Striped Knitted Bear Toy

This cute striped bear toy is knitted with love, using a combination of teal and olive green yarns. It has distinct facial features and a lovable rounded body. This toy is perfect for beginners and is a fun project to get your knitting skills on point!

Materials Needed:

• Worsted weight yarn in two colors: teal and olive green (approximately 100 yards of each)
• Brown yarn for the snout and paws (optional, 20 yards)
• Set of double-pointed needles (size 4 mm / US 6)
• Stuffing (polyester fiberfill)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Safety eyes (optional)

Gauge:

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast On
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Inc: Increase
• Dec: Decrease
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side

Instructions:

Body:

1. CO 30 stitches in teal yarn.
2. Work in stripes:
   • Rows 1-4: K in teal,
   • Rows 5-8: K in olive green,
   • Repeat these 8 rows until the piece measures 12 inches from the CO edge.
3. Shape the head:
   • Next row (RS): K2tog, K26, K2tog (28 stitches remain).
   • Next row (WS): P across.
   • Continue to decrease on RS every 2nd row until 10 stitches remain.
4. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Secure.

Head:

1. CO 24 stitches in olive green yarn.
2. Work in the same stripe pattern as the body, but ensure this piece measures 6 inches vertically.
3. Shape the head the same way as the body, ensuring to leave a gap for facial features.

Ears (Make 2):

1. CO 10 stitches in teal.
2. Row 1: K2, Inc, K to end (11 stitches).
3. Row 2-4: K across.
4. Row 5: K2, Dec, K to end (10 stitches).
5. Row 6: P across.
6. Row 7: K2, Dec K to end (9 stitches).
7. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, pull through remaining stitches.

Assembly:

1. Stuff the head and body plush with fiberfill.
2. Sew the head onto the body using the long tail left from the head.
3. Attach the ears to the top of the head, evenly spaced.
4. Embroider the facial features: nose and eyes using brown yarn or attach safety eyes.

Finishing:

1. Weave in all ends and ensure everything is secured.
2. Your striped bear toy is finished and ready for gifting or cuddling!

Enjoy your new handmade toy!