Polar Bears
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The two polar bears, one small and one larg, are soft, flat cuddly toys that fit in anywhere. Whether as affectionate companions in the nursery, cozy decorations for a crib, or a wintry highlight, they blend beautifully into any setting.
I chose a textured yarn for the bears, giving them a soft, warm look reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. Of course, you can choose whatever suits your taste; for instance, chenille yarn creates a velvety, plush texture, while cotton yarn results in a cleaner, more defined finish.
Knitting Instructions:
All parts are crafted entirely with two knitting needles.
Follow these steps:
First Row - Purl Stitches Begin by knitting the first row entirely in purl stitches. These will form the back side of your project, creating a neat texture.
Second Row - Knit Stitches In the second row, knit every stitch. This will produce a smooth, even front for your piece.
Repeating the Pattern Continue alternating between purl stitches in the odd-numbered rows and knit stitches in the even-numbered rows:
- Odd-numbered rows (e.g., 1st, 3rd, 5th): Work in purl stitches.
- Even-numbered rows (e.g., 2nd, 4th, 6th): Work in knit stitches.
This straightforward pattern of alternating knit and purl rows is ideal for beginners, offering an easy yet satisfying introduction to the craft.
You will need the following:
✓ Yarn white 100 gr. Leami Brush for Plush (160 m/ 100g).
✓ Knitting needles – 2.50 mm
✓ Stuffing/fiberfill, safety eyes and safety nose.
✓ 1 extra-long sewing needle
Choose the yarn, knitting needles, and eye size according to your own taste and experience.
Abbreviations:
- CH – Chain(s)
- inc – increase
- dec – decrease
- X dec – X- times decrease
- X inc – X- times increase
- ST – Stitch
- P – purl
- K– knit (garter stitch)
Body (large polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P
2. 6 K inc. (12)
3. 12 P
4. (1 K, 1 inc) x 6 (18)
5. 18 P
6. 18 K
7. 18 P
8. (2 K, 1 inc) x 6 (24)
9. 24 P
10. 1 K, 1 inc, 20 K, 1 inc, 1 K (32)
11. 26 P
12. 1 K, 1 inc, 22 K, 1 inc, 1 K (32)
13. 28 P
14. 1 K, 1 inc, 24 K, 1 inc, 1 K (30)
15. 30 P
16. 1 K, 1 inc, 26 K, 1 inc, 1 K (32)
17. 32 P
18. 1 K, 1 inc, 28 K, 1 inc, 1 K (34)
19. 34 P
20. 1 K, 1 inc, 30 K, 1 inc, 1 K (36)
Knit a total of 11 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
21. 23. 25. 27.29. 31 - 36 P
22. 24. 26. 28. 30.- 36 K
32. 1 K, 1 inc, 32 K, 1 inc, 1 K (38)
33. 38 P
34. 38 K
35. 38 P
36. 38 K
37. 38 P
38. 38 K
39. 38 P
40. 38 K
41. 38 P
42. 1 K, 1 inc, 34 K, 1 inc, 1 K (40)
43. 40 P
44. 40 K
45. 40 P
46. 40 K
47. 40 P
48. 1 K, 1 inc, 36 K, 1 inc, 1 K (42)
Knit a total of 21 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
49. 51. 53. 55. 57. 59. 61. 63. 65. 67. 69. - 42 P
50. 52. 54. 56. 58. 60. 62. 64. 66. 68. - 42 K
70. 1 K, 1 dec, 36 K, 1 dec, 1 K (40)
71. 40 P
72. 1 K, 1 dec, 34 K, 1 dec, 1 K (38)
73. 38 P
74. 1 K, 1 dec, 32 K, 1 dec, 1 K (36)
75. 36 P
76. 36 K
77. 36 P
78. 36 K
79. 36 P
80. 1 K, 1 inc, 32 K, 1 inc, 1 K (38)
81. 38 P
82. 1 K, 1 inc, 34 K, 1 inc, 1 K (40)
83. 40 P
84. 1 K, 1 inc, 36 K, 1 inc, 1 K (42)
85. 42 P
Knit a total of 20 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
86. 88. 90. 92. 94. 96. 98. 100. 102. 104 – 42 K
87. 89. 91. 93. 95. 97. 99. 101. 103. 105 – 42 P
106. 1 K, 1 dec, 36 K, 1 dec, 1 K (40)
107. 40 P
108. 40 K
109. 40 P
110. 40 K
111. 40 P
112. 1 K, 1 dec, 34 K, 1 dec, 1 K (38)
113. 38 P
114. 38 K
115. 38 P
116. 38 K
117. 38 P
118. 38 K
119. 38 P
120. 38 K
121. 38 P
122. 1 K, 1 dec, 32 K, 1 dec, 1 K (36)
Knit a total of 11 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
123. 125. 127. 129. 131. 133 – 36 P
124. 126. 128. 130. 132 – 36 K
134. 1 K, 1 dec, 30 K, 1 dec, 1 K (34)
135. 34 P
136. 1 K, 1 dec, 28 K, 1 dec, 1 K (32)
137. 32 P
138. 1 K, 1 dec, 26 K, 1 dec, 1 K (30)
139. 30 P
140. 1 K, 1 dec, 24 K, 1 dec, 1 K (28)
141. 28 P
142. 1 K, 1 dec, 22 K, 1 dec, 1 K (26)
143. 26 P
144. 1 K, 1 dec, 20 K, 1 dec, 1 K (24)
145. 24 P
146. (2 K, 1 dec) x 6 (18)
147. 18 P
148. 18 K
149. 18 P
150. (1 K, 1 dec) x 6 (12)
151. 12 P
152. 6 dec
To finish, the remaining stitches are bound off. Then the body is sewn together using the same yarn. Work begins at the bottom of the body and continues up toward the head area; one side is sewn first, followed by the other. As the pieces are sewn together, the body is gradually filled with stuffing.
Avoid overstuffing so the bear stays flat while still feeling soft and lightly padded. The body was knitted in two pieces to achieve this flat look. A small opening is left before the seam at the head is completely closed. The safety eyes are inserted through this opening and secured from the inside with locking washers. Only then is the seam fully closed.
Eyes and Nose Black safety eyes were used for the polar bear. You can experiment here as well: there are many options available, including eyes with glitter, colored accents, or different shapes. If suitable safety eyes are not available, the eyes can also be crocheted. To do this, work 6 single crochet stitches into a magic ring. If larger eyes are desired, increase in every stitch in the next round to create an even circle. The safety nose is attached a few centimeters below the eyes, centered on the face. If a suitable safety nose is not available, a triangular nose can be embroidered instead.
After attaching the eyes and nose, thoroughly check that they are firmly in place and do not loosen when pulled or moved. Eyes and noses that are not securely fastened can come loose and pose a risk to children, so special care is required during this step.
Body (small polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P (6)
2. 6 K inc. (12)
3. 12 P (12)
4. (1 K, 1 inc) x 6 (18)
5. 18 P
6. 18 K
7. 18 P
8. 1 K, 1 inc, 14 K, 1 inc, 1 K (20)
9. 20 P
10. 1 K, 1 inc, 16 K, 1 inc, 1 K (22)
11. 22 P
12. 22 K
13. 22 P
14. 22 K
15. 22 P
16. 1 K, 1 inc, 18 K, 1 inc, 1 K (24)
Knit a total of 11 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
17. 19. 21. 23. 25. 27 - 24 P
18. 20. 22. 24. 26. - 24 K
28. 1 K, 1 inc, 20 K, 1 inc, 1 K (26)
29. 26 P
30. 26 K
31. 26 P
32. 26 K
33. 26 P
34. 26 K
35. 26 P
36. 1 K, 1 inc, 22 K, 1 inc, 1 K (28)
Knit a total of 20 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
37. 39. 41. 43. 45. 49. 51. 53. 55. 57. - 28 P
38. 40. 42. 44. 46. 48. 50. 52. 54. 56. - 28 K
58. 1 K, 1 dec, 22 K, 1 dec, 1 K (26)
59. 26 P
60. 26K
61. 26 P
62. 26 K
63. 26 P
64. 1 K, 1 inc, 22 K, 1 inc, 1 K (28)
Knit a total of 21 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
66. 68. 70. 72. 74. 76. 78. 80. 82. 84 – 28 K
65. 67. 69. 71. 73. 75. 77. 79. 81. 83. 85 – 28 P
86. 1 K, 1 dec, 22 K, 1 dec, 1 K (26)
87. 26 P
88. 26K
89. 26 P
90. 26K
91. 26 P
92. 26K
93. 26 P
94. 1 K, 1 dec, 20 K, 1 dec, 1 K (24)
Knit a total of 11 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
95. 97. 99. 101. 103. 105 – 24 P
96. 98. 100. 102. 104 – 24 K
106. 1 K, 1 dec, 18 K, 1 dec, 1 K (22)
107. 22 P
108. 22 K
109. 22 P
110. 22 K
111. 22 P
112. 1 K, 1 dec, 16 K, 1 dec, 1 K (20)
113. 20 P
114. 1 K, 1 dec, 14 K, 1 dec, 1 K (18)
115. 18 P
116. 18 K
117. 18 P
118. 18 K
119. 18 P
120. 6 dec
Finally, bind off the remaining stitches. Fold the sides together and sew them up. Then the body is worked in exactly the same way as for the large bear. Sew the pieces together and attach the eyes and nose.
Ears (large polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P
2. 6 K 1 inc (12)
3. 12 P
4. (1 K,1 inc)х 6 (18)
5. 18 P
6. (2 K,1 inc)х 6 (24)
7. 24 P
8. 24 K
9. 24 P
10. 24 K
11. 24 P
Finally, bind off the remaining stitches. Fold the sides together and sew them up. Sew the ears onto the head, one on each side.
Ears (small polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P
2. 6 K 1 inc (12)
3. 12 P
4. (1 K,1 inc)х 6 (18)
5. 18 P
6. 18 K
7. 18 P
Finally, bind off the remaining stitches. Fold the sides together and sew them up. Sew the ears onto the head, one on each side.
Hands (large polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P
2. 6 K 1 inc (12)
3. 12 P
4. (1 K,1 inc)х 6 (18)
5. 18 P
6. 18 K
7. 18 P
8. 1 K, 1 inc, 14 K, 1 inc, 1 K (20)
9. 20 P
10. 20 K
11. 20 P
12. 20 P
13. 1 K, 1 inc, 16 K, 1 inc, 1 K (22)
Knit a total of 15 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
14. 16. 18. 20. 22. 24. 26. 28 – 22 K
15. 17. 19. 21. 23. 25. 27 – 22 P
Finally, the remaining stitches are bound off. Then the hands are placed together and sewn along the edge using the same yarn. The hands are not stuffed.
Hands (small polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P
2. 6 K 1 inc (12)
3. 12 P
4. (1 K,1 inc)х 6 (18)
Knit a total of 17 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
5. 7. 9. 11. 13. 15. 17. 19. 21 – 18 P
6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20 - 18 K
Finally, the remaining stitches are bound off. Then the hands are placed together and sewn along the edge using the same yarn. The hands are not stuffed.
Legs (large polar bear)
Cast on 6 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 6 P(6)
2. 6 K inc. (12)
3. 12 P (12)
4. (1 K, 1 K inc)x 6 (18)
5. 18 P (18)
6. (2 K, 1 K inc)x 6 (24)
7. 24 P
8. (3 K, 1 K inc)x 6 (30)
9. 30 P
10. (4 K, 1 K inc)x 6 (36)
11. 36 P
12. 36 K
13. 36 P
14. 36 K
15. 36 P
Finally, bind off the remaining stitches. Then fold the legs together and sew them along the edge using the same yarn. Stuff lightly.
Legs (small polar bear)
Cast on 12 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle. Make sure the stitches are evenly stretched while knitting to ensure your knitted piece is nice and even.
1. 12 M links stricken
2. 1 K, 1 inc, 8 K, 1 inc, 1 K (14)
Knit a total of 27 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
3. 5. 7. 9. 11. 13. 15. 17. 19. 21. 23. 25. 27. 29 -14 P
4. 6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20. 22. 24. 26. 28- 14 K
30. 1 K, 1 dec, 8 K, 1 dec, 1 K (12)
31. 12 P
Finally, bind off the remaining stitches. Then fold the legs together and sew them along the edge using the same yarn. Stuff lightly.
Sew the legs and hands to the body, positioning them along the side seams on the left and right, respectively.
Loop (large polar bear)
First, measure the circumference of the large bear’s neck, for my bear, it is 42 cm. Using the specified yarn, I cast on 90 stitches. The stitch count may vary depending on the yarn weight and should be adjusted accordingly, the cowl should always be fitted to your specific bear.
The is worked in a 1x1 rib pattern.
- Knit 1, purl 1, alternating to the end of the row. This basic pattern forms the foundation of the entire cowl.
- Work the second row by knitting the stitches as they appear: If a stitch is a purl stitch, purl it. If a stitch is a knit stitch, knit it.
Continue working row by row in this alternating pattern. The rib structure is maintained across the entire width. I worked 18 rows to achieve the desired width. You can, of course, adjust the number of rows if you prefer the cowl to be narrower or wider.
Finally, bind off the stitches and sew the ends of the cowl together.
Loop (small polar bear)
First, the small bear’s neck circumference is measured, in this case, it is 28 cm. To ensure the cowl fits loosely and drapes well around the neck, it is knitted to a length of 32 cm. The final length can be slightly adjusted depending on the yarn weight, desired width, or preferred look.
Cast on 14 stitches (ch) onto the knitting needle.
Knit a total of 100 rows in stockinette stitch:
On the front side of the work, knit all stitches across the row.
On the back side of the work, purl all stitches across the row.
Finally, the stitches are bound off and the cowl is sewn together.
You can also add color to the cheeks if desired; a pink colored pencil was used to tint the cheeks.
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