BEAR knitting pattern | Into the Woodlands MKAL Clue #1
The wait is over, and it’s time to meet our first forest dweller! 🌲
To kick off our Into the Woodlands MKAL, we are starting with the most iconic resident of the forest: The Bear. 🐻
This grizzly-inspired block uses a combination of knits and purls to create a textured design that captures the strength and spirit of the woods. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a fun challenge or a seasoned knitter following along with the mystery, this bear square is a joy to watch grow on your needles.
Checklist for Success
- Read the “Before We Start” guide for border tips.
- Use stitch markers to separate your 4-stitch garter borders from the 35-stitch bear chart.
- Share your progress! Tag me @ohlalana.designs so I can see your bears coming to life!
Grab your yarn, find a cozy spot, and let’s cast on Clue #1!
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 to casting on and binding off sts) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools for the letter o block
- Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
- Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
- Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!
Bear Knitting Pattern
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, BEAR knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the BEAR knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
Bear Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p11, k13, p11
Row 8) p8, k4, p3, k5, p3, k4, p8
Row 10) p6, k5, p6, k1, p6, k5, p6
Row 12) p5, k5, p7, k1, p7, k5, p5
Row 14) p4, k6, p6, k3, p6, k6, p4
Row 16) p3, k7, p5, k5, p5, k7, p3
Row 18) p2, k8, p4, k7, p4, k8, p2
Row 20) p2, k9, p4, k5, p4, k9, p2
Row 22) p2, k10, p11, k10, p2
Row 24) p2, k8, p1, k2, p9, k2, p1, k8, p2
Row 26) p2, k7, p2, k3, p7, k3, p2, k7, p2
Row 28) p2, k31, p2
Row 30) p3, k29, p3
Row 32) p3, k29, p3
Row 34) p4, k27, p4
Row 36) p4, k27, p4
Row 38) p5, k25, p5
Row 40) p5, k25, p5
Row 42) p4, k2, p1, k21, p1, k2, p4
Row 44) p3, k2, p4, k17, p4, k2, p3
Row 46) p3, k3, p2, k2, p1, k13, p1, k2, p2, k3, p3
Row 48) p4, k5, p6, k5, p6, k5, p4
Row 50) p5, k3, p19, k3, p5
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Bear Knitting Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
New to reading charts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can find my step-by-step guide in the Oh La Lana! Academy: How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners. It breaks down exactly how to follow the grid so you can knit your woodland friend with confidence!
Note: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row.
More animals you’ll love
If you want to keep knitting animals while you wait for the next MKAL clue, you can check out the Bunny and Cat patterns!
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save our woodland friend into your Pinterest knitting board.
© Cecilia Fameli, 2026. The instructions, charts, photos, and illustrations contained in this post are subject to copyright protections. The patterns are for personal use only and may not be used for profit. You can, however, sell items made with my pattern. Thanks in advance for being respectful with my work.
