crochet through both loops.
Because this is a more advanced amigurumi project, it helps to prepare all your materials before starting. Keep your stitch counts accurate throughout the pattern, especially when shaping the head and body.
Recommended Assembly Order
For the smoothest workflow, complete the pieces in this order:
- Crochet the nose.
- Crochet both ears.
- Crochet the snout and head.
- Attach the nose.
- Crochet both legs.
- Crochet the tail.
- Crochet both arms.
- Crochet the body.
- Attach the head to the body.
Benedict the Bear Crochet Pattern
Nose
Using dark brown yarn:
Round 1: Start with 6 sc into a magic ring. [6]
Round 2: sc, inc around. [9]
Round 3: sc 2, inc around. [12]
Round 4: sc 3, inc around. [15]
Round 5: sc 4, inc around. [18]
Do not stuff the nose.
Fasten off, leaving approximately a 24-inch yarn tail. Pinch the final round together and close it with slip stitches. Keep the remaining yarn tail for attaching the nose to the snout later.
Ears – Make 2
Using medium brown yarn:
Round 1: Start with 6 sc into a magic ring. [6]
Round 2: inc in each stitch around. [12]
Round 3: sc, inc 6 times. [18]
Round 4: sc, inc, sc 2, inc 5 times, sc. [24]
Round 5: sc 3, inc 6 times. [30]
Round 6: sc in each stitch around. [30]
Round 7: sc 3, dec 6 times. [24]
Round 8: sc, dec, sc 2, dec 5 times, sc. [18]
Round 9: sc, dec 6 times. [12]
Do not stuff the ears.
Fasten off, leaving approximately a 12-inch yarn tail. Pinch the final round together and slip stitch it closed. Hide the remaining tail inside the ear.
The ears will be attached directly to the head while crocheting the head.
Snout and Head
Using cream yarn:
Rounds 1–7
Round 1: ch 5. Starting in the second chain from the hook, inc, sc 2, 5 sc in the final chain. Continue along the opposite side of the foundation chain with sc 2, then 3 sc in the final chain. [14]
Round 2: inc, sc 4, inc 3 times, sc 4, inc 2 times. [20]
Round 3: inc, sc 6, inc 2 times, sc, inc, sc 6, inc 2 times, sc. [26]
Round 4: inc, sc 8, inc, sc 2 times, inc, sc 8, inc, sc 2 times. [32]
Round 5: sc 14, inc 2 times, sc 14, inc 2 times. [36]
Rounds 6–7: sc around. [36]
Changing to Brown
Round 8: sc 25. Switch to brown yarn and work the remaining 11 stitches in the back loops only. [36]
Round 9: BLO: sc 5, inc 4 times, sc, then work through both loops for sc 4, inc, sc 5, inc. [42]
Round 10: sc 3, inc, sc 6, inc 5 times, sc 3. [48]
Round 11: sc 7, inc 6 times. [54]
Round 12: sc 4, inc, sc 8, inc 5 times, sc 4. [60]
Marking the Eyes
Place two temporary yarn markers 14 stitches apart between rounds 11 and 12. These markers indicate where the safety eyes will eventually be positioned.
Rounds 13–17: sc around. [60]
Marking the Ears
At the end of round 17, mark two groups of 6 stitches on the top of the head. Leave 12 stitches between the two groups. Keep the groups centered over the snout.
These markers indicate where the ears will be attached during the next round.
Attaching the Ears
Round 18: sc around while attaching the ears in the marked sections. [60]
Continue crocheting the round normally after each ear has been incorporated.
When round 18 is complete, the ears should sit evenly above the snout. If they appear uneven or off-center, undo the round and adjust their placement.
Rounds 19–22: sc around. [60]
Round 23: sc 4, dec, sc 8, dec 5 times, sc 4. [54]
Round 24: sc 7, dec 6 times. [48]
Round 25: sc 3, dec, sc 6, dec 5 times, sc 3. [42]
Round 26: sc 5, dec 6 times. [36]
Round 27: sc 2, dec, sc 4, dec 5 times, sc 2. [30]
At this point, stuff the head approximately three-quarters full.
Create the eye indentations, then insert the 15 mm safety eyes and secure the backings firmly.
Round 28: sc 3, dec 6 times. [24]
Round 29: sc, dec, sc 2, dec 5 times, sc. [18]
Finish stuffing the head.
Round 30: sc, dec 6 times. [12]
Round 31: dec 6 times. [6]
Fasten off, leaving approximately an 8-inch yarn tail. Close the opening using your preferred invisible or ultimate finishing technique and hide the remaining yarn tail inside the head.
Finally, sew the dark brown nose securely onto the front of the snout.
Legs – Make 2
Tip: For cleaner color transitions, work the first few rounds carefully and maintain even tension.
Using cream yarn:
Round 1: Start with 6 sc into a magic ring. [6]
Round 2: inc around. [12]
Round 3: sc, inc 6 times. [18]
Round 4: sc, inc, sc 2, inc 5 times, sc. [24]
Change to Medium Brown
Round 5: BLO: sl st around. [24]
Round 6: BLO: sc 3, inc 6 times. [30]
Round 7: BLO: sc around. [30]
Rounds 8–10: sc around. [30]
Round 11: sc 14, dec, sc 14. [29]
Round 12: sc 27, dec. [28]
Round 13: sc 13, dec, sc 13. [27]
Round 14: sc 25, dec. [26]
Round 15: sc 12, dec, sc 12. [25]
Round 16: sc 23, dec. [24]
Round 17: sc 11, dec, sc 11. [23]
Round 18: sc 21, dec. [22]
Round 19: sc 10, dec, sc 10. [21]
Round 20: sc 19, dec. [20]
Round 21: sc 9, dec, sc 9. [19]
Round 22: sc 17, dec. [18]
Round 23: sc 7, dec 2 times. [16]
Round 24: sc 2, dec 4 times. [12]
Fasten off, leaving approximately an 18-inch yarn tail.
Stuff the leg firmly but evenly. Pinch the final round together and close it with slip stitches. Hide the remaining tail inside the leg.
Repeat for the second leg.
The legs will be attached directly to the body during the body rounds.
Tail
Using medium brown yarn:
Round 1: Start with 6 sc into a magic ring. [6]
Round 2: inc around. [12]
Round 3: sc, inc 6 times. [18]
Round 4: sc 2, inc 6 times. [24]
Round 5: sc 2, dec 6 times. [18]
Round 6: sc, dec 6 times. [12]
Round 7: sc 2, dec 3 times. [9]
Fasten off, leaving approximately a 12-inch yarn tail.
Stuff the tail, pinch the final round closed, and slip stitch it shut. Hide the remaining yarn tail inside the piece.
The tail will be attached directly to the body later.
Arms – Make 2
Using cream yarn:
Round 1: Start with 6 sc into a magic ring. [6]
Round 2: inc around. [12]
Round 3: sc, inc 6 times. [18]
Change to Medium Brown
Round 4: BLO: sl st around. [18]
Round 5: BLO: sc, inc, sc 2, inc 5 times, sc. [24]
Round 6: BLO: sc around. [24]
Rounds 7–9: sc around. [24]
Round 10: sc 11, dec, sc 11. [23]
Round 11: sc around. [23]
Round 12: sc 21, dec. [22]
Round 13: sc around. [22]
Round 14: sc 10, dec, sc 10. [21]
Round 15: sc around. [21]
Round 16: sc 19, dec. [20]
Round 17: sc around. [20]
Round 18: sc 9, dec, sc 9. [19]
Round 19: sc around. [19]
Round 20: sc 17, dec. [18]
Round 21: sc around. [18]
Round 22: sc 8, dec, sc 8. [17]
Round 23: sc around. [17]
Round 24: sc 15, dec. [16]
Rounds 25–26: sc around. [16]
Round 27: sc 2, dec 4 times. [12]
Fasten off, leaving approximately an 18-inch yarn tail.
Stuff the arm evenly, pinch the final round together, and close it with slip stitches. Hide the remaining tail inside the arm.
Repeat for the second arm.
Body
Using medium brown yarn:
Round 1: Start with 6 sc into a magic ring. [6]
Round 2: inc around. [12]
Round 3: sc, inc 6 times. [18]
Round 4: sc, inc, sc 2, inc 5 times, sc. [24]
Round 5: sc 3, inc 6 times. [30]
Round 6: sc 2, inc, sc 4, inc 5 times, sc 2. [36]
Attach the Legs
The legs are incorporated while crocheting round 7.
Round 7: Attach the first leg across the next six stitches using (sc 5, inc). Continue with sc 5, inc. Attach the second leg across the next six stitches using (sc 5, inc). Finish the round with sc 5, inc 3 times. [42]
The legs should be positioned evenly on opposite sides of the body.
Round 8: sc 3, inc, sc 6, inc 5 times, sc 3. [48]
Round 9: sc 7, inc 6 times. [54]
Round 10: sc 4, inc, sc 8, inc 5 times, sc 4. [60]
Attach the Tail
Round 11: sc 41, attach the tail across the next 6 stitches using sc 6, then sc 13. [60]
The tail should be centered above the legs on the opposite side of the body. If it is noticeably off-center, redo the round and adjust its placement.
Rounds 12–17: sc around. [60]
Round 18: sc 4, dec, sc 8, dec 5 times, sc 4. [54]
Round 19: sc around. [54]
Round 20: sc 7, dec 6 times. [48]
Round 21: sc around. [48]
Round 22: sc 3, dec, sc 6, dec 5 times, sc 3. [42]
Rounds 23–24: sc around. [42]
Round 25: sc 5, dec 6 times. [36]
Rounds 26–27: sc around. [36]
Round 28: sc 2, dec, sc 4, dec 5 times, sc 2. [30]
Round 29: sc around. [30]
Attach the Arms
Attach the arms while crocheting round 30.
Round 30: sc, attach the first arm across the next 6 stitches using (sc 6), sc 8, attach the second arm across the next 6 stitches using (sc 6), then sc 9. [30]
When the round is finished, the arms should sit directly above the legs and tail. If they appear uneven, undo the round and reposition them.
Stuff the body firmly and evenly.
Round 31: sc 3, dec 6 times. [24]
Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail—approximately the length of your arm span, or around 5 feet.
This long tail will be used to attach the head securely to the body.
Attaching the Head to the Body
Attaching the head carefully is an important final step because it determines how stable and straight your finished teddy bear will look.
Step 1: Create a Sewing Guide
Find a small circular object with a circumference similar to the opening of the body. A small glass or another object with a circular base works well.
Place the circular object in the center of the bottom of the head and lightly trace around it with a disappearing fabric marker. This gives you a guide for sewing the head evenly onto the body.
Step 2: Sew the Head in Place
Position the head on the body and begin sewing around the marked guide.
Keep the stitches slightly loose at first rather than pulling them completely tight.
Leave the final few stitches open temporarily. Look at the bear from the front, side, and back to make sure the head is straight and properly aligned.
Once you are satisfied with the position, tighten the stitches securely using your yarn needle.
Step 3: Reinforce the Neck
Add more stuffing around the neck area until it feels firm.
The space between the top of the body and the head should be filled so that the head does not wobble or sag.
Step 4: Finish
Once the neck is properly stuffed and the head is securely positioned, sew the remaining stitches closed.
Pull the final stitches tight, secure the yarn with a knot, and hide the remaining tail inside the bear.
Your Benedict the Bear amigurumi is now complete!
Tips for a Neat Finished Bear
A few simple techniques can make a big difference in the appearance of your finished amigurumi.
Keep your tension consistent. Uneven tension can make individual pieces look noticeably different in size.
Count your stitches regularly. Amigurumi shaping depends heavily on accurate stitch counts, particularly during decrease rounds.
Stuff gradually. Add small amounts of fiberfill as you work rather than waiting until the end. This helps prevent lumps and makes it easier to achieve a smooth shape.
Check placement before securing pieces. Before permanently attaching the ears, arms, legs, tail, and head, look at your bear from several angles.
Use tight, secure stitches when assembling. A firmly attached head and limbs will help the finished bear maintain its shape.
Final Thoughts
Benedict the Bear is a wonderful project for crocheters who want to move beyond simple amigurumi shapes and create a more detailed stuffed animal.
His classic teddy bear colors, rounded ears, sweet muzzle, and carefully shaped body give him plenty of personality. Once you understand how the individual pieces are constructed and attached, you'll have a useful collection of techniques you can apply to many other crochet animal projects.
Whether you make Benedict as a gift, a nursery decoration, or simply as a new addition to your handmade collection, this free teddy bear crochet pattern is sure to produce an adorable finished project.
Happy crocheting—and enjoy bringing your own little bear to life!