The Best Free Teddy Bear Knitting Patterns

There is something wonderfully comforting about a teddy bear, isn’t there? During the teddy bear hunt trend, people all around the world began placing bears in their windows so children walking or driving through the neighbourhood could spot them along the way. It was such a simple idea, but a lovely one — a little moment of joy, especially for families looking for something cheerful to do close to home.

Of course, as knitters, we do tend to look at a teddy bear and think, “I could make that.” Whether you want to knit a bear for your window, make a special handmade gift for a child, or use up some of those odd balls of yarn sitting in your stash, a knitted teddy bear is one of those projects that feels both nostalgic and useful. They can be sweet and simple, beautifully detailed, dressed up in tiny jumpers, or made from soft fuzzy yarn for extra cuddle factor.

I’ve gathered together some of the best free teddy bear knitting patterns so you can find one that suits your style, your yarn stash, and your knitting confidence. Some of these bears are worked flat and seamed, others can be knitted in the round, and several are perfect for charity knitting, comfort gifts, or keepsake toys. If you’re new to toy knitting, don’t be put off — teddy bears are a lovely way to practise shaping, sewing pieces together, and adding personality with small embroidered details.

A good washable yarn is always a sensible choice if your bear is going to be loved by little hands, and this is also a great project for leftover yarn from past baby blankets, sweaters, or scarves. You can also browse yarns and knitting kits from places like Mary Maxim or Amazon if your stash has somehow failed you — unlikely, I know, but stranger things have happened in a craft room.

So whether you’re joining in a teddy bear hunt, knitting a handmade keepsake, or just looking for a sweet free knitting pattern to brighten your day, these free teddy bear knitting patterns are a lovely place to start.

Don’t forget to take a look at our Knitted Bear patterns on our sister site.  Knitted Mini Twin Bears , Cobbles The Bear  , Scruffy the bear and even some patterns for knitted teddy bear jumpers and pants.

Check out our very own FREE trauma teddy Knitting pattern over on our blog. 

Looking for more Knitting patterns for Teddy Bears? Check it out here.

• Esther Braithwaite’s Izzy Teddy Bear Dolls are worked in one piece and don’t have separate arms and legs. The pattern offers four sweater options, or use you odd balls to give them lots of personality.
• The Australian Red Cross has a Trauma Teddy pattern that is simple to work in pieces and seam together. The body is the clothing so you can customize it lots of different ways. For similar designs, check out the patterns page at Teddies for Tragedies.
• This classic teddy bear from Debbie Bliss is so cute, and each piece is worked flat and seamed so it’s not a difficult project. It can be worked in any color of sport weight yarn.
• Otso is a sweet fat bear designed by Sophie Scott for Loop London. It can be worked flat or in the round and is adorable in tweed yarn.
• If you want a more colorful teddy, check out the sweet patterned body on this one from Arne & Carlos. It actually worked in a self-patterning sock yarn so it’s just as easy to knit as the others.
• Emily Kintigh’s Little Mishka was designed to work with a Knit Picks fur yarn, making it look like a “real” teddy bear. (Note: Knit Picks’ warehouse is closed through April 6.)
• Similarly, Berroco’s Harry Bear was made with a particular yarn of theirs in mind. That yarn has been discontinued but any fuzzy chenille style yarn would work.
• April Cromwell offers super sweet rabbit and bear patterns with clothing, if your creatures like to play dress up.
• The Ruby bear by Michele Wilcox for Premier Yarns reminds me of a Beanie Baby in style. I love it in bright colors, too.
• Frankie Brown’s Teddy Bear Stripes shows what happens when you use a self-striping yarn or odd balls to knit a bear, though of course you could use a solid color here, too.

Do you have a favorite teddy bear knitting pattern? I’d love to hear about it!

Did you know, specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next. Or how about our VIP Knitting Group with Free knitting pattern access including vintage and Etsy designer patterns for less than $1 a month.