Polar Bear

Some of you have been very patiently waiting for our Polar Bear Pattern to be ready to share.  Today is the day your patience pays off.

polar bears

This is the full array of polar bears that have been decorating our window this season.

polar bear 4

Each one is a bit different.

polar bear 2

Once you add the eyes and ears and noses they really come into their own.

polar bear 1

The pattern comes with the directions to make a small and larger version of the bear, but you can widen the differential with your yarn and needle choice.

polar bear 3

The bears are so easy and fast to make you could have a whole bunch ready for Christmas.  Small ones would make great ornaments or present toppers, big ones are good for cuddles.
If you feel like you need a helping hand while making your bear – join a class! This 2.5 hour workshop is available Monday December 9th, 10am-12:30pm, or on Thursday December 12, 6:30-9pm.  Call to register 416 533 5648.

these pics came from our new instagram account!

Polar Bear Pattern
by Maurie Todd for The Knit Cafe

This is an easy knit project! The bear is knit in garter stitch (that is knit every row). It is knit flat on regular old straight needles and then seamed up.  Ears and eyes and noses are added once stuffed.  Gauge is not very important for this bear, just make sure you knit tight so that the stuffing won’t show through.  Different sized bears can be made by varying the weight of yarn and the needle size.  If your tension is average, then we suggest that you choose a needle size a half size smaller than the recommended needle size on the yarn label.

Size: Small (Large)

Materials:
We used 100 grams worsted weight yarn and 3.5mm needles for a bear with finished dimensions of approximately 10 (20) cm from nose to tail.
small amount of black embroidery thread for eyes and nose
stuffing
row counter (optional)

To Make:
Back Legs: CO 20 (40) sts and knit 10 (20) rows.
Next Row: Bind off the first 5 (10) sts at the beginning of the row, knit across.
Next Row: Bind off the first 5 (10) sts, knit to the end of the row.  10 (20) sts.

Body: Knit 9 (18) rows

Front Legs: Next Row:  CO 5 (10) sts at the beginning of the row and knit across
Next Row: CO 5 (10) sts at the beginning of the row and knit across 20 (40) sts
Knit 10 (20) rows
Next Row: bind off the first 5 (10) sts of the row and knit across
Next Row: bind off the first 5 (10) sts of the row and knit across 10 (20) sts

Start of Head: Knit the next 1 (2) rows
Next Row: K2tog at the beginning and the end of the row 8 (18) sts
Next Row: knit
Repeat these 2 rows until 4 stitches remain
Cast off.

Ears: (make 2)
small : CO 4 stitches, bind off
large: CO 7 stitches.  Knit one row. Bind off.
Both sizes: Fold ear in half and attach to head.

To Make up: see diagram

Seam legs first
Fold A to A and sew around. Repeat with B to B, C to C, D to D. These 4 wee pockets are the legs, Stuff all 4.

Fold bear in half along fold line and sew together. Stuff as you sew.

Attach ears.

French knots work well for eyes. Satin Stitch can be used for the nose.

polar bear diagram2

Click HERE for an Easy to Print PDF

Craftily yours
Kristin

bear snip

10 responses to “Polar Bear

  1. I’ve had so much fun with this bear since seeing your window on my recent trip from Vancouver to Toronto. He was so easy to make, I did all the knitting on the flight home. Great way to pass the time during my flight.

  2. So adorable and just right for my grandsons. Thank You

  3. Love your sweet little polar bear pattern! I found it on Ravelry, in my group, and fell in love.
    I also want to say how lovely it is that you share such great patterns!
    Thanks from Canada’s west coast!

  4. Love this pattern! It’s easy, quick & turns out adorable. Thank you for sharing!!

  5. great pattern and very easy to make

  6. Hi,
    Thanks for your pattern that I found on Ravelry. I am in Vietnam so it’s difficult to find yarn. The yarn I had was a bit thin so I tripled the size and it turned out great, however I have to say the body is a bit long, next time I’ll reduce the number of rows for the body. I made it in multicouloured yarn (couldn’t find any white yarn at all!) for my niece and even though it’s a bit awkward because of the long body, she already loves it! Thank you!!!
    Marianne (in Vietnam)

  7. Pingback: Knit a Teddy Bear Anyone Would Love with a Free Bear Knitting Pattern - Knitting for Charity

  8. I am now doing the polar bear and i’m finding that the body is too long, should be shorter and wider because those bears are very plump .lol I will just tweak the next one.. and thanks for the pattern

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