Free Crochet Mini Teddy Bear Pattern

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Free Crochet Mini Teddy Bear Pattern — The Cutest Little Amigurumi You’ll Ever Make

There’s something about a tiny crocheted teddy bear that just melts your heart. Whether it’s the little folded paws, the chubby round tummy, or that sweet muzzle — this crochet mini teddy bear pattern is honestly one of those makes you’ll want to crochet again and again.

The best part? This pattern is completely free, and it’s so approachable that even newer crocheters can tackle it with confidence. If you’ve been wanting to try amigurumi but felt a little nervous about where to start, this little bear is your perfect first (or second, or tenth!) project.

So grab your hook, pull out some cozy yarn, and let’s make the most adorable mini teddy bear together!

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Mini Teddy Bear Pattern

Before we dive in, here’s why this pattern has become such a favourite:

  • Adorably tiny size — The finished bear fits right in the palm of your hand. So satisfying!
  • All-in-one construction — The head and body are crocheted as a single piece, which means less sewing and assembly time.
  • Built-in collar detail — A simple double crochet ruffle collar is worked directly into the piece — no extra components needed.
  • Quick to make — With a small stitch count throughout, you can finish this bear in just a few hours.
  • Perfect for gifting — These little bears make the sweetest handmade gifts, stocking stuffers, bag charms, or keepsakes for a new baby.
  • Great stash buster — You only need a small amount of yarn, making this ideal for using up leftover scraps.

Whether you’re making one for yourself or a whole basket of them as gifts, you’re going to love how this project comes together.

Skill Level: Easy to Beginner-Friendly

This pattern is rated as easy, which makes it ideal for:

  • Beginners who have already learned the magic ring, single crochet, and basic increases/decreases
  • Intermediate crocheters looking for a quick, relaxing project
  • Anyone wanting to try amigurumi for the first time

If you’re a complete beginner who hasn’t yet practised the magic ring or single crochet stitch, it may be worth practising those basics first. But if you’ve made even one or two simple projects before, you’ll be absolutely fine here.

Video Tutorial

You can follow along with my YouTube video to crochet a mini teddy bear! I have timestamps included to section the video and help you jump to any point you need to!

Materials Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your crochet mini teddy bear:

  • Yarn: Medium weight (worsted/DK) yarn in your chosen bear colour — a warm tan, honey brown, or caramel works beautifully. A small amount of darker brown or chocolate for the collar area is a lovely contrast. You can check out Catania yarn
  • Crochet hook: 2.0mm, You can check out Tulip crochet hooks
  • Safety eyes: 2 small black safety eyes (6mm–8mm work well for a mini bear)
  • Fiberfill stuffing: A small amount of polyfill stuffing
  • Yarn needle: For sewing on pieces and weaving in ends
  • Scissors
  • Stitch marker: Optional, but helpful for tracking your rounds

Quick tip: For an even tinier bear, use fingering or sock weight yarn with a 2mm–2.5mm hook. The pattern works at any scale!

Crochet Abbreviations

Here’s a quick reference for all the abbreviations used in this pattern:

AbbreviationMeaning
MRMagic Ring
scSingle Crochet
incIncrease (2 sc in same stitch)
decDecrease (invisible decrease recommended)
dcDouble Crochet
hdcHalf Double Crochet
chChain
sl stSlip Stitch
BLOBack Loop Only
FLOFront Loop Only
FOFasten Off
RRound

Numbers in parentheses ( ) at the end of each round indicate the total stitch count for that round.

Pattern Notes

Before you begin, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
  • The head and body are worked as one continuous piece. You’ll work the head from the top down, then transition to the body at Round 16 using the Back Loop Only (BLO) technique.
  • The collar is worked back into the front loops left over from Round 16 after you’ve completed the body.
  • Stuff as you go — It’s much easier to fill the head with fiberfill before closing up the body section.
  • For the arms: After crocheting the arm, you’ll fold it flat and close the opening by working through both layers — no separate closure needed.
  • Leave a long yarn tail when fastening off the ears, arms, legs, and muzzle for sewing.
  • The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.

Free Crochet Mini Teddy Bear Pattern Instructions

Head & Body

The head and body are crocheted together in one seamless piece — how clever is that?

Start with the Head:

  • R1: Create a magic ring and work 6 sc into it. (6)
  • R2: Work 2 sc into every stitch around. (12)
  • R3: Sc in next st, inc — repeat 6 times. (18)
  • R4: Sc, inc, sc — repeat 6 times. (24)
  • R5: 3 sc, inc — repeat 6 times. (30)
  • R6–7: Work 30 sc evenly around. (30)
  • R8: 2 sc, inc 3 times, 12 sc, then inc, 2 sc 3 times. (36)
  • R9: Work 36 sc around. (36)
  • R10: 2 sc, inc 4 times, 12 sc, then inc, 2 sc 4 times. (44)
  • R11: Work 44 sc around. (44)

Shape the Head:

  • R12: 2 sc, dec 4 times, 12 sc, then dec, 2 sc 4 times. (36)
  • R13: 2 sc, dec, 2 sc — repeat 6 times. (30)
  • R14: 3 sc, dec — repeat 6 times. (24)
  • R15: 2 sc, dec — repeat 6 times. (18)

Transition to Body:

  • R16: Work 18 sc in back loops only (BLO). (18) (The front loops left here will be used for the collar later!)
  • R17: Work 18 sc around. (18)
  • R18: Sc, inc, sc — repeat 6 times. (24)
  • R19–20: Work 24 sc around. (24)
  • R21: 3 sc, inc — repeat 6 times. (30)
  • R22: Work 30 sc around. (30)

Now is the time to attach your safety eyes and begin stuffing the head firmly before continuing.

Shape the Body:

  • R23: 3 sc, dec — repeat 6 times. (24)
  • R24: 2 sc, dec — repeat 6 times. (18)
  • R25: Sc, dec — repeat 6 times. (12)
  • R26: Work 6 decreases around. (6)

Fasten off, leave a short tail, and pull the opening closed.

Collar

The collar adds so much charm to this little bear and is easier to make than it looks!

  • Find the front loops you left behind at Round 16.
  • Join your yarn (use a contrasting colour for a sweet two-tone look, or match your bear colour).
  • Work 4 dc into each stitch all the way around. This creates the ruffled effect.
  • Join with a slip stitch to complete the round. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Ears — Make 2

  • R1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6)
  • R2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. (12)
  • R3–4: Work 12 sc evenly around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. You do not need to stuff the ears — leave them flat.

Arms — Make 2

  • R1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6)
  • R2: Sc, inc — repeat 3 times. (9)
  • R3: Sc, dec — repeat 3 times. (6)
  • R4: Work 6 sc around. (6)
  • R5: Fold the arm flat and work 2 sc through both layers to close the opening.

Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

Legs — Make 2

  • R1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6)
  • R2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. (12)
  • R3: 4 sc, then work 2 decreases, then 4 sc. (10)
  • R4: Work 10 sc around. (10)
  • R5: 4 sc, dec, 4 sc. (9)
  • R6: Work 9 sc around. (9)
  • R7: Sc, dec — repeat 3 times. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Muzzle

The muzzle gives your bear that sweet, snuffly face!

  • R1: Chain 6. Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook: sc, 2 hdc, sc, then work 3 sc into the last chain (this creates the rounded end).
  • Now work along the other side of the chain: 3 sc, then 1 increase. (12 stitches total)
  • R2: Work 12 sc around. (12)

Slip stitch to close, fasten off, and leave a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Now comes the fun part — putting your little bear together!

  1. Position the ears on the top of the head, about 4–5 stitches apart. Sew them securely in place.
  2. Attach the muzzle to the front-centre of the face, a few rounds up from the collar.
  3. Embroider a nose using a small amount of dark yarn. A simple Y-shape or triangle works perfectly.
  4. Sew on the arms at the sides of the body, roughly level with Round 18–19.
  5. Attach the legs at the base of the body.
  6. Give everything one final check and weave in any remaining ends.

Helpful Tips for Crocheting Your Mini Teddy Bear

These little tips can make a big difference:

  • Use the invisible decrease for a smoother, cleaner finish when shaping the head and body. It’s a game-changer for amigurumi!
  • Stuff the head firmly — a well-stuffed head keeps its shape much better and gives your bear that plump, round look.
  • Pin before sewing — before permanently attaching the ears, arms, and legs, use pins to try different positions and find the placement you love most.
  • Tight tension is your friend — when working amigurumi, slightly tighter tension helps prevent stuffing from showing through the gaps between stitches. Go down a hook size if needed.
  • Contrast collar yarn — using a deeper or contrasting colour for the collar makes the little ruffle pop beautifully.
  • Don’t rush the face — take your time positioning the safety eyes and muzzle. The face is everything in amigurumi!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners make this crochet mini teddy bear pattern? Yes, absolutely! As long as you’re comfortable with the magic ring, single crochet, increases, and decreases, you can tackle this pattern. If you’re completely new to crochet, practice those basics first and then come back — you’ll be ready in no time.

What yarn is best for this pattern? A smooth, medium-weight (worsted or DK) yarn in an acrylic or acrylic blend works really well. It’s easy to work with, widely available, and comes in loads of beautiful bear colours. Avoid very fluffy or fuzzy yarns for your first try, as they make it harder to see your stitches clearly.

How big is the finished mini teddy bear? The size will depend on your yarn weight and hook size. Using worsted weight yarn with a 4mm hook, your bear will be approximately 8–10 cm (about 3–4 inches) tall — perfectly palm-sized and gift-ready!

Can I sell teddy bears made from this free pattern? This pattern is shared for free for personal use. If you’d like to sell finished bears made from this pattern, it’s always polite to credit the original designer. When in doubt, reach out to the pattern creator directly for permission.

What size safety eyes should I use? For a worsted weight bear, 6mm safety eyes work really well. If you’re making a larger version, you could go up to 8mm or even 9mm. Always attach safety eyes before stuffing and closing, and make sure they’re securely fastened.

Can I make the bear without safety eyes? Definitely! If you’re making this bear for a very young child or a baby, skip the safety eyes for safety reasons. Instead, embroider the eyes using black yarn — it looks just as sweet and is much safer for little ones.

Conclusion

And there you have it — your very own crochet mini teddy bear pattern, completely free and ready to make! Whether you’re crocheting one as a gift, a keepsake, or just because you needed something adorable to work on, this little bear is sure to bring a smile to anyone who holds it.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own — experiment with different yarn colours, try adding a tiny bow, or crochet a whole family of bears in different sizes. The possibilities are so cute!

If you make this crochet mini teddy bear, I’d absolutely love to see your finished project. Share it in the comments or tag your photo on Instagram — it always makes my day to see your makes!

Happy crocheting! 🐻🧶

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