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Learn to Crochet · Easy First Pattern

Easy Crochet Bee Pattern for Beginners, Step by Step

One striped amigurumi ball, two flat wings, and a pair of chain antennae — no separate limbs to shape, which makes this one of the fastest first amigurumi you can make.

~40 minutesBeginner6 steps

What you'll need

  • Worsted weight yarn in yellow, black, and white (small amounts of each)
  • 3.5mm crochet hook (slightly smaller than the yarn label suggests, for tight amigurumi fabric)
  • Polyester stuffing
  • Yarn needle, stitch marker, scissors
  • Small black beads or safety eyes (optional)

Abbreviations used

ch chainsc single crochetinc increasedec decreasernd round
1

Make a magic ring and start the sphere

Start with a magic ring in yellow, switching to black for rounds 4, 6, 8–10 to create the classic bee stripes. Rnd 1: 6 sc in the ring (6). Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12). Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat around (18). Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat around (24).

24 stitches
2

Work even for a few rounds

Rnd 5–7: sc in each st around, no increases (24). This is where the ball gains height without getting any wider.

24 stitches
3

Decrease and stuff

Rnd 8: *sc 2, dec* repeat around (18). Rnd 9: *sc 1, dec* repeat around (12) — begin stuffing firmly now. Rnd 10: dec around (6).

6 stitches
4

Close the hole

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread it onto a yarn needle, weave through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close the hole, then weave the end inside to hide it.

5

Make the wings

Make two, in white. Chain 8, work 1 hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc across the chain. Chain 2, turn, and work back along the opposite side of the same foundation chain with the same sequence in reverse to fill out the oval. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

6

Add antennae and finish

Cut two 4-inch lengths of black yarn and knot a small loop at one end of each. Sew the wings to the back of the first black stripe, angled slightly outward. Sew the antennae to the top of the head. Attach safety eyes (or small black beads) about 4 stitches apart, and optionally embroider a small smile below them.

Tip Carrying the unused stripe color up the inside of the ball (instead of cutting and rejoining every round) saves you from weaving in eight separate ends when you're done.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to change colors mid-round?

Just at the start of a new round. Complete the last stitch of the old color, then finish its final yarn-over with the new color, and continue — no special stitch required.

Can I skip the wings and antennae?

Yes, the striped ball alone still reads clearly as a bee. The wings and antennae add detail but aren't structurally required.

How much yarn does this actually use?

Very little of each color — this is a good project for using up small leftover amounts rather than buying full skeins.

Liked working with one ball shape?

The crochet duck uses the same technique with a second, smaller ball for the head.

Make a Crochet Duck