What could be better than a day at the beach? All you need is brilliant sunshine, soft sand underfoot, foamy waves…

and a few beach toys for hours of fun.

This adorable girl is ready for the beach, with a fashionable swimsuit, playful inner tube, and a pail for collecting treasures. Beach Bear Rita is a crocheted teddy bear pattern by Red Heart Yarn. The step-by-step instructions can be modified as you go to personalize your creation. 

Bear’s Body with Swimsuit, Arms, Head & Ears

We changed the swimsuit from striped to solid navy with white trim. The white scalloped edge on the bottom is an added feminine touch.

Bear’s Facial Details & Accessories

The facial expression is happier than the original. We gave her little stud earrings and two bracelets. The bow is part of the original design and was difficult to make. (Didn’t seem to be worth the effort)

In Progress Flamingo Inner Tube

The inner tube was supposed to be a duck, but we already had pink yarn, so it became a flamingo. We followed the duck head instructions and then elongated the shape and came up with a two-tone beak.

Finished Inner Tube, Pail & Fish

The pail and fish are included in the instructions, but we changed the fish from orange to blue, and used contrasting yarn for the fins.

Fish in Pail & Inner Tube Around Bear’s Waist

The fish easily slides into the pail and the inner tube fits nicely over her swimsuit.

Completed Bear per Instructions

As mentioned above, we made a few minor modifications to the original instructions, but overall, this is how she looks when finished. The bow is too big, and she appears to be bald. The top of the swimsuit is bland, and the fish is almost invisible inside the pail. You’ll see below what we did instead.

Rita’s Big Makeover:

A New Hairdo

She’s a bear, so shouldn’t she be hairy? (lol) We gave her bangs and tied her new hair up in a cute ponytail. (See back view photo at end of this post)

Crocheted Bracelets & Scalloped Edge on Swimsuit Top

The bracelets are upgraded, and the fashionable scalloped edge trim on the swimsuit top draws attention to her happy face.

Flamingo has a New Friend

The idea of adding a crab evolved out of the lack-luster fish. We thought about not making the fish at all, but in the end, kept both. The pail is not big enough for two, so I placed the crab on the inner tube as though he clamped on to hitch a ride as Rita played in the ocean.

Side View

This fashionista is ready for a day at the beach, the pool, or the fashion runway.

Back View

The full ponytail gives her a fun vibe and the blue and white hairbands match her swimsuit.

New & Improved Beach Bear Rita

Here she is after completing her makeover. The fish received some much-needed details, including bigger outlined eyes, and a two-tone tail. I repositioned him in the top of the pail and added curly yarn “water.”

I hope you like this adorable, crocheted bear. The pattern can be easily found online. Making it was a lot of fun, and every time I see her, I smile. Good luck with your future craft projects.

Thanks for Reading &Happy Crafting!