Bjorn the Bear is Now a Free Crochet Pattern!
Big news, y’all – Bjorn the Granny Square Bear is now free right here on the blog! This free granny square teddy bear crochet pattern combines two classic techniques in a project that’s simple enough for advanced beginners and up. You crochet 4 straightforward granny squares, add a simple crochet bear, and join them into one granny square stuffed animal that’s soft and cuddly! Bjorn the Granny Square Bear is sure to quickly become a favorite toy for your little one. This sweet teddy bear lovey is a great companion for bedtime or playtime. I originally released this pattern for Granny Square Day back in 2022. Now I’m so happy to share the whole thing with you for free. 💜
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About This Granny Square Teddy Bear Pattern
Bjorn is a lovey – part stuffed animal, part security blanket. The blanket is 4 granny squares joined together (about 12 inches square when finished), so it folds up neatly along the seams when playtime is over. The bear’s head stands about 4 inches tall – a good size for little hands to hold. The accent colors only need 20-30 yards each, so this is a smart way to use up worsted weight scrap yarn. I’d rate it this pattern as easy, great for an advanced beginner. The full written pattern is below with photo tutorials for every step – the bear, the squares, and joining it all together – plus a video link for the magic circle. If you’ve made granny squares before but only ever turned them into blankets, here’s your sign to try something new!
An Easy Granny Square Amigurumi
If you’ve been around a while, you know I got my start crocheting toys and cute things for my kiddos, so amigurumi is one of my first loves! I’ve been designing amigurumi patterns made for play since my kids were tiny. Bjorn brings two of my favorite things together – a simple granny square amigurumi that works up into a real toy. You don’t get more classic than a crochet teddy bear, and the granny square blanket makes him extra snuggly, with the retro feel I love about handmade!
Here’s what I think you’re going to love about this pattern. This is an easy granny square stuffed animal to make. The stitches are simple, there’s only a little shaping, and if you can make a basic granny square, you’re already halfway there. It’s a great next step if you want to try amigurumi without a big, or fiddly project. I made Bjorn in classic polar bear white, but he works in any bear color you like – brown, cinnamon, black, or whatever yarn you’ve got in your stash!
If you love this style of easy stuffed animal + granny squares = soft and cuddly, then I think you’ll love to try my Bijoux Butterfly Granny Square Lovey Pattern next!
Crochet Your Granny Square Teddy Bear in any Color!
Bjorn doesn’t have to be a polar bear! I made mine in classic polar white, but you can crochet any bear you like just by switching up your yarn color. Go brown for a classic teddy, cinnamon or honey for a grizzly, black for a black bear, or even soft gray – one pattern, a whole den of bears.
I love to pair handmade gifts for little ones with a board book! My go-to for this pattern is Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Eric Carle and Bill Martin Jr. – I love the art and the rhythm of it. Another family favorite is the classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen – it’s a read-aloud romp your little one will want to hear again and again. I found a few more cute bear books too (told you I love them!), so you might check out Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? another favorite by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, Hush Little Polar Bear by Jeff Mack, and Where Are You, Polar Bear? By DK Eco Baby.
Crochet Blankets with stuffed animals are not just for babies! This cuddly granny square bear would also be appreciated by a toddler or preschool aged child too! My youngest laid claim to Bjorn the second she saw him. She even waited patiently while he finished his photo session with mom! One of my testers also gifted her bear to a younger sister who was quite in love with him!
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A Handmade Baby Shower Gift They’ll Keep
If you’re hunting for a baby shower gift that isn’t another store-bought set, Bjorn is it. A crochet lovey is soft, snuggly, and made to be loved on – the kind of gift that gets dragged around for years and saved in a keepsake box later. The colorful granny square blanket catches a baby’s eye, and the little bear is sized just right for small hands to grab and hold. It works as a new baby gift, a first birthday present, or sweet teddy bear nursery decor while y’all wait on that bundle of joy.
Want to make it a whole gift they’ll remember? Here are a few of my favorite ways to pair Bjorn with something extra:
- Bjorn plus a classic bear board book, like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt or Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
- A matching set – crochet the bear in the nursery colors, then wrap it with a cute bear baby blanket or burp cloths in the same shades or bear theme
- Bjorn tucked into a gift basket with baby socks, a teether, and a soft nightlight
- A “first friend” bundle – pair the lovey with a handwritten note for baby’s memory book
Since Bjorn works up in any color, you can match him to the nursery or the parents’ style. Soft neutrals, bright rainbow squares, or classic polar white – he fits right in either way.
Like Free Patterns? Then make sure you check out my most popular Free Pattern –> DC Dice Bag & Tray! Want to see even more? You can find all of my other Free Crochet Patterns <– Right here!!
Materials for Your Granny Square Teddy Bear
This bear amigurumi pattern is written for an advanced beginner and up – anyone ready to tackle simple amigurumi, a bit of shaping, and some sewing. I’ve included photo tutorials for making and assembling each part of the bear, sewing the blanket squares together, and attaching the bear to the blanket. Once you finish, you’ll be able to say you KNOW how to crochet a basic granny square baby blanket and a teddy bear too!
Here’s what you need to get started:
160-180 yards of Paintbox Cotton Aran or your choice of worsted/aran weight (#4) yarn in Vanilla Cream, or any bear color you like
20-30 yards each of 3 accent colors for the granny squares (I used Marine Blue, Pansy Purple, and Dark Aubergine) – a great spot to use up scrap yarn!
US G/6, 4.0 mm crochet hook – my go-to for amigurumi is the Furls Metal Streamline
12 mm safety eyes – or use felt eyes or embroider them for a baby-safe option
About 3 oz of stuffing – I recommend poly-fill
Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
Need some help with the stitches? Check out my Learn to Crochet Series and my fun Crochet Tutorials! You can also reach out at any time! I am more than happy to help you with any questions you may have!
See My Fab Testers’ Real Granny Square Teddy Bears
I’m so lucky to have such a dedicated team of pattern testers! Before Bjorn ever went out into the world, these talented makers crocheted the pattern, checked every step, and shared their feedback so you get clear, tested instructions. I couldn’t do this without y’all!
Getting to see the projects you make with my designs is my favorite part of this job. Take a look at the too-cute granny square teddy bears and baby blankets my testers made below – proof that this pattern works up beautifully in all kinds of colors! A big thank you to Scotia R., Charlotte McDonald, Steph Sattler, Melissa Weiner, Ilea Fuller, Melissa Hyder, Holly Renz, and Mindy Heald for testing Bjorn the Granny Square Bear!
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MAKE A FREE GRANNY SQUARE TEDDY BEAR
A really fun and easy Teddy Amigurumi Crochet Pattern!
Materials:
YARN: Paintbox Cotton Aran (Light) Worsted Weight 4 yarn, (100% cotton, 1.7 oz/50 g, 93 yds/85 m)
Sample Colors: 25 – 45 yds total
MAIN COLOR: 160-180 yds: (A) Vanilla Cream
BLANKET ACCENTS: 20-30 yds: (each) (B) Marine Blue, (C) Dark Aubergine, (D) Pansy Purple.
HOOK: US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm
OTHER SUPPLIES:
Yarn needle, Scissors, Stitch Marker
12 mm Safety eyes, 3 ounces stuffing
Size: (Sizing is approximate)
BLANKET: 4 Squares: 6” x 6” each
12” x 12” square blanket
HEAD: 4” tall x 10” around
ARMS: 4” long x 3” around
Gauge: 16 sc x 16 rows = 4” square (Gauge is not very important.)
Experience Level: Easy
Pattern Key: Written in US English Crochet Terms
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp(s) – space(s)
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
sc2tog – decrease by sc 2 sts together
yo – yarn over
FO – fasten off
Free Granny Square Teddy Bear Crochet Pattern
Special Stitches:
Magic Circle Tutorial:
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biDTzo6IRiQ&t=1s
STEP 1: Create a loop with yarn, place hook through the loop, yo and pull the yarn through the loop, keeping the loop open in a circle instead of pulling the yarn tight.
STEP 2: Ch 1, insert hook back in circle, yo and pull up a loop through the circle.
STEP 3: Yo again and pull through the 2 loops on the hook, 1 sc completed! Repeat Step 2 to create additional stitches. Hold stitches with one hand, gently pull the yarn end with the other hand to close the circle.
NOTES:
- Read through the entire pattern first to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Bear head, ears, and arm sections are worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round
- Ears and Snout/Nose are worked separately and stitched to the head. Head and arms are then sewn to the blanket.
- Granny Squares are worked in joined rounds, then the 4 squares are stitched together. A final round is worked on the outside of the blanket.
- Repeat stitches between [ and ] { and } the number of times indicated. Place all stitches between ( and ) in same space.
- Beginning chain does count as a stitch in the granny squares only.
- This pattern is FREE, and has been thoroughly tested and tech edited. Please feel free to share any comments or ask any questions you may have! I welcome your feedback!!
- This post and all it contains including the pattern and photographs are my intellectual property and copyright protected property of GreenFoxFarms LLC © 2022. You are welcome to make as many as you like to sell, giveaway, etc. You may NOT sell, or alter and claim as your own this pattern. You may not use my photographs. This pattern is not for mass production.
- If you want to share this pattern online, you must only share a link to my blog post. You may not copy and paste my text or the pattern to another site. Thank you for respecting my work.
- By using this pattern, you are agreeing to abide by these terms.
Stitching with Granny EVENT!
I’m so excited to share that my Bjorn Granny Square Teddy Bear crochet pattern was featured on the Stitching with Granny Event 2022 curated for the second year in a row by my fab friend Fiona of Cosy Rosie UK! If you love Granny Squares and Granny Stitches as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss the the Stitching with Granny 2022 Event!! Fiona put together an amazing group of fab modern granny stitch crochet patterns you’re sure to love!!
💜 The event ran from August 1st to Granny Square Day, August 15th, 2022.
💜 The Granny Square Event has ended, but you can still check out all the amazing Granny Square and Granny Stitch Patterns by clicking the “Visit the Event Page” button below!
Want the Ad-Free PDF of This Granny Square Bear Pattern?
The full granny square teddy bear crochet pattern is right here on the blog, free for y’all to make! If you’d rather have a printer-friendly, ad-free copy to keep, you can grab the PDF version in my Ravelry and Etsy shop. Buying the PDF is a lovely way to support the free patterns on this blog, and it drops a tidy copy straight onto your device for easy make-along access. Either way, you get the same great pattern!
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GRANNY SQUARE TEDDY BEAR CROCHET PATTERN:
FREE Teddy Bear Pattern Directions:
USING a US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm hook
Bjorn Bear:
- Do not join rounds, instead work in continuous rounds using stitch marker
Bear Snout:
Round 1: Make a Magic Circle with A. Ch 1, 6 sc into magic circle, (6 sc).
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around, (12 sc).
Round 3: [Sc, 2 sc in next st,] 6 times,
(18 sc).
Rounds 4-5: Sc in each st around, (18 sc,
5 rounds). FO and leave a long tail.
Nose:
Round 1: Make a Magic Circle with C. Ch 1, sc, dc, hdc, sc, ch 1, sc, hdc, dc, sc into the magic circle, sl st to 1st st to join, (1 ch-1 sp, 4 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc). FO and leave a long tail.
Stitch nose to snout, centered over the upper middle, line up the top of the nose (join) with Rounds 3-4, and the ch-1 sp with Round 1. Use the remaining yarn tail to stitch a mouth down from the center bottom of the nose to Round 3. FO and weave in the ends.
USING a US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm hook
Bear Head:
Round 1: Make a Magic Circle with A. Ch 1, 6 sc into magic circle, (6 sc).
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around, (12 sc).
Round 3: [Sc, 2 sc in next st,] 6 times,
(18 sc).
Round 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,]
6 times, (24 sc).
Round 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,]
6 times, (30 sc).
Round 6: [Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,]
6 times, (36 sc).
Rounds 7-16: Sc in each st around, (36 sc, 10 rounds).
Round 17: [Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog,]
6 times, (30 sc).
Round 18: [Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog,]
6 times, (24 sc).
STOP HERE and complete the FACE before continuing.
Round 19: [Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog,]
6 times, (18 sc). Stuff head firmly.
Round 20: [Sc in next st, sc2tog,] 6 times, (12 sc).
Round 21: Sc2tog 6 times, (6 sc). FO and leave a long tail. Use yarn tail to close the opening, but leave the remaining tail for stitching the head to the blanket. Continue with Ears below.
USING a US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm hook
Bear Face:
Step 1: Stitch the Snout to the head between Rounds 11-17, lightly stuff the snout before you finish stitching it on. Weave in ends.
Step 2: Add 12 mm safety eyes (or embroidered eyes) at Rounds 10-11 of head, just above the top outer edge of the snout, with 3 stitches between them. With dark yarn, embroider eyebrows at Rounds 9-10.
Bear Ears: (Make 2)
Round 1: Make a Magic Circle with A. Ch 1, 6 sc into magic circle, (6 sc).
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around, (12 sc).
Round 3: [Sc, 2 sc in next st,] 6 times, (18 sc).
Rounds 4-6: Sc in each st around, (18 sc, 3 rounds). FO and leave a long tail. Flatten and whipstitch the bottom closed. Curve Ears into shape and stitch to each side of the head, between Rounds 2-8, inner corner should be lined up with Round 1.
USING a US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm hook
Bear Arms: (Make 2)
Round 1: Make a Magic Circle with A. Ch 1, 6 sc into magic circle, (6 sc).
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around, (12 sc).
Rounds 3-15: Sc in each st around, (12 sc, 13 rounds). FO and leave a long tail. Stuff most of the arm leaving a small space at the opening. Use the yarn tail to whipstitch the arms closed. FO and leave the yarn tail intact to finish sewing later.
USING a US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm hook
GRANNY SQUARE BLANKET:
Granny Square: (Make 4)
Make 4 Granny squares, alternating the order of accent colors (B, C, D) for each square as desired. Begin each square with B, C, or D, then alternate with A every other round. Ex. Sample Colors in order from Round 1- Round 6: D, A, B, A, C, A.
Round 1: With Color B,C, or D, make a Magic Circle, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), 2 dc in magic circle, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2,] 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, (4 ch-2 sps, 12 dc). FO.
Round 2: With Color A sl st into ch-2 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) in ch-2 sp, ch 1,] 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, (4 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps, 24 dc).
Round 3: Sl st in next 2 sts, drop Color A. With Color B, (C or D) sl st into ch-2 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1,] 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, (8 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps, 36 dc). FO.
Round 4: With Color A, sl st into ch-2 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp,] twice, ch 1, {(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) in ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp,] twice, ch 1,} 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, (12 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps, 48 dc).
Round 5: Sl st in next 2 sts, drop Color A. With Color B, C, or D, sl st into ch-2 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp,] 3 times, ch 1, {(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) in ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp,] 3 times, ch 1,} 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, (16 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps, 60 dc). FO.
Round 6: With Color A, sl st into ch-2 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp,] 4 times, ch 1, {(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) in ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp,] 4 times, ch 1,} 3 times, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join, (20 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps, 72 dc). FO and weave in the ends.
Make 4 Granny squares, alternating the colors between each round, ending each square using Color A on Round 6.
BLANKET FINISHING:
SEAM: Holding 2 squares right sides together, use a mattress stitch, whipstitch, or other stitch of your choice to stitch the squares together. Repeat for the other pair. Then take the 2 pairs of squares with right sides facing and stitch them together.
Round 1: Join yarn A to any ch-2 corner sp.Ch 1, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in each st and ch-1 sp, at the center join of each side, work 1 hdc in ch-2 sp, 1 hdc in join stitching, 1 hdc in ch-2 sp, then continue working 1 sc in each st and ch-1 sp up to the corner,] 4 times, sl st to join, (4 ch-2 sps, 192 sc, 12 hdc).
Round 2: Ch 1, sc, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 51 sts,] 3 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 50 sts, sl st to join, (4 ch-2 sps, 212 sc). FO and weave in the ends.
FINISHING YOUR BEAR:
Step 1: Lay your large square diagonally, right side up. Stitch the bear’s head in the center of the blanket, facing one of the corners. Make sure to stitch the head on securely, using multiple stitches in each direction for the safety of the recipient.
Step 2: Stitch the arms on either side of the head, with the flat portion tucked up under the head, and the ends of the arms facing the outer corners. Make sure to stitch each arm on securely. Weave in all the ends. See photos for reference.
More Free Amigurumi Patterns to Make
Once you finish Bjorn, you might have the amigurumi bug! Here are a few more of my free stuffed animal patterns that make great handmade gifts for the little ones in your life:
Tiny Bunny Amigurumi – a quick little friend that works up fast
Tiny Dinosaur Amigurumi – my most popular amigurumi, and it’s free!
Rainbow Caterpillar and Butterfly Baby Rattles – two cute rattles in one pattern, made for tiny hands
Izze the Ice Cream Cone – sweet and delicious, the perfect fit for little hands and a toy that grows from teething nibbles to toddler imaginative play
No-Sew Hedgehog Amigurumi – cute, quick, and no sewing needed woodland amigurumi friend
No-Sew Sea Turtle Amigurumi – a cleverly designed no-sew amigurumi and colorful scrapbuster for advanced beginners
Jorik the Jul Gnome – an easy, beginner friendly stuffed gnome for decorating or play
Freya the Fox Amigurumi Ball & Hacky Sack – an adorable friend who loves to play and is very simple and perfect for a first amigurumi pattern
Granny Square Teddy Bear Crochet Pattern FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the finished granny square teddy bear?
The blanket is made from 4 granny squares joined together, and it measures about 12” square (with bear height 4”) when laid flat. The bear sits in the center and is a good size for little hands to grab and hold. You can make the blanket bigger by adding more rounds to each square before you join them.
Is this granny square bear pattern good for beginners?
It’s written for an advanced beginner and up. If you can make a basic granny square and you’re ready to try a little amigurumi and some sewing, you can make Bjorn. The stitches are simple and there’s only a bit of shaping, so it’s a great next step past flat projects.
Can I make a different kind of bear?
Yes! Bjorn works in any bear color you like. Use brown for a classic teddy, honey or cinnamon for a grizzly, black for a black bear, or gray for a soft sleepy bear. You could even make the ears black and add felt ovals under they eyes to make yours a panda bear too. One pattern gives you a whole den of bears just by switching your yarn.
Is this teddy bear lovey safe for a baby?
For babies and young toddlers, skip the plastic safety eyes and embroider the eyes with yarn instead – that removes any choking risk. Use a soft, washable yarn, and always keep loveys out of the crib for unsupervised sleep, per safe-sleep guidelines.
What yarn do I need for this pattern?
You’ll need about 160-180 yards of worsted or aran weight (#4) yarn for the bear and blanket base, plus 20-30 yards each of 3 accent colors for the granny squares. Cotton or a soft cotton blend works great and holds up well to washing.
Can I sell what I make from this pattern?
Yes, you’re welcome to sell finished bears you make from my pattern at in-person markets. If you sell them online, and please don’t copy, share, or resell the pattern itself. A link back to my blog is always appreciated!
Please Share your Teddy Bear Lovies!
I hope you enjoy making this adorable granny square bear crochet pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it just for you! I would love if you would share your own crochet bears on social media and on Ravelry! I adore getting to see your finished projects!! The absolute best part of being a crochet pattern designer is getting to see the amazing creations y’all make with my patterns! It makes me smile and it’s the reason I do what I do!! (TBH: The yarn benefits are a factor too! 😉)
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Want the Power to Pause Your Project??
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