Crochet Tutorial: The Pretzel Bear – Free Crochet Pattern

This charming crochet bear is designed to look like a collectible handmade plush with a sweet folk-inspired outfit, tiny accessories, and a cozy boutique feel. It is perfect for readers searching for a crochet teddy bear pattern, amigurumi bear doll, handmade gift idea, or finished plush for sale.

The finished design features a round-headed bear, slim limbs, a dirndl-style dress, a large pretzel, a floral drawstring pouch, and a tiny frothy mug. If you enjoy making items that look like heirloom amigurumi, collector plush toys, or nursery shelf décor, this pattern will guide you through every visible detail.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English crochet terms and is made to match the proportions and styling shown in the image as closely as possible.

The bear has a large round head, a short neck, a compact upper torso, a softly rounded lower body under the skirt, long slim arms, short sturdy legs, small rounded ears, a protruding muzzle, and several separate accessories.

The clothing is made as separate pieces so the finished look stays clean and structured.

The dress silhouette matters a lot in this design. The white blouse is puffed at the sleeves, the black bodice is short and fitted, the skirt is dark green and slightly full, and the apron is white with a scalloped lower edge.

The finished bear stands upright because the body is firmly stuffed and the feet are slightly flattened.

Skill Level

• Intermediate
• Confident beginners can make it if they are comfortable with shaping, sewing, and working small pieces.

Finished Size

Using the yarn weight and hook sizes suggested below, the finished bear will be about 11 to 12 inches tall from the top of the ears to the bottom of the shoes.

The pretzel will be about 3 inches wide.

The tiny mug will be about 1.25 inches tall.

The floral pouch will be about 2 inches tall.

Materials

• Sport or light DK cotton yarn in light beige for the bear
• White cotton yarn for blouse, apron, socks, and mug foam
• Black cotton yarn for bodice, shoes, and nose embroidery if desired
• Dark green cotton yarn for skirt
• Warm pretzel brown cotton yarn for pretzel and mug body
• Taupe or oatmeal cotton yarn for the floral pouch
• Yellow, white, and green embroidery thread or very fine yarn for the daisies
• Black safety eyes, about 6 mm to 8 mm
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Fine sewing needle
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Optional thin craft wire for the pretzel if you want a firmer hold
• Optional small pellets in the lower body or feet for balance

Suggested Hooks

• 2.25 mm hook for the bear and most accessories
• 2.0 mm hook for clothing details if you want a crisp fit

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in same stitch
• dec = invisible decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• st = stitch
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat

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General Notes

• Work in continuous rounds unless the section says otherwise.
• Use a stitch marker at the beginning of every round.
• Stuff firmly, especially the head, neck, lower body, and feet.
• The outfit proportions are important. Keep the bodice short and the skirt full but not overly wide.
• The bear in the image has a neat, compact finish. Avoid loose tension.

Bear Head

Start with beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
10. Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
11. Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) x 6. (66)
12. Rnd 12: (10 sc, inc) x 6. (72)
13. Rnd 13: (11 sc, inc) x 6. (78)
14. Rnd 14-26: sc around. (78 each round)

Place safety eyes between Rnds 18 and 19 with about 12 stitches between them. The eyes should sit wide apart to create the gentle toy-like expression seen in the image.

Continue the head shaping.

1. Rnd 27: (11 sc, dec) x 6. (72)
2. Rnd 28: (10 sc, dec) x 6. (66)
3. Rnd 29: (9 sc, dec) x 6. (60)
4. Rnd 30: (8 sc, dec) x 6. (54)
5. Rnd 31: (7 sc, dec) x 6. (48)
6. Rnd 32: (6 sc, dec) x 6. (42)
7. Rnd 33: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)

Stuff the head very firmly and shape it into a smooth round ball.

1. Rnd 34: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
2. Rnd 35: BLO sc around. (30)
3. Rnd 36: sc around. (30)

Do not fasten off yet if you prefer an open neck edge for sewing. Otherwise fasten off with a long tail.

Muzzle

With beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6: sc around. (24)
7. Rnd 7: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
8. Rnd 8: sc around. (18)

Lightly stuff. Flatten slightly into a rounded oval cup shape.

Sew the muzzle centered below the eyes, spanning roughly from Rnd 20 to Rnd 26 of the head. It should project forward but stay neat and compact.

Nose and Mouth

Use black yarn or black embroidery thread.

• Embroider a rounded triangular nose centered on the muzzle.
• The nose should be wider than tall, about 5 to 6 stitches across.
• Bring a straight vertical line down from the center of the nose for about 3 to 4 rows.
• Do not add a smiling mouth curve. The image shows a simple downward center line only.

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Ears Make 2

With beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6: sc around. (24)

Flatten each ear. Do not stuff.

Fold the open edge flat and sew the ears to the head around Rnds 10 to 15, slightly angled outward. The ears should be round and softly domed, not pointed or tall.

Neck and Upper Torso

The bear has a short neck and a compact upper body because much of the body shape is hidden by the outfit.

With beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (18)
6. Rnd 6: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
7. Rnd 7: sc around. (24)
8. Rnd 8: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
9. Rnd 9-12: sc around. (30 each round)

Stuff firmly at the neck. Keep the torso straight and compact.

Lower Body

Continue from the torso or make separately if preferred.

1. Rnd 13: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
2. Rnd 14: sc around. (36)
3. Rnd 15: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
4. Rnd 16-20: sc around. (42 each round)
5. Rnd 21: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)
6. Rnd 22: sc around. (36)
7. Rnd 23: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
8. Rnd 24: sc around. (30)

Stuff the lower body firmly, especially the front and bottom. You may add a little weight pellet pouch inside if desired.

Fasten off, leaving a tail if the legs will be sewn on separately.

Legs Make 2

Start with beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6: 8 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 8 sc. (22)
7. Rnd 7: sc around. (22)
8. Rnd 8: 7 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 7 sc. (20)
9. Rnd 9: sc around. (20)
10. Rnd 10: (3 sc, dec) x 4. (16)
11. Rnd 11-18: sc around. (16 each round)

Stuff the feet firmly and flatten the bottom slightly while stuffing. Stuff the upper leg more lightly so the leg remains slim.

Fasten off with long tails for sewing.

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Arms Make 2

With beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 5: (4 sc, dec) x 3. (15)
6. Rnd 6-16: sc around. (15 each round)

Stuff the lower half of the arms firmly and the upper half lightly. Flatten the top opening before sewing.

The arms in the image are long, narrow, and gently tapered. Avoid overstuffing.

Socks Make 2

With white yarn, make directly around the lower leg if desired, or create separate cuffs.

1. Ch 16, join carefully to form a ring.
2. Rnd 1-4: sc around. (16)
3. Fasten off.

Slide onto each leg and sew in place, or crochet around the leg opening if you prefer a permanent finish.

Shoes Make 2

With black yarn.

The shoes should resemble simple Mary Jane flats with a rounded toe and a strap.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch, working on opposite side sc 4, inc in last st. (14)
2. Rnd 2: inc, 4 sc, inc x 3, 4 sc, inc x 2. (20)
3. Rnd 3: sc around in BLO. (20)
4. Rnd 4: sc around. (20)
5. Rnd 5: 6 sc, dec x 4, 6 sc. (16)
6. Rnd 6: 5 sc, dec x 3, 5 sc. (13)

Fasten off and sew around each foot.

For the strap, attach yarn at one side of the shoe opening.

1. Ch 5, skip over the top opening, sl st to opposite side.
2. Fasten off and weave in ends.

The strap should sit across the top of the foot, leaving a white sock opening visible.

White Blouse

The blouse is fitted close to the body and has short puff sleeves. It should not hang loosely.

With white yarn.

Blouse Body

1. Ch 31.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 30. Ch 1, turn. (30)
3. Row 2-10: sc 30. Ch 1, turn. (30)

Wrap around the upper torso. Sew the short ends together into a snug tube.

The lower edge will tuck beneath the bodice and skirt.

Sleeves Make 2

1. Ch 14, join to form ring.
2. Rnd 1: sc around. (14)
3. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x 7. (21)
4. Rnd 3-4: sc around. (21)
5. Rnd 5: (2 sc, dec) x 5, sc. (16)
6. Rnd 6: sc around. (16)

Fasten off, leaving tails for sewing.

Gather the top slightly and sew to the blouse tube so each sleeve puffs outward softly like the image.

The sleeves should be rounded, not long. Keep them short and full.

Black Bodice

The bodice is an important visual detail. It is short, structured, and slightly squared at the neckline.

With black yarn.

1. Ch 23.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 22. Ch 1, turn. (22)
3. Row 2-8: sc 22. Ch 1, turn. (22)

Fasten off.

Wrap around the center of the blouse and upper torso. Leave the back mostly closed or sew fully closed depending on your finishing style.

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The front of the bodice should cover the center chest only and rise above the waistline.

Bodice Straps Make 2

1. Ch 18.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 17. (17)

Fasten off with long tails.

Sew one end of each strap to the front upper corners of the bodice, bring over the shoulders, and sew to the back.

The straps should be straight and fairly wide, matching the image.

Front Lacing

Use beige yarn or embroidery thread.

• Make small horizontal anchor stitches in two vertical rows on the bodice front.
• Lace yarn through them in crisscross fashion to create the corset effect.
• Keep the lacing centered and narrow.

Green Skirt

The skirt is short, full, and gently rounded. It should sit below the bodice and flare outward over the lower body.

With dark green yarn.

1. Ch 31, join to form ring.
2. Rnd 1: sc around. (30)
3. Rnd 2: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
4. Rnd 3: sc around. (36)
5. Rnd 4: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
6. Rnd 5: sc around. (42)
7. Rnd 6: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
8. Rnd 7: sc around. (48)
9. Rnd 8: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
10. Rnd 9-15: sc around. (54 each round)

Fasten off.

The skirt should reach to just above the knees. Do not make it too long. It must remain slightly bell-shaped, not straight.

Apron

The apron sits centered on the skirt front and has a soft rounded upper shape with a scalloped lower edge.

With white yarn.

Apron Panel

1. Ch 17.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 16. Ch 1, turn. (16)
3. Row 2: dec, 12 sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (14)
4. Row 3: dec, 10 sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (12)
5. Row 4: dec, 8 sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (10)
6. Row 5: dec, 6 sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (8)
7. Row 6: sc 8. Ch 1, turn. (8)
8. Row 7: inc, 6 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. (10)
9. Row 8: inc, 8 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. (12)
10. Row 9: inc, 10 sc, inc. (14)

Do not fasten off if you want to edge the panel immediately.

Apron Edging

Work around the apron piece.

• Along sides and top: sc evenly around.
• Along the bottom curved edge: work (sc, hdc, sc) into every 2nd stitch to create a delicate scallop.

Fasten off.

Apron Ties

• Attach white yarn to one top corner and ch 26.
• Fasten off.
• Repeat on the other top corner.

Sew or tie the apron at the waist. Center it carefully over the green skirt.

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Pretzel

The pretzel is large compared with the hand and should look plush and rounded.

With warm brown yarn.

Pretzel Tube

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3-28: sc around. (12 each round)

Lightly stuff as you go. The tube should be flexible, not hard.

Fasten off with a long tail.

Shape the Pretzel

1. Curve the tube into a large loop.
2. Twist the upper portion once.
3. Bring the two top loops down toward the center to form a classic pretzel shape.
4. Sew all crossing points securely.

Add small surface embroidery dots in cream or beige to mimic coarse salt. Scatter them unevenly across the front.

Sew the pretzel to one hand after final assembly, or tack it lightly so it can still be adjusted.

Floral Drawstring Pouch

This small pouch sits beside the bear and adds a lovely decorative touch.

With taupe or oatmeal yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: BLO sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6-12: sc around. (24 each round)
7. Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
8. Rnd 14: sc around. (18)

Lightly stuff the bottom only if you want it to stand. Leave the upper area soft.

Fasten off.

Drawstring Edge

• Thread a length of matching yarn through the upper stitches.
• Pull gently to gather the opening.
• Tie a neat bow or small knot at the top.

Daisy Embroidery

• Use white thread to embroider 3 small daisies on the front.
• Make straight stitches radiating from a center point for each petal.
• Use yellow thread for the flower centers.
• Use green thread for tiny leaves and stems below the flowers.

Keep the daisies simple and slightly raised, like the image.

Tiny Beer Mug

The mug is miniature and decorative. It has a warm brown body, a small handle, and white foam spilling over the top edge.

With pretzel brown yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. (12)
4. Rnd 4-8: sc around. (12 each round)
5. Rnd 9: sc around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving the top open.

Stuff lightly or insert a tiny bit of filling so the mug keeps shape.

Mug Handle

• Ch 5.
• Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st 4.

Fasten off and sew to the side of the mug.

Foam Top

With white yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc x 6. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Working unevenly for a drippy look, alternate sc and hdc around with 3 small hdc clusters placed randomly. (18)

Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Sew the foam to the top of the mug, letting it droop over one side.

Assembly of Bear Base

1. Sew the head to the body with the neck centered and secure.
2. Sew the legs to the lower body front, evenly spaced so the bear can stand.
3. Sew the arms to the upper body just below the blouse sleeves.
4. Check balance before tightening all stitches completely.

The finished posture should be straight and calm. The arms should hang low, with one able to support the pretzel.

Dressing the Bear

1. Put the blouse tube onto the body.
2. Sew the sleeves in place if not already attached.
3. Slide or sew the black bodice over the blouse center.
4. Attach the shoulder straps.
5. Add the lacing detail at the front.
6. Place the green skirt at the waist and sew it in a neat ring.
7. Center the white apron over the front of the skirt and tie or sew the waist straps.
8. Add socks and shoes to each leg.

The black bodice must remain visible above the apron. The skirt should flare outward under the apron, not bunch tightly.

Accessory Placement

• Sew or tack the pretzel to the bear’s right-side hand as shown in the image.
• Place the floral pouch beside one foot.
• Place the tiny mug near the other foot.

If you want a display piece, lightly tack the pouch and mug to a base or shelf liner instead of the bear itself.

Shaping Tips for an Accurate Look

• The head should be larger than the torso.
• The muzzle should protrude gently, not sharply.
• The ears must be small and rounded.
• The arms should be long and slim.
• The legs should be shorter and sturdier than the arms.
• The bodice should be short and sit high on the torso.
• The skirt should be full but not oversized.
• The apron should be centered and slightly curved at the lower edge.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before securing the last stitches. The eyes should sit wide apart, the muzzle should be centered, and the nose should be rounded and neat. Add a tiny bit of extra stuffing through a hidden seam if the head needs more shape.

Gently pinch the muzzle while sewing so it stays softly raised. If needed, use a few hidden sculpting stitches beside the muzzle to make the face look more balanced.

Care Notes

Display pieces with small accessories are best handled gently. Keep the bear away from rough play if safety eyes or sewn accessories are used. For child-safe versions, embroider the eyes and secure every small part very firmly.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round and firmly stuffed
• Ears are even and symmetrically placed
• Muzzle is centered below the eyes
• Bodice sits high and straight
• Skirt flares evenly
• Apron is centered
• Shoes match in height and angle
• Pretzel shape is full and secure
• Pouch flowers and mug foam are finished neatly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a soft cloth, cool water, and a small amount of gentle soap. Do not twist or wring the bear. Reshape while damp and let it air dry flat away from direct sunlight.

For long-term display, keep it in a dry room and away from dust, moisture, and strong heat. If storing, wrap in clean tissue paper and avoid crushing the ears, sleeves, or pretzel.