Free knitting pattern: Teddy Bear

Pattern for use by kind permission of Rosamund Goodwin
Children in South Africa have very few, if any, play things. This Teddy Bear will be a wonderful companion for a lonely child. It will provide many hours of comfort and imaginative play.
The Teddy Bear height is approximately 12” (30cm)
Cast on 10 sts. Work in garter stitch for 4“ (10cm). Place sts on a holder.
Work second leg.
Knit across both legs. (20 sts)
Work in garter stitch for 4“ (10cm).
Cast on 12 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (44 sts)
Work in garter stitch for 1” (2.5cm).
Cast off 12 sts at beginning of next 2 rows (20 sts)
Work in garter stitch for 6” (15cm).
Cast on 12 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (44 sts)
Work in garter stitch for 1” (2.5cm).
Cast off 12 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (20 sts)
Work in garter stitch for 4” (10cm).
Knit 10 sts. Place remaining 10 sts on a stitch holder.
Turn and knit the 10 sts on needle.
Work in garter stitch for 4” (10cm). Cast off.
Attach yarn to remaining 10 sts. Knit in garter stitch for 4” (10cm).
Cast off.
Teddy Bear before folding:
Fold in half and sew up, leaving a gap at the side for stuffing.
Turn right side out.
Sew diagonally across the top corners, approximately 1.5″ (3cm).
Draw the thread tight to curve the ears. Fasten off securely.
Stuff the Teddy Bear well and sew up the side opening.
Sew a double thread around neck, pull tight and tie both ends securely.
Sew on a face. A suggestion is an eight point straight stitch star for the eyes.
Note: Remember do not use buttons for eyes as they might come off and cause a choking danger .
Stitch a nose and a big smiley mouth. (A happy teddy makes a happy child!)
Give teddy a big hug just to make sure he works properly.
Cast on 6 sts in a bright or variegated yarn. Work in garter stitch for about 15” (40cm) to make teddy’s scarf.
If you want a shorter teddy, make his legs 3” (7.5cm) and shorten the body as well.
Knit-a-square South Africa, a partner of CreateCare Global.