Free crochet pattern: Teddy Bear Hand Puppet

Pattern for use by kind permission of Andrea Palmatier
The children in South Africa have very few if any playthings. A Teddy Bear Hand Puppet will give a child many hours of fun and laughter.
Note: Pattern uses American terminology
American | = British |
slip stitch (sl st) | = single crochet (sc) |
single crochet (sc) | = double crochet (dc) |
To make the Teddy Bear Hand Puppet, chain 19. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across; ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Row 1: Sc in each st across; ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Rows 2–15: Repeat Row 1 until work measures 4” (10cm). At the end of the last row, ch 11. Turn.
Row 16: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across; ch 11, turn.
Row 17: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across; ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 18: Sc in each stitch across; ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 19–20: Sc in next 38 stitches; ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 21: Sc in next 28 stitches; ch 1, turn. (28 sts)
Row 22: Sc in next 18 stitches; ch 1 turn. (18 sts)
Rows 23–41: Repeat Row 22 until work measures 5½” (14cm). At the end of the last row, ch 11; turn.
Row 42: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across; ch 11, turn.
Row 43: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across; ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 44: Sc in each st across; ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 45–46: Sc in next 38 sts; ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 47: Sc in next 28 sts; ch 1 turn. (28 sts)
Row 48: Sc in next 18 sts; ch 1 turn. (18 sts)
Repeat Row 48 until work measures 4” (10cm). Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Pictured: Puppet open, before folding in half
Leaving the bottom open, fold in half and sew the edges together.
Turn right side out. Sew diagonally across the top corners to make ears. If you stitch a diagonal across the corner bigger than you want the ears to be; e.g. 1” (2.5cm) and then draw the thread tight, it curves the ears.
Add a little padding in the head. Tie wool or ribbon around securely to make a neck.
Weave in yarn ends. Sew on a happy face.
Remember not to use buttons for eyes as they might come off and cause a choking danger.
To give your Teddy Bear Hand Puppet a bit more personality, try crocheting a small scarf and hat in bright, cheerful colours. Make sure any accessories are firmly sewn onto the puppet, so that they don’t fall off or get lost.
This pattern also works well to create other animals such as a Panda or a Tiger.
Knit-a-square South Africa, a partner of CreateCare Global.