Looking for an easy, beginner-friendly make? You've come to the right place!
This was my very FIRST pattern I wrote and published, all the way back in 2019. I remember it taking me several tries to figure out how to make it look exactly the way I wanted. I'm happy to be able to share it with you as a free pattern now!
*You can also find the premium, printable PDF HERE* if you prefer that. Please note that this pattern is able to remain free due to the ads on this page. Thank you for your support!
MATERIALS:
-#4 medium worsted yarn - You can use any brand but here, I'm using Impeccable Solids
- yellow, charcoal gray, and white
-black embroidery thread for facial features
TERMS:
-sc: single crochet
-(flo): front loops only
NOTES/TIPS:
*We will work in a spiral.
-This bee pattern allows for many creative variations. Feel free to get creative with your facial expressions!
*Measurements: ~3.5 in. x 3 in. (including the wings) if using the prescribed materials.
*To make the smaller bees in the photo, I used Paintbox Cotton dk yarn and a 2.5 mm hook but the same pattern!
*Please do not copy/redistribute any part of this pattern as your own. This includes reposting/translating without permission. Feel free to sell your finished products in small quantities - with proper credit. Tag #curiouspapaya to share your creations!
BODY (starting in yellow yarn)
rnd 1: Make a magic circle and (sc) x6 [6]
rnd 2: (inc) x6 [12]
rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6 [18]
rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6 [24]
rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6 [30]
rnds 6-7: sc all around (2 rnds total) [30]
Change to charcoal gray yarn
rnds 8-9: sc all around [30]
Change to yellow yarn
rnds 10-11: sc all around (2 rnds total) [30]
Change to charcoal gray yarn
rnds 12-13: sc all around (2 rnds total) [30]
Hold your bee rightside up. (The bottom of the body is where the color changes are visible). Insert the eyes on the face between rows 4 and 5.
Change to yellow yarn
rnd 14: sc all around [30]
rnd 15: (3 sc, dec) x6 [24]
rnd 16: (2 sc, dec) x6 [18]
rnd 17: (sc, dec) x6 [12]
Stuff the body.
rnd 18: (dec) x6 [6]
Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. Going through the flo, cinch the hole closed.
WINGS (make two in white yarn)
rnd 1: Make a magic circle and sc x6 [6]
rnd 2: (inc) x6 [12]
rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6 [18]
rnds 4-5: sc all around (2 rnds total) [18]
rnd 6: (sc, dec) x6 [12]
rnd 7: (dec) x6 [6]
rnd 8: sc all around [6]
Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. Do not stuff the wings.
ASSEMBLY
-On the first yellow stripe, locate the MIDPOINT that divides your bee in half between rnd 10 and 11.
-Count two stitches from that midpoint on both sides and mark those as the spots where you will sew your wings. The wings should be sewn only on the yellow stripe.
FACIAL FEATURES (using black embroidery thread)
-If not using safety eyes, use embroidery thread to sew your eyes between rnds 3 and 4.
-Create the mouth where the center is. It can vary from a smile, a frown, or a playful grin!
At the time of creating this pattern, I was expecting my very first baby. I created these bees with different emotions to hang on a mobile and it turned out so cute!
