Knitting Tutorial: Sweet Bear in a Strawberry Dress – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bear is designed as a soft collectible toy with a sunny yellow body, a pale blue striped dress, bright red shoes, a tiny red bow, a strawberry hair clip, a strawberry crossbody purse, a brimmed summer hat, and a small berry tote. It has the sweet look of a handmade heirloom plush, perfect for a nursery shelf, toy display, baby shower gift, or handmade boutique listing. If you love shopping for knitted teddy bears, strawberry doll accessories, or cute animal soft toys, this design captures that cozy cottage-style look in a fully handmade project.

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 to recreate the bear and all visible knitted accessories as closely as possible to the image.

The finished toy has a large rounded head, small rounded ears, a short oval muzzle, smooth cylindrical arms and legs, a gently pear-shaped torso hidden under the dress, and a sweet balanced face with small glossy eyes and a brown triangular nose.

The dress is a key feature. It has a fitted upper section, narrow straps, red bow accents at the shoulders, small strawberry decorations along the chest, and a softly flared skirt worked in vertical pale blue and white stripes.

The accessories are important to the final look, so this pattern includes instructions for:

• the main bear
• the striped strawberry dress
• the red Mary Jane shoes with white flowers
• the small red bow on the ear
• the strawberry hair clip
• the strawberry purse with strap
• the summer hat with berry trim
• the small berry tote bag

This is an intermediate pattern because the shaping is detailed and several small decorative parts are required, but a careful beginner can absolutely make it by working slowly and checking stitch counts at every stage.

Finished Size

Using light DK yarn and tight toy gauge, the finished bear measures about 12 inches / 30 cm tall from top of head to heel.

The dress reaches just above the ankles. The hat is sized as a removable accessory and sits loosely beside the bear as shown. The purse falls across the front of the dress. The tote is miniature and decorative.

Materials

• Main bear color: soft butter yellow DK yarn
• Muzzle: white DK yarn
• Dress: pale blue DK yarn and white DK yarn
• Shoes, bow, purse, berries: bright red DK yarn
• Leaves and strawberry tops: fresh green DK yarn
• Nose: medium brown DK yarn
• Hat: light straw beige DK yarn
• Berry accents on hat and tote: red, blue, and deep purple yarn scraps
• Tote body: beige yarn
• Tote lining/check detail: cream and soft brown scraps if desired
• Needles: 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or preferred needles for small-circumference toy knitting
• Optional straight needles: 3 mm for flat accessories
• Safety eyes: 8 mm black
• Toy stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small hair clip base or felt backing for the strawberry hair clip if making it removable

Gauge

28 sts and 36 rnds = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette worked firmly in the round after light blocking.

Tight gauge matters for toys. The fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip

📌Thank you for reading the article

Notes Before You Begin

• The bear is worked mostly in the round for a smooth seamless look.
• Arms and legs are knitted separately, then attached to the body.
• The head is shaped separately and sewn to the body for accurate proportion.
• The muzzle is sewn on after stuffing the head.
• The dress is removable if worked exactly as written and fastened neatly at the back or top edge.
• All decorative parts should be sewn on very securely if the toy is for display.
• For a child’s toy, replace small detachable decorations with firmly stitched alternatives.

Main Bear: Legs Make 2

Work both legs in yellow. Stuff lightly as you go, keeping the feet rounded and the upper legs slightly softer.

Leg 1

1. CO 12 sts evenly across DPNs. Join carefully for working in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, rep around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5-8: k all.

This forms the sole and lower foot. Begin shaping the instep.

1. Rnd 9: k10, k2tog 4 times, k18. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 10: k all.
3. Rnd 11: k10, k2tog 3 times, k16. 29 sts.
4. Rnd 12: k all.
5. Rnd 13: k2tog, k10, ssk, k11, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
6. Rnd 14: k all.

Begin narrowing into the ankle.

1. Rnd 15: k2tog, k9, ssk, k9, k2tog, k2. 23 sts.
2. Rnd 16: k all.
3. Rnd 17: k2tog, k8, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 18-30: k all.

The leg should now look like a soft tube above a rounded foot.

1. Rnd 31: k2tog around. 10 sts.
2. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, but do not fully close if you prefer joining to body by live stitches.

Leg 2

Work the same as Leg 1.

Main Bear: Body

The body is mostly hidden by the dress, but correct shaping helps the toy sit and drape properly.

Use yellow yarn.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide so 4 sts from each leg can be joined into the first body round if using closed legs, pick up from top edges evenly.
2. Arrange both legs parallel with toes pointing forward.
3. Rnd 1: k across Leg 1, CO 4 under crotch, k across Leg 2, CO 4 under back. 28 sts.
4. Rnd 2: k all.
5. Rnd 3: k1, M1R, k12, M1L, k1, k1, M1R, k12, M1L, k1. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 4-6: k all.
7. Rnd 7: k2, M1R, k12, M1L, k2, k2, M1R, k12, M1L, k2. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 8-16: k all.

The lower body should now be softly rounded.

1. Rnd 17: k4, k2tog, k12, ssk, k4, k4, k2tog, k12, ssk, k4. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 18-20: k all.
3. Rnd 21: k3, k2tog, k10, ssk, k3, k3, k2tog, k10, ssk, k3. 28 sts.
4. Rnd 22-26: k all.

Stuff the body firmly at the bottom and more softly at the chest.

1. Rnd 27: k all.
2. Rnd 28: k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2, k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 29-32: k all.
4. Rnd 33: k all.

Neck shaping:

1. Rnd 34: k2tog around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 35-38: k all.
3. BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing the head.

Main Bear: Arms Make 2

The arms are slim, gently curved tubes with rounded paws. Use yellow yarn.

1. CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 2-4: k all.
4. Rnd 5: k1, k2tog, rep around. 14 sts.
5. Rnd 6-22: k all.

Stuff only the lower half of each arm. Keep the upper half soft so the arms rest naturally along the dress.

1. Rnd 23: k2tog around. 7 sts.
2. Cut yarn and thread through sts. Leave tail for sewing.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Main Bear: Head

The head is the most important shaping section. It is large, smooth, and nearly spherical with a slightly flattened lower face once the muzzle is added.

Use yellow yarn.

1. CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, rep around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb, rep around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k all.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb, rep around. 72 sts.
11. Rnd 10-24: k all.

Insert safety eyes between rnds 15 and 16, spacing them about 14 sts apart. Check placement against the muzzle size before securing. The eyes should sit wide and low for the sweet expression seen in the image.

Begin upper head decreases.

1. Rnd 25: k4, k2tog, rep around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 26: k all.
3. Rnd 27: k3, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 28: k all.
5. Rnd 29: k2, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 30: k all.
7. Rnd 31: k1, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.

Stuff very firmly, shaping the head into a smooth ball. Add extra stuffing near the cheeks but avoid overfilling the crown.

1. Rnd 32: k2tog around. 12 sts.
2. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close neatly.

Ears Make 2

The ears are small rounded half-domes set high on the head.

Use yellow yarn.

1. CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6-8: k all.
8. Rnd 9: k2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
9. Rnd 10: k all.

Flatten each ear without stuffing. Sew the base closed lightly. Attach one ear on each side of the crown, slightly above eye level, angled outward just a little.

Muzzle

The muzzle is a flat stuffed oval in white.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
8. Row 7-11: work in stockinette, beginning with a p row.
9. Row 12: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
10. Row 13: p.
11. Row 14: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
12. Row 15: p.
13. Row 16: k2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
14. BO.

Lightly stuff the center only, keeping edges flat.

Nose and Mouth Embroidery

Use brown yarn for the nose and dark brown or brown for the mouth line.

• Sew the white muzzle centered below the eyes.
• Embroider a small rounded triangular nose near the upper center of the muzzle.
• The nose should be wider at the top and softly pointed at the bottom.
• Bring a single straight stitch downward from the bottom point of the nose.
• Add a tiny split at the lower end if desired, but keep it minimal to match the image.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Head and Body Assembly

• Sew the head to the neck opening with strong ladder stitches.
• Add extra stuffing into the neck before fully closing if needed.
• Sew arms to the upper sides of the body just below the neckline.
• The arms should angle down naturally and reach to around the upper skirt area.

Dress: Bodice and Skirt

The dress is pale blue and white with red accents. It is knitted from the top down, beginning with the upper bodice.

Use pale blue unless stated otherwise.

Bodice

1. CO 32 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k all.
3. Row 2 WS: p all.
4. Row 3: k all.
5. Row 4: p all.
6. Row 5: k all.
7. Row 6: p all.

Shape slight underarm curve.

1. Row 7: k2tog, k28, ssk. 30 sts.
2. Row 8: p all.
3. Row 9: knit.
4. Row 10: purl.

Create front bib appearance by keeping top portion smooth and neat.

Now divide visually for front shaping, but keep as one piece if making a slip-on dress. For the pictured look, a clean straight neckline works best.

1. Row 11: knit.
2. Row 12: purl.
3. Row 13: knit.

Change to skirt section. Increase evenly.

1. Row 14 WS: p2, m1, rep every 3 sts across to last 1 st, p1. 40 sts.
2. Row 15 RS: with blue, k all.

Striped Skirt

The skirt uses narrow vertical stripe columns. To imitate the image, work a rib-like stripe arrangement as follows:

Stripe Row Setup: *k1 white, k1 blue; rep across on RS rows. On WS rows, purl each stitch in the color established.

For easier construction, work the skirt in stranded or intarsia-flat columns if preferred, or use slipped-stitch striping. The visual goal is crisp narrow vertical white lines on a pale blue background.

1. Row 16 WS: p all in established colors.
2. Row 17 RS: establish vertical stripe sequence across all 40 sts.
3. Row 18 WS: work colors as they appear.
4. Row 19: k all in established stripe sequence.
5. Row 20: work as established.

Increase for flare every 4th row.

1. Row 21: [work 4 sts in pattern, M1] rep across. 48 sts.
2. Row 22: work as established.
3. Row 23: work as established.
4. Row 24: work as established.
5. Row 25: [work 5 sts in pattern, M1] rep across. 56 sts.
6. Row 26-28: work as established.
7. Row 29: [work 6 sts in pattern, M1] rep across. 64 sts.
8. Row 30-34: work as established.
9. Row 35: [work 7 sts in pattern, M1] rep across. 72 sts.
10. Row 36-42: work as established.

The skirt should now flare gently but not become too wide.

Finish the hem in pale blue for a clean edge.

1. Row 43: with blue, knit all.
2. Row 44: purl all.
3. Row 45: knit all.
4. BO knitwise on RS.

Sew back seam if needed, leaving enough opening for dressing.

Dress Straps Make 2

Use pale blue.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-14: k every row.
3. BO.

Sew each strap to the top front and top back of the bodice so they sit just outside the chest strawberries.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Red Shoulder Bows Make 2

Use red yarn.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work in garter stitch.
3. BO.

Wrap center tightly with red yarn to form a bow shape. Sew one bow at the base of each strap on the front bodice.

Chest Strawberries Make 3

Use red and green.

Berry Base

1. CO 3 sts in red.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k3, kfb, k1. 9 sts.
8. Row 7-9: stockinette.
9. Row 10: ssk, k5, k2tog. 7 sts.
10. Row 11: p.
11. Row 12: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
12. Row 13: p.
13. Row 14: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
14. BO.

Embroider two or three tiny white seed dots. Add a tiny green top using two straight leaf stitches. Sew three strawberries evenly across the upper chest of the dress.

Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

The shoes are red with a white daisy and green leaves on the outer top edge. They sit over the knitted feet.

Use red yarn.

1. CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-3: k all.
3. Rnd 4: k10, BO 4, k10.

This creates the front opening.

1. Rnd 5: cast on 1 over each gap edge if needed and k to end. 20 sts active around shoe body.
2. Rnd 6-7: k all.
3. Rnd 8: k8, k2tog 2 times, k8. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 9: k all.
5. BO loosely.

Sew the shoe onto the lower foot, leaving the upper opening visible. Add a narrow strap across the front by making an I-cord of 8 rows on 2 sts or by sewing a red yarn band.

Daisy Appliqués Make 2

Use white and yellow or white only if matching the image closely.

• Make 5 detached chain-style petals in white embroidery or knit tiny petals separately.
• Center can remain white or be stitched lightly in pale yellow.
• Add two small green leaves beneath each flower.
• Sew one flower cluster onto the outer side of each shoe strap.

Ear Bow

Use red yarn.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Wrap center tightly with yarn to form the bow. Sew onto the bear’s left ear, positioned on the outer side as shown.

Strawberry Hair Clip

This small clip sits on the opposite ear.

Strawberry

1. CO 3 sts in red.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
6. Row 5-7: stockinette.
7. Row 8: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
8. Row 9: p.
9. Row 10: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
10. BO.

Embroider white seed dots. Knit or embroider a tiny green crown with 3 points. Sew to a clip base or sew directly to the ear.

Strawberry Purse

The purse is larger than the chest strawberries and hangs diagonally from shoulder to opposite hip.

Main Purse Front and Back Make 2

Use red.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k3, kfb, k1. 9 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k5, kfb, k1. 11 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Row 8: k2, kfb, k5, kfb, k2. 13 sts.
10. Row 9-15: stockinette, beginning with a p row.
11. Row 16: ssk, k9, k2tog. 11 sts.
12. Row 17: p.
13. Row 18: ssk, k7, k2tog. 9 sts.
14. Row 19: p.
15. Row 20: ssk, k5, k2tog. 7 sts.
16. Row 21: p.
17. Row 22: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
18. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Embroider white seeds on front only.

Purse Leaves

Use green.

• Knit three tiny leaf points and sew them across the top edge.
• Each leaf can be made by CO 3, kfb in center on RS once, then decrease back to 3 and BO.

Purse Strap

1. Using red, CO 3 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 34 rows or to fit diagonally across the bear’s body.
3. BO.

Sew purse front and back together around the sides, lightly stuff or leave flat. Attach strap from upper left shoulder area to purse top so the purse rests at the right hip.

Summer Hat

The hat is a separate beige accessory with a red ribbon band and a tiny berry cluster.

Use beige yarn.

1. CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, rep around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb, rep around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k all.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb, rep around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 10-16: k all.

This forms the crown.

Now increase for the brim.

1. Rnd 17: k4, M1R, rep around. 57 sts.
2. Rnd 18: k all.
3. Rnd 19: k5, M1R, rep around. 66 sts.
4. Rnd 20: k all.
5. Rnd 21: k6, M1R, rep around. 75 sts.
6. Rnd 22-26: k all.
7. BO loosely.

Steam lightly over a rounded surface if needed to spread the brim.

Hat Ribbon

Use red.

1. CO 60 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew around the lower crown as a ribbon band.

Hat Berry Cluster

• Make 3 tiny berry balls in red, blue, and purple using 4-stitch i-cord nubs or small embroidered knots.
• Add one small green leaf.
• Sew cluster at one side of the ribbon.

Mini Berry Tote

This small tote is decorative and completes the scene.

Tote Body

Use beige.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-16: stockinette, beginning with a p row.
3. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams to form a pouch.

Tote Handles Make 2

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew handles to inside top edge.

Berry Filling

• Make 3 or 4 tiny berry shapes in red, blue, and purple.
• Place them so they peek out of the tote opening.

If you want to mimic the checked cloth underneath the tote from the image, make a tiny rectangle in cream and soft brown using alternating knit color blocks.

Optional Tiny Check Cloth

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Work 12 rows in a 2-stitch check pattern, alternating cream and soft brown every 2 sts and every 2 rows.
3. BO.

This part is optional, but it helps recreate the styled scene very closely.

Detailed Placement Guide

• Sew the left red bow on the left ear.
• Sew the strawberry clip on the right ear.
• Place the eyes low and wide.
• Center the muzzle beneath the eyes with a smooth oval shape.
• Dress the bear so the bodice sits snugly and the skirt flares gently.
• Sew 3 small strawberries across the upper dress front.
• Position the purse strap diagonally from the left shoulder to the right hip.
• Keep the red shoes bright and rounded, with the flower detail toward the outer side of each foot.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head sits straight and the ears are evenly balanced. Smooth the muzzle with your fingers before finishing the final nose stitches. Add tiny cheek shaping with one discreet stitch on each side if needed, but keep the face soft and simple.

Make sure the dress hem falls evenly. Adjust the purse strap length before sewing permanently. The finished bear should look gentle, tidy, and slightly vintage.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Do not machine wash if the toy includes safety eyes or sewn accessories.
• Store away from direct sunlight to protect the soft pastel colors.
• Reshape the hat brim and dress hem by hand after cleaning.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly attached
• Eyes even and secure
• Muzzle centered
• Both ears matched and balanced
• Dress straps even
• Three chest strawberries attached
• Purse strap length correct
• Shoes aligned evenly
• Bow and strawberry clip placed on opposite ears
• All yarn ends woven in securely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft cloth with cool water and mild soap for small marks. Blot gently and avoid rubbing embroidered details. Let the bear air dry on a towel, away from heat. For long-term display, keep it in a clean dry space and dust it lightly with a soft brush.

When storing, wrap the toy in breathable cotton rather than plastic. Keep the purse, hat, and tote together so the full set stays complete. If the toy loses shape over time, massage the stuffing gently back into place instead of washing it unnecessarily.