Introduction
Add a delightful touch of nostalgia and joy to your home organization with this Care Bear-inspired crochet remote holder pattern! This playful and whimsical remote holder features a three-dimensional bear design, with charming colors such as pastel pink, bright blue, and sunny yellow. Each bear showcases its own unique motif on its belly—rainbow, cloud with hearts, and smiling sun—instantly reminiscent of beloved Care Bears characters. The bear arms embrace the sides of the holder, giving a lovely cuddly effect, while the head pops up from the top, complete with expressive facial features and a cheerful Santa hat perfect for the festive season. The trim of the remote holder is adorned with colorful appliquéd hearts and stars, making the piece even more captivating. These remote holders aren’t just adorable – they keep your living space neat by holding your remotes in the cutest way imaginable. They also make heartwarming gifts for children, nostalgic adults, or anyone who appreciates functional home decor with a fun twist. This project is sure to warm your heart and become a conversation piece in any room.
Project Overview
This remote holder is crocheted in several parts: the main body (worked in rows), a three-dimensional bear head (worked in the round), arms, ears, a Santa hat, and various appliqués (hearts, stars, and the belly motif). The main body is constructed as a sturdy rectangle with a rounded bottom edge, worked flat and edged with a thick contrasting border. The 3D bear head, ears, and arms are crocheted separately and sewn on for strong sculptural effect. Facial features, heart and star appliqués, and belly motifs are created as separate small pieces and stitched on for detail and texture.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project combines working flat and in the round, involves sewing on multiple pieces, and uses a variety of basic and intermediate-level stitches. Attention to detail for the facial embroidery and color changes is important. Some prior experience with amigurumi and applique work is helpful.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic yarn in the following approximate colors and amounts:
- Main Color: Pink (60g), Blue (60g), or Yellow (60g)
- White (40g)
- Bright Red (for hat and applique, 20g)
- Accent Colors: Light Blue, Light Pink, Orange, Yellow, Pastel Green, Lavender, Black, Small scraps for facial details and appliqués (5g each color as needed)
- Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing (for head, arms, and snout; approx. 20g)
- Stitch markers
- Embroidery needle (for face details)
Finished Size
The finished remote holder is approximately 25 cm (10 inches) tall from base to the top of the bear’s hat, and 12 cm (4.75 inches) wide. The central pocket fits a standard TV remote (approx. 18-20 cm/7-8 inches tall, 5 cm/2 inches wide). To adjust for larger or smaller remotes, modify the length and width of the body piece in the instructions below.
Gauge
Approximately 16 single crochet (sc) x 20 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) square in main color worked flat. Exact gauge is not vital but will affect your finished dimensions and how fitted the remote pocket is. If your stitches are loose, consider using a 3.5 mm hook; if very tight, move up to a 4.5 mm hook.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
- MR – Magic ring
Pattern Notes
- Work in US crochet terminology.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of rows does not count as a stitch unless specified.
- Rounds for the head, ears, arms, and some appliqués are worked in a spiral; use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch in each round.
- Color changes: When changing color, finish the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color for the cleanest transition.
- Assembly: Seam all pieces securely, especially the head and arms for durability.
- Embroidery: Use a tapestry needle to neatly embroider facial features and some motif details.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Body
1. Rectangle Base (in Main Color):
Ch 24.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across (23). Turn.
Rows 2-40: Ch 1, sc in each st across (23). Turn.
Adjust the number of rows for longer or shorter remotes; just keep stitch count across the same.
2. Shaping the Rounded End:
Next, you\’ll work decreases to create a gentle curve at the “foot” end.
Row 41: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 19 sts, sc2tog (21). Turn.
Row 42: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 17 sts, sc2tog (19). Turn.
Row 43: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 15 sts, sc2tog (17). Turn.
Row 44: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 13 sts, sc2tog (15). Turn.
Row 45: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog (13). Finish off and weave in ends. This creates a slightly rounded bottom for a more polished look.
Border/Edging
With white yarn, join at one rounded bottom edge corner.
Sc evenly around the body piece (approx. 1 sc in each st across and 2 sc in each row end along the sides; pay extra attention to keep the border smooth), placing 3 sc in each corner for a rounded look, and sl st to join.
Fasten off.
Bear Head (Worked in the Round, in Main Color)
Using MR:
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- Round 2: inc around (12)
- Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
- Round 6: (4 sc, inc) around (36)
- Rounds 7-13: sc in each st around (36)
- Round 14: (4 sc, dec) around (30)
- Round 15: (3 sc, dec) around (24)
- Stuff firmly here with fiberfill.
- Round 16: (2 sc, dec) around (18)
- Round 17: (sc, dec) around (12)
- Round 18: dec around (6)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Tighten opening and shape head as needed.
Bear Ears (Make 2, in Main Color)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- Round 2: inc around (12)
- Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18)
- Rounds 4–5: sc in each st (18). Sl st to finish, leave a tail for sewing. Lightly stuff if desired.
Bear Arms (Make 2, in Main Color)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- Round 2: inc around (12)
- Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18)
- Rounds 4–10: sc around (18)
- Round 11: (sc, dec) around (12)
- Stuff lightly, flatten the open end and sc across the flat edge to close. Leave a tail for sewing.
Bear Muzzle/Snout (White)
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- Round 2: inc around (12)
- Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18)
- Rounds 4–5: sc in each st (18). Sl st to finish, leave tail for sewing. Lightly stuff.
Santa Hat
In Red:
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
- Round 2: (sc, inc) 3 times (9)
- Round 3: (2 sc, inc) 3 times (12)
- Round 4: (3 sc, inc) 3 times (15)
- Round 5: (4 sc, inc) 3 times (18)
- Rounds 6-8: sc in each st (18)
- Round 9: With white, hdc in each st (18). Sl st to finish and sew on a white pom-pom and star/heart applique.
Facial Features & Embroidery
With black yarn, embroider eyes, eyelashes, brows, and mouth. With pink/blue/yellow and white, embroider eye highlights and nose. Use a small amount of glue, or sew felt if you prefer crisp features.
Appliqués & Belly Badges
Hearts & Stars (for Border):
- Heart: With a small amount of yarn, MR, ch 2, 2 dc, 2 hdc, sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st into ring. Pull tight, fasten off, leave tail for sewing.
- Star: With yellow, MR, (ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch, ch 1, sl st back in ring) repeat 5 times. Pull tight, fasten off, sew.
Belly Motifs:
- Rainbow: Work arches in separate rows of colors, then sew together.
- Cloud with Hearts:** Small oval for cloud (white), then tiny hearts under it.
- Sun:** Yellow circle (MR with 8 sc, then inc around), surface stitch lines for rays, embroider face.
Position these on the tummy, centered beneath the head after assembly.
Assembly and Finishing
Pin and sew the bear head to the top (flat/unrounded) end of the body, making sure the face is centered. Attach the ears at the sides of the head, stitching securely. Position and sew the arms angled downward, with the paws resting on either side of the opening, as if hugging the pocket. Attach the Santa hat to one side of the head, slightly askew for a playful look. Sew on all applique pieces: stars and hearts around the edge, belly badge at the tummy, and additional hearts if desired. Weave in all ends carefully on the wrong side. Use light steam blocking on the flat body (avoid the stuffed parts and acrylic yarn with direct heat) to smooth the piece. Shape the face and limbs as needed, ensuring they look lively and dimensional. Insert your remote to test the fit.
Customization Ideas
Try pastel or vibrant color combos for a completely different look. Use chunky yarn for a larger, plush remote caddy, or switch to thinner yarn and a smaller hook for daintier bears. Personalize the face with different eye shapes or a unique expression. Add a little pocket on the back for storing batteries or a charging cable. Turn this pattern into a phone holder, glasses case, or even candy holder by adjusting the opening size. Make a whole family of bears in various colors for each room!
Troubleshooting
- Curling Edges: If the rectangle curls, try adding more edge stitches or gently blocking the piece.
- Uneven Edges: Keep your stitch count consistent and use a stitch marker to track row ends.
- Pocket Too Large/Small: Adjust your starting chain and row number. Check the gauge and hooks size before starting.
- Loose Color Changes: Pull the yarn tails snug when switching colors and weave them in securely.
- Facial Details Crooked: Pin pieces in place and embroider slowly with a light hand. Undo and retry for best results.
- Stuffed Pieces Misshapen: Add or redistribute stuffing and shape by hand before sewing onto the main body.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Roll in a towel to remove excess water and shape while damp. Air dry flat. Avoid wringing or placing near direct heat to maintain the shape and softness of the yarn and stuffing.
Final Notes
Keep count of your stitches in each row and round to ensure neat shaping and fitting. Adjust your tension for a sturdy but soft feel, and use the image as a visual reference for assembly and placement of features. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity shine as you bring your own Care Bear-inspired remote holder to life!
