Like many knitters who take up knitting for NICUs or other charities, my first patterns came from the incredibly generous, talented, and inspiring Bev Qualheim of Bev's Country Cottage. My first teddy bears came from a pattern on her site: Bear Pair Teddy Bear. This pattern was donated by its designer for charity use only. Great for NICU's, police children's programs, Pediatric units, homeless shelters, and other wonderful charities. It's a quick work up and easily adapted in size by changing yarn ply and/or needle size. It can also be dressed up or down depending on the look desired or the age of the babies/children for whom it's being knitted.
Do check with your charity of choice prior to making them up so that you can fit your efforts to their needs. For example, as a novice, I made several bears up for our NICU and then found out that due to infection issues we are not allowed to keep any toys in their cribs/isolettes. But. The bears I made were given to siblings of our NICU babies. It was still a win-win. I just needed to make my efforts better coordinate with our NICU's needs and policies.
A huge THANK YOU to Bev andfor all that she does to promote charity knitting, crocheting, and sewing! http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/
Just a hint I've learned personally: don't forget the children and teenagers of your family! Last year I made these with size 8 needles and chunky yarn for each of the teenaged girls in my family, each in their favorite colors, and I think it was one of their favorite gifts. Since they don't chew buttons off like a toddler, I added googly eyes to their bears, as well as heart buttons on the left chest to remind them that Aunt Gonnie loves them. The bears were a huge hit. I think that's proof that you're never too old to enjoy a cuddly teddy bear.
its so lovely....it will feel cozzy in my hands..
Posted by: Bamboo Toys | 01/04/2012 at 12:21 AM
Definitely the best teddy pattern and shape i have seen in ages! Thank you so much for sharing your progress and the finished bear.
Posted by: soft toys | 04/29/2012 at 02:59 PM
Thank you for this pattern our local police force has requested 500 knitted teddy bears so this pattern will be very useful they are for children involved in R.T.A s
Thank You
Posted by: John Thurlow | 02/23/2014 at 07:41 AM
How exciting! Thank you so much for telling me, John!
Posted by: Glenna | 03/24/2014 at 01:55 AM
My son received one of these in a hospital emergency room 16 years ago ( he was 4) , he still has it and says he'll never get rid of it. Thanks for the pattern, I am going to make some now for our local RMCP
Posted by: Rena Krell | 09/03/2015 at 12:33 PM
where can i find the pattern
Posted by: Alice Teed | 04/04/2017 at 05:39 PM
Click on the words "Bear Pair Teddy Bears" and it will take directly to the pattern. Thanks!
Posted by: Glenna | 04/04/2017 at 06:40 PM