My mother-in-law, Audrey, is a knitter. Friends and family have received blankets, sweaters, hats and dolls. For the past 10 years, she’s been knitting “Prayer Bears.” She got the idea and pattern for the six-inch bears from a newspaper article. She adds a little pouch and a note that says, “God Loves You.”
I think everyone in town has a bear now. Audrey keeps a few in her purse so she’s ready if God shows her a person who needs a little TLC. She’s given them to neighbors, repairmen, staff and fellow patients at her doctor’s office, as well as visitors and children at church. Even the new pastor! Children and adults alike appreciate the extra blessing.
Audrey’s elderly friend Priscilla got two bears: a pink one to take to the hospital with her when she got sick and a blue one when she moved into a nursing home.
Friends say Audrey deserves a big bear hug for how much comfort her bears bring. I have to agree.
Learn more about Someone Cares greeting cards!
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Audrey has agreed to share her pattern with Guideposts readers:
Prayer Bear Pattern
Size 8 needles
Cast on 36 stitches. Knit 22 rows.
Next row knit 2 together and across 18 stitches. Knit 3 rows
Next row increase 1 in each stitch across 36 stitches. Knit 22 rows
Legs
Next row knit 18 stitches. Turn. Knit 22 rows.
Bind off
Join yarn, and work 1 row 18 stitches for 22 rows (use stitch holder)
Bind off
Use stitch holder for remaining 18 stitches
Arms – make 2
Cast on 12 stitches. Knit 16 rows
Bind off
Finish
Sew center back seam of bear, leaving an opening for stuffing
Sew across to head.
Sew legs closed.
Stuff bear
Sew arm seams and stuff.
Sew arms on bear.
Sew stitches to create ears.
Make pocket
Cast 12 stitches. Knit 6 rows.
Sew on bear for pouch.
Put note in pouch: “God loves you” or other prayer message.
Decorate as desired with eyes, nose, mouth, ribbon around neck, etc.
Download Audrey’s pattern in PDF format (right-click on PC; control-click on Mac).
