Low-sew Lil’ Bitty Bear! Free Small Crochet Bear Pattern

There’s always room for a new Small Crochet Bear in town. Teddy bears are cute, cuddly, and classic to me—they will never go out of style.

Perfect to make for all your friends, family and little ones. Customize your Lil’ Bitty Bear free crochet pattern with any colour and yarn weight you like to create a Lil’ Bitty Bear that will be loved for years to come.

Why You’ll love the Lil’ Bitty Amigurumi Pattern Collection!

The Lil’ Bitty series is designed to be a quick and easy project with minimal sewing, similar to the Pocket Pal and Flip Flop series. It uses a unique method to attach open-ended pieces, letting you stuff them after they’re joined. The head and body are crocheted in one piece, with the limbs worked in as you go.

The easy Lil’ Bitty Bear crochet pattern has been designed using a combination of Premier Parfait Chunky and Premier Bloom Chenille yarns to create an adorable 5″ friend. If you’ve never used these yarns for an amigurumi project, then you’re missing out. These chenille style super bulky weight (6) yarns (which works up similar to a bulky (5) weight yarn) makes some of the most soft, squishy lovable stuffies. The yarn can be found online at Herrschners.com or Premieryarns.com.

Don’t have access to this yarn? No problem!

This small crochet bear pattern can be completed using ANY of your favourite amigurumi yarns as well. Just adjust the hook size accordingly and follow the pattern as written. The only thing that changes is the size of the safety eyes and finished product.

Check out this scrapbusting post for some guidelines on how to adjust your hook and yarn.

The free crochet pattern is shown using 12 mm flat black safety eyes. My favourite place to order from is Suncatcher Craft Eyes. For those of you wanting to sell or gift to kids under 3, the pattern also includes a video link for embroidering sleepy eyes.

Keep scrolling to the FREE Lil’ Bitty Bear crochet pattern below, or grab the inexpensive ad-free PDF with additional helpful photos on Ravelry or Etsy…  Thanks for your support, it helps me to offer more free crochet patterns!

Quick Snapshot of the Lil Bitty Bear Pattern

Are you wondering if this is the small bear crochet pattern that’s perfect for your needs and skill level?

Here’s the key points to help you to make up your mind!

• Minimal sewing: Only the ears require sewing on, along with nose/facial embroidery (optional)
• Quick and easy to make: Suitable for beginners or experienced crocheters
• Adjustable size: This small crochet bear can be made using different yarns and hook sizes to achieve various sizes, including keychain-sized (3.5″ without ears)
• Safety eyes: 12 mm flat black safety eyes are recommended, but any size can be used depending on the yarn and hook choice
• Embroidered sleepy eyes option: A video link is provided for embroidering sleepy eyes for those who want to sell or gift the bear to children under 3

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Interested in more cute crochet patterns? Check these out!

What you will need for your Lil’ Bitty Bear Crochet Pattern

Gauge:   

4 Rounds of Gauge Pattern = 2.0 inch diameter

Gauge Pattern:       

Create a Magic Ring
Round 1:     6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2:     2sc in each st (12)
Round 3:     *sc, 2sc* 6 times (18)
Round 4:    *sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc* 6 times (24)

Abbreviations:

BLO	back loop only
ch	chain
dc	double crochet
RS	right die
sc	single crochet
scdec	single crochet decrease
ss	slip stitch
st(s)	stich(es)
*to*	repeat the sequence between the ** the number of times indicated
YO	Yarn Over

Special Stitches & Techniques: 

Magic ring – https://youtu.be/ayek4XfmDvM
No Sew Limbs Attaching Legs: available in the Premium PDF version (Ravelry or Etsy)
No Sew Limbs Attaching Arms:  available in the Premium PDF version (Ravelry or Etsy)
Nose Embroidery: https://youtube.com/shorts/xeNMBDwXl_w?feature=share
Sleepy Eyes – https://youtu.be/4kO0XAkXMGo

Notes:

•  #sc, eg. (2sc, 3sc, etc) shows the number of scs to be completed in the indicated st
• Sts listed between brackets are all worked in the same st, eg. (hdc, dc)
• I highly recommend using a stitch marker to help keep track of the rounds for the body/head
• The pattern has both a ‘sew’ and no sew option for the limbs shown in the Body/Head section.

Recommended Sequence for the Lil’ Bitty Bear Crochet Pattern: 

It is highly recommended to complete this pattern in the order it is written (especially if you are using the no-sew option for the limbs).

Start your Lil’ Bitty Bear Crochet Pattern

Small Crochet Bear Arms (make 2):

The arms are worked from the “paw” to the body, in continuous rounds.  

Using Brown, create a  Magic Ring

Round 1: 6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2:  *sc in the next st, 2sc* 3 times (9)
Round 3: sc in each st (9)
Round 4: *sc in the next st, scdec* 3 times (6)
Round 5-7: sc in each st (6)
Lightly stuff the arm, Flatten and sc through both sides.  (3sts)
End off leaving a 12 inch tail if sewing.

Small Crochet Bear Legs (make 2):

The legs are worked from the “paw” to the body, in continuous rounds.  

Using Cherry Blossom, create a Magic Ring

Round 1: 6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2: *2sc* 6 times (12), change to Brown
Rounds 3-4: sc in each st (12)
Round 5:  *scdec* 6 times (6) 
Stuff lightly
End off, leaving a 12 inch tail. (Yarn tail will be used for both attaching options)

Small Crochet Bear Tail:

The tail is worked from the tip, in continuous rounds.  

Using Brown, create a Magic Ring

Round 1: 6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2: sc in each st (6)
End off, leaving a 12 inch tail.  (Yarn tail will be used for both attaching options)

Small Crochet Bear Body/Head:

The body and head are worked in one piece from the bottom up in continuous rounds.  

Option 1: Sewing the Legs, Tail and Arms to the body

If you are sewing your legs and arms onto your body then ‘sc in each st’ for Rounds 4, 5 and 11.

Option 2:  Crochet Legs, Tail and Arms to the body

If you are crocheting your legs and arms onto your body please follow the pattern as written for the Body/Head. For assistance in crocheting the limbs on see Videos: :

• Attaching Legs: Available in Premium PDF version (Ravelry or Etsy)
• Attaching Arms:  Available in Premium PDF version (Ravelry or Etsy)

Using Brown, create a Magic Ring

Round 1: 6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2: *2sc* 6 times (12)
Round 3: *sc in the next st, 2sc* 6 times (18)
Round 4:Option 1:  sc in each st (18)

Option 2: Hold your first leg in front of your work, flatten the top to find the ‘front 3’ and ‘back 3’ sts.  Beginning in the ‘back st’ closest to the right (left if left handed), working through both the Leg (inserting the hook from the inside of the st to the outside) and Body (in the same direction as previous round), sc in the next 3 sts, working through the body only, sc in the next 3 sts,  Hold the second leg in front of your work, locate the ‘front 3’ and ‘back 3’ sts.  Beginning in the ‘back st’ closest to the right (left if left handed), working through both the Leg (inserting the hook from the inside of the st to the outside) and Body (in the same direction as body only sts), sc in the next 3 sts, working through the body only, sc in the next 3 sts,   Hold the tail in front of your work, locate the ‘front 3’ and ‘back 3’ sts. Beginning in the ‘back st’ closest to the right (left if left handed), working through both the Tail (inserting the hook from the inside to the outside) and Body (the next 3 sts in the direction of the body only sts), sc in the next 3 sts, working through the body only, sc in the last 3 sts,  (18)

Round 5: Option 1:  sc in each st (18)

Option 2: Working through the ‘front sts’ of the 1st leg only, sc in the next 3 sts (skip the 3 sts connecting the back of the leg to the body), working through the body only, sc in the next 3sts, working through the ‘front sts’ of the 2nd leg only, sc in the next 3 sts (skip the 3 sts connecting the back of the leg to the body), working through the body only, sc in the next 3 sts, working through the ‘front sts’ of the tail only, sc in the next 3 sts, working through the body only, sc in the last 3 sts (18). Using the leftover tails of yarn from the legs and tail, sew up the little holes created from crocheting the pieces on.

Rounds 6-7: sc in each st (18)
Round 8: *sc in the next 4 sts, scdec* 3 times (15)
Round 9: sc in each st (15)
Begin stuffing
Round 10: *sc in the next 3 sts, scdec* 3 times (12), end off if using option 2
Round 11 Option 1: sc in each st (12)

Option 2:  Place the animal down on a hard surface with the body face ‘up’ and the legs facing you.  Locate the 3 centre front sts and mark them with a stitch marker (the arms will be placed on either side of these sts). Locate the far right marked st.  Count over 3 sts to the right of it and attach your yarn to the body.  (If left handed you will locate the left st and count over 3 sts to the left).   Place the first arm in front of the body to the right of the marked sts (left if you’re left handed).  Working through the first st of the arm and the stitch on the body you attached your yarn to, sc the 2 pieces together.  Continue working through both pieces and sc in the next 2 sts. Working through the body only, sc in the next 3 sts (these are your marked sts).  Place the second arm in front of your work.  Working through both the arm and the body, sc in the next 3 sts, working through the body only, sc in the last 3 sts (12).

Round 12: *sc in the next st, 2sc* 6 times (18)
Round 13: *sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc* 6 times (24)
Round 14: *sc in the next 3 sts, 2sc* 6 times (30)
Rounds 15-18: sc in each st (30)
Round 19: *sc in the next 3 sts, scdec* 6 times (24)
Round 20: *sc in the next 6 sts, scdec* 3 times (21)
Round 21: *sc in the next 5 sts, scdec* 3 times (18)
Add safety eyes to Round 17 on the front of the  head approximately 6-7 sts apart (5-6 sts showing between the eyes), continue stuffing.
Round 22: *sc in the next 4 sts, scdec* 3 times (15)
Round 23: *sc in the next 3 sts, scdec* 3 times (12)
Round 24: *scdec* 6 times (6)
Finish stuffing
End off leaving a 6 inch tail, cinch the last 6 sts together and weave in the end. 

Small Crochet Bear Ears: (make 2 of each piece)

Made in continuous rounds in 2 pieces crocheted together in Round 2 of the outside piece.

Piece 1: Inside of the ear

Using Pink, create a Magic Ring

Round 1: RS – 6sc in the ring (6)
End off Piece 1 by ss to the first st of the round.  Weave in ends.

Piece 2: Outside of the ear

Using Tulip, create a Magic Ring

Round 1: RS – 6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2: With RS facing up for both pieces, place piece 1 on top of piece 2.  Working both pieces together for the entire round, *2sc* in each st (12).
End off Piece 2 by ss to the first st of the round.  Leave a 12” tail for sewing.

Small Crochet Bear Muzzle:

The muzzle is worked in continuous rounds.  

Using White, create a  Magic Ring

Round 1: 6sc in the ring (6)
Round 2:  *2sc* 6 times (12)
Round 3: *sc, 2sc* 6 times (18)
End off leaving an 18” tail for sewing.  

Flower:  (Optional)

Created in rounds.

Using Yellow, create a Magic Ring

Round 1: 6sc in the ring (6), change to Pink (end off yellow)
Round 2: Working in the BLO *(ss, ch2, dc, ch2, ss) in each st* 6 times (6 petals)
End off leaving 9” tail for sewing 

Sewing Placement – I highly recommend pinning ALL parts in place BEFORE sewing to make sure everything sits properly and is to your liking 🙂

Note:  Disregard sewing the legs, arms and tail if you’ve already crocheted them on. Legs: Place the legs at approx Rounds 4-5 of the body about 3 sts apart at the front of the animal.  Sew in place along Round 5 of the leg.

Arms: Place the arms at approx Round 11 of the body, approx 3 sts apart.  Sew in place.

Eyes: If needed, embroider on sleepy eyes.  See video: Sleepy Eyes – https://youtu.be/4kO0XAkXMGo

Muzzle:   Place the muzzle centred between the eyes between Rounds 13-17.  Sew in place along round 3 of the muzzle, stuff if desired. (I did not stuff)

Nose:   Using approx 12” of Chocolate thread the needle.  Working  on Round 3 at the top of the muzzle.  Insert your needle horizontally under the top centre 3-4 sts.  Repeat through the same set of holes 3-4 times, finishing by sewing a vertical line from the centre of the nose, down to the bottom of the muzzle.  Video showing the nose being made without a muzzle: https://youtube.com/shorts/xeNMBDwXl_w?feature=share

Facial Embroidery:   Follow video for embroidering the  eye highlights, eyelashes  and eyebrows (if desired). Video: https://youtu.be/MvZu0qEafso

Ears:   Place the ears on each side of the head between Rounds 19-21.  Sew in place.

Tail (disregard if you crocheted in the tail): Place the tail centred at the back of the bunny at approx Rounds 4-5 of the body.  Sew in place along Round 2 of the tail.

Congratulations!

You have now completed your Lil’ Bitty Bear Crochet Pattern!

How to Evenly Stuff Your Small Crochet Bear

A little teddy bear needs to be soft and slightly squishy so that your little ones wants to cuddle it! Stuffing your small crochet bear evenly is key to giving it a polished look and huggable feel. 

I recommend that you work slowly and use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps or uneven spots. Start with the head and limbs, pressing the stuffing gently into place. Take care not to overfill, as this can stretch your stitches and affect the bear’s shape.  

Once the main parts are stuffed, distribute the filling by rolling your small crochet bear plush, between your hands. This helps smooth out any bumps and keeps the bear soft yet firm. Pay attention to areas like the neck and joints, as they can sag without enough support. Taking your time with stuffing ensures your small crochet bear looks neat, cuddly, and ready for gifting.  

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Thank you so much for joining us! I hope you loved completing your Lil’ Bitty Bear Crochet Pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it for you. Don’t want to miss a stitch? Subscribe to the Darling Maple Designs newsletter and I’ll send updates for new pattern releases, sales and promotions straight to your inbox. See you again soon! Sara <3

If you have any questions or concerns with this, or any other pattern written by Darling Maple Designs, please do not hesitate to contact me at: info@darlingmapledesigns.com.

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