How to Crochet the Bumble Bee
Crochet a large plush Bumble Bee in one easy tube formation using Makr Velour Plush Jumbo yarn. The body is worked in the round, filled with Fairy Floss Fill and finished with separately crocheted wings, embroidered facial details and glued-on eyes.
The finished bee measures approximately 80cm in circumference and 36cm in length.
Project: Bumble Bee
Pattern: P329
Craft type: Crochet
Difficulty: EASY CROCHET
This crochet bee is made in one easy tube formation and filled with our Fairy Floss fill before closing. The wings are made and sewn on separately and the mouth and flushed cheeks are embroidered on at the end. The eyes are attached with fabric glue. This is fun beginner’s crochet and is a fast project with our Velour Plush Jumbo yarn.
Measurements
| Size | One Size |
|---|---|
| Circumference | 80cm |
| Length | 36cm |
Yarn Required
| Yarn | Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Makr VELOUR PLUSH Jumbo 200g balls C1: Main Colour: Doeskin |
3 |
|
Makr VELOUR PLUSH Jumbo 200g balls C2: Contrast Stripe Colour: Volcanic Ash |
2 |
|
Makr VELOUR PLUSH Jumbo 200g balls C3: Wings: High Rise |
1 |
|
Makr VELOUR PLUSH Jumbo 200g balls C4: Embroidered Flushed Cheeks on face.: Dusty Pink |
1 |
|
Makr DK 100g ball C5: Embroidered Mouth Black |
1 |
Needles and Equipment
- 20mm crochet hook
- Tapestry Needle
- Lincraft Fairy Floss Fill
- O Sullivans Fabric Glue
- O Sullivans Joggle Eyes 30mm
Tension
4 sts x 4 rows = 10cm x 10cm.
Crochet Abbreviations
- C colour
- DC double crochet
- Htr half treble crochet
- MR magic ring
- SS slip stitch
- Tc treble crochet
BEE:
BODY
Using C1 to start.
Make a Magic Ring.
Round 1. Slp st into 1st dc. (12)
Round 2. 1ch, 2dc into each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (18)
Round 3. 1ch (1dc into next dc, 2dc into next dc) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (24)
Round 4. 1ch (1dc into next 2dc, 2dc into next dc) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (30)
Round 5. 1ch (1dc into next 3dc, 2dc into next dc) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 6. 1ch (1dc into next 4dc, 2dc into next dc) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 7. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 8. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 9: 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
BEE STRIPES
Change to C2.
Round 10. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 11. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Change to C1.
Round 12. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 13. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Change to C2.
Round 14. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 15. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Change to C1.
Round 16. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 17. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc.(36)
Change to C2.
Round 18. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Round 19. 1ch, 1dc in each dc to end, sl st into 1st dc. (36)
Change to C1.
Round 20. 1ch (1dc into next 4dc, dc2tog) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (30)
Round 21. 1ch (1dc into next 3ec, dc2tog) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (24)
Round 22. 1ch (1dc into next 2dc, kc2tog) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (18)
Stuff the body
Using Fairy Floss Fill, fill the body.
Round 23. 1ch (1dc into next dc, dc2tog) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (12)
Round 24. 1ch (dc2tog) 6 times, sl st into 1st dc. (6)
Cut yarn and run end around the outside loops of last 6 sts, pull to close, and weave in end.
WINGS
Make Magic Ring.
Round 1. Sl st into 1st dc. (6)
Round 2. 1ch (2 htr into each dc to end) sl st into 1st htr. (12)
Round 3. 2ch (1str, 2tr into next htr) 6 times, sl st into 2nd of two ch. (18)
Join with ss and cut yarn leaving long end to sew to body.
FINSHING
Sew wings to the middle of the 2nd stripe.
Pin position for eyes.
Embroider flushed cheeks below and to the right of the eyes position with yarn C4.
Embroider mouth with yarn C5.
Glue eyes with fabric glue and leave to set for a few hours.
Alternative Yarns
The original pattern uses Makr VELOUR PLUSH Jumbo for the body, stripes, wings and cheeks, with Makr DK used for the embroidered mouth. When choosing an alternative, select a jumbo-weight plush yarn that can produce a similarly dense fabric at the original tension of 4 sts x 4 rows = 10cm x 10cm.
Suitable Yarn Types
- Jumbo velour yarn – the closest substitute for the original plush texture.
- Jumbo chenille yarn – creates a soft, cushioned surface suitable for an oversized crochet toy.
- Super-bulky plush yarn – may be suitable if the original tension can be matched.
- Jumbo polyester yarn – provides durability and an easy-care finish.
- DK acrylic yarn – suitable for embroidered facial details where a finer yarn is required.
Customisation Ideas
- Change the stripe colours while keeping the original colour-change rounds unchanged.
- Use contrasting wing colours to create a more colourful bee.
- Change the cheek colour for a different facial expression.
- Embroider the eyes instead of using glued-on joggle eyes where preferred.
- Use softer neutral colours for a nursery-inspired version.
To retain the original proportions and construction, keep all stitch counts, round counts, colour-change positions and wing placement instructions unchanged when making decorative customisations.
Care Instructions
Follow the washing and care instructions provided on the ball bands of the yarns used.
- Check that the wings and embroidered facial details remain securely attached.
- Inspect the glued eyes regularly and resecure them if necessary.
- Spot clean where practical, especially around the glued eye area.
- Avoid soaking unless the fabric glue and stuffing used are suitable for washing.
- Gently reshape the bee after cleaning.
- Allow the bee to dry completely before use or storage.
