Welcome, fellow yarn enthusiasts! It's Patricia here, buzzing with excitement to share this pattern with you. We're diving into the world of amigurumi today to create something truly special – a bee so cute, it's practically guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even go viral on your social feeds! This little bee is designed to be plump, cheerful, and utterly irresistible.
This pattern is perfect for Advanced Beginners or Easy Intermediate crocheters. If you know how to work in the round, do single crochet increases and decreases, and change colors, you've got this! Even if some techniques are new, I've included tips and tricks to help you along the way. You can expect to finish this sweet friend in just a few hours, making it a fantastic weekend project or last-minute gift. We'll focus on simple shapes and careful assembly to achieve that maximum cuteness factor. Let's get stitching!
Materials You'll Need
Gather your supplies! Choosing the right yarn and notions is key to getting that perfectly cuddly and cute finish.
- Yarn: I recommend using a DK or Worsted weight yarn for this project. Cotton or a cotton blend works beautifully for amigurumi as it holds its shape well and has great stitch definition. Acrylic is also perfectly fine if you prefer.
- Main Color (Yellow): Approx. 50-60 meters / 55-65 yards (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Lemon or Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! in Daffodil)
- Stripe Color (Black): Approx. 20-30 meters / 22-33 yards (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Black or Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! in Black)
- Wing Color (White): Approx. 15-20 meters / 17-22 yards (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in White or Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! in White)
- Blush Color (Pink, optional): Small scrap (e.g., embroidery floss or thin yarn)
- Crochet Hook: A hook size that is slightly smaller than recommended for your chosen yarn weight. This creates a tight fabric so stuffing doesn't show through.
- I used a 3.0 mm (US D/3) hook with DK weight yarn. Adjust hook size if using different yarn weight.
- Safety Eyes: Two 8mm safety eyes. (Adjust size slightly based on your gauge if needed – you want them to look nice and prominent!)
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill. You'll need a good handful to make him plump!
- Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of each round.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly.
- Scissors
- Optional: Pins for holding pieces during assembly, embroidery needle for blush/mouth.
Skill Level & Techniques
- Difficulty: Advanced Beginner / Easy Intermediate
- Expected Time Commitment: 2-4 hours, depending on your speed.
Techniques Used:
- Magic Ring (MR): A way to start working in the round that creates a tight center hole.
- Single Crochet (sc): The basic crochet stitch.
- Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch to increase the stitch count.
- Decrease (dec): Working two single crochet stitches together to decrease the stitch count. I recommend using the invisible decrease method for a smoother finish in amigurumi.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or finish off.
- Working in the Round: Crocheting continuously in a spiral without joining rounds (unless specified).
- Color Change: Switching from one yarn color to another neatly.
- Assembly: Sewing crocheted pieces together.
(Need a refresher on any of these techniques? There are fantastic video tutorials available online for each, often showing the 'invisible decrease' method which is a game-changer for amigurumi!)
Abbreviations & Terms
This pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology.
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- ( ): Indicates stitch count at the end of the round.
- [ ] x: Repeat the instructions within the brackets the specified number of times.
The Pattern Instructions
We'll work each part separately and then assemble our adorable bee! Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of your rounds.
Head (using Yellow yarn)
Start with a Magic Ring.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Pull ring tight. (6)
Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Round 4: sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] x 5, sc. (24)
Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6. (30)
Round 6: 2 sc, inc, [4 sc, inc] x 5, 2 sc. (36)
Rounds 7-11: Sc in each stitch around. (36) Insert safety eyes between Rounds 9 and 10, about 6-7 stitches apart. Place them centrally on the front of the head.
Round 12: 2 sc, dec, [4 sc, dec] x 5, 2 sc. (30) Begin stuffing the head, adding more as you decrease.
Round 13: [3 sc, dec] x 6. (24)
Round 14: sc, dec, [2 sc, dec] x 5, sc. (18) Finish stuffing the head firmly.
Round 15: [sc, dec] x 6. (12)
Round 16: Dec in each stitch around. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle and weave it through the front loop of each remaining stitch. Pull gently to close the hole. Weave in the end.
Body
We'll create the stripes by changing colors. Start with Black yarn. Start with a Magic Ring.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Pull ring tight. (6)
Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Round 4: sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] x 5, sc. (24)
Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6. (30)
Rounds 6-7: Sc in each stitch around. (30) Change to Yellow yarn.
Round 8-9: Sc in each stitch around. (30) Change to Black yarn.
Rounds 10-11: Sc in each stitch around. (30) Change to Yellow yarn.
Rounds 12-13: Sc in each stitch around. (30) Change to Black yarn.
Round 14: [3 sc, dec] x 6. (24) Begin stuffing the body, adding more as you decrease.
Round 15: sc, dec, [2 sc, dec] x 5, sc. (18) Finish stuffing the body firmly.
Round 16: [sc, dec] x 6. (12) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the body to the head.
Wings (Make 2, using White yarn)
Start with a Magic Ring.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Pull ring tight. (6)
Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: [sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Rounds 4-5: Sc in each stitch around. (18)
Round 6: [sc, dec] x 6. (12)
Round 7: Dec in each stitch around. (6) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Do not stuff the wings. Pinch the bottom opening flat.
Antennae (Make 2, using Black yarn)
Start with a slip knot. Ch 6. Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, sc in each chain across. (5) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Assembly
Now for the fun part – bringing our bee to life!
- Attach the Body to the Head: Position the head on top of the body. The top black stripe of the body should be aligned with the bottom of the head. Using the long tail from the body and your yarn needle, stitch the body to the head securely, going through a stitch on the body and then a stitch on the head, all around the join. Make sure it's centered and attached firmly so the head doesn't wobble. Weave in the end.
- Attach the Wings: Position the wings on the top-back of the body, just behind the head, angled slightly upwards and outwards. Pin them in place if needed. Using the tails from the wings and your yarn needle, sew each wing securely to the body. Weave in ends.
- Attach the Antennae: Position the antennae on top of the head, slightly towards the front and centered between the eyes. Pin in place. Using the tails and your yarn needle, sew the base of each antenna to the head. You can sew them down slightly along the ch row for extra stability if desired. Weave in ends securely.
- Add Facial Details (Optional but Recommended for Cuteness!):
- Blush: Using a scrap of pink yarn or embroidery floss and an embroidery needle, make a few small stitches horizontally just below and to the outside of each eye to create rosy cheeks.
- Mouth: Using a scrap of black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider a small "V" shape or a gentle curve below the eyes for a smile.
Technical Tips for Your Bee
- Tension is Key: Try to keep your tension consistent throughout the project. This helps maintain the intended shape and size and ensures your stitches are tight enough to hide the stuffing. If your stitches are too loose, try going down a hook size.
- Invisible Decrease: Using the invisible decrease method creates a much smoother decrease line in amigurumi. If you're not familiar, search for a quick tutorial – it's worth learning!
- Stuffing Firmly: Don't be afraid to really stuff your bee! Firm stuffing helps the amigurumi hold its shape and gives it a professional, finished look. Use a small tool (like the back of a crochet hook or a chopstick) to get stuffing into tight spots like the top of the head or the decreasing rounds.
- Neat Color Changes: To make your color changes look tidy, work the last step of the stitch before the color change with the new color. For example, when working the last sc of a round in Black, finish the last yarn over and pull through with the Yellow yarn.
- Seamless Joins: When sewing parts together, use pins to hold them exactly where you want them before you start stitching. Take small, neat stitches, going through a stitch on the body part and a stitch on the piece you are attaching for a strong, almost invisible join.
Conclusion & Care Instructions
Congratulations! You've just created an absolutely adorable bumble bee! Doesn't he just make you want to smile? At this gauge and with the suggested yarn, your finished bee should measure approximately 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) tall, not including the antennae. He's the perfect size for desk decor, a keychain, or a sweet little friend.
Care Instructions: To keep your bee looking his best, I recommend spot cleaning with mild soap and cool water. If a deeper clean is necessary, you can hand wash gently in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or mild detergent. Squeeze out excess water without wringing, reshape, and let air dry completely. Avoid machine washing or drying as it can damage the shape and texture.
Customization Ideas:
- Change up the colors! How about a pink and white bee, or rainbow stripes?
- Add small felt flowers or leaves.
- Make it a rattle by inserting a rattle insert before fully stuffing.
- Attach a keychain loop.
I just know this little guy is going to be a hit! Don't forget to share your finished bee on social media and tag trendydecos.com – I can't wait to see your creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeling a little stuck or just curious? Here are answers to some common questions you might have while making your cute bee!
Q: My stitches are too loose and I can see the stuffing! What should I do? A: This is a common issue in amigurumi! It usually means your hook is too large for your yarn, or your tension is a bit loose. Try going down one or even two hook sizes. Also, consciously try to crochet with tighter tension, pulling your yarn snug after each stitch.
Q: Can I use a different yarn weight, like super bulky or fingering weight? A: Absolutely! Just know that the finished size of your bee will change significantly. You'll also need to adjust your hook size to match the new yarn weight, making sure it's still slightly smaller than recommended on the yarn label to keep the fabric tight.
Q: My wings feel a bit floppy. How can I make them stiffer? A: Cotton yarn generally gives good structure, but if you want stiffer wings, you have a few options. You can insert a thin piece of craft wire or pipe cleaner along the edge before sewing the closing hole (be cautious if this is for a young child). Alternatively, you can dip the finished wings in a fabric stiffener solution, shape them, and let them dry completely.
Q: How far apart should the safety eyes be? A: The pattern suggests 6-7 stitches apart, centered between rounds 9 and 10. However, eye placement is key to getting the expression you want! Before securing the backs of the safety eyes, place them on the head and play around with the positioning until you love it. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how "cute" your bee looks!
Q: The antennae are a bit flimsy. Can I make them more stable? A: Yes! You can insert a thin piece of craft wire or pipe cleaner into the center of the chain before fastening off (again, consider child safety). When sewing them onto the head, you can also take extra stitches to secure them more firmly.
Q: How do I stuff the small parts like the top of the head or the body segments evenly? A: Use a small, blunt tool like the back of a crochet hook, a chopstick, or even stuffing tools designed for amigurumi. Insert small amounts of stuffing at a time and gently push it into place, ensuring you fill corners and curves evenly to avoid bumps or flat spots.
Q: Is this bee safe for a baby? A: If making this for a baby or young child, it's strongly recommended to embroider the eyes and mouth instead of using safety eyes, as safety eyes can potentially be a choking hazard if they come loose. Ensure all parts are sewn on very securely and ends are tucked away safely.
Q: I'm new to color changes in amigurumi. Any tips for making them look seamless? A: As mentioned in the technical tips, perform the last yarn over and pull through of the stitch before the color change using the new color. When working the first stitch in the new color, make sure the old color yarn is pulled snug inside the piece. Carry the unused yarn loosely inside the piece as you crochet over it, or drop it and pick it up again on the next stripe if you prefer not to carry it (this can sometimes leave bulk).
Q: How can I make my bee bigger or smaller? A: To change the size, use a different yarn weight and a proportionally sized hook. Using a bulkier yarn and larger hook will make a bigger bee, while using finer yarn and a smaller hook will make a smaller one. You could also try adding or removing increase/decrease rounds from the head and body pattern, but this requires careful stitch count management.
Q: My body stripes aren't lining up perfectly when I sew the body to the head. What am I doing wrong? A: Amigurumi worked in a spiral naturally shifts slightly. To mitigate this, you can try making a "jogless" color change stitch (there are tutorials online) or simply accept a slight jog which is usually hidden during assembly. When sewing, position the body so the part where your color changes occurred is at the back or bottom of the bee, helping to hide any misalignment.
Copyright Notice
© Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com. This pattern is for personal use only. You may sell finished items made from this pattern on a small scale, but please give credit to Patricia Poltera of trendydecos.com for the design. Do not reproduce, distribute, or sell this pattern in part or in whole.
