Nothing melts a winter heart faster than a polar bear in a red scarf, and this free crochet polar bear pattern lets you make one in a weekend. Worked in soft white yarn, this fluffy amigurumi bear builds up in six satisfying stages — a round head, a chubby body, two little ears, a sweet embroidered face, a cozy red scarf and a final assembly — then sits proudly on the mantel, the nursery shelf or the gift table. It is a quick beginner project, a lovely Christmas gift, and a cosy companion all winter long.
Each of the six steps below includes a clear photo so you always know what your work should look like. The full printable round-by-round pattern is also available as a free PDF (see the download button at the top of this article).
Materials
- White worsted weight yarn (about 120 g)
- Red worsted weight yarn (about 30 g, for the scarf)
- Black yarn or embroidery thread (for the nose and smile)
- 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Two 10 mm black safety eyes
- Polyester fibre fill stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
For a soft, fluffy result, a smooth worsted yarn works best — it holds the round amigurumi shapes neatly and shows the stitch definition clearly. You can browse yarn weights and colours at LoveCrafts. If you enjoy quick winter makes, you may also like our crochet penguin pattern for a matching set of frosty friends.
Step 1: Crochet the Head
Start your crochet polar bear with the head. Make a magic ring of 6 single crochet stitches, then increase steadily — 12, 18, 24, 30 and finally 36 stitches — until the circle is wide enough for a chubby bear head. Work six plain rounds at 36 stitches to give the head its round shape, then decrease back down to 6 stitches and close, adding stuffing before the opening gets too small. Keep your tension firm and even here: tight stitches stop the stuffing showing through later and give the face a smooth, neat surface for the eyes.
Step 2: Crochet the Body
Now give your polar bear a body to match. Start with another magic ring of 6 stitches and increase to 30 stitches, then work five plain rounds at 30 stitches for a plump, egg-shaped body. Decrease to 24, then 18, then 12 stitches, stuffing firmly as you go so the body holds its shape and sits upright. A well-stuffed body is the secret to a bear that stands on its own rather than flopping forward, so do not be shy with the fibre fill.
Step 3: Make and Attach the Ears
Every bear needs ears, and these could not be simpler. Each ear starts with a magic ring of 6 stitches, increases to 12, and works one plain round — make two exactly the same. Pin them to the top sides of the head first, step back and check they look level, then sew them on firmly with the tapestry needle. Pinning before sewing is worth the extra minute: ears that sit evenly are what turn a white ball into a recognisable bear.
Step 4: Add the Eyes, Nose and Smile
This is the step where your polar bear gets its personality. Insert the two black safety eyes between the rounds near the top of the head, about six stitches apart, and fasten the backs securely inside. Then, with black yarn, embroider a small triangle nose in the centre of the face and a short vertical line down to a gentle curved smile. Work the embroidery slowly and keep the stitches small — a neat little face looks far sweeter than a large, heavy one, and it is the detail people notice first.
Step 5: Crochet the Red Scarf
No winter polar bear is complete without a scarf. Chain 62 with the red yarn, then work single crochet back across the chain for 61 stitches. Repeat for six rows in total, keeping the edges straight, and fasten off, weaving in the ends. A short fringe at each end is optional — just loop a few short strands of red yarn through the edge stitches and trim them even. The bright red against the white fur is what makes this crochet polar bear pattern so giftable at Christmas.
Step 6: Assemble the Bear and Finish
Finally, bring everything together. Crochet two small arms and two stubby legs in white, stuff them lightly, and sew them to the sides and base of the body, checking the bear sits upright before you finish the last stitches. Sew the head to the body, wrap the red scarf snugly around the neck and cross it at the front, and give the fur a gentle fluff with your fingers. Your fluffy polar bear is ready for the mantel, the gift box or the nursery shelf.
Tips
- Use a stitch marker at the start of every round — amigurumi is worked in a spiral, so it is easy to lose your place.
- Stuff a little at a time and shape as you go, rather than forcing in one big lump at the end.
- Sew the head, ears, arms and legs on firmly with several passes so the bear survives cuddles and craft fair handling.
FAQ
Is this crochet polar bear pattern suitable for beginners? Yes. It uses only single crochet, increases and decreases, worked in rounds, plus simple sewing and a little embroidery. If you can work a magic ring, you can make this bear.
How big is the finished polar bear? Worked in worsted weight yarn with a 4.0 mm hook, the finished bear stands about 22 cm (8.5 inches) tall, scarf included — a perfect shelf size.
What yarn works best for a crochet polar bear? A smooth white worsted weight yarn gives the cleanest result. Fluffy or chenille yarn also works and looks extra cuddly, but the stitch definition will be softer and the face embroidery slightly trickier.
Can I make the polar bear without safety eyes? Absolutely. Embroider the eyes with black yarn instead — two small French knots or short straight stitches — which also makes the bear safer for very young children.
Conclusion
This fluffy white bear with its cozy red scarf is one of the quickest winter makes you will ever crochet — and one of the most giftable. Make one for the mantel, one for a stocking, and one for a friend who needs a smile. Download the free printable PDF pattern above, grab your white yarn, and start your polar bear today!
