I already wrote a bee for you (the Easy Crochet Bee keychain), so this one is a different design: a larger, soft bumblebee plushie with a fuzzy-looking striped body, closed sleepy eyes, and a tiny flower to hold. It is not a keychain, so it has no loop and is worked bigger, in one piece. It uses only basic stitches, so it is perfect for beginners. Give it as a gift, set it on a desk, or make a whole hive in different colors.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, using only basic stitches, with simple sewing.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The head and body are worked in one piece in continuous rounds, with stripes changed every 2 rounds. The wings, antennae, stinger, and flower are worked separately and sewn on. All features are embroidered.
Estimated size: About 11 cm (4.25 in) tall, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and feature placement to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in yellow, approximately 25 g, and black, approximately 15 g.
- White yarn, approximately 4 g, for the wings.
- Pink yarn, approximately 2 g, and a little yellow for the flower.
- Black thread for the closed eyes and smile, and pink thread for the cheeks.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
All features are embroidered, so this bee is suitable for babies and young children. Sew every part on firmly.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round. When you change color, switch on the final yarn-over of the last stitch of the previous round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly but evenly, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. Count your stitches at the end of every round. It is the best habit a beginner can build. A small jog in the stripes is normal in spiral crochet.
Head and Body (yellow and black)
Round 1: With yellow, 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 7–10: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 4 rounds]
The face is Rounds 7–10. Embroider the eyes and smile later.
Rounds 11–12: Change to black. Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 2 rounds]
Rounds 13–14: Change to yellow. Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 2 rounds]
Rounds 15–16: Change to black. Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 2 rounds]
Round 17: Change to yellow. (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 18: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Stuff firmly now.
Round 19: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Round 20: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Round 21: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off, thread the tail through the remaining front loops, draw closed, and hide the end. The closed hole is the bottom. Flatten the bottom slightly so the bee sits.
Wings (make 2, white)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: Sc around. [18]
Round 5: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten and sew the open edge to the back, one wing on each side of the center, at about Rounds 11–13, angled slightly upward.
Antennae (make 2, black)
Leave a long tail, then ch 8. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off with a long tail. Curl around a pencil for a gentle bend. Sew the base to the top of the head, about 4 stitches apart, angled slightly outward.
Stinger (black)
Round 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Round 2: Sc around. [4]
Fasten off with a long tail, stuff with a tiny wisp, and sew to the center of the bottom, at the back.
Flower (pink and yellow)
With yellow, 6 sc in MR. Join with a sl st to the first sc and fasten off. [6]
Join pink in any stitch. Ch 3, sl st in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times. Fasten off with a long tail. Sew the flower to the front of the body, just below the belly stripe, as if the bee is holding it.
Face
- Sleepy eyes: With black thread, embroider two small downward curves (like closed eyelids) on Rounds 8–9, with about 10 stitches between them.
- Smile: Embroider a tiny smile about 2 rounds below the eyes, about 3 stitches wide.
- Cheeks: With pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches below and outside each eye.
Assembly and Finishing
- Antennae: Sew them to the top of the head.
- Wings: Pin both wings to the back, check from the front, then sew on firmly.
- Stinger and flower: Sew them on as described above.
- Shape: Roll the body gently between your palms to smooth lumps.
Hide every tail and give each part a gentle tug to check it holds.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
My stitch count is off. Count at the end of every round. If you are one stitch off, undo the round and redo it.
The stripes look uneven. Change color on the last stitch of the round and move the marker before the next round.
The wings flop. Sew them on with more stitches along the base, or press them flat with a damp cloth.
The bee tips forward. Flatten the bottom and add a little more stuffing in the lower half.
The eyes look uneven. Mark both positions with pins first, and check the face from the front and from above before embroidering.
FAQ
What yarn should a beginner use? Smooth, light-colored cotton or acrylic in DK weight. Dark yarn hides the stitches and is harder to read, so the yellow rounds are the easiest place to practice counting.
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a bee about twice the size, and add 2 extra plain rounds to the body.
Can I use safety eyes? Yes, for older children and adults. Use 6 mm safety eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, with 10 stitches between them.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try pastel pink and white stripes, or blue and cream for a baby gift.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Crochet Bee Pattern (Keychain)
- Tiny Crochet Chick Pattern
- Easy Amigurumi for Beginners (Cat)
Save This Pattern
Pin this Easy Crochet Bee Amigurumi Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next first project. Happy crocheting!
