10 Adorable Teddy Bear Free Crochet Patterns for Beginners

Soft wool and a weighted stuffing create a classic toy that feels substantial yet gentle in your hands. These small plush figures bring charm to a nursery shelf or serve as a heartfelt, handmade gift for someone special. You will find that these bear designs rely on a foundational knowledge of increasing and decreasing stitches to shape the head and limbs accurately. Working in continuous rounds ensures a smooth exterior without visible seams, which keeps the yarn dense and durable. Whether you are a newcomer to amigurumi or simply want a quick project, these patterns help you build confidence with every loop.

Pin for later!

Why This Project Is Worth Making

This simple crochet drawstring pouch uses basic single crochet stitches worked in continuous rounds, making it an ideal entry point for those new to three-dimensional fiber arts. Because it relies on a tight, sturdy stitch, it keeps small items like coins, jewelry, or stitch markers secure without the need for complex closures. The small size makes it a quick afternoon project, perfect for utilizing those leftover scraps of worsted weight yarn sitting in your stash. Once you master the base, you can easily replicate this design to create thoughtful, handmade party favors or gift bags for friends.

I finished this pouch in under an hour using some leftover cotton yarn. The instructions for the drawstring opening were very clear, and it keeps my stitch markers perfectly organized in my project bag.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 45 to 60 minutes
• Construction: Worked in continuous rounds starting with a magic ring, moving into a flat circular base, and ending with a mesh-style eyelet row for the drawstring.
• Finished Dimensions: 4 inches in diameter, 5 inches in height when lying flat.

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. Approximately 40-50 yards required. Cotton is recommended for its lack of stretch and clear stitch definition.
• Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a locking stitch marker for tracking rounds, and a 12-inch length of cord or a crocheted chain for the drawstring.
• Yarn substitutions: Acrylic yarn is a soft alternative, though it will produce a slightly less structured result. Avoid bulky wool blends as they will make the pouch too thick to draw closed easily.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring.
• ch: Chain stitch.
• sc: Single crochet. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
• inc: Increase. Work 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dc: Double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
• sk: Skip one stitch.
• st(s): Stitch(es).
• sl st: Slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on the hook.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Pouch Body

1. Rnd 1: Start with a MR. Work 6 sc into the ring. Tighten to close. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc 6 times. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc 6 times. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc 6 times. (30 sts)
6. Rnd 6: 4 sc, inc 6 times. (36 sts)
7. Rnds 7–16: Sc in each st around. (36 sts per round)
8. Rnd 17: 1 dc, ch 1, sk 1 st repeat 18 times. (18 dc and 18 ch-1 spaces)
9. Rnd 18: Sc in each dc and each ch-1 space around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (36 sts)

Finishing

Fasten off your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use your tapestry needle to weave the end securely into the interior of the pouch, ensuring it is locked in place. Thread your drawstring cord through the chain-one spaces created in Rnd 17, alternating over and under the double crochet stitches. Tie the ends of the cord into a knot to prevent them from pulling through the eyelets.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Hand wash your pouch in cool water with a mild detergent to prevent the cotton fibers from fraying.
• Lay the item flat on a dry towel and shape it into a perfect circle, allowing it to air dry completely away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid machine drying or bleaching, as heat can shrink natural cotton fibers and cause the drawstring eyelets to warp.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Consistent tension is vital for the pouch to stand upright; if your stitches are too loose, the pouch will collapse. Always use a stitch marker at the start of each round to ensure you do not lose your place, as continuous rounds lack a clear seam. When weaving in your ends, travel horizontally through the back of the stitches to make the join invisible from the outside. If you wish to make a larger pouch, increase the base rounds by one (e.g., 5 sc, inc) but remember that this will require significantly more yardage and a longer drawstring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?

Using a larger hook will result in a larger, looser pouch. If you increase the hook size, ensure your yarn weight is also increased so the fabric does not have large, visible gaps.

How do I adjust the height of the pouch?

You can easily add more rounds between Rnd 6 and Rnd 17. Each additional round of single crochet adds approximately one-third of an inch to the total height.

Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, this is an excellent project for beginners because it uses only basic stitches and does not require complex assembly or shaping techniques.

Am I allowed to sell pouches made from this pattern?

Please check the specific terms provided by the designer. Most designers allow the sale of finished items made from their patterns if credit is given to the original creator.

Pin for later!

Your finished bear holds its shape well and looks charming sitting on a desk or tucked into a gift basket. Try using velvet yarn instead of cotton for a plush, fuzzy texture that feels like a vintage store find. Feel free to snap a picture of your creation and share it with your community online to show off your hard work. You can find more free patterns available on the blog if you feel inspired to build a whole collection of handmade stuffed animals for your home.