Easy Crochet Polar Bear Applique Pattern Free + Video Tutorial

This free crochet bear applique pattern is a quick, beginner-friendly project that’s perfect for adding a sweet, handmade touch to your crochet makes. Designed as a cute polar bear applique, this pattern uses simple stitches and easy shaping, making it great for confident beginners and experienced crocheters alike. A step-by-step video tutorial is included so you can crochet along with confidence from start to finish.

Whether you’re using up scrap yarn or creating themed projects, this crochet bear applique works up fast and is easy to customize in different colors and styles.

crochet bear applique pattern featuring a white polar bear, beginner friendly

Cute ways to use this crochet bear applique

This crochet bear applique is small, versatile, and full of charm, making it easy to use in so many creative ways:

Decorate hats, beanies, and ear warmers for kids or babies
Add a cute accent to blankets, pillows, or granny square projects
Sew onto bags, totes, backpacks, or zipper pouches
Use for nursery décor, woodland themes, or winter projects
Create handmade gifts for baby showers, birthdays, or holidays
Embellish scarves, sweaters, or crochet accessories
Make quick, sellable items for craft fairs or markets
Use as a stash-busting project with leftover yarn

Because this applique is quick to crochet, it’s perfect for last-minute gifts, small crochet projects, and adding personality to everyday handmade items.

Crochet bear applique pattern details

Here are the key details for this free crochet bear applique pattern, including skill level, materials, finished size, and helpful notes to get you started.

Skill level

Beginner — This crochet bear applique pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping, making it a great project for confident beginners.

Materials needed

Crochet hook size H-8 (5 mm) — Or the size needed to match the gauge.
Worsted weight yarn (#4) — In gray, black, and white.
Yarn needle — For weaving in ends neatly.
Scissors — To cut your yarn.
Stitch markers — Use these to help keep track of your stitches.

Finished size

The finished polar bear applique measures approximately 5.25 inches wide by 4 inches tall (13.5 × 10 cm).

Gauge

Gauge is not important for this applique pattern.

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
ch(s) = chain(s)
st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
rnd(s) = round(s)
rem = remaining

Pattern notes

Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch.
Beginning chains do not count as stitches.
Repeat instructions between asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

How to crochet a bear applique (video tutorial)

Follow along with this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to crochet this polar bear applique from start to finish. This visual guide walks you through each round, making it especially helpful for beginners and anyone who prefers learning by watching.

Free crochet bear applique pattern instructions

Crochet bear face (base circle)

Use white yarn.
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join but do not fasten off. Begin the first ear. (44 stitches)

Crochet bear ears

Use white yarn. Make 2.
Row 1: Ch 2, 2 dc, dc in 4 sts, 2 dc, turn (8 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in 4 sts, dc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc2tog, dc2tog, turn (3 stitches)

Leave 6 stitches between the ears on the bear face. Repeat Rows 1–3 to make the second ear. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Crochet bear snout

Use gray yarn.
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 9 hdc, join with sl st to the top of the first hdc (9 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st, join (18 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc, hdc in next st*, join (27 stitches)

Fasten off and then sew the snout onto the face.

Crochet bear nose

Use black yarn.
Round 1: Ch 5, 2 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, 4 hdc in last ch, you will finish the round by working in the backside of the chs, hdc in next ch, 2 hdc in last ch, join (10 stitches)

Fasten off and then sew the nose to the snout. Make sure the nose is centered.

Crochet bear eyes

You will need black and white yarn. Make 2.

Use black yarn.
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 9 hdc, join with sl st to the top of the first hdc (9 sts)

Use small scrap pieces of white yarn to add the eye sparkle. Fasten off and sew the eyes onto the bear face.

Embroider the bear smile

Use black yarn and a yarn needle to stitch a simple smile onto the bear face.

Finishing the crochet bear applique

Fasten off and weave in any remaining ends securely.

Frequently asked questions about this crochet bear applique pattern

Is this crochet bear applique pattern beginner friendly?
Yes! This crochet bear applique pattern is beginner friendly and uses basic stitches with simple shaping. The step-by-step video tutorial makes it easy to follow along, even if you’re new to crochet appliques.

Is this bear applique a polar bear?
Yes, this pattern features a cute polar bear design. You can also easily customize the colors to create a brown bear, black bear, or teddy bear if you’d like.

How long does it take to crochet a bear applique?
This is a quick crochet project and can usually be completed in about 20–30 minutes, depending on your crochet speed and experience.

What yarn works best for crochet appliques?
Worsted weight yarn works great for this pattern, but you can use lighter or heavier yarn to adjust the finished size. Thinner yarn will create a smaller applique, while thicker yarn will make a larger one.

Can I use scrap yarn for this pattern?
Absolutely. This crochet bear applique is perfect for scrap yarn projects and only requires small amounts of yarn.

Is there a video tutorial included?
Yes! A full step-by-step video tutorial is included to guide you through the entire crochet bear applique pattern from start to finish.

What can I use this crochet bear applique for?
This applique works well for baby items, hats, blankets, bags, nursery décor, woodland or winter themes, gifts, and craft fair projects.

Can I sell items made with this pattern?
Yes, you may sell finished items made using this pattern. Please do not sell or redistribute the pattern itself.

Quick & creative crochet appliques

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