Knitting Tutorial: Autumn Woodland Bear – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted teddy bear pattern brings together everything people love in a cozy fall heirloom: a soft cream bear, a richly textured forest green sweater, a matching pom-pom hat, a tiny crossbody pouch, acorn details, rustic slippers, and sweet woodland props. If you enjoy browsing for handmade teddy bears, collectible knitted animals, fall nursery decor, or a giftable autumn plush toy, this project gives you that warm boutique look in a fully handmade design. The finished bear is designed to sit beautifully for display while still feeling soft, comforting, and full of personality.

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 creates the full display shown in the image:

• Main bear with rounded head, small ears, long soft muzzle shaping, seated body, and gently curved limbs.
• Color-blocked cable sweater with ribbed turtleneck, cream yoke, forest green lower body and sleeves, centered cable panel, and embroidered leaf motifs.
• Crossbody pouch with knitted strap and attached acorns.
• Woodland hat with folded brim, pom-poms, and acorn embellishment.
• Pair of slippers with soft white fronts, brown edging, and tiny flower decorations.
• Mini props: two pumpkins, one mushroom, and loose acorns.

The instructions are written in US English and are structured to be easy to follow, while still giving exact stitch counts and shaping details. The construction uses flat and in-the-round methods where helpful. You may adapt your preferred bear-making techniques, but the stitch counts below are written to closely match the proportions in the image.

Finished Size

• Bear height: about 11 to 12 inches tall when seated, 14 inches tall if legs are extended straight.
• Hat: fits the bear head snugly with folded brim.
• Sweater: lightly oversized, ending at upper thigh level when seated.
• Pouch: about 2 inches tall.
• Pumpkins: about 1.5 to 2 inches wide each.
• Mushroom: about 2 inches tall.

Materials

• Main yarn weight: DK to light worsted for bear, sweater, hat, pouch, props, and slippers.
• Color A: cream or warm ivory for bear body and sweater yoke.
• Color B: forest green for sweater lower section, sleeves, collar, and hat.
• Color C: beige or oatmeal for pouch and hat pom-poms.
• Color D: dark brown for acorns, slipper trim, and pumpkin stems.
• Color E: rust orange for one pumpkin and mushroom cap.
• Color F: golden pumpkin orange for second pumpkin.
• Color G: white for slipper toe inserts and mushroom stem dots if desired.
• Small scraps: mustard yellow, soft coral, and olive green for flower accents and leaf embroidery.
• Needles: US 3 and US 4 double-pointed needles or magic loop, plus straight needles if you prefer working flat.
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Black embroidery floss or black yarn for nose and mouth
• Small black safety eyes 6 mm to 8 mm, or embroidered eyes
• Lightweight floral wire optional for acorn stems only, not required

Gauge

Bear fabric: 26 stitches and 34 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette using smaller needles. The fabric should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

Sweater and hat: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette using larger needles.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• inc = increase 1 stitch, use kfb unless stated otherwise
• dec = decrease 1 stitch, use k2tog unless stated otherwise
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• m1L / m1R = make one left / right
• c4f = slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle
• c4b = slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle

📌Thank you for reading the article

Special Notes Before You Begin

The bear in the image has a soft, slightly elongated face, not a short round muzzle. The head is generously stuffed, but the muzzle area is shaped and firm. The body is seated with the tummy rounded forward. The legs are thick at the thigh and narrower near the ankle. The arms are straight and simple, hanging at the sides.

The sweater is the visual centerpiece. Its most important details are the deep ribbed turtleneck, cream upper yoke, forest green lower half, a bold center cable, textured ribbed sleeves, and embroidered olive branches placed symmetrically across the chest. Keep the sweater slightly roomy so it looks relaxed and cozy.

Main Bear: Head

Head Base

Using Color A and smaller needles, work in the round.

1. CO 12 sts. Divide onto needles. Join carefully. Rnd 1: knit all stitches.
2. Rnd 2: inc in every stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: knit.
4. Rnd 4: (k1, inc) around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: knit.
6. Rnd 6: (k2, inc) around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: knit.
8. Rnd 8: (k3, inc) around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 9: knit.
10. Rnd 10: (k4, inc) around. 72 sts.
11. Rnd 11 to Rnd 24: knit 14 rounds.

At this stage the head should look round and full. Stuff lightly as you go so shaping stays smooth.

Muzzle Contour Rows

The image shows a gentle central line descending from forehead to nose, which can be suggested later with embroidery. The muzzle itself is built separately and attached, but the face benefits from slight sculpting.

1. Rnd 25: k30, place marker, k12, place marker, k30.
2. Rnd 26: knit.
3. Rnd 27: k30, ssk, k8, k2tog, k30. 70 sts.
4. Rnd 28: knit.
5. Rnd 29: k30, ssk, k6, k2tog, k30. 68 sts.
6. Rnd 30: knit.
7. Rnd 31: k30, ssk, k4, k2tog, k30. 66 sts.
8. Rnd 32 to Rnd 36: knit 5 rounds.

Top of Head Shaping

1. Rnd 37: (k9, k2tog) around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 38: knit.
3. Rnd 39: (k8, k2tog) around. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 40: knit.
5. Rnd 41: (k7, k2tog) around. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 42: knit.
7. Rnd 43: (k6, k2tog) around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 44: knit.
9. Rnd 45: (k5, k2tog) around. 36 sts.
10. Stuff firmly.
11. Rnd 46: (k4, k2tog) around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 47: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
13. Rnd 48: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
14. Rnd 49: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed tightly, and secure.

Muzzle

Using Color A, knit flat.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k.
3. Row 2 WS: p.
4. Row 3: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: p.
6. Row 5: k1, inc, k8, inc, k1. 14 sts.
7. Row 6: p.
8. Row 7: knit.
9. Row 8: purl.
10. Row 9: knit.
11. Row 10: purl.
12. Row 11: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
13. Row 12: p.
14. Row 13: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
15. Row 14: p.
16. BO knitwise.

Sew side edges together into a shallow oval cup. Stuff very lightly. Attach low on the face so the top edge sits just below the eye line. The muzzle should be vertical-oval, not circular.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Nose and Mouth

• Embroider a horizontal oval nose in black across the upper third of the muzzle.
• Make the nose about 5 to 6 stitches wide.
• Add a short vertical line down from center nose.
• Curve one small mouth stitch to each side.

Use matching cream yarn to pull a tiny amount of shaping at the muzzle corners if you want the face more defined.

Eyes

Place safety eyes or embroider eyes 9 to 10 stitches apart, just above the muzzle top edge. The eyes in the image are small, glossy, and slightly close-set, which gives the bear a gentle woodland expression. Do not oversize them.

Ears

Make 2 using Color A. Work in the round.

1. CO 6 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, inc) around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4 to Rnd 6: knit 3 rounds.
6. Rnd 7: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
7. Rnd 8: knit.
8. BO, leaving long tail.

Flatten each ear. Sew to head top sides. The ears should sit fairly high and slightly outward. Attach one beige pom-pom close to each ear base as shown in the image.

Main Bear: Body

Using Color A and smaller needles, work from lower body upward in the round.

1. CO 24 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: knit.
3. Rnd 2: (k3, inc) around. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 3: knit.
5. Rnd 4: (k4, inc) around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: knit.
7. Rnd 6: (k5, inc) around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 7 to Rnd 18: knit 12 rounds.

This section forms the lower seated torso and tummy. Stuff the bottom area more firmly than the upper chest so the bear sits properly.

1. Rnd 19: (k5, k2tog) around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 20: knit.
3. Rnd 21: (k4, k2tog) around. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 22 to Rnd 28: knit 7 rounds.
5. Rnd 29: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 30: knit.
7. Rnd 31: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
8. BO, leaving tail for sewing to head.

Stuff upper torso firmly but do not overfill. Sew head to body securely, angling the head slightly forward for the same gentle pose as the photo.

Arms

Make 2 using Color A. Work in the round.

1. CO 10 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: (k1, inc) around. 15 sts.
3. Rnd 2 to Rnd 4: knit 3 rounds.
4. Rnd 5: (k3, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 6 to Rnd 20: knit 15 rounds.
6. Rnd 21: (k2, k2tog) around. 9 sts.
7. Rnd 22 to Rnd 24: knit 3 rounds.
8. BO.

Stuff lower half lightly and upper half very lightly so the sleeves can sit naturally over them. Sew arms to body at shoulder line, hanging straight downward.

Legs

Make 2 using Color A. Begin at foot.

1. CO 12 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2 and Rnd 3: knit.
4. Rnd 4: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 5 to Rnd 10: knit 6 rounds.
6. Rnd 11: (k5, inc) around. 21 sts.
7. Rnd 12 to Rnd 18: knit 7 rounds.
8. Rnd 19: (k6, inc) around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 20 to Rnd 28: knit 9 rounds.
10. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Stuff foot and lower leg firmly, thigh area moderately. Sew to lower body with the legs projecting forward in seated position. The thighs should angle outward slightly so the bear sits stably.

Sweater

The sweater is worked in separate sections for control over the exact color placement and cable design. You may seam it at the sides and underarms. Use larger needles.

Back

Using Color B, CO 34 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: k2, p2 rib across.
2. Row 9 RS: knit.
3. Rows 10 to 24: stockinette, ending with WS row.
4. Change to Color A.
5. Rows 25 to 38: stockinette.
6. Neck shaping Row 39 RS: k10, BO 14, k10.
7. Work each shoulder separately.
8. Row 40: p10.
9. Row 41: k8, k2tog. 9 sts.
10. Row 42: p9.
11. BO.
12. Repeat on opposite shoulder, using ssk at neck edge.

Front

Using Color B, CO 34 sts.

Set cable panel on front as follows after ribbing:

• 4 edge sts in stockinette
• 6 sts reverse stockinette background
• 10 sts center cable panel
• 6 sts reverse stockinette background
• 4 edge sts stockinette
• 4 remaining sts balanced into front width

1. Rows 1 to 8: k2, p2 rib across.
2. Row 9 RS: k4, p6, k10, p6, k8.
3. Row 10 WS: p4, k6, p10, k6, p8.
4. Repeat these 2 rows, working a 10-stitch cable twist every 8th RS row.
5. On cable rows, work center 10 sts as: k1, c4f, c4b, k1.
6. Continue in Color B through Row 24.
7. Change to Color A and continue patterning, but keep center cable visible using knit stitches.
8. Rows 25 to 34: continue.

At chest area, embroider the leaf motifs after finishing. Do not try to knit them in unless you prefer intarsia. Embroidery gives a closer match to the photo.

1. Row 35 RS: k12, BO 10, k12.
2. Shape neck on each side.
3. Row 36: p12.
4. Row 37: k10, k2tog. 11 sts.
5. Row 38: p11.
6. Row 39: k9, k2tog. 10 sts.
7. BO remaining 10 sts.
8. Repeat opposite side, using ssk at neck edge.

Sleeves

Make 2. Using Color B, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: k2, p2 rib.
2. Row 7 RS: knit.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each edge every 6th row, 4 times. 26 sts.
4. Work sleeve mainly in stockinette with occasional narrow rib columns if desired for texture.
5. Continue until sleeve measures about 4.5 inches.
6. Change to Color A for upper sleeve cap and work 6 more rows.
7. Cap shaping: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
8. Then dec 1 stitch each side every RS row 5 times. 12 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Turtleneck Collar

Sew shoulders. Using Color B and circular needle, pick up 40 sts evenly around neck opening.

1. Work k2, p2 rib for 12 rounds.
2. BO loosely in rib.

Fold collar slightly outward or leave upright as shown. The photo shows a tall, cozy collar that stands up but relaxes softly.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Leaf Embroidery

Using olive green yarn, embroider two mirrored leafy branches on the cream chest area. Position them symmetrically to the left and right of the center cable, beginning about 1 inch below the collar.

• Each branch has a central stem worked in straight stitch.
• Add 4 to 5 almond-shaped leaves on each side.
• Keep the motifs elegant and not oversized.

Sweater Finishing

• Sew side seams and sleeve seams.
• Set sleeves into armholes.
• Dress the bear before final hand adjustments.
• The sweater hem should sit around upper thigh level.

Crossbody Pouch

Using Color C, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 14: stockinette, first and last stitch knit on all rows for neat edges.
2. Fold piece in half with RS out.
3. Sew side seams. Leave top open.

For strap:

1. CO 60 sts using I-cord method or simple narrow strip.
2. If knitting flat, work 2 sts wide for 60 rows, slipping first stitch of every row.
3. Attach strap diagonally so pouch rests at front hip as shown.

Embroider a small leaf on pouch front if desired. Sew two tiny acorns at lower corner or front center.

Acorns

Make at least 5 total: 2 for pouch, 2 for hat, 1 loose on table, or more if preferred.

Acorn Nut Section

Using Color D, work in the round.

1. CO 6 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, inc) around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4 to Rnd 6: knit.
6. Rnd 7: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Close.

Acorn Cap

Using a slightly darker brown if available:

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette flat.
3. Gather one long edge into a shallow dome.
4. Sew over top of nut section.

Add a tiny stem using a short strand of brown yarn.

Woodland Hat

Using Color B, work in the round.

1. CO 36 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1 to Rnd 12: k2, p2 rib.
3. Rnd 13 to Rnd 26: knit.
4. Rnd 27: work one centered 6-stitch cable if desired: k15, c4f across middle 4 of next 6 sts, k15.
5. Rnd 28 to Rnd 30: knit.
6. Rnd 31: (k4, k2tog) around. 30 sts.
7. Rnd 32: knit.
8. Rnd 33: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 34: knit.
10. Rnd 35: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
11. Rnd 36: knit.
12. Rnd 37: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
13. Rnd 38: k2tog around. 6 sts.
14. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and close.

Make 2 beige pom-poms and attach to left and right upper sides, not directly on the crown center. Sew 2 tiny acorns to the folded brim area.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Slippers

Make 2 using Color D and Color G.

Sole

1. Using brown, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k.
3. Row 2: p.
4. Row 3: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p.
6. Row 5: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 12: stockinette.
8. BO.

Upper Front Insert

1. Using white, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette.
3. Row 7: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
4. Row 8: p.
5. BO.

Assembly

• Curve the brown sole upward slightly at front edges.
• Sew white insert into front opening.
• Add 3 short black embroidered vertical lines on each white insert to mimic the striped detail in the photo.
• Attach a tiny flower at outer edge of each slipper.

For one flower use mustard yellow petals with olive center. For the other use coral petals with tiny mustard center, matching the image’s asymmetrical charm.

Pumpkin 1: Rust Orange

Using Color E, work in the round.

1. CO 8 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 4 to Rnd 10: knit 7 rounds.
6. Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 12: (k1, k2tog) around. 16 sts.
8. Stuff firmly.
9. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 8 sts.
10. Close.

Wrap matching yarn around the pumpkin from top to bottom 5 times to create segments. Add small brown stem and tiny green base stitch if desired.

Pumpkin 2: Golden Orange

Work same as Pumpkin 1 using Color F, but stop after Rnd 9 for a slightly shorter, rounder pumpkin. Shape and segment the same way.

Mushroom

Stem

Using cream or off-white, CO 6 sts. Work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: inc in each st. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2 to Rnd 7: knit.
3. Rnd 8: (k1, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 9 to Rnd 10: knit.
5. Stuff.
6. BO.

Cap

Using rust brown-red:

1. CO 6 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4 to Rnd 6: knit.
6. BO loosely.

Attach cap over stuffed stem. Embroider or sew tiny white French-knot style dots on cap top.

Dressing and Positioning the Bear

Once all pieces are complete, first place the sweater onto the bear. Gently ease sleeves over arms and pull the collar upward. Next add slippers to the feet. Sew them in place with a few hidden stitches so they stay angled outward just like the image.

Attach the pouch strap from upper shoulder to opposite hip. The pouch should rest in front of the sweater, not at the side seam. Finally place the hat beside the bear for display, or lightly on the head if you prefer an alternate look.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach the ears evenly and check that they sit at matching angles. Add the pom-poms near the ear area. Confirm the eyes are level before securing. Embroider the nose firmly and keep the mouth small and centered. A few hidden sculpting stitches from eye area to muzzle corners can help create the calm, sweet woodland expression seen in the photo.

• Head angle: slightly forward
• Arm placement: low and relaxed
• Leg placement: forward and slightly apart
• Sweater fit: cozy, not tight
• Pouch position: front-left hip area

Care Notes

Keep the finished bear away from rough friction so the sweater embroidery and pom-poms stay neat. If this item is displayed rather than played with, it will hold its shape longer. Light steaming can refresh the sweater, but do not press directly on stuffed pieces.

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Avoid soaking embroidered sections for long periods.
• Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the muzzle vertical-oval and centered?
• Are the eyes small and evenly spaced?
• Does the sweater collar stand tall and soft?
• Is the center cable visible and aligned?
• Are the leaf motifs balanced on both sides?
• Does the pouch hang diagonally across the body?
• Are both slippers attached at matching angles?
• Do the props feel scaled to the bear?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For best long-term results, gently dust the bear and props with clean dry hands or a very soft brush. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a lightly damp cloth with mild soap only on surface areas. Blot rather than rub. Reshape while drying and allow every piece to air dry completely before storing.

• Do not machine wash the full assembled bear.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not wring knitted pieces.
• Store flat or seated in a clean dry area.
• Wrap props separately if packing for seasonal storage.

This finished Autumn Woodland Bear should have a warm heirloom look, with creamy fur, deep green fall knitwear, soft rustic accessories, and charming woodland props. Take your time with the finishing details, because those final small touches are what make this bear feel so close to the original image.