Use this free pattern to make a lovely Amigurumi crochet bee with a realistic and whimsical “honeybee” look! Whether you’re the one who’s a bee lover or are looking for a project that will make a perfect gift, I’m sure you’ll be delighted with this pattern.
Bees are very popular crochet projects, but I wanted to steer away from “the chenille yarn chubby bee” TikTok trend a little. They are cute, but they all look the same. So, I designed this unique bee to be your next favorite pattern.
Not to mention, this is a no-sew project with an interesting “brushing technique” that’s totally optional but that will give your bee a cute fuzzy look.
Not only is this pattern fun to work on, but it’s so versatile and uses the very basics of Amigurumi making. Which makes it suitable for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
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Table of Contents
How to Crochet a Bee
This is an easy crochet bee whose body is entirely made in one piece. With the wings, legs, and the antennas crocheted separately, but attached with the crochet hook as you go. Here is how you’ll crochet this bee:
- Firstly, you’ll make the antennas and the wings, then set them aside.
- Secondly, you’ll create a magic circle and crochet the rounds to make the head, attaching the antennas as you go.
- Thirdly, you’ll attach the safety eyes before you proceed to making the body.
- Next, you’ll change yarn colors from yellow to black and start the body. And as you make a few initial rounds for the body, you’ll embroider the face features.
- Then, you’ll keep making the body, changing colors in every 8 rounds, attach the wings as you go, and finish off.
- Lastly, you’ll make the legs separately and attach them onto the belly.
Will you make your bee with or without legs?
Materials
- 3.50 mm (US E) Tulip Etimo crochet hook for the bee.
- 5.00 mm (US H) Tulip Etimo crochet hook for the legs (optional).
- Stitch marker to mark the first or last stitch in each round, moving it up as you go.
- Stuffing fiber like Poly-fil.
- Stuffing tool – I use a hemostat, but a craft dowel helps as well.
- Pet slicker brush (optional) – see the “brushing your bee” section below for the details.
- A pair of 8mm safety eyes with washers.
- Safety eye placement tool – you will never want to look back when you try them out.
- Yarn scissors.
- Yarn needle – to weave in the ends. I like the ones with the bent tip for Amigurumi, they make it so much easier.
The Yarn
Worsted weight (#4) 100% acrylic yarn is a great option for this crochet bee. And the reason why I recommend acrylic is because we are brushing it out for the fuzz look. But if you are not brushing it, feel free to use any other fiber or brand you like.
Here are the descriptions for all three yarns and amounts used:
- Color 1 (C1): Saffron or Yellow Red Heart Super Saver. Approximately 0.91 oz (26 g) or 47 yds (43 m).
- Color 2 (C2): Black MainStays by Walmart. RHSS black will be a good substitute. Approximately 1.04 oz (29 g) or 59 yds (54 m).
- Color 3 (C3): White – I used an unlabeled 100% acrylic yarn from my stash. Approximately 0.61 oz (17 g) or 37 yds (34 m).
Stitches & Techniques
- Magic Circle (mc): to start Amigurumi you need to use a magic circle to avoid a hole.
- Single Crochet (sc) stitch in continuous rounds: which means you don’t join the rounds with slip stitch.
- Since crochet increase (inc): two single crochet stiches in next stitch.
- Single crochet invisible decrease (dec): two single crochet stitches together. LINK
- Color change – you’ll need to know how to change yarn colors to create the bee stripes.
- Basic embroidery: for the face features.
- Puff stitch – it will be used to make the feet: (yarn over, insert the hook in 3rd ch from hook) 3 times, 7 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through all three complete the stitch.
- Other Amigurumi making techniques, such as stuffing, safety eyes placement, fastening off and weaving in the ends.
Brushing Your Crochet Bee
Why do you brush crochet stuffed toys? You may be asking. Well, acrylic yarns when brushed out, create the perfect fuzz look on your crochet animals. In addition, this crochet bee will have a more realistic “honeybee” look.
And guess what? I loved how it turned out. But it’s totally up to you, you don’t have to brush it if you would rather have the stitches plain.
However, if you decide to brush it here is what you need to know:
- Not all yarns are suitable for brushing: always pick 100% acrylic yarns, such as Red Heart Super Saver and MainStays by Walmart. Avoid “low pilling” or “anti-pilling” yarns.
- Brush as you go, it will work before or after adding stuffing. It’s easier if you make the whole head section, then place the eyes, and then brush it.
- Then, do the same after making half of the body and another brushing section when you finish it.
- Brush your crochet bee in multiple angles using a fair amount of pressure. Including the edges, until you’re satisfied with the fur size. But be careful to not overdo it, or else you’ll tear the yarn.
- There is no need to brush the antennas, legs, and wings.
- Use a pair of scissors to trim the fur if you think it’s too long in some areas.
Pattern Notes
- This crochet bee pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- The level of difficulty is: Intermediate. But it’s doable by an advanced beginner that is comfortable with the basics of Amigurumi.
- Brush the bee as you go. But please read the “brushing your bee” section above for the details.
- Stuff your bee as you go to shape it well, but do not overstuff it.
- The recommended yarn and hook size in this pattern are perfect to create tight stiches, which is essential for Amigurumi. But feel free to change yarn and hook size if needed.
Finished Project Size
Approximately 7” (18 cm) long, when you use the recommended yarn and hook size.
Gauge
The first 7 rounds of the bee’s head = 2.75” (7 cm) in diameter across the center, when you use the recommended yarn and hook size. Gauge is not crucial though, just keep in mind that changing yarns and hook size, your bee will be smaller or larger.
Pattern Abbreviations (US terms)
- approx.: approximately
- ch: chain
- C1: Color 1 (yellow)
- C2: Color 2 (black)
- C3: Color 3 (white)
- inc: increase (2 sc in next stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease (two single crochet together)
- FO: fasten off
- Rnd: Round
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
- sc: single crochet
- yo: yarn over
- ( ): repeat instructions within parenthesis as many times as directed
- [ ]: stitch count in a round
More Amigurumi Patterns
- Small Crochet Doll Free Pattern
- Crochet Bunny Free Patterns Roundup
- No Sew Gingerbread Man Free Crochet Pattern
- Strawberry Amigurumi Free Pattern
- No Sew Crochet Ghost Free Pattern
- Amigurumi Ducks Free Pattern Roundup
Prefer a PDF?
Purchase an inexpensive (costs less than a coffee) PDF download for this crochet bee in by Etsy or Ravelry shops here:
Crochet Bee Instructions
Before you start making your crochet bee, please make sure you have read the pattern notes to find out what to expect about gauge, size, and materials. That way, you will have a positive experience with this pattern.
Total Time: 4 hours
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Antennas (make 2)
Tip: You may find it a little challenging to crochet such a small tube for the antennas with black yarn. But it’s doable with patience and good lighting. However, another method that would work for the antennas would be something called “crochet iCord”. In case you want to look that up, there are lots of YouTube video tutorials.
Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring.
Rnd1-7: sc around. [4]
Rnd8: inc 4 times. [8]
Rnd9: sc around. [8]
Rnd10: dec 4 times. [4]Cut the yarn, leave a long tail. Thread the tapestry needle with the long tail and whip stitch around each flo and pull to cinch. There is no need to stuff the antennas. FO. Weave in the ends. Set aside.
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Wings (make 2)
Rnd1: 6 sc in a mc
Rnd2: (inc) 6 times. [12]
Rnd3: (inc, sc in next st) 6 times. [18]
Rnd4: (inc, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times. [24]
Rnd5: (inc, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times. [30]
Rnd6-12: sc around. [30]
Rnd13: (dec, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times. [24]
Rnd14: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times. [18]
Rnd15: (dec, sc in next st) 6 times. [12]
Rnd16: dec 6 times. [6]FO. Cut the yarn and leave the bottom (last round) open. There is no need to leave a long tail and no need to stuff the wings. Set aside.
Tip: The wings will be attached with the crochet hook using two sts, so they will be floppy. However, if you don’t want your crochet bee with floppy wings, you can crochet up to round 14 and attach them afterwards, by hand sewing with more stitches. -
Head
These next steps will make a big difference in the character of your crochet bee, so I tried to add as many details as possible.
Rnd1: 6 sc in a mc
Rnd2: (inc) 6 times. [12]
Rnd3: (inc, sc in next st) 6 times. [18]
Rnd4: (inc, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times. [24]
Rnd5: (inc, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times. [30]
Rnd6: (inc, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times. [36]
Rnd7: (inc, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times. [42]
Rnd8: (inc, sc in next 6 sts) 6 times. [48]
Rnd9-15: sc around. Attach the antennas in round 13, see instructions below. [48]
Attach the antennas in round 13 with the crochet hook. Squeeze the bottom of each antenna and attach the first one to 5th and 6th sts and the second one to 12th and 13th sts.This is also a good time to place the eyes between rounds 4 and 5 (11 sts apart), making sure they are aligned with the outer edges of the antennas.
Rnd16: (dec, sc in next 6 sts) 6 times. [42]
Rnd17: (dec, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times. [36]
Rnd18: (dec, sc in next 10 sts) 3 times. [33]Cut the yarn. FO. Switch to black yarn.
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Make Body and Attach Wings
From here, you’ll switch yarns in every 8 rounds (8x black, 8x yellow, 8x black, 8x yellow).
Rnd19: (inc, sc in next 10 sts) 3 times. [36]
Rnd20: (inc, sc in next 6 sts) 6 times. [42]
Rnd21: (inc, sc in next 7 sts) 6 times. This is a good time to stuff the head and embroider the facial features. [48]Crochet bee Smile and eyebrows: thread the tapestry needle with a strand of black yarn and create a slight “v” shape for crochet bee’s smile across the first 5 rounds of the head. Then, with the same strand of black yarn, create the eyebrows two rounds above the eyes, 5 stitches long (see photo for reference).
Tip: if you’re brushing your crochet bee, this is also a good time start (see “brushing your” section above for the details). Make sure you avoid rubbing the brush too hard on the eyes, so you don’t get them scratched.
Rnd22-37: sc round. Attach the wings in round 30. [48]Here is how to attach the wings in your crochet bee:
1. First, squeeze the wings (to look like a spoon) and fold them in half. Next, you’ll attach the bottom of the wings using two stitches, one at a time.
2. Then, make sure the top of each wing (where you started the mc) will be facing outwards, in opposite directions, with the “inside of the spoon” facing up.
3. Attach the first wing to 10th and 11th sts. And the second wing to 12th and 13th sts.
Note: The wings should be centered between the antennas when looking from the front of the bee. They will be floppy when attached, that’s normal.
Rnd38: (dec, sc in next 6 sts) 6 times. [42]
Rnd39: (dec, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times. [36]
Rnd40: (dec, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times. [30]
Rnd41: sc around. [30]
Rnd42: (dec, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times. [24]
Rnd43: sc around. [24]
Rnd44: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times. [18]
Rnd45: sc around. [18]
Rnd46: (dec, sc in next st) 6 times. [12]
Rnd47: sc around. [12]
Rnd48: dec 6 times. [6]Cut the yarn. Leave a longer tail to finish-off. FO. Finish brushing your crochet bee.
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Legs (make 6)
I’ve photographed the crochet bee with and without legs, so you can decide if you want them or not. They are easy to make though, if that’s what you want. And I thought it looks so adorable with legs.
Use the same black yarn you used for this crochet bee, holding two strands together to make it thicker (I used a light-colored yarn for the purpose of this tutorial).
Tip: One way to double the yarn is by pulling the center and the outer ends and hold them together.
Here is how you crochet the legs:
1. Leave a long tail to attach the legs later (about 6” / 15 cm).
Ch 12 (or less if you want the legs shorter).
2. Create a puff st in 3rd ch from hook: (yo, insert hook in 3rd ch from hook) 3 times, 7 loops on hook, yo, pull through all 3 complete the st.
3. ch 2, sl st in ch you did the puff st, sl st in every ch across.
4. Cut the yarn, leave another long tail. Use both tails and attach the legs onto the bee’s belly, closer to the neck (with feet pointing outwards), two rounds apart along the belly, each pair 8 sts apart from each other. Poke the puff st to the right side with your finger.FO. Weave in all the ends.
Estimated Cost: 5.00 USD
Supply:
- Medium weight yarn (#4) in three colors
Tools:
- 3.50 mm (US E) crochet hook, 5.00 mm (US H) crochet hook, Stuffing tool (optional) like a hemostat, scissors, tool for placing safety eyes (optional)
Materials: Pet slicker brush, 8mm safety eyes, Stuffing fiber, tapestry needle, stitch markers. See the complete list above.
Your Amigurumi crochet bee is all ready to buzz around. I hope you found these instructions helpful and that you had a good time with your project.
Prefer a PDF?
Purchase an inexpensive (costs less than a coffee) PDF download for this crochet bee in by Etsy or Ravelry shops here:
FAQ
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Is a crochet bee easy?
Absolutely! This Amigurumi bee is not only fun, but quick and easy to crochet. Not to mention, it’s a no-sew pattern. You still have pieces to assemble, but you can do it with the crochet hook as you go.
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How long does it take to crochet a bee?
Approximately 3 hours! This is how long it will take you to make this crochet bee. More or less, depending on your skill level.
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Can I use a different yarn for this bee?
Yes, you can use any yarn you like. If you’re a fan of chenille bully yarns, this will be a great option as well. However, just keep in mind that different yarns will make different bee sizes.
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What hook size is best to crochet a bee?
3.5 mm (US E) is the perfect size when you’re using worsted weight (#4) yarns. The reason why I recommend such a small hook size is because the stitches need to be tight. Therefore, the smaller the hook, the neater your stitches will look.
What to do Next
Drop a comment below to let me know or if you have any questions about this crochet bee pattern. Or maybe just because would like to say “hi”, I would love to chat. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.
If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.
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