Little Bears

6-page PDF with complete instructions

The same pattern is up on Ravelry.

These little guys take the smallest number of stitches that make a nicely shaped bear (you can tweak the proportions at will). Worsted weight yarn with U.S. 6 // 3 mm needles knits up a bear 7″ // 17.5 cm long.

These were developed to donate to the Lakota Women’s Shelters at Pine Ridge Reservation: fast to knit, a good size for tiny kids to cuddle or tote, economical of yarn/stuffing/to ship.

The upper part of the body makes a splendid canvas to try out different patterns and/or color work.

The eyes are embroidered (not buttons or beads) so there’s nothing to chew off/choke on.
For a bigger bear, use thicker yarn (or double what you have) and go up a needle size or two. These have the same number of stitches so take the same time to knit.
A one-page cheat sheet is included.

Grids for stockinette aren’t quite square; using a slightly wider rectangle shows you how your finished patterns will look. They can be used for any stranded yarn work. There are hundreds of years of Fair Isle (and other) patterns: one place to search is for Fair Isle Peerie Patterns (peerie means “wee”).

(scroll down for downloads)
This is for my bear pattern as given, with one increase on front and back after the collar to make a 15-stitch x 15-stitch width. For a longer canvas, omit the (optional) belt of purl stitches.

Blanks for working up
your own patterns.
In development: pages of bear-specific patterns for a piffling fee (Patreon members will get it free). Watch this space!

Full page blank worksheet proportioned for stockinette

Page with bear-sized blanks