To Finish Project:

#310 Black DMC Pearl Cotton Floss - 8 yds.
Red Redheart Yarn for Whipstitching - 8 yds.
#33 Needloft Iridescent White Cord for dots - 1 yd

For Handles:

Red Redheart Yarn - 8 pieces 3 feet each
White Redheart Yarn - 8 pieces 3 feet each

Stitches Used:

Continental Stitch
Reverse Continental Stitch
Embroidery Backstitch
French Knot
Whip Stitch

Instructions:

Cut 2 pieces of 60X78 threads (59X77 holes) for front and back, 2 pieces of 20X78 threads (19X77 holes) for the sides, and 1 piece of 20X60 threads (19X59 holes) for the bottom. Stitch 1 piece of 60X78 threads (59X77 holes) according to the pattern startng 20 threads across and 11 threads down (20x11 holes), with the top of the bear's right ear. This will center the pattern onto the canvas. Stitch the project as directed on the pattern. When done, using the outline pattern backstitch the entire pattern in black floss. I doubled the floss to do the backstitching. Using
French knots, stitch dots onto the heart in #33 Needloft Iridescent White Cord.

Whipstitch the sides, bottom and back with red Redheart yarn to the front. Don't forget to whipstitch the top edges of all 4 sides with red Redheart yarn. 17 holes across and 5 holes down thread 2 pieces of red Redheart yarn and 2 pieces of white Redheart yarn; 18 holes across and 5 holes down thread 2 more pieces of red Redheart yarn and 2 more pieces of white Redheart yarn. Knot all 8 pieces of yarn on the outside of the tote and trim so they are even. Braid all 8 pieces so you have about twelve inches of braid, then thread 2 pieces of red Redheart yarn and 2 pieces of white Redheart yarn through 42 holes across and 5 holes down. The other 2 pieces of red Redheart yarn and 2 pieces of white Redheart yarn thread
through 43 holes across and 5 holes down. Knot all 8 pieces together and then trim so they are even. Do the same for the back side of the tote, so you have 2 handles.

The Pattern!

Have You Hugged Someone Today?