Looking for the ultimate cozy, adorable handmade gift for a little one? You just found it. This Snuggle Bear Kids Hoodie is a delightfully soft, chunky crochet pattern that features the sweetest little bear ears on the hood. Because it uses simple half double crochet stitches worked in a unique textured way, it is incredibly approachable for confident beginners while still being an enjoyable, fast project for experienced crocheters.
Spanning sizes from newborn all the way up to 10 years, this top-down design means minimal seaming and a perfect custom fit every time. The plush chenille yarn creates a snuggly fabric that kids actually want to wear, making it a guaranteed hit for baby showers or holiday gifting.
Materials Needed
- #5 / chunky / bulky / 12 ply yarn (e.g., James C. Brett Flutterby Chunky)
- Crochet Hooks: J (6mm) & K (6.5mm)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Button: 1x button (25mm for sizes up to 1-2 yrs, 30mm for sizes 3-4 yrs and up)
Abbreviations Used
- beg – beginning
- ch(s) – chain(s)
- circ. – circumference
- fasten off – To fasten off securely, chain 1, cut yarn leaving a 5 – 6” tail. Pull the tail through the loop that is on your hook. Tighten gently.
- hdc – half double crochet
- hdc2tog – half double crochet two together (decrease)
- RS – right side
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sl st – slip stitch
- sp(s) – space(es)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- V-st – (1hdc, ch2, 1hdc) into the same space
- WS – wrong side
This pattern uses USA crochet terminology
Pattern Instructions
Numbers given are for smallest size, with numbers for larger sizes in ( ) brackets. E.g. newborn (0–3 mos: 3–6 mos: 6–12 mos: 1–2 yrs) (3–4 yrs: 5–6 yrs: 7–8 yrs: 9–10 yrs). If an instruction does not apply to a particular size then a – is used instead of a number.
From row 2 of the yoke onwards, you’ll work your half double crochets in the spaces in between each stitch (as opposed to crocheting through the top of each stitch).
When working the yoke, main body and hood sections, the chain 2 turning chain does not count as the first stitch of the next row. Therefore, you should make the first half double crochet of the row in the first space, at the base of the chain 2.
When working the sleeves, the chain 2 turning chain counts as the first stitch of the next round. Therefore, you should make the first half double crochet of the round in the next space.
Yoke
Starting with a J (6mm) crochet hook:
Chain 37 (42: 47: 52: 52) (57: 57: 62: 62)
Row 1. 1hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 1hdc in next 2 (3: 4: 5: 5) (6: 6: 7: 7) ch, V-st in next ch (see abbreviations above), 1hdc in next 7 (8: 9: 10: 10) (11: 11: 12: 12) ch, V-st in next ch, 1hdc in next 10 (11: 12: 13: 13) (14: 14: 15: 15) ch, V-st in next ch, 1hdc in next 7 (8: 9: 10: 10) (11: 11: 12: 12) ch, V-st in next ch, 1hdc in next 4 (5: 6: 7: 7) (8: 8: 9: 9) ch, TURN [ch2, 39 (44: 49: 54: 54) (59: 59: 64: 64) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Row 2. Do not work over yarn tail: Ch2, 1hdc in first sp (at base of ch2), 1hdc in next 3 (4: 5: 6: 6) (7: 7: 8: 8) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 8 (9: 10: 11: 11) (12: 12: 13: 13) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 11 (12: 13: 14: 14) (15: 15: 16: 16) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 8 (9: 10: 11: 11) (12: 12: 13: 13) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 3 (4: 5: 6: 6) (7: 7: 8: 8)sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 43 (48: 53: 58: 58) (63: 63: 68: 68) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Row 3. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 3 (4: 5: 6: 6) (7: 7: 8: 8) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 9 (10: 11: 12: 12) (13: 13: 14: 14) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 12 (13: 14: 15: 15) (16: 16: 17: 17) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 9 (10: 11: 12: 12) (13: 13: 14: 14) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 4 (5: 6: 7: 7) (8: 8: 9: 9) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 47 (52: 57: 62: 62) (67: 67: 72: 72) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Row 4. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 4 (5: 6: 7: 7) (8: 8: 9: 9)sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 10 (11: 12: 13: 13) (14: 14: 15: 15) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 13 (14: 15: 16: 16) (17: 17: 18: 18) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 10 (11: 12: 13: 13) (14: 14: 15: 15) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 4 (5: 6: 7: 7) (8: 8: 9: 9) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 51 (56: 61: 66: 66) (71: 71: 76: 76) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Row 5. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 4 (5: 6: 7: 7) (8: 8: 9: 9) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 11 (12: 13: 14: 14) (15: 15: 16: 16) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 14 (15: 16: 17: 17) (18: 18: 19: 19) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 11 (12: 13: 14: 14) (15: 15: 16: 16) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 5 (6: 7: 8: 8) (9: 9: 10: 10) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 55 (60: 65: 70: 70) (75: 75: 80: 80) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Row 6. Ch2, 1hdc in first st, 1hdc in next 5 (6: 7: 8: 8) (9: 9: 10: 10) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 12 (13: 14: 15: 15) (16: 16: 17: 17) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 15 (16: 17: 18: 18) (19: 19: 20: 20) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 12 (13: 14: 15: 15) (16: 16: 17: 17) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 5 (6: 7: 8: 8) (9: 9: 10: 10) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 59 (64: 69: 74: 74) (79: 79: 84: 84) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Row 7. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 5 (6: 7: 8: 8) (9: 9: 10: 10) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 13 (14: 15: 16: 16) (17: 17: 18: 18) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 16 (17: 18: 19: 19) (20: 20: 21: 21) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 13 (14: 15: 16: 16) (17: 17: 18: 18) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 6 (7: 8: 9: 9) (10: 10: 11: 11) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 63 (68: 73: 78: 78) (83: 83: 88: 88) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Sizes 3–6 mos, 6–12 mos, 1–2 yrs, 3–4 yrs, 5–6 yrs, 7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs only:
Row 8. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next – (–: 8: 9: 9) (10: 10: 11: 11) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: 16: 17: 17) (18: 18: 19: 19) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: 19: 20: 20) (21: 21: 22: 22) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: 16: 17: 17) (18: 18: 19: 19) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: 8: 9: 9) (10: 10: 11: 11) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, – (–: 77–82–82) (87–87–92–92) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Sizes 6–12 mos, 1–2 yrs, 3–4 yrs, 5–6 yrs, 7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs only:
Row 9. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: 9: 9) (10: 10: 11: 11) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: 18: 18) (19: 19: 20: 20) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: 21: 21) (22: 22: 23: 23) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: 18: 18) (19: 19: 20: 20) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: 10: 10) (11: 11: 12: 12) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, – (–: –: 86–86) (91–91–96–96) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Sizes 1–2 yrs, 3–4 yrs, 5–6 yrs,7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs only:
Row 10. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next – ( –: –: –: 10) (11–11–12–12) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: –: 19) (20: 20: 21: 21) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: –: 22) (23: 23: 24: 24) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: –: 19) (20: 20:21: 21) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next – (–: –: –: 10) (11: 11: 12: 12) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, – (–: –: –: 90) (95: 95: 100: 100) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Sizes 3–4 yrs, 5–6 yrs, 7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs only:
Row 11. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next (11: 11: 12: 12) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (21: 21: 22: 22) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (24: 24: 25: 25) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (21: 21: 22: 22) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (12: 12: 13: 13) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, (99: 99: 104: 104) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Sizes 5–6 yrs,7–8 yrs,9–10 yrs only:
Row 12. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next (–: 12: 13: 13) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: 22: 23: 23) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: 25: 26: 26) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: 22: 23: 23) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: 12: 13: 13) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, (–: 103: 108: 108)hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Sizes 7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs only:
Row 13. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next (–: –: 13: 13) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: –: 24: 24) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: –: 27: 27) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: –: 24: 24) sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next (–: –: 14: 14) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, (–: –: 112: 112) hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Size 9–10 yrs only:
Row 14. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 14 sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 25 sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 28 sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 25 sps, V-st in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 14 sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 116 hdc, 4x ch2 sps].
Before moving on to the next section, the height of the yoke from the neck edge should measure as follows (approximately): Newborn and 0–3 mos: 3″ (8cm), 3–6 mos: 3.5″ (9cm), 6–12 mos: 4″ (10cm), 1–2 yrs: 4.25″ (11cm), 3–4 yrs: 4.75″ (12cm), 5–6 yrs: 5″ (13cm), 7–8 yrs: 5.5″ (14cm), 9–10 yrs: 6″ (15cm).
Divide for Armholes
For all 9 sizes:
Next row. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 6 (7: 8: 10: 10) (12: 12: 14: 14) sps, (1hdc, ch 5 [5: 5: 5: 7] [8: 9: 8: 9]) in next ch2 sp, sk next 15 (16: 18: 20: 21) (23: 24: 26: 27) sts, 1hdc in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 17 (18: 20: 22: 23) (25: 26: 28: 29) sps, (1hdc, ch 5 [5: 5: 5: 7] [8: 9: 8: 9]) in next ch2 sp, sk next 15 (16: 18: 20: 21) (23: 24: 26: 27) sts, 1hdc in next ch2 sp, 1hdc in next 6 (7: 9: 10: 11) (12: 13: 14: 15) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 35 (38: 43: 48: 50) (55: 57: 62: 64) hdc, 2x ch5 sps].
Body
Change to a K (6.5mm) crochet hook.
Row 1. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 6 (7: 9: 10: 11) (12: 13: 14: 15) sps, 5 (5: 5: 5: 7) (8: 9: 8: 9) hdc in next ch5 sp, 1hdc in next 18 (19: 21: 23: 24) (26: 27: 29: 30) sps, 5 (5: 5: 5: 7) (8: 9: 8: 9) hdc in next ch5 sp, 1hdc in next 7 (8: 9: 11: 11) (13: 13: 15: 15) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 43 (46: 51: 56: 62) (69: 73: 76: 80) hdc].
Row 2. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 41 (44: 49: 54: 60) (67: 71: 74: 78) sps, ending with 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 43 (46: 51: 56: 62) (69: 73: 76: 80) hdc].
Rows 3 to 11 (13: 14: 16: 18) (22: 24: 26: 28). Repeat row 2 {there should be 21 (23: 25: 28: 31) (36: 39: 42: 45)} rows in total from the neck edge.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Right Sleeve
Change back to your J (6mm) crochet hook.
Re-attach your yarn and start working in the space between the last and second-last stitch of the underarm section.
Round 1: Ch2, 1hdc in next 23 (24: 26: 28: 31) (34: 36: 37: 39) sps around armhole, sl st in sp between beg ch2 and 1st hdc to join, TURN [ch2 & 23 (24: 26: 28: 31) (34: 36: 37: 39) hdc].
Round 2: Ch2, hdc2tog over the first 2 sps, 1hdc in next 19 (20: 22: 24: 27) (30: 32: 33: 35) sps, hdc2tog over last 2 sps, sl st in sp between beg ch2 and 1st hdc to join, TURN [ch2 & 21 (22: 24: 26: 29) (32: 34: 35: 37) hdc].
Round 3: Ch2, hdc2tog over the first 2 sps, 1hdc in next 17 (18: 20: 22: 25) (28: 30: 31: 33) sps, hdc2tog over last 2 sps, sl st in sp between beg ch2 and 1st hdc to join, TURN [ch2 & 19 (20: 22: 24: 27) (30: 32: 33: 35) hdc].
Round 4: Ch2, hdc2tog over the first 2 sps, 1hdc in next 17 (18: 20: 22: 25) (28: 30: 31: 33) sps, sl st in sp between beg ch2 and 1st hdc to join, TURN [ch2 & 18 (19: 21: 23: 26) (29: 31: 32: 34) hdc].
Round 5: Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 17 (18: 20: 22: 25) (28: 30: 31: 33) sps, sl st in sp between beg ch2 and 1st hdc to join, TURN [ch2 & 18 (19: 21: 23: 26) (29: 31: 32: 34) hdc].
Rounds 6 to 16 (18: 19: 23: 25) (30: 33: 35: 38). Repeat Round 5.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Turn the sleeve up to create a little cuff.
Left Sleeve
Apart from where you’ll re-attach your yarn, the left sleeve is worked in exactly the same way as the right sleeve.
Re-attach your yarn and start working in the space between the last and second-last stitch of the underarm section.
Work the left sleeve by following the instructions for the right sleeve above.
Hood
Using your J (6mm) crochet hook:
Start in the upper front edge of left front. Re-attach your yarn to the space in the top corner.
Row 1. Ch2 and turn your work, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 3 (4: 5: 6: 6) (7: 7: 8: 8) sps, 2hdc in next sp, 1hdc in next 8 (9: 10: 11: 11) (12: 12: 13: 13) sps, 2hdc in next sp, 1hdc in next 11 (12: 13: 14: 14) (15: 15: 16: 16) sps, 2hdc in next sp, 1hdc in next 8 (9: 10: 11: 11) (12: 12: 13: 13) sps, 2hdc in next sp, 1hdc in next 3 (4: 5: 6: 6) (7: 7: 8: 8) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 43 (48: 53: 58: 58) (63: 63: 68: 68) hdc].
Row 2. Ch2, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 41 (46: 51: 56: 56) (61: 61: 66: 66) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch2, TURN [ch2, 43 (48: 53: 58: 58) (63: 63: 68: 68) hdc].
Rows 3 to 17 (18: 19: 20: 22) (24: 24: 25: 25). Repeat row 2.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Sewing The Hood
You’ll sew the hood together with the right side facing out.
Bring the two sides of the top of the hood together. With your needle, whip stitch the two sides together (insert your needle through the front loops on the side nearest to you; go through the back loops on the opposite side of the hood).
Once you’ve finished sewing the hood, bring your yarn to the inside of your work and weave the tail in. Fold the hood over to create a little brim.
Edging
Use your J (6mm) crochet hook.
Starting in the lower front edge of right front, re-attach yarn to the corner space.
Round 1. Ch1, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 20 (22: 24: 27: 30) (35: 38: 41: 44) sps up right front, 1hdc in next 35 (37: 39: 41: 45) (49: 49: 51: 51) sps around hood, 1hdc in next 21 (23: 25: 28: 31) (36: 39: 42: 45) sps down left front, TURN [77 (83: 87: 97: 107) (121: 127: 135: 141) hdc].
Round 2. Ch1, 1hdc in first sp, 1hdc in next 60 (64: 68: 73: 80) (89: 92: 97: 100) sps, ch2, 1hdc in next sp (button loop made – check button fits, ch more or less if necessary), 1hdc in next 14 (16: 16: 21: 24) (29: 32: 35: 38) sps, 1hdc in sp between last st and beg ch1 [77 (83: 87: 97: 107) (121: 127: 135: 141) hdc].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Sew your button on the left front of the cardigan, making sure that it’s aligned with the button loop on the right front.
Ears (Make 2)
Using your J (6mm) crochet hook:
Make a magic ring or ch 6 and sl st to 1st chain to form a circle.
Round 1. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st here and throughout), 8 (8: 9: 10: 10) (11: 11: 12: 12) sc in centre of ring, sl st to 1st sc to join [8 (8: 9: 10: 10) (11: 11: 12: 12) sc].
Round 2. Ch1, 2sc in same st (at base of ch1), 2sc in next 7 (7: 8: 9: 9) (10: 10: 11: 11) sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [16 (16: 18: 20: 20) (22: 22: 24: 24) sc].
Rounds 3 to 4. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next 15 (15: 17: 19: 19) (21: 21: 23: 23) sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [16 (16: 18: 20: 20) (22: 22: 24: 24) sc].
Sizes newborn, 0–3 mos, 3–6 mos only:
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing on to hood.
Sizes 6–12 mos, 1–2 yrs, 3–4 yrs, 5–6 yrs, 7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs only:
Round 5. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next – (–: –: 19: 19) (21: 21: 23: 23) sts, sl st to 1st sc to join [– (–: –: 20: 20) (22: 22: 24: 24) sc].
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing on to hood.
Position your ears on the hood, just above the rolled up brim (or wherever you think looks best). Pin the ears in place to make sewing them on to the hood easier.
Tips
Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for this garment to fit properly, so always swatch first using the “in-between spaces” method before starting your yoke. The magic of this pattern lies in its texture; by working your half double crochets into the spaces between stitches rather than the top loops, you create a beautifully squishy, almost
