Holiday Bears - Toy Knitting Pattern for Christmas in Valley Superwash & Valley Superwash Bulky by Valley Yarns

Holiday Bears – Toy Knitting Pattern for Christmas

What is Being Made

Holiday Bears is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Kirsten Hipsky that creates two adorable teddy bear buddies in different sizes. The pattern produces finished bears measuring approximately 9 inches or 12 inches tall, depending on which yarn weight and size option you choose. These cuddly toys are perfect for holiday gift-giving and feature machine-washable construction. The pattern also includes coordinating accessories: a stocking cap, scarf, and top-down raglan sweater, all sized specifically to fit your knitted bear.

Construction Technique

The bears are knit using a seamless, top-down, worked-in-the-round construction method. This approach means the bear is created in one continuous piece from the head downward, minimizing the need for seaming and finishing work. This technique is ideal for beginners, as it reduces complexity and creates a smooth, cohesive finished toy. The raglan sweater accessory also uses top-down construction, allowing for easy customization and fitting.

Stitches and Techniques

While specific stitch details are not fully outlined in the available pattern information, the seamless, in-the-round construction typically employs fundamental knitting stitches worked on double-pointed needles. The pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, indicating that the stitch work remains accessible to newer knitters while still producing professional-looking results. The top-down raglan shaping for the sweater accessory demonstrates intermediate shaping techniques suitable for beginners learning garment construction.

Yarn and Materials

Two yarn options are provided to accommodate different finished sizes:

• For the 9-inch bear: Valley Yarns Valley Superwash (100% Extrafine Merino Superwash, 50g/97 yards per skein) – 1 skein in color 419 Biscuit for the main color and 1 skein in color 968 Crimson for contrast
• For the 12-inch bear: Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky (100% Extrafine Merino Superwash, 100g/109 yards per skein) – 1 skein in color 01 Natural for the main color and 1 skein in color 06 Blue for contrast

Both yarn options feature 100% Extrafine Merino Superwash fiber, ensuring the finished bears are soft, huggable, and machine washable. The pattern also calls for scraps of dark brown yarn for embroidering facial features and natural-colored yarn for an optional hat pom pom.

Needles and Additional Supplies

The pattern requires two sets of US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles for the 9-inch bear or US size 8 (5.00mm) double-pointed needles for the 12-inch bear, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include polyfill or similar fiberfill for stuffing the bear to create its three-dimensional, huggable shape.

Yarn Weight Specifications

The pattern accommodates two yarn weights to suit different preferences and finished sizes. The worsted weight Valley Superwash option creates a smaller, more delicate bear, while the chunky weight Valley Superwash Bulky produces a larger, faster-to-knit version. Both weights are ideal for toy knitting, providing adequate structure and durability for a beloved handmade companion.