There is something wonderfully timeless about a handknitted teddy bear. Whether you’re making one as a baby shower gift, a childhood keepsake, or a donation to a charity like the Mother Bear Project, teddy bear knitting patterns offer something for every skill level and every purpose. In this roundup, you’ll find 25 free patterns — from super bulky beginners’ bears that knit up in an afternoon to detailed intermediate designs with jointed limbs, cable-knit sweaters, and even a matching polar bear and panda for good measure.
The variety here is genuinely exciting: there are large huggable bears, tiny pocket-sized teds, bears dressed in cozy sweaters, charity-knit designs, and bear-adjacent toys like koalas and pandas. Whatever yarn you have on hand — fingering, DK, worsted, chunky, or even fluffy fur yarn — there is a pattern in this list to suit it. Happy knitting!
You might also enjoy our roundups of knitted doll patterns and infinity scarf knitting patterns.
Table of Contents
- 1. Easy Bear Knitting Pattern (Bjorn)
- 2. Knitted Teddy Bear (Debbie Bliss Design)
- 3. Red Heart Knit Teddy Bear Toy
- 4. Little Teddy Bear (Flat Version)
- 5. Teddy Bear Sweater (Flat Version)
- 6. A Knitted Teddy Bear Jumper
- 7. Teddy Bear (Knit-a-Square Charity Pattern)
- 8. FREE Tiny Bear Knitting Pattern
- 9. Otso Bear (Loop Anniversary Edition)
- 10. Ruby Bear
- 11. Red Heart Fluffy Polar Bear
- 12. The Mighty Bear Toy
- 13. Sancho Bear with Cable Sweater
- 14. Koala Baby
- 15. Tiny Ted
- 16. Percy the Panda
- 17. Wee Panda
- 18. Toy Bear Koda Redux
- 19. The Cutest Polar Bear Knitting Pattern
- 20. Knit a Teddy Bear
- 21. One Piece Bear
- 22. Pocket Ted
- 23. Camille Knitted Teddy
- 24. Groovy Grizzly
- 25. Izzy Teddy Bear Dolls
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Easy Bear Knitting Pattern (Bjorn)
Meet Bjorn — one of the quickest and most beginner-friendly teddy bear knitting patterns you’ll find. This super bulky bear is knit flat with chunky yarn and large needles, meaning most knitters can finish him in a single sitting. Designed by Mama in a Stitch, the pattern is clear and well-photographed, making it a great starting point if you’ve never knitted a toy before. A wonderfully fast make for last-minute gift emergencies!
2. Knitted Teddy Bear (Debbie Bliss Design)
This is the classic teddy bear pattern — a timeless design by the legendary Debbie Bliss that stands approximately 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Each part is knit flat in DK yarn and sewn together before stuffing, making it an ideal project for knitters who want to practice seaming while creating something truly special. The finished result is a proper heirloom-quality bear, polished enough to become a treasured keepsake for any child.
3. Red Heart Knit Teddy Bear Toy
This sweet knitted bear from Yarnspirations is worked in Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn and uses a clever garter stitch construction — the ears and head are shaped by stitching through all thicknesses of yarn, keeping the assembly process simple and satisfying. It’s an easy-rated pattern that’s a great choice for newer knitters who want a handsome result without complicated shaping. An excellent go-to for a child’s gift.
4. Little Teddy Bear (Flat Version)
This charming little bear from MayLily Knitting is constructed top-to-bottom in a single flat piece — from head to legs — with the hands, nose, and ears worked separately and sewn on at the end. The finished toy stands approximately 17 cm tall depending on your yarn and needle size, making it a lovely compact size for little hands. It’s an intermediate-level pattern with clear instructions for anyone who enjoys the puzzle of flat construction that assembles into a 3D toy.
5. Teddy Bear Sweater (Flat Version)
The perfect companion to pattern #4, this free sweater by MayLily Knitting is worked flat in DK yarn from the top down and sized to fit the Little Teddy Bear pattern from the same designer. The sleeves are worked flat as well, with everything joined using mattress stitch, and there’s a sweet optional embroidery motif for the front. Dressing up a handmade bear in a matching handmade sweater is the kind of detail that makes a gift feel truly extra special.
6. A Knitted Teddy Bear Jumper
Nothing makes a handmade bear more endearing than a cozy little jumper, and this free beginner-friendly sweater pattern from CraftBits delivers just that. Worked in worsted weight (8-ply/double knitting) yarn with basic stitches, it’s a quick and sweet project that works equally well to dress up a new handmade bear or to give a store-bought toy that extra touch of handcrafted love. A wonderful stash-buster for leftover worsted yarn.
7. Teddy Bear (Knit-a-Square Charity Pattern)
This generous-sized teddy bear pattern from Knit-a-Square is specifically designed for charity knitting — the organization provides knitted toys and warmth to children in need in South Africa. The finished bear stands approximately 12 inches tall in light worsted weight yarn and features a straightforward, accessible design. If you’re looking for a pattern that combines the joy of knitting a bear with a meaningful purpose, this one is particularly worth casting on.
8. FREE Tiny Bear Knitting Pattern
This adorable little bear from Knitting By Post is a great beginner project — super easy to follow and quick to finish with leftover DK yarn. The finished tiny bear makes a sweet handmade nursery decoration or a small gift that feels personal and special. The pattern is generously free and includes clear step-by-step instructions that make it approachable even if you haven’t knitted a toy before. A perfect quick cast-on for a cozy evening.
9. Otso Bear (Loop Anniversary Edition)
Designed by Sophie Heathscott for the beloved London yarn store Loop, Otso is a beautifully proportioned toy bear that can be knit either flat or in the round — great flexibility for whichever technique you prefer. The finished bear stands 28 cm (11 inches) tall, with its satisfying curved shape created through simple increases and decreases in aran or worsted weight yarn. Beginner-friendly and great for practicing magic loop or seaming, Otso is a lovely weekend project with a polished result.
10. Ruby Bear
Ruby Bear from Premier Yarns is a substantial, huggable toy measuring approximately 16 inches from top of head to bottom of foot — knit in Premier Serenity Chunky yarn in rich berry tones with black detail and decorative buttons for eyes. This intermediate-rated pattern has real personality, and at 16 inches it’s the kind of bear that becomes a child’s constant companion. A wonderful gift knit that will be cherished for years.
11. Red Heart Fluffy Polar Bear
This irresistible polar bear from Yarnspirations is knit using wonderful fluffy fur yarn, giving it a seriously cuddly texture that kids absolutely love. He even comes with his own little winter scarf, making him look ready for outdoor adventures. At an easy skill level, this is a great pattern for knitters who want to try something a bit different from the classic teddy — and the finished bear looks far more impressive than the effort required to make it.
12. The Mighty Bear Toy
From Moumou Knits, this seamless little bear is knitted from head to toe in the round with stuffing added mid-project — the arms and nose are worked separately and sewn on at the end. At just 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall in sport weight yarn, it’s a perfectly pocket-sized companion that knits up beautifully. This intermediate-level pattern is a great exercise in small-scale in-the-round construction and makes a very satisfying, polished toy.
13. Sancho Bear with Cable Sweater
Sancho is one of the most impressive free teddy bear knitting patterns available — knitted seamlessly from the top down in the round, starting with the head and working through the body, with arms picked up and worked to the hands. But the real showstopper is the matching sweater, which features a beautiful beehive cable-twist panel on the front. The finished bear stands 26 cm tall and is a genuinely gorgeous intermediate project that produces a heirloom-quality result.
14. Koala Baby
This tiny knitted koala baby from the Knitted Toy Box blog stands just 4 inches tall and requires only DK yarn in grey and white plus a pair of 3.25mm needles. A delightful bear-adjacent toy, the pattern is beginner-friendly with full instructions and offers the option of safety eyes or embroidered alternatives for younger children. If you’re looking to add variety to your bear knitting with a sweet wildlife twist, this petite koala is a perfect choice.
15. Tiny Ted
Tiny Ted from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days is a charming little bear that can serve as a nursery decoration, a baby shower gift, a gender-reveal keepsake, or simply a sweet stash-buster project. Made in DK yarn, this tiny bear has a soft, classic appeal that suits any nursery aesthetic. It’s the kind of small, meaningful make that takes very little time but carries a lot of heart — ideal for knitters who love making something beautiful with leftover yarn.
16. Percy the Panda
A loveable panda bear worked in simple stocking stitch by designer Ann Franklin, Percy the Panda is a charming alternative to the classic honey-colored teddy. You’ll only need two balls of yarn — one white and one black — making this a very economical intermediate-level knit. Published by Gathered, this free panda toy knitting pattern is well-written and beginner-adjacent, producing a finished bear with bags of personality. A great first toy project for knitters ready to try their hand at a stuffed animal.
17. Wee Panda
Originally published in Issue 33 of Knit Now magazine, Wee Panda stands just 5.5 cm (2¼ inches) tall — making it the tiniest bear on this list and one of the most charming stash-busters imaginable. As a bonus, the pattern also includes instructions for a finger puppet version, so one download gives you two adorable options. This intermediate-level miniature panda is a wonderful project for using up tiny amounts of black and white DK yarn.
18. Toy Bear Koda Redux
Koda Redux is designed for Bernat Pipsqueak super bulky yarn, making it one of the quickest-knitting bears on the list — “perfect for little hands, and oh, so cuddly!” The bodies start as a tube, with carefully placed lines of sewing to create the impression of arms and legs, so the construction is cleverly minimal while the result is genuinely adorable. At approximately 9 inches tall, this intermediate-rated pattern is a great choice for knitters who want a plush, huggable toy without a lengthy time commitment.
19. The Cutest Polar Bear Knitting Pattern
From Love Life Yarn — one of the top competitors for this very search! — this free polar bear knitting pattern creates a fluffy, cuddly bear using Red Heart Hygge Fur yarn. The little bear is knit flat on straight needles and seamed using mattress stitch, making it an excellent project for practicing that technique on a small, forgiving scale. If you love the texture of fur yarn and want a polar bear with maximum cuddle appeal, this pattern delivers beautifully.
20. Knit a Teddy Bear
This generous 18-inch teddy bear from AllFreeCrafts is made in mainly one easy knitted piece using chunky Patons Shetland yarn, meaning construction is straightforward and the result is satisfyingly large and huggable. At intermediate skill level, it’s a great project for knitters who want to produce a substantial gift without the complexity of highly detailed shaping. The big size means this bear has real presence as a finished object — the kind of toy that becomes a beloved childhood companion.
21. One Piece Bear
If you love ingenious construction methods, this One Piece Bear from KnittingPattern.org will delight you. The tiny teddy is knitted in a single piece from feet to feet — the ears pop out naturally from the design and a few tacking stitches, while the nose is raised by gathering a circle on the face. With almost no seaming required, it’s a clever and satisfying knit that produces an adorable little bear with a surprisingly professional finish for the effort involved.
22. Pocket Ted
Pocket Ted is an absolute gem of a project — designed by the prolific Frankie Brown, he’s just 8 cm (3 inches) tall and sleeps in his own knitted bed inside a tin. With pipe cleaners in his arms and legs so he can actually sit up, Pocket Ted has the kind of miniature detail that makes knitters and recipients alike fall completely in love. Both Ted and his bed are knitted from small amounts of 4-ply fingering weight yarn, making this a perfect fine-yarn stash-buster.
23. Camille Knitted Teddy
Camille is a beautifully crafted teddy bear worked in the round in Go Handmade Vintage sport weight yarn — but what really sets her apart is the finishing: arms and legs are attached to the body with buttons and elastics for a jointed, poseable result. The finished bear stands 25 cm tall, with a sophisticated look that makes it feel more like an artisan toy than a typical knitted stuffed animal. An intermediate project that’s genuinely impressive as a gift.
24. Groovy Grizzly
The Groovy Grizzly from Premier Yarns is anything but ordinary — knit in super bulky Premier Basix Chenille Tie Dye yarn, this 16-inch bear (seated) has a vibrantly colorful, plush texture that makes it stand out from every other teddy in the room. The chenille yarn gives it an irresistibly soft finish that children will adore, and the super bulky weight means it knits up fast. A wonderful intermediate project for knitters who want a bear with a bold, modern personality.
25. Izzy Teddy Bear Dolls
Izzy is one of the most popular free teddy bear knitting patterns on Ravelry, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 200 knitters and more than 1,000 completed projects. The pattern includes instructions for a fully dressed bear with bear ears and four different sweater options, making it incredibly versatile. Worked in the round in sport weight yarn, it’s perfect for charity knitting or as a personal gift — and with a track record like that, you know the instructions are tried, tested, and beloved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is knitting a teddy bear difficult?
It really depends on the pattern you choose. Many teddy bear knitting patterns are designed for beginners — they use basic stockinette or garter stitch, knit flat, and require simple seaming and stuffing to finish. More advanced patterns introduce techniques like knitting in the round, picking up stitches for limbs, or shaping jointed bears with complex construction. If you’re new to toy knitting, look for patterns labeled “Beginner” or “Easy” on this list and work your way up from there.
What yarn is best for knitting a teddy bear?
DK and worsted weight yarns are the most popular choices for teddy bears — they’re widely available, easy to work with, and produce a firm enough fabric to hold stuffing well. Super bulky yarn is great for quick, huggable bears that knit up fast, while fingering weight is ideal for tiny, detailed toys. For bears intended as gifts for babies or young children, choose soft, machine-washable yarn — acrylic blends, cotton, or bamboo fibers are all baby-safe options that hold up well through repeated washing.
How long does it take to knit a teddy bear?
The time varies widely depending on the pattern and yarn weight. A simple super bulky bear like Bjorn (#1 on this list) can be finished in just a couple of hours. A DK weight bear with separate limbs, seaming, and stuffing might take anywhere from 4–8 hours. Add a matching sweater or cable details and you’re looking at 8–12 hours for the full project. Flat, one-piece patterns tend to be the fastest since they minimize seaming time.
What size do knitted teddy bears come out?
Finished size depends heavily on your yarn weight and needle size — the same pattern knit in fingering weight might produce a 4-inch bear, while the same pattern in bulky yarn could result in a 16-inch bear. Most DK weight bears land between 10–14 inches tall, which is a satisfying, classic teddy size. Patterns on this list range from the tiny 2-inch Wee Panda to the full 18-inch AllFreeCrafts bear, so there’s a size for every purpose.
Whether you’re casting on your very first teddy bear or adding another cuddly companion to a well-loved collection, there is a pattern in this list for you. Save your favorites to knit next, and if you make one, share it with a crafty friend — a handknitted bear is one of those gifts that people hold onto forever.
