Want to try a teddy bear without committing to a big project? Start with this free crochet teddy bear pattern for a bear head keychain: a round head, two ears and a muzzle — all the techniques of a full bear, finished in about an hour. Then read the tips that make any crochet bear look professional.
💡 Once you’ve finished this free project, you’ll find our full classic teddy bear pattern at the end of the tutorial.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) yarn in tan and cream, black floss
- 3.5 mm (E-4) hook
- Two 6 mm safety eyes (or embroider them), fiberfill, a key ring
Abbreviations (US terms): MR = magic ring, ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, inc = 2 sc in the same stitch, dec = single crochet two together (invisible decrease recommended), BLO = back loop only. The number in brackets is the stitch count at the end of the round.
Free Pattern: Teddy Bear Head Keychain (about 2.5 in / 6 cm)
Head (tan)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Round 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Rounds 5–8: sc in each st around. (24)
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 6 and 7, about 5 stitches apart.
Round 9: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Round 10: (sc, dec) x6. Stuff firmly. (12)
Round 11: dec x6. Fasten off and close. (6)
Muzzle (cream)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Round 3: sc around. Fasten off with a long tail. (12)
Embroider a small triangle nose and a short line below it in black floss, then sew the muzzle under the eyes with a tiny bit of stuffing.
Ears (tan, make 2)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around. Fasten off with a tail. (12)
Fold each ear in half (don’t stuff) and sew it on top of the head, about 6 stitches apart. Add the key ring through the top.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Loved making this?
You've made a teddy head — the hardest part! Imagine giving a whole bear: a soft, huggable friend that a child names, carries everywhere and keeps for years. Our Classic Teddy Bear pattern guides you through body, arms, legs and bow.
Yes, I want to make it – $2Instant PDF download · stitch counts on every row · US terms
5 Tips for a Professional-Looking Bear
- Tight stitches: use a hook one or two sizes smaller than the yarn label.
- Invisible decrease: work decreases through the front loops only for a smooth surface.
- Pin before sewing: pin muzzle, eyes and ears and look from every side.
- Stuff in small tufts to avoid lumps.
- Low, wide eyes look cute and babyish; closer eyes look classic.
Baby-Safe Version
- Embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes for children under 3.
- Sew every part with doubled yarn, going through several times.
- Skip the key ring and make it a little rattle instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which yarn is best for bears?
Cotton gives crisp stitches, acrylic is soft and washable, and chenille is super cuddly (but harder for beginners).
Is amigurumi hard?
Not at all — it’s mostly single crochet in rounds. See our amigurumi for beginners guide.
Also try our free mini snowman.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Ready for the next step? The Classic Teddy Bear Amigurumi pattern is just $2 — and every purchase helps us keep writing free tutorials like this one.
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