Materials Needed & Measurements:
Suggested Yarn:
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick’n’Quick (super bulky yarn) or Bernat Softee Chunky.
- You can also use two strands of worsted weight yarn held together.
Yarn Measurements:
- Toddler (1-2 Years), Child (3-5 Years): 2 skeins
- Child (6-10 Years) & Adult: 3 skeins
Hook Size: 11.50 mm hook
Cowl & Ears: 10.00 mm hook
Needle:
Tapestry Needle for finishing touches and sewing parts together.
Stitch Markers to keep track of rounds.
Pattern Measurements:
- 1-2 Years: 8 inches
- 3-5 Years: 10 inches
- 6-10 Years: 11 inches
- Adult: 12 inches
Abbreviations:
- blo – back loop only
- bpdc – back post double crochet
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- flo – front loop only
- fpdc – front post double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- rnd – round
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sp – space
- st – stitch
- sts – stitches
- sl st – slip stitch
- rpt – repeat
Special Stitches:
- Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): A stitch worked around the post of the stitch below it, creating a raised texture.
- Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Similar to fpdc, but worked around the post of the stitch from behind.
Stitching Instructions for Bernat Crochet Bear Hood Pattern:
Foundation:
- Start with a magic ring or ch 4, join with a sl st to form a loop. The magic ring is typically used to create a tight center for the hood. If you choose to use chains, join the 4th chain to form a loop to begin working in the round.
Round 1 (Base of Hood):
- Ch 2 (this counts as your first dc), then work dc in each st around. After completing the round, join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2 to close the round.
- For a seamless look, place a stitch marker in the top of the ch 2 to mark the beginning of each round so you can keep track of your work. Make sure the stitches are evenly distributed around the circle to avoid any gaps.
Round 2:
- Ch 2 (counts as the first dc) and work dc in each st around. Once you’ve completed the round, join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2 to close the round.
- This round helps build up the height of the hood. Repeat this round for a total of 4 to 6 rounds (depending on the desired size) until the base of the hood is large enough to fit comfortably around the head.
Round 3:
- Repeat Round 2 for a total of 4-6 rounds depending on the size being made. For toddler size (1-2 years), work fewer rounds, while for adult size, work more rounds to accommodate the larger head circumference.
- Ensure the stitches are even and tightly worked. The more rounds you complete, the deeper the hood will become. Remember to join each round with sl st at the top of the ch 2 to maintain the shape.
Shape the Face Opening:
- To create the face opening of the hood, work the round up to the desired width of the opening (refer to pattern measurements).
For example, you might choose to skip several stitches at the front and then chain 3 to bridge over the gap, continuing the round around the back of the head.
- This will create a more open, rounded front of the hood for the face to peek out of while maintaining the circular shape around the back of the head.
- You can adjust how much of the front section is skipped to make the face opening larger or smaller. Be mindful of stitch placement and keep your work even.
Ear Additions:
- To begin the bear ears, you can either work directly into the hood or create them separately and sew them onto the hood later.
- For the ears: Ch 2 and work hdc (half double crochet) in the first few stitches. Increase stitches as needed to form a small circle.
- Once the ear reaches the appropriate size (usually about 4-6 stitches around), continue working in the round without increasing, maintaining a circular shape.
- After several rounds, switch to working in blo (back loop only) to create a solid base for the ear.
- After finishing the ear, fasten off the yarn and sew the ear to the top of the hood using a tapestry needle. Secure the ear tightly and make sure it is attached evenly on both sides.
- Repeat this process for the second ear and place them symmetrically on each side of the hood.
Cowl (Optional):
- To add a cozy cowl to the bear hood, change to a 10 mm hook (larger than your hood base hook) to create a nice, snug fit around the neck.
- In the cowl section, work in bpdc (back post double crochet) and fpdc (front post double crochet) stitches. These stitches create a textured, ribbed effect.
- bpdc: Insert your hook from the back of the stitch, around the post, and complete a double crochet as normal.
- fpdc: Insert your hook from the front of the stitch, around the post, and complete a double crochet as normal.
- Alternate these stitches for several rounds to achieve a sturdy, textured cowl that will keep the neck warm and cozy.
Continue working until the cowl reaches the desired height (typically 4-5 inches).
- When finished, join the final round with a sl st, fasten off, and weave in any loose ends.
Finishing Touches:
- Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends and finish the hood neatly. This is important for both aesthetics and durability.
- When attaching the ears, carefully stitch each ear in place, ensuring they are centered and secure.
- If you want to add additional features, like a bear snout or eyes, use black yarn to embroider a small nose and eyes in the front of the face opening.
Final Round:
- Once all parts are complete (ears, cowl), and everything is securely fastened, finish with a sl st to close off any remaining rounds, if necessary.
- Fasten off your yarn and use the tapestry needle to sew in the ends and tidy up your project. Take care to hide any visible ends from the beginning or the cowl portion.
Your Bernat Crochet Bear Hood is now finished! You should have a cute, cozy bear hood that will keep the wearer warm and stylish, with adorable bear ears and a snug cowl.
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