Looking for a fun, customizable crochet project? This beginner-friendly bee plushie is simple to make, super cute, and a great way to practice your amigurumi skills.
Whether you’re crafting a gift, a desk buddy, or just something cheerful to brighten your day, this bee pattern is a perfect pick.
Why This Crochet Bee Pattern Works
- โจ Beginner-friendly – Only a few basic stitches are needed
- ๐ Totally customizable – Adjust the size and stripe count
- ๐งถ Minimal materials – Just yarn, stuffing, and your favorite hook
- ๐ Perfect gift – Cute enough to gift, easy enough to make more than one
- ๐ Fluffy options – Works beautifully with fuzzy yarn for a plush feel
What You Will Need
- Yellow, black, and white yarn (we love thick, fluffy yarns for this!)
- Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn size
- Stitch marker or clip
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Safety eyes or buttons, plus needle and thread if needed
- Tapestry needle (blunt tip) for sewing and finishing
Step 1: Crochet the Base of the Bee
Start with your yellow yarn and make the body foundation using these rounds:
- Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 single crochets (sc)
- Round 2: Increase (inc) in each stitch – 12 st
- Round 3: 1 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 18 st
- Round 4: 2 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 24 st
From here, continue increasing to reach your desired size. Add 1 more sc before each inc every round:
- Round 5: 3 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 30 st
- Round 6: 4 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 36 st
Continue this pattern until your base is as wide as you want.
๐ Tip: Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds—it really helps!
Step 2: Build the Striped Body
Once the base is finished, start working in even rounds to build the body and add stripes.
- Rounds 1–4: Sc in each stitch using yellow
- Change to black yarn: On the last loop of the last yellow sc, pull through black yarn. Continue with black and cut the yellow. Tie the ends together securely on the inside.
- Rounds 5–8: Sc in each stitch using black
- Change back to yellow using the same method.
- Rounds 9–12: Yellow
- Rounds 13–16: Black
- Rounds 17–20: Yellow
๐ You can always add more stripe sets if you want a longer bee!
Step 3: Attach the Eyes
Now’s the best time to add your bee’s eyes before stuffing.
- Pick the front (the smooth side, without knots).
- Insert safety eyes or sew buttons in place.
- Space them evenly across a center row—adjust based on your bee’s size.
Step 4: Stuff and Close the Body
Now that the stripes and face are done, it’s time to stuff and close up your bee.
- Stuff the bee with polyester fiberfill until firm but squishy.
- To close, you’ll start decreasing using the same structure as your increases—but in reverse.
Let’s say your last increase was 4 sc, 1 inc. Then:
- Round 1: 4 sc, 1 decrease (dc) repeat
- Round 2: 3 sc, 1 dc repeat
- Continue decreasing by 1 sc between each dc until only 6 stitches remain.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Use one of the following methods to close the gap:
With a crochet hook:
- From the inside, pull the yarn tail through each of the 6 remaining stitches one at a time.
- Tighten to close, then weave the tail into the body.
With a needle:
- Thread the tail through each of the last 6 stitches.
- Pull tight, then sew into nearby stitches to secure.
๐ Make sure all knots and ties are kept inside the plushie for a clean look.
Step 5: Crochet the Wings
Use white yarn for the wings. You’ll be making two of them, each starting from a magic circle.
- Round 1: 6 sc in magic circle
- Round 2: 6 inc – 12 st
- Round 3: 1 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 18 st
- Round 4: 2 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 24 st
- Round 5: 3 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 30 st
- Round 6: Repeat Round 5 – 30 st
- Round 7: 4 sc, 1 inc repeat 6 times – 36 st
- Round 8: Repeat Round 7 – 36 st
Continue increasing evenly (add 1 more sc before each inc) until you reach the size you want.
๐ For smaller, cuter wings, stop earlier. For more dramatic wings, continue building.
Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Step 6: Attach the Wings
With your finished wings and yarn tails ready:
- Find the top center of your bee’s back.
- Use the yarn tail and tapestry needle to sew the first wing in place.
- Repeat with the second wing, keeping them symmetrical.
- Optional: Add blush details using pink yarn stitched lightly under each eye.
Other Details Display
- Magic circle technique is essential for both the body and wings
- Color changes should be tied neatly on the inside
- Wings are flat circles—can be adjusted for size
- Safety eyes are the easiest, but buttons work too
- Optional blush cheeks add personality
- Finish by weaving in all ends for a polished look
Summary
This crochet bee pattern is the perfect project for beginners and experienced crafters alike. It’s simple, customizable, and creates an irresistibly cute bee plushie that makes a thoughtful handmade gift or a cheerful desk buddy. Try different yarn textures and sizes to make a whole hive!
This plan is a contribution by [RainbowJam]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here. If you have a plan to share, we welcome your submissions!