Welcome, my dearest creative spirits! It’s Patricia Poltera, and I'm simply thrilled you’ve stopped by my little corner of the crafting world. There’s something truly magical about bringing a charming character to life with just a hook and some yarn, isn't there? Today, I’m so delighted to share this Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll pattern with you, completely free. Your enthusiasm and support by visiting, sharing, and trying out my patterns are what truly keep my hooks clicking and my creative ideas flowing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
This particular doll holds a special place, with its whimsical bear hat and those sweet, endearing details. I designed her to be a comforting friend, a delightful nursery accent, or a truly heartfelt gift. Every stitch is placed with intention, ensuring her delightful shape and charming personality shine through. Let's gather our materials and begin this lovely journey together!
Materials You'll Need for Your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
Selecting the right materials is like choosing the perfect ingredients for a beloved recipe – it truly makes all the difference in the final result. For our sweet Bear-Hatted Doll, we're aiming for a soft yet sturdy fabric that will hold her shape beautifully.
Yarn
Worsted Weight (Aran/10-ply) Cotton Yarn:
Cream/Light Beige: For the Doll's Head, a soft, warm cream is perfect to capture that sweet, innocent complexion. Cotton is my absolute favorite here; it gives a lovely stitch definition and a gentle, natural feel. (Approx. 50g)
Medium Brown: For the Bear Hat, Arms, and lower Body/Legs. This creates a lovely contrast and gives our bear friend its distinct identity. Choose a shade that feels warm and inviting. (Approx. 60g)
Bright Orange: For the Doll's Top, Boots, and Collar. This vibrant pop of color truly makes her outfit sing! (Approx. 40g)
White: For the Bear Hat's snout, inner ears, collar bobbles, and boot bobbles. Just a small amount is needed for these delightful accents. (Approx. 10g)
Small amount of Black embroidery floss or thin yarn: For the Bear Hat's facial features and the Doll's implied mouth/nose.
Hooks & Notions
Crochet Hook:
3.0mm (US C/D or 2.5/3mm recommended): This size, paired with worsted weight cotton, creates a beautifully tight fabric essential for amigurumi. It ensures your stuffing won't peek through and your doll will maintain her lovely, sculpted shape.
Safety Eyes (Pair):
9mm or 10mm Black Safety Eyes: These give our doll that classic, captivating gaze. Their size is just right for our doll's proportions.
Stuffing:
Polyester Fiberfill: Hypoallergenic and washable, it’s my absolute essential for fluffy, cuddly amigurumi. You'll need enough to firmly stuff all parts, creating a resilient and shapely doll.
Tapestry Needle: For seamless sewing and weaving in ends. A blunt tip is kind to your yarn.
Stitch Markers: A lifesaver for working in continuous rounds, ensuring you never lose your place.
Scissors: Sharp and handy for neat yarn cuts.
Optional: Pink pastel blush or fabric paint and a small brush for rosy cheeks (my "game changer" recommendation for adding that extra touch of sweetness!).
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
My patterns are designed to be approachable, but a few basic amigurumi skills will make your journey smoother. Don't worry, even if some terms are new, I'll demystify them for you, always relating them back to our delightful Bear-Hatted Doll!
Essential Techniques
Magic Ring (MR): This creates a tight, closed center for our pieces, preventing any unsightly holes where stuffing might escape. We'll use this for the head, hat, and all limbs to give our doll a beautifully neat start.
Single Crochet (sc): The workhorse of amigurumi! Consistent single crochet tension is key to achieving that smooth, even fabric for our doll's body and head.
Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into one stitch helps expand our rounds and create the lovely curves for the head and shaping of the body parts.
Invisible Decrease (inv dec): This technique, where you single crochet two stitches together using only the front loops, is vital for clean, seamless shaping, especially noticeable on the doll’s head and limbs. It helps maintain the overall neatness of our doll.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joining rounds and finishing off, creating a smooth transition.
Chain (ch): Used for starting various elements and as part of some stitch patterns.
Working in Continuous Rounds: Most of our doll will be worked this way, meaning you won't join rounds with a slip stitch unless specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your beginning of the round! This technique is why our doll has such a wonderfully smooth and seamless look.
Fasten Off (FO): Securely ending a piece of crochet.
Assembly & Sewing: Attaching all the individual pieces neatly is truly where your doll comes to life! We'll use a tapestry needle and whip stitch or mattress stitch for strong, almost invisible joins.
Crochet Abbreviations Used
MR: Magic Ring
ch: Chain
sc: Single Crochet
inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
inv dec: Invisible Decrease (single crochet 2 together using front loops only)
sl st: Slip Stitch
st(s): Stitch(es)
Rnd: Round
FO: Fasten Off
( ): Parentheses indicate a group of stitches to be worked into the same stitch or repeated a specific number of times.
[]: Brackets indicate the stitch count at the end of the round.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
My dear crafter, while I strive for perfect clarity in my patterns, remember that every handmade creation carries the unique touch of its maker. The doll you create will be wonderfully unique, a testament to your own hands and heart! Slight variations from a photograph are part of the charm of handmade items. Embrace them!
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll to life! Full pattern next.
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The Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll Amigurumi Pattern
This pattern uses US crochet terms. Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. Stuff firmly as you go.
Head (Cream/Light Beige yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
Rnd 10-18: Sc in each st around. (54)
Insert safety eyes between Rnd 13 and Rnd 14, approximately 9-10 stitches apart. Ensure they are centered on the face. Begin stuffing firmly.
Rnd 19: (7 sc, inv dec) x 6. (48)
Rnd 20: (6 sc, inv dec) x 6. (42)
Rnd 21: (5 sc, inv dec) x 6. (36)
Rnd 22: (4 sc, inv dec) x 6. (30)
Rnd 23: (3 sc, inv dec) x 6. (24)
Rnd 24: (2 sc, inv dec) x 6. (18)
Continue stuffing firmly, shaping the head.
Rnd 25: (Sc, inv dec) x 6. (12)
Rnd 26: Inv dec x 6. (6)
FO, leaving a long tail for closing. Thread tail through front loops of remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close. Weave in end.
Body & Legs (Orange & Medium Brown yarn)
We will start with the legs first, then join them to form the body.
Leg 1 (Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 4: (Sc, inv dec) x 2, 6 sc. (10)
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (10)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 2. (12)
Change to Medium Brown yarn.
Rnd 7-12: Sc in each st around. (12)
FO Leg 1, weave in ends. (Leave a longer tail if you prefer to sew the inner thigh gap closed later, or just fill with stuffing.)
Leg 2 (Orange yarn)
Repeat Rnd 1-6 of Leg 1.
Change to Medium Brown yarn.
Rnd 7-12: Sc in each st around. (12)
Do NOT FO Leg 2. We will now join the legs.
Joining Legs & Beginning Body (Medium Brown yarn)
Rnd 13: From Leg 2, ch 2. Join to Leg 1 with a sc in any st. Sc around Leg 1 (12 sc). Sc in each of the 2 ch stitches (2 sc). Sc around Leg 2 (12 sc). Sc in other side of the 2 ch stitches (2 sc). (28)
Rnd 14: Sc in each st around. (28)
Stuff legs firmly.
Rnd 15: (6 sc, inv dec) x 3, 4 sc. (25)
Rnd 16-17: Sc in each st around. (25)
Change to Orange yarn.
Rnd 18: Sc in each st around. (25)
Rnd 19: (3 sc, inv dec) x 5. (20)
Rnd 20-21: Sc in each st around. (20)
Rnd 22: (2 sc, inv dec) x 5. (15)
Rnd 23: Sc in each st around. (15)
Continue stuffing body firmly.
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.
Arms (Make 2, Medium Brown yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: (Sc, inc) x 3. (9)
Rnd 3-10: Sc in each st around. (9)
Lightly stuff the bottom 2/3 of the arm. Do not stuff the top flat section.
Rnd 11: Inv dec x 2, 5 sc. (7)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the opening.
Bear Hat (Medium Brown & White yarn)
Hat Base (Medium Brown yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
Rnd 10-18: Sc in each st around. (54)
Rnd 19: Sc in each st around, working in the back loop only (BLO). (54)
Rnd 20: Sc in each st around. (54)
FO, weave in end.
Bear Ears (Make 2, Medium Brown yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. (18)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pinch the bottom edges of the circle together to form a slight cup before sewing.
Inner Ears (Make 2, White yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (8)
FO, leaving a short tail. Sew to the center of the Medium Brown ears.
Bear Snout (White yarn)
Rnd 1: Ch 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch. Turn. (3)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in next st, inc in last st. Turn. (5)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (5)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, inv dec, sc, inv dec. (3)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (3)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff and shape into a slightly rounded oval.
Collar (Orange yarn)
Rnd 1: Ch 20, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Make sure the chain isn't twisted. (20)
Rnd 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st), (sc, ch 2, sc) in first st, skip 1 st. Repeat around. (10 shell stitches)
Alternatively, you can make (2 dc in same st, skip 1 st) for a fuller ruffle.
Rnd 3 (Optional, for more ruffle): Ch 1, (2 sc in first sc, ch 2, 2 sc in next sc) in each ch-2 space. (This will give a very ruffled look)
FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Small White Flower Appliques (Make 3, White yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR. Sl st to first sc to join. (5)
Rnd 2: (Ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st in same sc) x 5. (5 petals)
FO, leaving a short tail for sewing.
White Bobbles for Collar & Boots (Make 12 total, White yarn)
These can be small crochet bobble stitches or tiny rolled yarn balls sewn on. For consistency, I recommend little bobble stitches, or if you prefer:
Tiny Spheres (alternative):
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (6)
Rnd 3: Inv dec x 3. (3)
FO, leaving a short tail. Pull tight to close.
Assembly Instructions for Your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
This is where your doll truly comes to life! Take your time with these steps for a polished finish. Pinning pieces in place before sewing is a pro tip I always recommend!
Attach Head to Body: Position the head directly on top of the body. Using the long tail from the body, whip stitch or mattress stitch the head securely to the body. Ensure the doll is straight and stable. The opening of the body (Rnd 23) should align with the bottom of the head (Rnd 24).
Attach Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck/shoulder line (around Rnd 20-21 of the body). Ensure they are evenly spaced. Using the tail from each arm, sew them securely to the body, weaving in ends.
Attach Bear Hat Ears: Position the medium brown ears on top of the hat base, slightly cupped, approximately between Rnd 4-6 from the top center of the hat, and evenly spaced. Sew securely with the long tails, then attach the white inner ear pieces.
Attach Bear Hat Snout: Place the lightly stuffed white snout centrally on the front of the hat, slightly above the brim (around Rnd 13-16 of the hat base). Sew securely with the long tail.
Embroider Bear Hat Features: Using black embroidery floss or thin yarn, carefully embroider small black dots for the bear's eyes on the snout, just above the center. A small "V" or horizontal line for the nose/mouth can also be added.
Place Hat on Doll: Gently place the completed bear hat on the doll's head. You can sew it on permanently with a few hidden stitches, or leave it removable for play!
Attach Collar: Wrap the orange collar around the doll's neck. Secure it with a few invisible stitches at the back. Now, sew the white bobbles evenly around the ruffled edge of the collar.
Attach Flower Appliques: Arrange the three small white flower appliques on the front of the doll's orange top. Sew them securely in place.
Attach Boot Bobbles: Sew one white bobble to the front center of each orange boot.
Facial Details (Optional but Recommended): Using a tiny brush and pink pastel blush or fabric paint, gently apply a faint rosy blush to the doll's cheeks. This adds so much character! If you'd like a subtle mouth, a small embroidered stitch or two below the eyes works wonderfully.
Weave in all remaining ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly hide any loose yarn tails inside the doll.
Tips & Tricks for Your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
Crafting is a journey, and sometimes a little insider wisdom can make all the difference. Here are a few tips tailored just for our delightful Bear-Hatted Doll!
Troubleshooting Squishy Limbs: If your arms or legs feel too floppy, it's often a sign they need more stuffing! Use the back of your crochet hook or a chopstick to firmly push fiberfill into the narrower sections. This ensures they hold their charming shape.
Achieving Seamless Color Changes: For the cleanest color changes on your body and legs, work the last single crochet of the old color up to the last yarn over. Then, complete that final yarn over with the new color. This creates a neat transition point that’s barely noticeable.
Customization Corner for Your Unique Doll:
Outfit Variations: Why not try different colors for her top and boots? A sweet mint green or a cheerful yellow would look adorable! You could even add tiny stripes to her shirt.
Hair Options: While this doll is designed for a hat, you could embroider a simple fringe or some short hair strands peeking out if you prefer, before adding the hat.
Embroidered Features: Experiment with different embroidered expressions for the bear snout – a simple "V" for a smile, or two small French knots for a cuter nose.
Gifting Your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll: If this doll is a gift, consider adding a small, handmade tag with care instructions. A gentle hand wash and air dry will keep her looking lovely for years to come. She's perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or just because!
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
I often hear wonderful questions from fellow crocheters, and I'm happy to share some insights that might help you perfect your Bear-Hatted Doll!
Q: My doll's head seems a bit wobbly on the body. How can I make it more secure? A: A wobbly head usually means it needs more stuffing at the neck join! Before you finish sewing, ensure that area is packed very firmly. You can also thread your yarn needle through the doll's head and out the body a few times, pulling gently to compress the neck join and add extra stability. It's like building a strong foundation for a house – crucial for lasting stability.
Q: The collar ruffles aren't as pronounced as I hoped. What went wrong?
A: The amount of ruffle depends on how many stitches you increase in each 'shell' or section. If you want more pronounced ruffles, try increasing the number of stitches in your shell (e.g., 3 dc instead of 2 dc for the (sc, ch 2, sc) shell, or adding an extra chain space between sc stitches) or adding more increase rounds to the collar base before you start the ruffle, giving you more stitches to work with.
Q: My safety eyes aren't recessed; they sit a bit flat on the face. Any tips? A: To get that lovely recessed look, once you've inserted the safety eyes and before you put the washers on the back, pull the posts gently from the inside of the head while pushing slightly around the eye area from the outside. This creates a small indentation. Then, firmly push the washer onto the post to secure the recess. You can also lightly stuff around the eye posts from the inside to create tension.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll
My dearest friends, seeing your Adorable Bear-Hatted Doll come to life is truly the greatest reward for me as a designer. Each stitch is a testament to your dedication and passion for this beautiful craft. Knowing that these free, detailed patterns bring joy to your hands and hearts is what motivates me every single day. Your engagement, your shares, and your kind words truly make these free patterns possible for our vibrant crafting community. Happy stitching, and may your Bear-Hatted Doll bring endless smiles!
Caring for Your Amigurumi: To keep your precious doll looking her best, I recommend gently hand washing her with a mild detergent in cool water. Reshape while wet and allow her to air dry completely. Avoid machine washing or drying to preserve her shape and stitches.