Benji Bear

Benji Bear Knitting Pattern by Amanda Berry

What Is Being Made

Benji Bear is a beginner-friendly knitted toy bear designed by Amanda Berry. The pattern creates a soft, cuddly stuffed bear accompanied by a coordinating knitted scarf. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for crafters new to toy knitting who want to create a finished plush companion with personality and charm.

Primary Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary construction method. The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners, making it an excellent introduction to toy knitting. Crafters will practice basic shaping and assembly skills required to transform flat knitted pieces into a three-dimensional stuffed bear.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch details are outlined in the full pattern, the bear is constructed from knitted fabric pieces that are seamed together using a darning needle. The scarf is a separate knitted component that complements the bear. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques typical of toy knitting, allowing the bear to take form through strategic increases and decreases during the knitting process.

Materials and Yarn

The Benji Bear pattern calls for DK weight yarn (double knitting, light worsted weight, 8 ply) in two colors:

• Brown yarn for the bear: Approximately 50g of a fleecy bouclé or faux fur DK weight yarn creates the characteristic fluffy, textured appearance. The original yarn shade has been discontinued; Sirdar Snuggly Bunny DK in shade Fawn is recommended as a suitable substitute, or any similar fleecy DK weight yarn.
• Blue yarn for the scarf: Approximately 50g of acrylic DK weight yarn. The original pattern used Hayfield Bonus DK in shade Denim; a similar acrylic DK yarn works equally well.
• Black embroidery yarn: A small amount of black acrylic 4 ply yarn is used to embroider the bear's nose, adding facial definition.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires 4mm (US 6) single pointed needles with a minimum length of 20cm. Additional notions include a stitch holder for managing active stitches, a darning or tapestry needle for seaming the knitted pieces together, and a tape measure or ruler for checking gauge and measurements. The bear is completed with two 12mm toy safety eyes and approximately 200g of toy filling to stuff the finished bear, ensuring it is safe and huggable.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner difficulty, this pattern is accessible to knitters new to toy construction. The straightforward techniques and manageable yarn weight make Benji Bear an ideal first toy knitting project.