Mini Chunky Bee Crochet Pattern
It all started with bees.
In 2020, I began posting my plushies on TikTok. When I made my first pride bees, my page started really taking off for the first time. They were such bestsellers that I created several different bee patterns in various sizes. I named this one the “Mini Chunky Bee,” and it’s still one of my favorites.
Of course, I was far from the only one crocheting bees at the time. Looking back, I feel like crochet bees definitely helped define the 2020 TikTok crochet era.
And it makes sense why they were so popular! Bees are simple, yet such adorable amigurumi projects. With only three parts to crochet and two wings to sew on, this little bee is a super quick project that can be made in roughly thirty minutes.
Here’s how you can crochet one too!
This pattern uses just 6 amigurumi skills: single crochet, magic circle, increase, decrease (or invisible decrease), fasten off, and changing colors. There is also a little bit of sewing for the wings and optional blush detailing. You can find tutorials on these skills in my five must-know amigurumi skills video, my super slow magic circle tutorial, and my changing color tutorial (method 2).
Find the free written pattern below! And if you find that you need more help, I also have a full step-by-step tutorial.
Terms of Use:
Please do not copy, sell, or duplicate (to distribute) the contents of this crochet pattern in any format without permission. If you’d like to share this pattern, I’d really appreciate it if you could share where to find this blog post as this helps me continue to make free patterns for you!
What you do with the finished plushies you make is solely your responsibility.
You may sell the plushies you make using my patterns, but I’d greatly appreciate pattern credit to The Mary Jay.
Here’s the written pattern:
Skills and Abbreviations (In U.S. terms)
MR = Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
SC = Single Crochet
INC = Increase
DEC = Decrease (or I recommend the Invisible Decrease)
FO = Fasten off
Changing Color
Sewing
Materials:
Super Bulky Weight Yarn (#6) in yellow, black, and pink (or the colors of your choice)
7 mm Crochet Hook (or a similar hook size)
Two 18 mm Safety Eyes (WARNING: Safety eyes can be choking hazards and are not recommended for crochet plushies made for young children, pets etc.)
Stuffing
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Stitch Markers (Optional)
Pins (Optional)
The above eyes, yarn size, and hook size are recommendations based on what I used to make the bee in the sample photo. Feel free to switch up the yarn, eyes, or hook size based on what you have available or your preference.
If you’re using a different yarn or hook size, don’t forget to make sure that the yarn and hook size work well together. For amigurumi, it’s often recommended to use a hook size that’s 1-2mm smaller than the recommended hook size on the yarn label for tighter stitches and less holes in your project. However, different crocheters have their own preferences on hook size and you are welcome to follow your own preference.
“Where can I get the materials?”
You can find most of these items in a craft store or on my Amazon Storefront. My Amazon Storefront contains my own personal favorites to use! It is an affiliate link, which means I will earn a small commission if you use it to make a purchase. This is one way that helps support me and lets me continue to make free content for you.
While I do get some harder-to-find yarn colors off of Amazon (the ones linked on my storefront), I do also get a lot of my yarn from Joann! The colors that I used for the bee in the sample photo is buttercup, white, coal, and baby pink. However, I have noticed some changes to the shades since I made this pattern, so the colors may not be exact to the plushie I made. Update: With Joann no longer in business, I’ve switched to getting my Bernat Blanket yarn from Yarnspirations.
Body:
Using Yellow
R1: 7 SC in a MR (7)
R2: [INC] x 7 (14)
R3: [SC, INC] x 7 (21)
R4: 21 SC (21)
Change color to Black
R5: 21 SC (21)
Change color to Yellow
R6: 21 SC (21)
Change color to Black
R7: 21 SC (21)
Change color to Yellow
R8: 21 SC (21)
Change color to Black
R9: 21 SC (21)
Change color to Yellow
R10: 21 SC (21)
R11: [SC, DEC] x 7 (14)
Attach the eyes between rounds 2 and 3.
Optional: Using Pink, embroider on the blush beneath the eyes, starting between rounds 2 and 3 and ending between rounds 3 and 4.
Begin stuffing.
R12: [DEC] x 7 (7)
FO leaving a tail for sewing.
Finish stuffing your bee.
Use the tail leftover for sewing to sew the body closed.
Wings: (Make 2)
R1: 6 SC in a MR (6)
R2: [INC] x 6 (12)
FO leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly:
Sew the wings onto the top of the body, starting from the beginning of round 6 and finishing at the end of round 8. Please refer to the following picture for more clarification or to the video tutorial at 29:46
Yay! You finished your bee! Let me know what you named it in the comments! If you have any questions or find any mistakes, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
I absolutely LOVE seeing your plushies! Follow and tag my socials! Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube: @themaryjay
Thank you so much for following my pattern! I hope you love your new amigurumi friend.
Ready for your next project? Find more free patterns here !