The Cozy Cub Hood: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Hooded Bear Scarf

Wrap Up in Woodland Warmth: The Cozy Cub Hood Scarf

Imagine stepping out into a crisp winter day, wrapped in a scarf that’s more than just a scarf—it’s a hug from a bear. The Cozy Cub Hood is a free knitting pattern that combines the snug warmth of a hood with the practical length of a scarf, all while featuring adorable bear ears and a sweet embroidered face. Made with worsted weight yarn, this textured accessory is perfect for beginners looking to try shaping and seaming, and it makes a thoughtful handmade gift. Let’s get started on your new favorite winter companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will help you achieve the cozy, chunky look shown in the pattern.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Brown): Approximately 300 yards
  • Color B (Cream): Approximately 300 yards (used for embroidery)
• Needles: US size 8 (5mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for working flat)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful)
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in flat pieces and then seamed together. Follow each section carefully, and you’ll have a beautiful bear hood scarf in no time.

Hood (Make 2 Identical Pieces)

The hood is made from two mirrored pieces that are sewn together at the top. Each piece is worked from the bottom edge upward.

1. Cast On: With Color A, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Main Body:
   • Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
   • Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
   • Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 10 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a wrong-side row.
3. Shape Top of Hood (Decrease Section):
   • Row 1 (RS): K2, k2tog (knit two together), knit until 4 stitches remain, ssk (slip, slip, knit), k2. (58 stitches)
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   • Repeat Rows 1-2 until 30 stitches remain. You will have worked 14 decrease rows total (7 on each side).
   • Next RS row: K2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, knit until 6 stitches remain, ssk, k2, ssk. (26 stitches)
   • Next WS row: Purl all stitches.
   • Bind off all stitches loosely. Do not cut the yarn; leave a long tail (about 20 inches) for seaming.

Ears (Make 2)

These small, rounded ears add the bear character. They are worked flat and sewn onto the hood.

1. Cast On: With Color A, cast on 10 stitches.
2. Main Body: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 2 inches, ending after a wrong-side row.
3. Shape Ear:
   • Next RS row: K1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. (8 stitches)
   • Next WS row: Purl all stitches.
   • Next RS row: K1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. (6 stitches)
   • Bind off all stitches. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Scarf Portion

The scarf is a long, simple rectangle that attaches to the bottom of the hood.

1. Cast On: With Color A, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Main Body: Work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 40 inches from the cast-on edge.
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming.

Assembly

Now it’s time to bring all the pieces together. Take your time with the seaming for a professional finish.

1. Sew the Hood: Place the two hood pieces with right sides together. Using the long tail from one piece, sew along the top curved edge (the decrease section) using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. Leave the bottom edge open.
2. Attach Ears: Position the ears on top of the hood, spacing them about 4 inches apart. Sew each ear securely using the long tail, stitching around the cast-on edge.
3. Attach Scarf: Center the scarf along the bottom edge of the hood. With right sides together, sew the scarf to the hood using a mattress stitch. Make sure the scarf is evenly attached.
4. Embroider the Face: Using Color B (cream) and a tapestry needle:
   • Nose: Embroider a small oval about 2 inches from the bottom edge of the hood, centered. Use a satin stitch or a series of straight stitches.
   • Eyes: Embroider two small circles above the nose, spaced about 1 inch apart. Use a French knot or a small circle of satin stitch.
5. Weave in Ends: Use the tapestry needle to weave in all remaining yarn tails on the wrong side of the work. Trim any excess.

Your Cozy Cub Hood Scarf is complete! Wear it with the hood up for extra warmth, or let it hang as a stylish scarf. This pattern is perfect for using up worsted weight yarn and makes a wonderful gift for kids and adults alike. Happy knitting!