Paintbox Yarns Charles Bear Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Charles Bear: Free Knitting Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

Charles Bear is an intermediate-level knitted toy bear designed by Amanda Berry. This adorable stuffed animal sits at a finished height of 7¾ inches (20cm) and is perfect for nurseries, children's rooms, or as a handmade gift. The bear is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach with multiple colored sections to create its charming appearance.

Craft and Construction Method

This project uses the knitting craft with pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. All components are knitted individually and then seamed together to form the complete bear. The bottom-up construction method means you'll begin knitting from the lower sections and work upward, making it intuitive to follow the pattern progression.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Charles Bear employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Stockinette stitch (stocking stitch) – the primary fabric used throughout the bear, creating a smooth, professional finish
• Garter stitch – used for textural variety in specific sections
• Knit and purl stitches – the foundation techniques for all colorwork
• Increases using kfb (knit into front and back) to shape the bear's body
• Decreases using k2tog and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for shaping and finishing edges
• Wrap and turn (w&t) technique for short-row shaping
• Cable cast-on for secure edge starts
• Seaming with a darning needle to join all pieces together seamlessly
• Embroidery couching using gold cotton thread for decorative details

Materials and Tools Required

This project uses Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, an exclusive yarn available through Lovecrafts.com. The yarn palette includes five colors:

• 2 balls of Soft Fudge (A) – the primary color for the bear's body
• 1 ball of Pure Black (B) – for details and features
• 1 ball of Champagne White (C) – for accents
• 1 ball of Pillar Red (D) – for color contrast
• 1 ball of Glorious Gold (E) – for decorative elements

Each ball weighs 1.8oz (50g). You'll need a pair of US 2 (2.75mm) straight single-pointed knitting needles with a minimum length of 8 inches (20cm). Additional materials include toy filling (7oz/200g bag), two 3/8-inch (10mm) domed black buttons for eyes, gold cotton thread for embroidery, and a darning or tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Tension

The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 36 rows over a 4-inch (10cm) square of stockinette stitch using US 2 (2.75mm) needles. However, the pattern notes that tension is not critical for this toy project, allowing for some flexibility in your finished bear's exact dimensions.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as intermediate, Charles Bear is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques, color changes, and seaming. The pattern uses standard US knitting terminology with UK equivalents provided in parentheses, making it accessible to international crafters. The straightforward construction of working flat pieces that are later assembled makes this an excellent project for developing intermediate techniques without overwhelming complexity.