An earlier version of this pattern is available for free on my now-retired blog: https://squirrelpicnic.com/2015/03/13/sleepy-bear-crochet... This paid version has been extensively updated with clearer instructions, improved formatting, and additional details.

This classic amigurumi bear is a longtime favorite, loved by makers and recipients of all ages. Measuring approximately 11 inches tall, he’s the perfect size for cuddling and gifting. Complete Sleepy Bear’s naptime look with a charming nightcap and cozy blanket.

The Sleepy Bear pattern is suitable for confident beginner crocheters, while the accessory patterns offer a fun opportunity to expand your skills. As you make the nightcap and blanket, you’ll try cluster stitches and picots, explore corner-to-corner construction, and add techniques like the double crochet join and stacked single crochet to your crochet toolbox.

How the Bear and His Naptime Accessories Are Made

Bear pattern is designed with ease of assembly in mind. The head and body are crocheted as one piece, eliminating the need to sew on the head and ensuring everything stays perfectly aligned. The arms, legs, and ears are worked in the round and crocheted closed, creating a clean edge that makes sewing them on simple and secure. Photo guidance is included for positioning the limbs so the bear sits with his arms and legs facing forward, while still allowing you the freedom to customize the placement to suit your style.

Nightcap is worked from tip to brim in joined rounds using double crochet. Simple increases create its classic cone shape, while cluster stitches form a soft, textured brim. A small star is sewn to the tip of the cap for a special finishing touch.

Blanket is created using the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique and includes a helpful graph to guide color changes for the heart design at the center. A simple border completes this lovely, nap-ready blanky.

Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Skill Level
Bear project is suitable for confident beginners; Accessories projects are suitable for advanced beginner/intermediate crocheters.

Concentration Level
Some concentration required. Straightforward patterns with predictable shaping; might require some focus and counting. Blanket requires following a chart for shaping and color changes.

Stitches Used
Bear: slip stitch, chains, single crochet
Accessories: slip stitch, chains, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, picot, clusters

Techniques Used
Bear: adjustable ring; working in unjoined rounds; working in front loop only; sewing on legs, arms, and ears; simple embroidery
Accessories: adjustable ring; working in joined rounds; simple shaping; whipstitch sewing; reading a color chart

Pattern Includes
• Two premium pattern pdfs with professional full-color photographs. Bear pattern is 10 pages long; accessories pattern is 8 pages.
• Linked Table of Contents for easy navigation.
• List of materials needed, including yarn details, colors, and quantities.
• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques.
• Clear written instructions with stitch counts provided for every row/round to help you stay on track.
• Two step-by-step photo tutorials will guide you through how to embroider the bear’s eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Blanket pattern includes a color chart to guide shaping and color changes throughout the heart design.
• Pattern support. Please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about the pattern. I’m always happy to help!

Finished Measurements
Bear: 11 inches (28 cm) tall
Nightcap: 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter at brim and 8 inches (20.5 cm) tall, excluding Star
Blanket: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) square

Medium (CYC #4) Weight Yarn
Bear: 330 yards (302 meters)
Accessories: 220 yards (201 meters)

Sample in featured photo (reclining tan bear with accessories) was made with a G/6/4.00 mm crochet hook and KnitPicks Comfy Worsted medium weight 75% Pima cotton and 25% acrylic yarn (109 yds/100 m; 1.75 oz/50 g per skein) in Parchment for the bear and Marlin (blue) and White for the accessories.

The pattern sample shown here (gray bear sitting upright with gray background) was made with a G/6/4.0 mm crochet hook and Vanna’s Choice medium (worsted) weight 92% acrylic, 8% rayon yarn (145 yds/133 m; 3 oz/85 g per skein) in #860-401F Grey Marble and #860-099H Linen (for muzzle). A small amount (approx. 2 yds/1 g) of medium-weight black yarn is also needed for embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth.

Suggested Yarn Substitutes
Bear pattern is designed for medium-weight yarn acrylic yarn; accessories patterns were designed using an acrylic-cotton blend. All designs would work well with acrylic, cotton, or wool. Lighter or heavier weight yarns may also be used. A different weight yarn may require a different size hook, as well as more or less yarn than noted. Working with a thinner or thicker yarn may result in different gauge measurements, which will affect the Finished Measurements.

Additional Tools and Materials
Size G/6/4.00 mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
4 stitch markers (optional)
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Fiberfill
Safety pins (optional)

Gauge
Though exact gauge is not essential, for best appearance it should be close.
I used a G/6/4.00 mm crochet hook. Select the hook size that gives the best appearance for your choice of yarn and your tension.
A significantly different gauge may require more or less yarn than listed.

This pattern listing includes 2 downloadable files:
(1) Bear PDF pattern presents the instructions in a 2-column layout with full color photos. Images include alt text. File size: 3 MB
(2) Accessories PDF pattern presents the instructions in a 2-column layout with full color photos and a corner-to-corner color chart for blanket. Images include alt text. File size: 1 MB
(This pattern includes many accessibility features, including alt text, proper tagging, and screen-reader–friendly formatting. While not yet fully PDF/UA compliant, it was designed with accessibility as a priority.)

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GPSR
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