Looking for a heartwarming winter project? This charming crocheted polar bear, with his cozy blue scarf and cheerful yellow hat, is the perfect crafting companion!
His simple yet endearing design combines classic amigurumi style with adorable details that make him truly special. The rounded body, tiny ears, and sweet expression create an irresistibly huggable friend.
Ready to make your own cuddly polar bear? Follow along with our detailed photos and step-by-step instructions. This free pattern will guide you through every stitch, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced crocheters. Let's create some winter magic together!
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Don't forget to pin this adorable polar bear pattern - you won't want to lose track of your next cozy crafting companion!
Details About Polar Bear
Let's talk about this cuddly polar bear's details! When finished, your little friend will stand about 7.5 inches (19 cm) tall - the perfect size to sit on your desk or snuggle in your hands. While I've chosen a classic winter palette here, you can absolutely make this pattern your own.
For the main body, I recommend using pure white yarn to capture that pristine polar bear coat. The light blue scarf adds just the right pop of wintry charm, while the sunny yellow hat brings a playful touch that makes everyone smile.
But feel free to get creative! Maybe try a cozy burgundy scarf for Christmas, or switch up the hat color to match your favorite season. You could even make a whole family of bears in coordinating accessories - imagine a mama bear and cubs all wearing matching winter gear!
Remember, this little polar bear isn't just a craft project - it's a future friend who'll bring warmth and cheer to any space. Whether sitting on your shelf or given as a heartfelt gift, each bear becomes unique with your personal color choices.
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Ready to gather your materials for this adorable polar bear? Let me share my yarn choices that worked perfectly for this project!
For the main white body, I absolutely love using Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn - it creates such a soft, huggable texture that's perfect for our polar friend. The way it works up gives the bear that plush, cloud-like quality that makes it extra special.
For the colorful accessories (our cheerful yellow hat and that cozy blue scarf), I switched to Loopara 4 ply milk cotton yarn. This slightly lighter weight yarn works beautifully for the details, creating a lovely contrast with the main body while maintaining that super-soft feel we're looking for.
As for your hook size, this is important to get right for the perfect finish! For the main body using 5 ply yarn, you'll want to use a 3.0mm crochet hook. When working with the 4 ply yarn for the accessories, switch to a slightly smaller 2.8mm hook. This combination gives us nice, tight stitches that keep the stuffing securely inside while maintaining a beautifully even texture throughout.
Materials needed for Polar Bear
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (White 61) & Loopara 4ply combed cotton (Blue 32, Yellow 43, and Brown 87)
- Hook – 3.0mm & 2.8mm
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker
- Tweezers
- Positioning Pin
- Yarn Needle
- Fiber Fill
- Eyeball
- Hot Melt Adhesive
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 together
- sl – slip stitch
- hdc – half double crochet
- Magic ring – adjustable ring/magic circle
How to Crochet Polar Bear – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 6 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet increase, single crochet) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 5-9: Chain 1, 24 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Complete the first leg and fasten off. Make the second leg following the same instructions but do not fasten off.
Tips: Keep your tension consistent to ensure both legs are the same size.
How to Crochet the Body and Head
Round 10: Chain 1, 48 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, 48 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, (7 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 13-22: Chain 1, 54 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 23: Chain 1, (7 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 24-26: Chain 1, 48 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 27: Chain 1, (6 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 28-29: Chain 1, 42 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 30: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 31-38: Chain 1, 36 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 39: Chain 1, (2 single crochet, single crochet 2 together, 2 single crochet) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 40: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 41: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet 2 together, single crochet) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 42: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 43: Chain 1, 6 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch, fasten off, close opening.
Tips: Mark the first stitch of each round to keep track of your increases and decreases. Stuff firmly as you go - it's harder to add stuffing evenly later.
How to Crochet the Ears and Tail (Make 2 for Ear, 1 for Tail)
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 6 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 3-4: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join, leave a long tail, fasten off.
Tips: These small parts don't need much stuffing - just a tiny bit to hold their shape.
How to Crochet the Nose
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 5 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 5 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 5 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 15 single crochet, slip stitch to join, leave a long tail, fasten off.
Tips: Pull your stitches a bit tighter for this part to keep the stuffing secure.
How to Crochet the Arms (Make 2)
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 6 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Rounds 3-12: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Fold in half, chain 1, 6 single crochet, slip stitch to join, leave a long tail, fasten off.
Tips: Make sure both arms are the same length.
How to Crochet the Scarf
Round 1: Chain 122, work 120 half double crochet in 3rd chain from hook.
Round 2: Chain 1, turn, 120 single crochet, fasten off.
Tips: The scarf should be flexible enough to wrap naturally.
How to Crochet the Hat
With white yarn:
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, 6 single crochet increase, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, 18 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet 2 together) repeat 6 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, 6 single crochet 2 together, slip stitch to join.
Change to yellow:
Round 7: Chain 1, (single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, 9 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, (2 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, 12 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, 15 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, (4 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, 18 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 15: Chain 1, (5 single crochet, single crochet increase) repeat 3 times, slip stitch to join.
Round 16: Chain 1, 21 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Change to white:
Round 17: Chain 1, 21 single crochet, slip stitch to join. Stuff with fiberfill, leave a long tail, fasten off.
Tips: The color change should be clean and neat - weave in ends securely. Make sure the pom-pom at the top is firmly attached.
Crochet Polar Bear Assemble
Step 1. Take one strand of yarn, and embroider the nose tip and mouth on the nose piece.
Step 2. Sew the hat closed at the top.
Step 3. Fold the ears and sew them on both sides of the hat. Then tie the two yarn ends together at the back to secure.
Step 4. Attach the nose in the appropriate position.
Step 5. Position the arms on both sides below the ears, first secure them with pins to determine placement, and then sew them in place. Tie the yarn ends of both arms together at the back to secure.
Step 6. Sew the tail in the appropriate position.
Step 7. Attach the eyes in the appropriate position.
Step 8. Finally, add the scarf.
Tips: Take time to position each part before sewing. Use the same color thread as the connecting pieces. Sew parts on securely with small, tight stitches.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Your adorable polar bear friend deserves gentle handling to stay looking their best! Give them a light brushing occasionally with a soft brush to keep their stitches clean and fluffy. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent yarn fading, and avoid placing them in dusty areas. If your bear gets a little squished from too many hugs, you can gently reshape them with your hands.
Washing Methods
While spot cleaning is best for small marks, sometimes your polar bear might need a proper wash. When that time comes, hand wash them gently in cool water with mild soap. Avoid wringing or twisting - instead, press gently to remove excess water. Never put your crocheted friend in the washing machine or dryer! Let them air dry naturally on a flat surface, reshaping as needed. Make sure they're completely dry before cuddling again.
Storage Suggestions
When your polar bear needs a rest, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A drawer or covered storage box works perfectly to protect them from dust. If you need to pack them away for a longer time, wrap them loosely in acid-free tissue paper - but don't compress them too tightly as this can distort their shape. Avoid plastic bags as these can trap moisture and potentially lead to mildew. Remember, your bear would much rather be out on display, bringing smiles to everyone who sees them!
What’s Next?
Did your heart melt for this cozy polar bear? Share this free pattern with your crafting friends! Pin it for your next project on Pinterest, post your creation on Instagram, tweet your progress on Twitter, or spread the joy on Facebook. Every share helps more crocheters discover their next cuddly companion!
