The Cozy Cub Hooded Scarf: A Knitted Bear Hood with Scarf Tails

Wrap yourself in the warmth of a hand-knitted bear hood that doubles as a scarf, complete with fuzzy ears and a snuggly muzzle. This unique pattern combines the charm of amigurumi with the practicality of a winter accessory. Whether you're looking for a statement piece for cold mornings or a heartfelt handmade gift, the Cozy Cub Hooded Scarf is sure to bring smiles and warmth. The thick, chunky yarn creates a plush texture that feels as good as it looks, and the adorable bear face is surprisingly simple to achieve—even for beginners.

This project is perfect for knitters who want to try something beyond flat scarves but aren't ready for complex garments. With basic knit and purl stitches, a little crochet for the facial details, and simple seaming, you'll create a functional, whimsical accessory that's both cozy and conversation-worthy. Let's dive into the pattern!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The yarn amounts are generous, so you'll have plenty to work with—and maybe even a little leftover for practice swatches.

• Yarn: Bulky weight yarn in three colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Warm brown – approximately 300g (about 300-350 yards depending on yarn weight)
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Cream – approximately 50g (about 60-70 yards)
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Dark brown – approximately 20g (about 25-30 yards)
• Knitting Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) – for the hood and scarf tails
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) – for the muzzle, nose, and eyes
• Yarn needle: For seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional): Helpful for keeping track of rounds in crochet

Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with MC. Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, so take a moment to knit a swatch before starting. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in several parts: the hood, two scarf tails, two ears, and the crocheted facial features. Don't be intimidated—each piece is simple, and the assembly is where the magic happens. Follow along carefully, and you'll have your own Cozy Cub in no time.

Part 1: The Hood (Worked Flat, Then Seamed)

The hood is knit flat in stockinette stitch, then seamed up the back. The shaping at the crown creates a rounded, bear-like silhouette.

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 80 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2: Continue working in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This forms the body of the hood that will cover your head.

Shape the Crown:

5. Row 1 (RS): K2tog (knit two together), knit to the last 2 stitches, K2tog. (78 stitches remain)
6. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
7. Repeat these 2 rows: Continue decreasing in this manner (one decrease at each end of the RS rows) until 40 stitches remain, ending with a wrong-side row. Your work will begin to curve, forming the top of the bear's head.
8. Next Row (RS): K2tog across the entire row. (20 stitches remain)
9. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle, then pass it through the remaining 20 stitches on the needle. Pull tight to gather the top of the hood, and secure with a knot.
10. Seam: Use the same yarn tail to sew the back seam of the hood. With the right sides together, mattress stitch or whip stitch the edges together from the gathered crown down to the cast-on edge. Weave in the end securely.

Part 2: Scarf Tails (Make 2)

These long, cozy tails extend from the bottom of the hood and wrap around your neck like a scarf. They're simple rectangles in stockinette stitch.

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Work in Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side, until the piece measures 30 inches from the cast-on edge. This length ensures the tails are long enough to wrap comfortably.
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely (use a larger needle or a loose bind-off method to keep the edge stretchy).
4. Attach: Sew one tail to each side of the hood's bottom edge, at the front opening. Position them at the corners where the hood meets the neck, so they hang down naturally. Use a sturdy whip stitch and weave in all ends.

Part 3: Ears (Make 2)

These cute, rounded ears are knit flat and then gathered to create a soft, 3D shape.

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Work in Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, purl on WS, for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Next Row (RS): K2tog across the row. (6 stitches remain)
4. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread it through the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight, and secure. This gathers the top of the ear.
5. Shape: Fold the ear in half with the gathered top at the peak, and sew the side edges together to form a rounded, cupped shape. The bottom edge should remain open.
6. Attach: Sew the ears to the top of the hood, about 2 inches apart, centered over the crown. Position them slightly forward for a cute, alert look. Weave in all ends.

Part 4: Muzzle (Crochet)

The muzzle is a flat, oval piece crocheted in the round. It sits on the front of the hood, below the eyes.

1. Magic Ring: With CC1 (cream) and the crochet hook, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring closed. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
4. Round 3: (Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch) around. (18 stitches)
5. Round 4: (Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) around. (24 stitches)
6. Fasten Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Pull the loop through to secure.
7. Attach: Sew the muzzle to the front of the hood, centered horizontally and positioned about 2-3 inches above the bottom edge. Use the yarn tail and a whip stitch around the edge. Weave in the end.

Part 5: Nose (Crochet)

The nose is a small, dark brown circle that sits in the center of the muzzle.

1. Magic Ring: With CC2 (dark brown) and the crochet hook, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull closed. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
4. Fasten Off: Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Pull through to secure.
5. Attach: Sew the nose onto the center of the muzzle, slightly toward the top. Weave in the end.

Part 6: Eyes (Make 2)

These simple dark brown circles give the bear its friendly expression.

1. Magic Ring: With CC2 and the crochet hook, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull closed. (6 stitches)
3. Fasten Off: Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Pull through to secure.
4. Attach: Sew the eyes onto the hood above the muzzle, about 3 inches apart. Position them symmetrically, roughly 1-2 inches above the top edge of the muzzle. Weave in all ends.

Part 7: Finishing Touches

1. Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in every loose end on the inside of the hood and tails. This ensures durability and a clean finish.
2. Optional Whiskers: For an extra adorable touch, add whiskers to the muzzle. Cut 3-4 strands of CC2 yarn, each about 4 inches long. Thread them through the sides of the muzzle using a yarn needle, leaving small loops or knots on the outside. Trim to desired length.
3. Blocking (Optional): If desired, lightly steam block the hood and tails to even out the stitches. Avoid blocking the crochet pieces, as they may lose their shape.

Your Cozy Cub Hooded Scarf is complete! Slip it on, adjust the tails, and enjoy the warmth and charm of your handmade creation. This pattern is wonderfully customizable—try different colors for a fox or panda version, or add a pom-pom for extra flair. Happy knitting!