My chunky bee was inspired by the “Tik Tok Bee” from Hooked By Robin! My chunky bee works up super fast, but If you’d prefer a worsted weight bee and have a bit more time, absolutely check out Robin’s bee here: https://www.hookedbyrobin.com/blog/2019/03/amigurumi-bumblebee-free-crochet.html
Stitches:
MC – Magic Circle
ST(S) – Stitch(es)
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
INC – Increase
DEC – Decrease
Supplies:
7mm hook
Super bulky weight yarn – main color, stripe color, wing color
25mm safety eyes or 1” felt eyes
Polyfil
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch marker
Notes/Tips:
- I do not offer video tutorials. If you are unfamiliar with a particular stitch in the pattern, You-Tube is a great resource to find stitch tutorials.
- Finished bee is approximately 5” round.
- Your tension and choice in yarn can change your final size.
- Numbers in ( )’s are stitch counts and the total number of rounds needed for the round being worked.
- When working the MC – it can be tricky to pull the tail end tight. I suggest crocheting loosely and only working 4-5 STS into the MC and starting to pull the tail tighter and working your remaining STS, then pull the tail snug as needed. Don’t forget to weave in the tail to secure.
- When stuffing your bees, you’ll want to shape them at the same time to achieve the round “ball” shape.
- When working decrease stitches; I always use an “invisible” decrease. I recommend the invisible decrease method for a cleaner finished look. If you are unfamiliar, there are great tutorials on you-tube to learn.
- You will work in continuous rounds for a seamless product, and may want to mark the first ST of each round with a ST marker.
- I do not cut off my yarn when changing colors. Once both sections for the stripes are complete, I tie the beginning and end tails together.
Let’s get started!
BODY
Round 1:
MAIN COLOR
MC
9 SC
Round 2:
INC x 9 (18)
Round 3:
(SC, INC) x 9 (27)
Round 4:
(2 SC, INC) x 9 (36)
Round 5:
SC in each ST around (36)
Note: if you are using safety eyes insert your eyes between round 3-4 or 4-5 with 8-9 STS between, this is all based on your own preference! Before placing eyes, make sure your beginning ST is centered at the top or bottom of the bee so that your color changes will be hidden by the wings or be the bottom of your bee.
Round 6-7:
Switch to stripe color
SC in each ST around (36)
Round 8-9:
Switch to body color
SC in each ST around (36)
Round 10-11:
Switch to stripe color
SC in each ST around (36)
Round 12-13:
Switch to body color
SC in each ST around (36)
Cut off stripe color yarn and tie the tail ends together to secure.
Round 14:
(2 SC, DEC) x 9 (27)
Round 15:
(SC, DEC) x 9 (18)
Round 16:
DEC x 9 (9)
Leave a few inch tail and fasten off. Use the tail to weave through the remaining 9 STS and cinch closed, secure the tail and hide inside.
WINGS
Round 1:
MC
6 SC
Round 2:
INC x 6 (12)
Round 3:
(HDC, HDC INC) x 6 (18)
Leave a long tail for sewing and fasten off. If you haven’t already, weave in the beginning tail from the start of the MC.
Using the long tail end sew each wing to the bee body; I like to sew my wings where the strip color changes are, this will help to hide the color jog a bit. This is all based on preference and you can position the color changes to the bottom of the bee if you wish.
If you’re using felt eyes, make sure to use your wings as a center point and glue them onto your bee in the position you best like, by placing the eyes further apart or closer together you can change the bee’s expression – making each bee unique!
I can’t wait to see all of your adorable bees!! Please be sure to tag me in your finished photos, I love seeing what you all create 🥰
Follow me on social media:
Welcome to Sheepish Stitches Blog! 