The Camellia Velvet Bear is an exquisite and nostalgic creation, designed to evoke the elegance of a grand Victorian drawing room or a sophisticated high tea in a blooming winter garden. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, cream-colored bear with a gentle, sophisticated expression, meticulously sculpted to be a cherished companion for generations. She is the perfect project for crafters who wish to create a timeless keepsake that celebrates romance, luxury, and the intricate art of fiber sculpting.
She is dressed in a stunning ensemble that reflects a palette of deep dusty rose, champagne, and antique cream. Her outfit consists of a unique “lattice-work” dress in a shimmering champagne tone, adorned with tiny pearl accents and miniature flowers within the mesh. To keep warm, she wears a structured, textured bolero jacket in a deep rose hue, featuring extravagant camellia flower appliques on the lapels and a row of pearl buttons.
Her look is completed with a structured pillbox fascinator hat, elegant shoes, and a unique “perfume bottle” style purse with a pearl strap. To achieve the intricate definition of the cable stitches and the structural integrity of the miniature fan held by her companion, 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 Camellia Velvet 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 30 to 40 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the lattice dress construction and the tiny spotted cow 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 camellia flowers. Cotton or a cotton-bamboo blend is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bear skin and slight sheens (mercerized) for the dress to create a texture contrast that mimics silk or velvet.
Yarn Requirements
- Bear Body Yarn: Approximately 180g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Oatmeal,” or “Vanilla.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft texture.
- Cardigan, Hat & Shoes: 80g of “Dusty Rose,” “Antique Pink,” or “Mauve” yarn.
- Dress Yarn: 60g of “Champagne,” “Light Beige,” or “Pale Gold” yarn. This needs to be a thinner weight if possible (fingering) for the delicate mesh look, or use a slightly larger hook with the sport weight.
- Cow Companion: Scraps of White and Black yarn.
- Accessories: Pearl beads (various sizes), Beige for the bag.
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny cow, and the bag to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress mesh and cardigan to allow for a graceful drape.
- Safety Eyes:
- One pair of 12mm solid black eyes for the bear.
- One pair of 5mm black eyes or beads for the cow.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small pearl buttons, fishing line or strong thread for stringing pearls.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Lattice Mesh” on the dress and the rolled camellias. 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.
- sl st: Slip stitch.
- ch: Chain stitch.
- BLO: Back loops only.
- FLO: Front loops only.
- st(s): Stitch or stitches.
- V-Stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch.
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 to give a vintage teddy bear profile. 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)
Round 4: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
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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 12-25: 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 and Face Sculpting
Pause your crocheting here. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 19 and Round 20. Position them approximately 13 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on. If you plan to do needle sculpting (indenting the eyes) later to give the face more depth, do not make the washers too tight against the fabric initially.
Round 26: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 27: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 28: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 29: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 30: 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, not squishy.
Round 31: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 32: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 33: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 34: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (12)
Round 35: 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.
The Muzzle
Unlike some bears where the color changes, this muzzle is a separate piece sewn on for dimension.
Round 1: With Cream yarn, Ch 6. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Rotate. sc 3, 2 sc in last st. (12)
Round 2: Inc, sc 3, 3 inc, sc 3, 2 inc. (18)
Round 3: sc around. (18)
Fasten off. Stuff lightly and sew to the face between the eyes, slightly lower than center.
Embroidering the Features
Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a triangular nose on the muzzle. 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. Sew them to the top of the head at approximately Round 5.
Part 3: Legs and Body Construction
We construct the legs first and join them to create the body. Use the 2.25mm hook.
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Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Dusty Rose 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)
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 4 from the second leg and join to the first leg with a sc.
Body
Round 23: sc 19 around the first leg, sc 4 along the chain, sc 19 around the second leg, sc 4 along the other side of the chain. (46)
Round 24: [10 sc, 1 inc] repeat 4 times approx. (50)
Rounds 25-34: sc in each st around. (50)
Round 35: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (45)
Rounds 36-37: sc around. (45)
Round 38: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (40)
Round 39: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (35)
Round 40: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (30)
Round 41: [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 42: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 43: 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 Champagne Lattice Dress
This dress is the centerpiece of elegance. It features a simple bodice and a complex, open-work lattice skirt. Use Champagne/Beige yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Bodice
Row 1: Ch 36. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (35)
Rows 2-5: sc across. (35)
Row 6 (Armholes): sc 5, ch 8, skip 6, sc 13, ch 8, skip 6, sc 5.
Row 7: sc across all sts and chains. (41)
Rows 8-10: sc across.
Round 11 (Waist): Join to work in rounds. sc around.
Lattice Skirt
Round 12: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), *skip 1 st, dc in next, ch 1*. Repeat around. Join.
Round 13: Sl st into first ch-1 space. Ch 4. *Dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1*. Repeat around. This creates the net/lattice look.
Rounds 14-22: Continue working in the mesh pattern. The skirt will naturally have some flare due to the mesh relaxing.
Round 23 (Hem): Work 3 sc in each ch-1 space around to create a slightly heavier, ruffled edge. Fasten off.
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Dress Decoration
Using Pink yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider small “x” or star shapes in the center of random mesh squares on the skirt to simulate the tiny flowers seen in the image. Sew a small pearl bead in the center of each embroidered flower.
Part 5: The Velvet Camellia Cardigan
This jacket adds a layer of luxury. Use Dusty Rose 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.
Row 4: sc across all sts and chains. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Rows 5-10: Work in “Herringbone Half Double Crochet” (HHDC) across to create a dense, velvet-like texture. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Large Camellia Appliques (Make 2)
Round 1: Ch 4, join to ring. 10 sc in ring.
Round 2: *Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, ch 3, sl st in next st*. Repeat 5 times to make 5 petals.
Round 3 (Second Layer): Working behind the first layer petals, sl st to a space between petals. *Ch 4, 3 tr in next space, ch 4, sl st*. Repeat around.
Sew these large flowers to the lapels of the cardigan. Sew a string of small pearls down the front opening of the cardigan to mimic buttons.
Part 6: The Fascinator Hat
A structured, tilted hat. Use Dusty Rose 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. Work normally for 10-11.
Decoration: Crochet a large multi-layered Camellia (like the cardigan but add a 3rd layer of petals) and sew it to the top/side of the hat.
Part 7: Accessories
The Perfume Bottle Bag
Base: With Beige yarn, Ch 8. Sc around to form oval. Work 6 rounds up.
Neck: Decrease sharply: [2 sc, dec] around. Work 2 rounds even.
Stopper: Ch 3, join. Sc 6 in ring. Work 2 rounds. Stuff and sew to top.
Strap: Using strong thread and a needle, string small white pearls to create a handle. Attach to the sides of the bag.
Decor: Sew a small rose applique to the front.
The Spotted Cow Companion
Head: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Body: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to head.
Spots: Use Black yarn to embroider random spots or crochet tiny black circles (MR 4 sc) and sew them on.
Horns/Ears: Tiny beige knots for horns, tiny pink loops for ears.
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Flower: Tack a tiny pink flower to its head.
The Miniature Fan
Row 1: Ch 4, join to ring.
Row 2: 10 dc in ring. Turn.
Row 3: *dc, ch 1* across. Turn.
Row 4: *sc in space, ch 3, sc in space* across. Fasten off. Use Beige yarn.
Tack the fan to the cow’s hand.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Dusty Rose yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Decoration: Sew a tiny white pearl or flower to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Camellia Velvet Bear to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Put the mesh dress on feet first. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the hat.
- Props: Hang the pearl-strap bag on her arm. Position the spotted cow companion at her feet holding the fan.
- 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 due to the pearls and delicate mesh. If the bear gets dusty, use a lint roller or compressed air. For stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Store out of direct sunlight.
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 pearl beads tightly so they don’t fall off?
- Is the mesh skirt even?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like pearls and mesh, 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 to protect it from dust and light.
Congratulations! Your Camellia Velvet Bear is now complete. This character serves as a luxurious tribute to the elegance of the past and the beauty of winter flowers. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
