A soft, squishy bear tucked into a tiny heart-shaped bag brings a sense of comfort to any shelf or nursery. This project uses basic amigurumi techniques like the magic ring and invisible decreases to build a sturdy shape that holds up under frequent hugs. You will work with a simple single crochet stitch throughout, making it an accessible project for those just starting to build their skills with small toys. Adding the detachable earmuffs provides a fun chance to experiment with texture using a different yarn weight. Each piece comes together quickly, rewarding your effort with a charming result that makes an excellent handmade gift for friends or family.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

The Classic Crochet Granny Square is the quintessential building block for fiber artists. You work in simple rounds that expand from the center outward, making it a meditative project that requires minimal focus once you master the first few rounds. Because this pattern relies on clusters of stitches, it consumes yarn efficiently and works well with partial skeins left over from larger items. You can join these squares to create blankets, tote bags, or even garments with a nostalgic, vintage aesthetic. The repeat pattern is predictable, allowing you to establish a rhythm that builds muscle memory quickly.

I finished my first stack of these for a throw blanket over the weekend. The instructions are very easy to follow and the result is perfectly flat every time.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 30 to 45 minutes per square
Construction: Rounds worked from the center outward
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 6 inches by 6 inches when using worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% wool or acrylic blend, approximately 20 yards per square.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp scissors.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use DK weight yarn for a smaller, daintier square, though you will need to increase the number of rounds to reach the same finished size. Using chunky weight yarn will result in a larger, thicker square, requiring a larger hook size to maintain drape.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain
st/sts: Stitch/stitches
sl st: Slip stitch
dc: Double crochet
dc cluster: A set of 3 dc stitches worked into the same space
sp: Space
MR: Magic ring (or alternative: ch 4 and sl st to the first ch to form a ring)

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Granny Square Body

Rnd 1: Start with a MR. Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2, 3 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc into ring, ch 2. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
Rnd 2: Sl st into the next 2 sts and into the first ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3, 2 dc into same sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same sp (first corner made). Ch 1, skip 3 sts, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into next ch-2 sp. Repeat from * to * two more times. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (24 dc, 4 corner ch-2 spaces, 4 side ch-1 spaces)
Rnd 3: Sl st into the next 2 sts and into the corner sp. Ch 3, 2 dc into same sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same sp. Ch 1, 3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into corner sp. Repeat from * to * two more times. Ch 1, 3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (36 dc, 4 corner ch-2 spaces, 8 side ch-1 spaces)
Rnd 4: Continue in established pattern, working 3 dc into every side ch-1 space and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into every corner ch-2 space. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. Fasten off and cut yarn. (48 dc, 4 corner ch-2 spaces, 12 side ch-1 spaces)

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your finished item in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve fiber integrity.
Lay the square flat on a clean towel, reshaping the corners by hand, and allow it to air dry completely away from direct sunlight.
Avoid wringing or twisting the piece, as this can stretch the stitches and distort the square shape.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension by holding your yarn with a steady grip, ensuring your double crochet stitches are neither too loose nor too tight.
Place a stitch marker in the top of your beginning chain-3 to easily identify where to join your slip stitch at the end of every round.
Weave in your yarn tails by running the needle through the back loops of the matching color stitches to ensure the repair remains invisible.
Adjust the size of your square by adding more rounds; keep in mind that each additional round increases your total yarn usage by approximately 15 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different weight of yarn for this project?

Yes, you can use any weight of yarn. Just ensure you use a hook size recommended on the yarn label to maintain a balanced fabric density.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

This pattern is ideal for beginners because it focuses on the double crochet stitch and clear, repeating corner increases that are easy to visualize.

How do I join these squares together?

You can join squares using a mattress stitch with a tapestry needle or by using a single crochet join along the edges for a more textured look.

May I sell items made from this pattern?

Please check the original designer’s specific terms of use regarding the commercial sale of finished goods before listing them in your shop.

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Your finished bear stands as a charming friend ready for any adventure you plan. You can swap the standard worsted weight yarn for a velvet or chenille material to create a much larger, extra fluffy version that feels even softer in your hands. Posting a photo of your creation on social media helps other makers find inspiration for their own yarn stashes. If you enjoyed working through these instructions, you should check out the other free patterns available on this blog for more weekend projects to keep your hooks busy.