The Rose Parlor Bear is an exquisite and nostalgic creation, designed to evoke the elegance of a Victorian drawing room or a high tea in a blooming rose garden. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, cream-colored bear with a gentle, sophisticated expression, meticulously sculpted to be a cherished companion. She is the perfect project for crafters who wish to create a timeless keepsake that celebrates romance and the art of crochet.
She is dressed in a stunning ensemble that reflects a palette of deep rose, sage green, and antique cream. Her outfit consists of a textured cable-knit style dress in rich magenta, adorned with a scalloped hemline in sage green. To keep warm, she wears a delicate cream bolero jacket featuring intricate rose appliques on the lapels. Her look is completed with a structured pillbox hat and a matching vanity case bag.
To achieve the intricate definition of the cable stitches and the structural integrity of the miniature fan, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the colors remain vibrant and the accessories hold their shape perfectly over time. If you love to shop for artisan handmade collectibles supplies, this project is a wonderful way to utilize your high-end stash.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Project Overview and Material Selection
Before we begin the actual stitching, it is vital to understand the scope of this project. The Rose Parlor Bear is designed to be a timeless piece of art. We are aiming for a tight, consistent gauge that prevents the stuffing from showing through, which is the hallmark of professional amigurumi.
The total time to complete this project can range from 25 to 35 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the cable stitch dress and the tiny pig companion. It is a labor of love intended to result in a collectible item or a cherished gift for a loved one.
Choosing Your Yarn
Selecting the right materials is the first step to success. While acrylic yarn is affordable, it often lacks the crispness needed for the tiny petals of the rose flowers. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bear skin and slight sheens for the clothing to create texture contrast.
Yarn Requirements
- Bear Body Yarn: Approximately 160g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Oatmeal,” or “Vanilla.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft texture.
- Dress Yarn: 80g of Deep Rose, Magenta, or Berry cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the gown.
- Hem & Leaf Accents: Scraps of Sage Green or Olive Green yarn.
- Cardigan & Hat Yarn: 60g of Cream or Ivory cotton yarn.
- Piggy Companion: Pink yarn.
- Accessories: Beige (bag), Pink/Rose (fan and flowers).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny pig, and the bag to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, cardigan, and hat to allow for a graceful drape and easier fit over the body.
- Safety Eyes:
- One pair of 12mm solid black eyes for the bear.
- One pair of 5mm black eyes or beads for the pig.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons for the shoes.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Cable Stitch” look (using Front Post stitches) on the dress and the rolled roses. Maintain a firm tension for the amigurumi parts.
- MR: Magic Ring (the foundation for circular work).
- sc: Single crochet.
- inc: Increase (work two single crochets into the same stitch).
- dec: Invisible decrease (work through the front loops only to reduce bulk).
- hdc: Half double crochet.
- dc: Double crochet.
- tr: Treble crochet.
- FPdc: Front Post double crochet (worked around the post of the stitch below).
- sl st: Slip stitch.
- ch: Chain stitch.
- BLO: Back loops only.
- FLO: Front loops only.
- st(s): Stitch or stitches.
Part 1: The Sculpted Bear Head
The head is the most character-defining part of the doll. We are aiming for a rounded shape that tapers slightly at the snout area. Use the 2.25mm hook and Cream yarn.
Round 1: Start with a Magic Ring. Crochet 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the hole securely. (6)
Round 2: Work 1 inc (2 sc) in every stitch around. (12)
Round 3: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
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Round 4: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 5: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 6: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (36)
Round 7: Perform a sequence of [5 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 8: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 9: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 10: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 11: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (66)
Rounds 12-24: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This substantial section builds the vertical height of the face. Ensure your tension remains consistent so the fabric is smooth. (66)
Eye Placement
Pause your crocheting here. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 18 and Round 19. Position them approximately 13 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on.
Round 25: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 26: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 27: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 28: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 29: Perform a sequence of [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (36)
Stuffing Step: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill outwards toward the cheeks to create a rounded shape. The head should be firm to the touch.
Round 30: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 31: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 32: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 33: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (12)
Round 34: Work 6 dec. Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close.
Embroidering the Features
Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a triangular nose between the eyes. Add a vertical line downwards from the nose to create the mouth. Apply a small amount of pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks using a soft brush.
Part 2: The Bear Ears
These ears are rounded and sit high on the head. Make two using the Cream yarn.
Round 1: Magic Ring, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Rounds 5-9: sc in each st around. (24)
Round 10: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Rounds 11-13: sc in each st around. (18)
Round 14: [1 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (12)
Rounds 15-16: sc in each st around. (12)
Flatten the open end of the ear and sc across through both layers to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the ears.
Part 3: Legs and Body Construction
We construct the legs first and join them to create the body. Use the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Beige yarn (shoes). Chain 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last ch. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last st. (16)
Round 2: Inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
Round 3: Work in BLO. sc around. (22)
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Rounds 4-5: sc around. (22)
Round 6: Switch to Cream yarn. Work in BLO. [Sc 5, dec] x 3, sc 1. (19)
Rounds 7-22: sc in each st around in Cream. Stuff the leg firmly as you go.
Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. Chain 3 from the second leg and join to the first leg with a sc.
Body
Round 23: sc 19 around the first leg, sc 3 along the chain, sc 19 around the second leg, sc 3 along the other side of the chain. (44)
Round 24: [10 sc, 1 inc] repeat 4 times. (48)
Rounds 25-34: sc in each st around. (48)
Round 35: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (42)
Rounds 36-37: sc around. (42)
Round 38: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (36)
Rounds 39-40: sc around. (36)
Round 41: [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 42: [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 43: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 44: sc around. (18)
Fasten off. Stuff the neck area very firmly to support the head. Sew the head to the body.
Arms (Make 2)
Round 1: With Cream yarn, MR, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (9)
Round 3: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (12)
Rounds 4-20: sc in each st around. (12)
Lightly stuff the hand area but leave the upper arm empty for mobility. Flatten the top and sc closed. Sew to the shoulders.
Part 4: The Cable Knit Dress
This dress mimics the look of a knitted cable sweater. Use Deep Rose yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Bodice
Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
Rows 2-5: sc across. (34)
Row 6 (Armholes): sc 5, ch 8, skip 6, sc 12, ch 8, skip 6, sc 5.
Row 7: sc across all sts and chains. (38)
Rows 8-10: sc across.
Round 11 (Waist): Join to work in rounds. sc around.
Cable Skirt
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Round 13 (Setup): *2 dc, skip 2 sts, FPdc around next 2 sts (from prev row), cross back and FPdc around skipped sts (Cable twist)*. Repeat pattern around.
Rounds 14-22: Continue working cable twists every other row, with plain dc rows in between to lengthen the cables. This creates the vertical braided look.
Round 23 (Hem): Switch to Sage Green yarn. Work a shell edge: *sc, skip 2, 5 dc in next, skip 2* around. Fasten off.
Part 5: The Rose Bolero Cardigan
A simple, elegant layer. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 37. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 2: [5 sc, 1 inc] across. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Row 3 (Armholes): sc 6, ch 8, skip 8, sc 14, ch 8, skip 8, sc 6. Ch 1, turn.
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Row 4: sc across all sts and chains. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Rows 5-10: Work in hdc across to create a smooth texture. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Rose Appliqués (Make 2)
Rose: Chain 15. In 4th ch from hook, (dc, ch 1, dc). Skip 1 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch. Repeat across. Turn. In each ch-1 space work (sc, 3 dc, sc). Roll into a rose and sew base.
Leaves: Ch 6, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc back down. Make 2 per rose.
Sew the roses and leaves to the lapels of the cardigan.
Part 6: The Pillbox Hat
A structured hat to match the dress. Use Cream or Beige yarn.
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] around. (18)
Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] around. (24)
Round 5: [3 sc, 1 inc] around. (30)
Round 6: [4 sc, 1 inc] around. (36)
Round 7: [5 sc, 1 inc] around. (42)
Round 8: [6 sc, 1 inc] around. (48)
Rounds 9-11: Work in BLO for Round 9 to create the sharp edge. Work normally for 10-11.
Decoration: Crochet a large Rose (same as cardigan but start with chain 30) and sew it to the side of the hat with a green leaf.
Part 7: Accessories
The Vanity Case Bag
Base: With Beige yarn, Ch 12. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 8 rounds up.
Lid: Make an oval slightly larger than the opening. Sew to back edge.
Decor: Sew a large Rose flower on the lid.
Handle: Ch 20. Attach to top.
The Piggy Companion
Head/Body: With Pink yarn, MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 9. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Snout: Pink bead or knot.
Rose: Tack a tiny rose to its hand.
The Lace Fan
Row 1: Ch 4, join to ring.
Row 2: 12 dc in ring. Turn.
Row 3: *dc, ch 1* across. Turn.
Row 4: *sc, ch 3, sc* in each ch-1 space. (Picot edge). Fasten off. Use Pink yarn for the edge.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Beige yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Decoration: Sew a tiny Rose bud to the side of the strap.
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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Rose Parlor Bear to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Then put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the hat.
- Props: Place the vanity case near her hand. Position the piggy companion at her side. Place the fan in her hand.
- Blush: Use a soft brush to apply pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks.
Care Notes
To ensure your bear lasts a lifetime, handle with care. Do not machine wash. If the bear gets dusty, use a lint roller. For stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are all yarn ends woven in securely?
- Is the head firmly attached and not wobbling?
- Are the safety eyes secure?
- Did you secure the rose appliques tightly?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details, it is considered an art doll. If deep cleaning is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash. Do not wring. Squeeze out water with a towel and reshape to dry. Store in a cotton dust bag when not on display.
Congratulations! Your Rose Parlor Bear is now complete. This character serves as a romantic tribute to the beauty of roses and the elegance of the past. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
