This Easy Crochet Bee Pattern makes a tiny, chubby amigurumi bee with black and yellow stripes, little white wings, a sweet embroidered smile, and two curly antennae. It is worked in simple continuous rounds with basic increases and decreases, so it is perfect for beginners. Clip it to a bag, hang it from your keys, or make a whole swarm as party favors.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, with basic shaping, embroidery, and 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 and antennae are worked separately and sewn on. A chain loop holds the key ring.
Estimated size: About 6 cm (2.5 in) tall and 6 cm wide without the wings, 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 15 g, and black, approximately 10 g.
- White yarn, approximately 3 g, for the wings.
- Pink yarn or thread for the cheeks, and black thread for the smile.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Two 6 mm black safety eyes, or black yarn for embroidered eyes.
- A split key ring or lobster clasp.
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
Use embroidered eyes if the keychain might be handled by a baby or young child, and keep it away from children under three because of the small parts and metal ring.
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.
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. A keychain gets handled a lot, so sew every part on securely.
When you change color, switch on the final yarn-over of the last stitch of the previous round, and carry the unused yarn loosely inside the body. A small jog in the stripes is normal in spiral crochet.
Head and Body
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]
Rounds 6–7: Sc in every stitch. [30 per round; 2 rounds]
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 5 and 6, with about 7 stitches between them. Fit the backs securely.
Rounds 8–9: Change to black. Sc around. [30 per round]
Rounds 10–11: Change to yellow. Sc around. [30 per round]
Rounds 12–13: Change to black. Sc around. [30 per round]
Round 14: Change to yellow. (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Round 15: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Stuff firmly now.
Round 16: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Round 17: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off, thread the tail through the remaining front loops, draw closed, and hide the end.
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]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten the wing and sew the open edge to the back of the bee, one on each side of the center, between the first two black stripes, angled slightly upward.
Antennae (make 2, black)
Leave a long tail, then ch 9. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off with a long tail. Curl the strand around a pencil to give it a gentle bend. Sew the base to the top of the head, about 3 stitches apart, with the tails.
Keychain Loop
With black, leave a long tail and ch 12. Sl st in the first ch to form a ring. Fasten off with a long tail. Thread the ring through the key ring, then sew the base of the loop firmly to the top-center of the head, behind the antennae. Pass the tail through several stitches inside the head before cutting.
Assembly and Face
- Antennae: Sew the antennae to the top of the head, angled slightly outward.
- Wings: Pin both wings to the back and check them from the front before sewing.
- Loop: Sew the keychain loop to the top of the head, firmly, with several passes.
- Smile: Embroider a tiny smile with black thread, about 3 stitches wide, between the eyes and 2 rounds below them.
- Cheeks: With pink thread, make a small patch of 2 or 3 stitches on each side, just below and outside the eyes.
Hide every tail and give the wings, antennae, and loop a firm tug to check they hold.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The stripes look uneven. Make every color change on the last stitch of a round, and move the marker before you start the next round.
The bee looks lumpy. Add stuffing in small wisps and roll the body between your palms to smooth it.
The wings flop. Sew them with more stitches along the base, or stiffen them with a light spray of fabric stiffener.
The loop pulls out. Pass the tail through several stitches inside the head, and sew the base on with at least two passes.
The eyes look uneven. Pin the eyes before inserting them, and check the face from the front and from above before fastening the backs.
FAQ
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a bee about twice the size. It makes a lovely soft toy.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make two small black satin-stitch ovals between Rounds 5 and 6, with 7 stitches between them, and add a tiny white highlight.
Can I make it a bag charm instead? Yes. Replace the key ring with a lobster clasp or a short length of ribbon.
Can I use scrap yarn? Yes. A bee uses very little yarn, so it is ideal for leftovers.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Crochet Octopus Pattern
- Easy Crochet Bunny Pattern
- Crochet Christmas Decorations Pattern
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