This cozy garment keeps your furry companion warm during brisk morning walks while providing a comfortable fit that does not restrict movement. The finished piece features a soft, durable fabric that stands up to daily wear, making it a functional addition to any pet owner’s wardrobe. Beginners will appreciate how the straightforward construction relies on basic double crochet stitches and simple shaping techniques to create a professional look. You will learn how to measure your pet accurately for a custom fit, ensuring the sweater sits correctly across the back and chest without sagging or bunching over time.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet bumblebee brings a touch of handmade charm to any nursery or gift bag with its classic yellow and black stripes. The project works up quickly using simple single crochet stitches, making it an ideal choice for using up small amounts of leftover cotton yarn. Its rounded, huggable shape is created through basic increases and decreases, which are standard for amigurumi construction. Because the pattern uses a small hook to keep stitches tight, you will not have to worry about fiberfill showing through the gaps between your stitches.

I managed to finish this little bee in a single afternoon while listening to a podcast, and the instructions for the wings were surprisingly straightforward compared to other patterns I have tried.

— Sarah, amigurumi enthusiast

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Approximate Time: 2 to 3 hours
Construction: Worked in continuous rounds using a magic ring for the body, with separate wings sewn on during the final assembly.
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches long by 3 inches wide.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn in yellow, black, and white. You will need approximately 30 yards of yellow, 20 yards of black, and 10 yards of white.
Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook.
Notions: 6mm safety eyes, polyester fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle for weaving ends, and stitch markers to track the start of your rounds.
Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn of the same weight works well if cotton is unavailable, though it results in a slightly softer and less defined stitch structure.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR: Magic ring
ch: Chain
sc: Single crochet
inc: 2 sc in the same stitch (increase)
dec: sc2tog (decrease)
sl st: Slip stitch
st/sts: Stitch/stitches
BLO: Back loop only

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Bee Body

Rnd 1: Start with yellow yarn, 6 sc in MR (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30 sts).
Rnd 6-8: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 9: Switch to black, sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 10: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 11: Switch to yellow, sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 12: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 13: Switch to black, sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 14: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 15: Switch to yellow, [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 16: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18 sts). Insert safety eyes between Rnd 7 and 8, about 4 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the body firmly.
Rnd 17: [1 sc, dec] 6 times (12 sts).
Rnd 18: Dec 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off and sew the opening closed.

Wings

Make two using white yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4-5: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 6: [1 sc, dec] 6 times (12 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing to the top of the body.

Assembly

Position the wings on top of the bee, centered over the second yellow stripe. Use the tail of the yarn to whip stitch the base of the wings securely to the body. Weave in any remaining yarn ends inside the bee before tightening the final closure.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your finished bee in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent.
Do not wring or twist the item, as this can distort the stuffing; instead, gently press it between two towels to remove excess water.
Lay the bee flat on a clean surface in the shade to air dry completely.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout your project to prevent holes in the fabric where the stuffing might show through. If your stitches look loose, try dropping down to a smaller hook size. Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round; since amigurumi is worked in a continuous spiral, it is very easy to lose your place without one. If you want to make a larger bee, use a heavier weight yarn and a larger hook, but keep in mind that this will significantly increase the amount of yarn required to complete the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton for this bee?

Yes, acrylic yarn works perfectly fine for this project. Keep in mind that acrylic has more stretch than cotton, so your bee might end up being slightly larger or softer to the touch.

How do I keep my stitch counts accurate while working in rounds?

Use a stitch marker at the start of every single round. Count your stitches at the end of every round before moving on to the next, especially during the increase and decrease rounds.

Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never made amigurumi?

This pattern is a great introduction to the craft. It focuses on basic single crochet stitches and simple shaping, making it a manageable challenge for an advanced beginner who knows how to work in the round.

Am I allowed to sell the bumblebees I make from this pattern?

Please check the individual copyright terms provided by the designer or platform where you acquired this pattern. Generally, personal use is implied, but commercial rights often require specific permission or credit to the designer.

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Your finished project provides a snug and stylish layer for your dog to wear throughout the colder months of the year. Try using a variegated wool yarn to create unique color patterns that change across every row of the garment. Once your sweater is complete, snap a photo and share it with other makers online to show off your hard work. Explore our website for more free patterns that utilize these same foundational stitches to help you grow your handmade collection of accessories.