Information

Knit a ‘Snuggle Bear’ fidget teddy and support the NHS

People living with dementia can become restless or develop fidgeting behaviours as the condition progresses. Sometimes, sensory aids can be a helpful way to reduce a person's anxiety.

It’s been two years since Fiona Crouch shared her original Snuggle Bear fidget pattern with us. 

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Fiona describes the bear as ‘a companion, someone to chat to and a distraction from anxiety, fear or pain.’

Since then, the Snuggle Bear has been joined by his friend, Snuggle Elf, that celebrated Elf Day.  

We’ve been amazed by the ongoing response to these patterns. We have seen bears and elves popping up all over the country!

Now, we are delighted to introduce the 'Show You Care Snuggle Bear' fidget teddy. You can help a loved one with dementia, whilst saying thank you to NHS and care staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

How to make a Show You Care Snuggle Bear

The Snuggle Bear and love heart can be made in an evening and loved forever. Sits in your hand or for an extra special snuggle, pop him over a finger or two and let him nestle in your hand.

Equipment

• 4mm knitting needles
• Small amount of DK yarn
• Black yarn for eyes and nose
• Sewing needle
• Small amount of toy stuffing

Skills Required

• Cast on/off
• Garter stitch (knit stitch)
• Simple button holes
• Increase

Instructions

(Head and Body)

• Cast on 12 stitches
• Knit 12 rows
• Knit two stitches, knit two stitches together, bring yarn forward, knit to last five stitches, knit two stitches together, bring yarn forward and knit to end of row (making simple buttonholes)
• Knit one row (to finish buttonhole structures)
• Knit 12 rows

(Legs)

• Working on first six stitches only, slip remaining six stitches onto a stitch holder
• Knit six rows
• Increase into every other stitch (nine stitches)
• Knit five rows
• To finish legs break yarn and sew through loops to make feet
• Repeat with remaining six stitches to make other leg 

(Arms)

• Cast on 18 stitches
• Knit six rows
• Cast off 

To make up

• Sew arms along long seam using whip stitch and put to one side
• Sew legs up to body (as shown in bottom leg in above photo – this one piece makes the head, body and legs)
• Sew body (seam is at back) up to buttonholes
• Thread arms through the buttonholes
• Secure arms in place by stitching an arm onto each buttonhole
• Lightly stuff body (a plump tummy looks fab!) but leave legs unstuffed
• Continue sewing up to top of head and stuff lightly
• Sew along top of head, making ears by sewing triangles in corners
• Embroider eyes and nose/mouth using black yarn

Ta da! You have your snuggle bear. You can keep him as he is or add a heart to show someone how much you care

Heart 

Make Two

Equipment

• 4mm knitting needles
• Small amount of DK yarn
• Felt or wool to embroider message (I use self-adhesive felt, but you will need something to stick or sew message onto heart if using normal felt)
• Sewing needle
• Small amount of toy stuffing

Skills Required

• Cast on/off
• Garter stitch (Knit stitch)
• Increase
• Decrease

Instructions

• - Cast on one stitch
• Knit
• Increase to three stitches
• Knit
• Increase to five stitches
• Knit
• Increase to seven stitches
• Knit
• Increase to nine stitches
• Knit seven rows
• Knit, cast off middle (fifth stitch). You’ll be left with two sets of four stitches
• (Working on first four stitches only, slip remaining four stitches onto a stitch holder)
• Knit five rows
• Knit two stitches together twice (two stitches left on the needle)
• Knit the two remaining stitches together
• Break yarn and sew through loop
• Repeat with remaining four stitches on stitch holder to finish heart.

To make up

• - Sew both hearts together and lightly stuff
• Using felt (I use self-adhesive felt) cut out the message or name for your heart and stick on. You could also embroider your name or message.
• Sew the heart to the bear’s paws

Finally, give your bear to someone to show how much you care!

Pattern is © Fiona Crouch, 2020. All rights reserved – for personal and non-commercial use only.

Please note the author can accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from the information, advice or instructions given in this pattern

Visit Fiona's Facebook page to see more of her wonderful knitted designs.