Marigold Honey-Cottage Bear – Crochet

This charming crochet set features a soft country bear dressed in warm marigold and oat shades, paired with a tiny duck friend and matching accessories. It has the feel of a handmade amigurumi doll, collectible plush décor piece, and nursery shelf companion that many gift shoppers and cottage-style toy lovers search for.

The finished set is sweet, polished, and thoughtfully coordinated, with a flower-trimmed skirt, textured vest, brimmed hat, tiny bag, bouquet, and honey jar. It suits makers who enjoy artisan crochet animals, heirloom soft toys, handmade baby shower gifts, and boutique amigurumi display pieces with carefully styled details.

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

Materials

• Sport or light DK cotton yarn for the main bear in very pale blush beige
• Sport or light DK cotton yarn in warm taupe for the skirt and shoe soles
• Sport or light DK cotton yarn in soft marigold yellow for the vest, floral trim, duck bag, and bouquet centers
• Sport or light DK cotton yarn in sage green for leaves, stems, and floral vine bands
• Sport or light DK cotton yarn in cream for roses, duck hat trim, and bag circles
• Small amount of peach or muted rose yarn for the bear muzzle nose stitching and the duck beak
• Small amount of soft orange yarn for duck feet
• 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm hook for the bear and accessories
• 1.75 mm to 2.0 mm hook for very tiny details if needed
• Black safety eyes for the large bear
• Very small black beads or embroidered French-knot style eyes for the duck
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Sewing pins or clips
• Thin cardboard or plastic insert for bag base if you want extra structure
• Three tiny buttons for the front of the bear vest
• One tiny button or embroidered imitation button for the duck vest
• Optional blush powder for gentle cheek color

Color Placement Overview

The large bear is worked mostly in a pale blush-beige shade. The dress section combines a taupe skirt with a soft yellow vest. The lower skirt edge is decorated with marigold rosettes and sage leaves.

The duck repeats the same palette on a smaller scale. This coordinated color story is what gives the entire set its tidy cottage look, so keep the tones muted instead of bright.

Abbreviations

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

Finished Size

The large bear is approximately 9 to 10 inches tall from the bottom of the shoes to the top of the head. The duck is approximately 4 to 4.5 inches tall. The tote bag is about 2 inches tall, not including handles.

The bouquet and honey jar are intentionally small display props. Their exact size can vary slightly, but they should visually fit at the bear’s feet without overwhelming the main doll.

Important Construction Notes

• Work in continuous rounds unless a section clearly says to join.
• Stuff firmly, but not so tightly that the stitches stretch open.
• The head is noticeably large and round compared with the body.
• The body is pear-shaped, with a broad skirt silhouette and a narrow upper torso.
• The arms are short, gently tapered, and attached low enough to sit beside the vest.
• The feet are rounded and slightly flattened underneath so the bear can stand with support.
• The hat is shallow and tilted to one side, not centered flat on the head.
• The vest fronts curve slightly outward at the lower edges.
• The floral trim on the vest and skirt is essential to match the image.

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Large Bear

Head

The head is almost spherical, but it is very slightly wider through the cheeks than at the crown. Use the pale blush-beige yarn and make it smooth and firm.

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

Place the safety eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, leaving about 14 to 16 visible stitches between them. The eyes sit low enough to create a gentle, childlike expression.

Continue the lower shaping after inserting the eyes and beginning to stuff.

1. Rnd 25: (10 sc, dec) x 6. 66 sts.
2. Rnd 26: (9 sc, dec) x 6. 60 sts.
3. Rnd 27: (8 sc, dec) x 6. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 28: (7 sc, dec) x 6. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 29: (6 sc, dec) x 6. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 30: (5 sc, dec) x 6. 36 sts.

Stuff the head firmly. Do not close it fully yet if you prefer sewing it onto the body with a wider opening. Fasten off with a long tail.

Muzzle

The muzzle is a rounded oval pad that sits centered between the eyes and slightly below them. It should project softly but not too far.

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

Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly. Sew the muzzle centered between Rnds 17 and 23 of the head. Embroider a triangular nose in muted rose-brown, then stitch a short vertical line downward.

Ears

The ears are small, rounded, and lightly cupped. They sit high on the sides of the head, but not at the very top.

Make 2 in pale blush-beige.

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

Flatten each ear and sew across the open edge. Pin the ears slightly above eye level, leaving enough room for the hat to overlap the left side of the head. Sew them with a soft inward angle.

Eyebrow Detail

Using matching brown or taupe embroidery thread, stitch a short curved line above each eye. These lines are simple and understated. Keep them thin and slightly angled upward toward the outer sides for the same gentle expression seen in the image.

Body

The body is built as a narrow upper torso that widens steadily into a skirted lower half. It is important that the lower body look full and bell-shaped rather than cylindrical.

Begin with pale blush-beige for the upper torso.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 7 to 10: sc around. 36 sts.

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Change to taupe for the skirt section.

1. Rnd 11: (5 sc, inc) x 6. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 12: sc around. 42 sts.
3. Rnd 13: (6 sc, inc) x 6. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 14: sc around. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 15: (7 sc, inc) x 6. 54 sts.
6. Rnd 16: sc around. 54 sts.
7. Rnd 17: (8 sc, inc) x 6. 60 sts.
8. Rnd 18 to 23: sc around. 60 sts.

Stuff the torso firmly at the top and moderately through the skirt so it holds a rounded, weighted shape. Lightly flatten the bottom while adjusting the stuffing so the front hangs smoothly.

If you want a more stable standing base, add a small disc of plastic canvas or cardboard inside the bottom before closing. Finish the underside with a separate base circle if desired, or keep the body open for attaching legs first.

Arms

The arms are short, softly tapered, and rounded at the hands. They reach down to about the top third of the skirt when attached.

Make 2 in pale blush-beige.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 8: sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 9: (4 sc, dec) x 2. 10 sts.
5. Rnd 10 to 16: sc around. 10 sts.

Stuff the hand portion more than the upper arm. Flatten the opening and sew the arms to the upper sides of the body, a little below the neckline. They should angle slightly forward.

Legs and Shoes

Legs

The legs are short and mostly hidden by the skirt, but the shoes remain visible. Make the legs first in pale blush-beige.

Make 2.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 7: sc around. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly. Fasten off with a long tail for joining to the shoes.

Shoes

The shoes are soft round slippers in taupe-beige. They are low, slightly wide, and gently flattened at the sole.

Make 2 in taupe.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: BLO sc around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 6 to 8: sc around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6. 18 sts.
8. Rnd 10: sc around. 18 sts.

Stuff lightly at the front only. Sew each leg into the top opening of a shoe. Attach the completed legs symmetrically under the front half of the body so the shoes show beneath the skirt.

Vest

The vest is one of the most recognizable details in the image. It is worked in soft marigold yellow with vertical floral bands on both sides and three tiny buttons down the center opening.

Make the vest as a joined or turned panel that wraps around the upper body, or work it as one shaped piece. The most accurate look comes from a flat piece sewn in place.

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Back and Fronts

1. With marigold yellow, ch 28.
2. Row 1: starting in second ch from hook, sc across. 27 sts.
3. Row 2 to 8: ch 1, turn, sc across. 27 sts.

Now shape the fronts and arm openings.

1. Row 9: sc 6, ch 4, skip 4, sc 7, ch 4, skip 4, sc 6. 23 working sts plus spaces.
2. Row 10 to 14: work sc across, placing 4 sc into each ch-space. Keep the outer front edges straight.

Separate for fronts and back if needed, shaping the neckline gently over the next 3 to 4 rows. The front lower corners should be slightly rounded. Fasten off.

Test-fit the vest around the stuffed body. The bottom should stop above the flower band of the skirt. Sew the shoulders and sides neatly, leaving the vest close-fitted but not stretched.

Vest Edging

Work one round of sc around all outer edges in marigold yellow. At the lower front corners, add 2 extra sc to soften the curve.

Floral Vine Strips for Vest

Make 2 vertical strips in sage green. Each strip should fit from the shoulder area to the lower front hem.

1. Ch 10.
2. Row 1: starting in second ch, sc across. 9 sts.
3. Row 2 to 12: ch 1, turn, sc across. 9 sts.

Sew one strip onto each front, leaving the center button band visible. Then add the flowers.

Tiny Vest Flowers

Make 3 yellow flowers and 3 cream flowers. Each flower is a tiny spiral or puff rosette.

1. Ch 12.
2. Work 2 hdc in each chain across.
3. Roll into a tight coil and stitch the base securely.

Arrange the flowers alternating yellow and cream along each sage strip. Add small green stitches at the sides if you want a leaf impression. Sew 3 tiny buttons down the center of the vest opening.

Skirt Floral Border

The skirt border is built from individual marigold rosettes with small sage leaves between them. This detail should sit above the hem, not directly on the bottom edge.

Rosettes

Make enough to go around the front and visible side sections of the skirt. In the image, about 11 to 13 small blooms create the right density depending on your stitch size.

1. Ch 10.
2. Work 2 sc in each chain or 1 sc and 1 hdc alternation in each chain to create a narrow curling strip.
3. Roll tightly into a small rose and sew the base.

Leaves

Make small pointed leaves in sage green.

1. Ch 5.
2. Starting in second ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, sl st in last ch.
3. Work on the opposite side of the starting chain: hdc, sc, sl st.

Make one or two leaves for each flower cluster. Sew the flowers in a horizontal garland along the lower front of the skirt, tucking the leaves between blooms.

Hat for Large Bear

The hat is a shallow cloche-like cap with a soft wavy brim. It sits tilted over the bear’s left ear. Use cream or very pale beige for the hat and a thin yellow accent line if desired.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 8 to 10: sc around. 42 sts.
9. Rnd 11: BLO sc around. 42 sts.
10. Rnd 12: (6 sc, inc) x 6. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 13: (7 sc, inc) x 6. 54 sts.
12. Rnd 14: *(3 sc, inc)* around as evenly as possible until the brim ripples gently. About 66 sts total is usually enough.
13. Rnd 15: sl st or very loose sc around for a soft finished edge.

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If you want the faint yellow band seen in the image, embroider a thin running stitch around the crown just above the brim turn round. Sew the hat at an angle so the brim dips across the left side of the forehead.

Mini Tote Bag

The tote bag is a warm mustard basket style with cream circular motifs on the front. It is small but important for the full look of the set.

Bag Body

1. With mustard yellow, ch 9.
2. Rnd 1: starting in second ch from hook, sc 7, 3 sc in last ch, continue on opposite side with sc 6, 2 sc in final ch. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc at both curved ends to form an oval. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4 to 10: sc around. 24 sts.

Flatten the bag lightly. Do not stuff. To keep the sides upright, you may insert a tiny base support.

Bag Handles

1. Join yarn near one top side edge.
2. Ch 12 to 14 for the first handle, skip a small gap, sl st to anchor.
3. Repeat for the second handle.
4. Work one round of sl st over each handle for a neat finish.

Front Circle Motifs

Make 6 small cream rings or flat circles.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.

Arrange them in a honeycomb-style cluster on the front of the bag and sew in place. The circles should sit close together but not overlap.

Bouquet

The bouquet consists of several marigold roses with sage stems and leaves. It should look like a tied hand bouquet resting beside the tote bag.

Roses

Make 3 medium roses in marigold yellow using the same strip-and-roll method as the skirt flowers, but with longer starting chains.

1. Ch 16 to 18.
2. Work 2 hdc in each chain across.
3. Roll from one end to the other and sew the base.

Leaves and Stems

Make 5 to 7 leaves in sage green using the small leaf method described earlier. For stems, chain 8 to 10 in sage green and slip stitch back along the chain for firmness.

Bundle the roses with the stems together and wrap the base with pale yarn. Sew a few extra leaf tips so the bouquet looks full from the front.

Honey Jar

The tiny jar sits near the bouquet and tote bag. It is a very small rounded pot in honey yellow with a pale lid or cloth top.

Jar Body

1. With mustard or honey yellow, 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4 to 5: sc around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 6: (sc, dec) x 6. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly.

Jar Top

1. With cream or pale beige, 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.

Fasten off and sew to the top of the jar. Add a tiny gathered edge or one short horizontal stitch around the lower edge to suggest a tied lid.

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Duck Companion

The duck is styled to echo the bear, with a small hat, a yellow vest, a taupe skirt, and a tiny shoulder bag. Keep the body simple and sweet, with a rounded head and compact pear-shaped lower half.

Duck Head and Upper Body

Use cream or pale warm beige for the duck head and upper body.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 6 to 10: sc around. 30 sts.

Insert tiny black eyes between Rnds 6 and 7. Add the beak centered below them.

Beak

With peach yarn:

1. Ch 5.
2. Starting in second ch from hook: sc 3, 3 sc in last ch, continue on opposite side with sc 2, inc in final ch.

Fasten off and sew as a small oval beak on the face.

Duck Lower Body and Skirt

Change to taupe after the upper body.

1. Rnd 11: (4 sc, inc) x 6. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 12 to 15: sc around. 36 sts.
3. Rnd 16: BLO sc around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 17: sc around. 36 sts.

Stuff lightly to moderately. Shape into a tiny bell form. Close the base if desired, or leave room for adding legs.

Duck Feet

Make 2 in orange.

1. Ch 4.
2. In second ch from hook, sl st, sc, hdc, then work back with sl st.

Make a second toe beside the first if you want a slightly webbed look. Sew under the body so the feet peek out at the front.

Duck Vest

With marigold yellow, ch 14.

1. Row 1: starting in second ch, sc across. 13 sts.
2. Row 2 to 5: ch 1, turn, sc across.
3. Shape tiny front opening by leaving a small center gap or by sewing a decorative button to the front after fitting.

Add one tiny button and wrap the vest around the duck’s upper body. It should look fitted and short, similar to the bear’s vest.

Duck Hat

Use cream or pale beige.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4 to 5: sc around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 6: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 7: (2 sc, inc) x 6. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 8: loose sc around for a tiny brim.

Sew the hat slightly off-center just like the bear’s hat.

Duck Shoulder Bag

Make a tiny mustard oval exactly like a miniature version of the tote bag body, but much smaller.

1. Ch 5.
2. Work a tiny oval base with 10 to 12 sts total.
3. Build 3 to 4 rounds of sc upward.
4. Make a long chain strap and sew it diagonally across the duck’s body.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head securely to the body, checking that the face tilts slightly forward rather than upward. Attach the arms so they rest close to the skirt sides. Position the legs evenly so both shoes show from the front.

Add the vest, then pin the hat at a relaxed angle over the left ear. Sew the muzzle neatly, stitch the nose carefully, and keep the embroidered eyebrow lines short. A tiny touch of blush on the cheeks can soften the expression.

Arrange the tote bag, bouquet, and honey jar near the bear’s feet. Place the duck close to the right side of the bear so the two figures read as one coordinated display set.

Care Notes

• Use cotton yarn with tight stitches for the cleanest finish.
• Keep all sewn details secure, especially tiny buttons and bead-like eyes.
• For display pieces, avoid overhandling the floral trims.
• If the item is intended for a child, replace all hard notions with embroidery.
• Store the hat and bouquet in shape by keeping them upright when not displayed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is large, round, and centered
• Hat is tilted to the left side
• Vest has two floral front strips and three buttons
• Skirt border has marigold flowers with sage leaves
• Shoes are visible under the skirt
• Tote bag has cream circle motifs
• Bouquet includes yellow roses and green stems
• Honey jar is small and rounded with a pale top
• Duck repeats the same outfit colors as the bear

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a soft cloth, cool water, and mild soap. Do not scrub the floral trims or embroidered face. Press with a towel to remove extra moisture, then reshape the hat brim, skirt curve, and bouquet before air drying flat.

For long-term preservation, keep the set away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and rough storage. Place it in a clean display box or on a sheltered shelf to protect the light yarn shades from dust and fading.