Knitted Teddy Bear
Knitted teddy bears are not just cuddly toys; they are little bundles of joy that bring warmth and comfort to both children and adults alike. The intricate details of their hand-knitted bodies give them a unique charm that is hard to resist. Whether they are displayed on a shelf or held close during bedtime, these knitted bears have a way of spreading happiness wherever they go. Their soft woolen fur and sweet button eyes make them the perfect companions for tea parties, storytime adventures, or simply a cozy night in. So, next time you come across a knitted teddy bear, don't be surprised if you find yourself smiling at its adorable and endearing presence.
Materials:
Worsted weight scrap yarn in 2 or more colours
3.75 mm dpns (set of 4)
Needle for embroidery and seaming
Stuffing
Plastic animal eyes
Felt scraps for securing eyes if the toy is for a baby
4 stitch markers
4 stitch holders
Note: Slip stitches purlwise with yarn in back.
Using 2 dpns and MC, cast on 32 sts on one needle. Knitting back and forth,
Row 1: (sl, k) to end of row.
Repeat this row 8 times. When you start a new row, slip the first stitch with the yarn in back (it will wrap around the slipped stitch).
You are creating a closed tube on two needles, with one side of the fabric on the knit sts, and the other side on the alternate sts.
Now it's time to separate the two sides of the tube. Using 2 dpns, slip the first st to needle 1, slip the second st to needle 2, slip the third to st to needle 1, and slip the 4th st to needle 2. Continue this way to the end, slipping alternate sts to each needle.
Turn the fabric inside out so that the knitted side is on the outside, and the purled side is on the inside.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the row, and redistribute sts on 3 dpns.
HEAD
Rnd 9: k7, pm, k2, pm, k23 (32 sts)
Rnd 10: k7, m1, slm, k2, slm, m1, k23 (34 sts)
Rnd 11: k all sts (34 sts)
Rnd 12: k8, m1, slm, k2, slm, m1, k24 (36 sts)
Rnd 13: k all sts (36 sts)
Rnd 14: k9, m1, slm, k2, slm, m1, k25 (38 sts)
Rnd 15: k all sts (38 sts)
Rnd 16: k10, m1, slm, k2, slm, m1, k26 (40 sts)
Rnd 17: k all sts (40 sts)
Rnd 18: k all sts (40 sts)
Rnd 19: k9, k2tog, slm, k2, slm, ssk, k25 (38sts)
Rnd 20: k all sts (38sts)
Rnd 21: k8, k2tog, slm, k2, slm, ssk, k24 (36 sts)
Rnd 22: k all sts and remove markers (36 sts)
Rnd 23: Switch to CC1, and (k1, p1) around for 3 rows (36sts)
Stuff the head. Flatten and sew the corners down for ears. You may have to run a stitch through the corners to round out the ears. Embroider the nose, and attach the eyes, backing them on the inside with felt scraps for extra safety if desired.
BODY
As an option, you may start using CC2, and other colours to make a fair isle sweater for your teddy.
Rnd 27: k all sts (36 sts)
Rnd 28: k1, pm, k16, pm, k2, pm, k16, pm, k1 (36 sts)
Rnd 29: k1, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k2, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k1 (40 sts)
Rnd 30: k all sts (40 sts)
Rnd 31: k2, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k4, m1, slm, k16, m1, k2 (44 sts)
Rnd 32: k all sts (44 sts)
Rnd 33: k3, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k6, m1, slm, k16, m1, k3 (48 sts)
Rnd 34: k all sts (48 sts)
Rnd 35: k4, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k8, m1, slm, k16, m1, k4 (52 sts)
Rnd 36: k all sts (52 sts)
Rnd 37: k5, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k10, m1, slm, k16, m1, k5 (56 sts)
Rnd 38: k all sts (56 sts)
Rnd 39: k6, m1, slm, k16, slm, m1, k12, m1, slm, k16, m1, k6 (60 sts)
Rnd 40: k all sts and remove markers (60 sts)
Rnd 41: k5 sts onto stitch holder, k20, k 10 sts onto second stitch holder, k20, k5 sts onto first stitch holder (60 sts)
Rnd 42: k20, cast on 3 sts, k 20, cast on 3 sts (46 sts on body). Knit 5 rows.
Switch to MC.
Rnd 48: Knit 3 rows (46 sts)
Stuff the body.
LEGS
Rnd 51: k12 sts, k 23 sts onto stitch holder, k11 sts (46 sts)
Rnd 52: k 12 sts to stitch holder; *k 23 sts on holder, cast on 1 st (24 sts on leg)
Rnd 53: Knit 10 rows (24 sts)
Stuff the leg.
Rnd 63: k2tog across (12 sts)
Rnd 64: k all sts (12 sts)
Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the needle, and pass the needle through the remaning 12 sts. Pull tightly and tie, bringing the knot to the inside of the leg.
Place the other 23 leg sts on the dpns. Repeat rows 52 (from *) to 64.
ARMS
Knit the 10 sts from the holder, and pick up 6 sts from the arm hole (16 sts).
Knit 5 rows CC1, and 3 rows MC (16 sts).
Stuff the arm.
Next rnd: k2tog across (8 sts)
Next rnd: k all sts (8 sts)
Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the needle, and pass the needle through the remaning 8 sts. Pull tightly and tie, bringing the knot to the inside of the arm.
Repeat for second arm.
FINISHING
Add more stuffing, and arrange the stuffing as desired. Using MC, sew up the seam between the legs and tie, bringing the knot to the inside of the body.