Knitting Tutorial: Honey Bee Chihuahua – Free Knitting Pattern

This tiny knitted Chihuahua is designed as a sweet collectible toy with a soft beige body, oversized ears, glossy safety eyes, yellow-and-black bee overalls, a matching crossbody bag, a striped sun hat, tiny sandals, two white daisy clips, and two little honey props. It is a lovely choice for anyone searching for a handmade Chihuahua doll, knitted animal toy, bee-themed nursery gift, artisan stuffed dog, or boutique amigurumi-style knit decor. The finished piece is charming, giftable, and display-friendly while still being practical to make at home with standard toy-making materials.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English and is designed to closely match the Chihuahua shown in the reference image.

The project includes the following pieces:

• Main Chihuahua body with head, muzzle shaping, neck, torso, arms, and legs.
• Large upright ears with gentle inward shaping.
• Bee overalls with striped legs, bib, and straps.
• Small crossbody bee bag with floral trim.
• Striped bee hat with a round crown and soft brim.
• Two knitted sandals with tiny bee trim.
• Two miniature honey props.
• Daisy hair flowers attached beside one ear.

The body proportions are important for getting the same look.

• The head is large compared to the body.
• The muzzle is short and softly raised.
• The ears are tall, open, and pointed.
• The arms are slim and straight.
• The legs are short, slightly rounded, and seated forward.
• The torso is narrow, allowing the overalls to define most of the silhouette.

Materials

• Light fingering to sport-weight yarn for the dog body in pale beige with slight tonal variation.
• Yellow yarn for overalls, hat, sandals, honey, and bag.
• Black yarn for stripes, nose, sandal sole edge, and bee details.
• White yarn for daisies and small floral accents.
• Brown yarn for the nose and honey prop base accent.
• Blue yarn for tiny flower centers on the bib.
• Small amount of green yarn for one tiny flower bead accent if desired.
• Pair of black safety eyes, about 8 mm to 10 mm.
• Toy stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Two very small buttons for overall straps.
• Optional thin craft wire for hat brim support if you want a firmer shape.

Suggested Gauge and Finished Size

This toy should be knitted at a firm gauge so the stuffing does not show through.

• Gauge: about 8 to 9 stitches per inch in stockinette worked in the round using your chosen fine toy yarn and small needles.
• Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop size typically between US 0 and US 2, adjusted to obtain a dense fabric.
• Finished size: about 6.5 to 8 inches tall seated, depending on yarn and needle choice.

The reference image suggests a very fine, smooth fabric.

If your knitting looks loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Construction Notes

The dog is made mostly in separate pieces and assembled firmly.

The head is worked from the nose area upward so facial placement can be controlled more easily.

The body is worked separately from the lower torso upward.

The legs and arms are worked separately and sewn on.

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The overalls are knitted as a removable-looking garment but are sewn in place at a few hidden points for the cleanest finish.

The hat and bag are separate accessories.

Main Head

Nose Base and Muzzle Start

Using beige yarn, CO 8 sts.

Work flat for the short muzzle base.

1. Row 1 RS: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: k all.
6. Row 6: p all.

Now pick up and join to work around the muzzle oval.

• Knit across 12 sts.
• Pick up 4 sts along side edge.
• Knit across cast-on edge picking up 8 sts.
• Pick up 4 sts along other side edge.

You have 28 sts. Join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: k12, m1R, k4, m1R, k8, m1R, k4, m1R. 32 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k all.
4. Rnd 4: k13, m1R, k5, m1R, k9, m1R, k5, m1R. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k all.
6. Rnd 6: k all.

Stuff the muzzle lightly now so the face has a gentle rounded front rather than a flat panel.

Head Expansion

1. Rnd 7: k5, m1R, k8, m1R, k8, m1R, k8, m1R, k7. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 8: k all.
3. Rnd 9: k6, m1R, k8, m1R, k10, m1R, k8, m1R, k8. 44 sts.
4. Rnd 10: k all.
5. Rnd 11: k7, m1R, k9, m1R, k10, m1R, k9, m1R, k9. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 12: k all.
7. Rnd 13: k8, m1R, k10, m1R, k10, m1R, k10, m1R, k10. 52 sts.
8. Rnd 14: k all.
9. Rnd 15: k all.
10. Rnd 16: k all.
11. Rnd 17: k all.

The head in the photo is not spherical like a teddy bear.

It is slightly taller with a softly narrowed lower face and fuller forehead.

To get that look, place the eyes between Rnds 10 and 11 of the head section, centered above the muzzle and spaced about 10 to 12 sts apart.

Before inserting safety eyes, shape the eye area with a little stuffing behind the cheeks and forehead.

The muzzle should still project slightly.

Upper Head and Crown Shaping

1. Rnd 18: k all.
2. Rnd 19: k8, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k6. 48 sts.
3. Rnd 20: k all.
4. Rnd 21: k7, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k6. 44 sts.
5. Rnd 22: k all.
6. Rnd 23: k6, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k6. 40 sts.
7. Rnd 24: k all.

Begin stuffing firmly.

Push more stuffing into the forehead and side head than the muzzle.

1. Rnd 25: k5, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k5. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 26: k all.
3. Rnd 27: k4, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k4. 32 sts.
4. Rnd 28: k all.

This 32-st opening forms the neck connection.

Leave a long tail for sewing if making the head separate from the neck and body.

Set aside.

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Ears Make 2

The ears are large, upright, and slightly cupped.

Use beige yarn.

CO 14 sts.

Work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: k all.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: k all.
6. Row 6: p all.
7. Row 7: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 8: p all.
9. Row 9: k all.
10. Row 10: p all.
11. Row 11: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
12. Row 12: p all.
13. Row 13: ssk, k2, k2tog, k2. 6 sts.
14. Row 14: p all.
15. Row 15: ssk, k2tog, k2. 4 sts.
16. Row 16: p all.
17. Row 17: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
18. Row 18: p2tog. 1 st.

Fasten off.

Make a second ear the same.

To finish each ear, fold the lower edge inward slightly and seam the side edges only at the bottom quarter.

This creates the open, shallow cup visible in the photo.

Do not stuff the ears.

If you want extra structure, lightly steam and pinch them into a tall triangle.

Body

Using beige yarn, begin at the lower torso.

CO 24 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: k all.
2. Rnd 5: k3, m1R, k6, m1R, k6, m1R, k6, m1R, k3. 28 sts.
3. Rnd 6: k all.
4. Rnd 7: k all.
5. Rnd 8: k all.
6. Rnd 9: k2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k5. 25 sts.

Adjust to 24 sts on the next round by working one extra decrease where it looks least visible.

1. Rnd 10 to 12: k all on 24 sts.
2. Rnd 13: k2, m1R, k8, m1R, k8, m1R, k3. 27 sts.

Adjust evenly to 28 sts.

1. Rnd 14 to 16: k all.
2. Rnd 17: k all.

Stuff the torso lightly from the bottom upward.

The dog should have a narrow body, not a round barrel.

1. Rnd 18: k2tog around. 14 sts.
2. Rnd 19: k all.

This creates the neck tube.

Work 6 more rounds on 14 sts for the neck.

1. Rnd 20 to 25: k all.

Bind off loosely, leaving a long tail.

Stuff the neck firmly so the head sits upright.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim, simple tubes with slight paw shaping.

Using beige yarn, CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: k all.
2. Rnd 4: k1, m1R, k4, m1R, k3. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 5 to 9: k all.
4. Rnd 10: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
5. Rnd 11 to 16: k all.

Stuff only the lower half lightly.

Flatten the top opening and sew closed.

Leave a long tail for attaching.

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Legs Make 2

The legs are short with rounded feet and a gentle seated bend.

Using beige yarn, CO 8 sts.

Work flat for the sole.

1. Row 1 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: p all.

Now pick up around the sole.

• Knit across 12 sts.
• Pick up 4 sts on one side.
• Pick up 8 sts across cast-on edge.
• Pick up 4 sts on other side.

28 sts total. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: k all.
3. Rnd 3: k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8. 26 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k all.
5. Rnd 5: k7, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k8. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 6: k all.
7. Rnd 7: k6, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k8. 22 sts.
8. Rnd 8 to 12: k all.

Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg lightly.

To create the bent seated shape, flatten the leg slightly at the upper back when stuffing.

1. Rnd 13: k2tog around, 11 sts.
2. Rnd 14 to 17: k all.

Break yarn and thread through remaining sts.

Do not close tightly until you check the length against the body.

Tail

The tail is very small and mostly hidden by the overalls in the image.

You may omit it, but for accuracy a tiny tail is recommended.

Using beige yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to 5: k all.

Stuff minimally, close the end, and sew to the back of the body low enough to sit under the bib back line of the overalls.

Bee Overalls

The overalls are the most important visual feature after the ears.

They are bright yellow with narrow black horizontal stripes, long legs, a high bib, and two straps with buttons.

Work the two pant legs separately first.

Overall Leg Make 2

Using yellow yarn, CO 16 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: k all in yellow.
2. Rnd 4: change to black, k all.
3. Rnd 5: change to yellow, k all.
4. Rnd 6: black, k all.
5. Rnd 7: yellow, k all.
6. Rnd 8: black, k all.
7. Rnd 9: yellow, k all.
8. Rnd 10: black, k all.
9. Rnd 11: yellow, k all.
10. Rnd 12: black, k all.
11. Rnd 13: yellow, k all.
12. Rnd 14: black, k all.
13. Rnd 15: yellow, k all.

The leg should be long enough to bunch slightly above the sandal like in the photo.

Make the second leg the same.

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Join the Legs

Place both legs on needles.

Join them in one round by knitting across the first leg, casting on 2 sts for the crotch, knitting across the second leg, and casting on 2 sts for the back join.

You now have 36 sts.

1. Rnd 1: k all in yellow.
2. Rnd 2: black, k all.
3. Rnd 3: yellow, k all.
4. Rnd 4: black, k all.
5. Rnd 5: yellow, k all.
6. Rnd 6: black, k all.
7. Rnd 7: yellow, k all.
8. Rnd 8: black, k all.
9. Rnd 9: yellow, k all.

Try the piece against the body.

The waist should sit high, almost at underarm level.

If needed, add one more yellow round.

Bib Front

Place the center front 14 sts on a needle.

Work flat in yellow.

1. Row 1 RS: k all 14.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: k all.
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 6: p all.
7. Row 7: k all.
8. Row 8: p all.
9. Row 9: k all.

Bind off.

This bib should be broad and slightly squared at the top, matching the image.

Back Upper Edge

Pick up 18 sts across the upper back opening in yellow.

1. Row 1 RS: k all.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3 RS: k all.

Bind off.

Straps Make 2

Using yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.

1. Row 1: k all.
2. Repeat Row 1 until strap measures from back edge, over shoulder, to top of bib.

In most cases, 18 to 22 rows works well.

Bind off.

Sew straps to the back first, then cross slightly inward to meet the bib top corners.

Attach a tiny button at each bib corner.

The image shows visible dark button centers, so use brown or black buttons if possible.

Bib Embroidery

Using black yarn, embroider two tiny bees on the bib.

• Each bee body is a small horizontal satin stitch oval in yellow outlined lightly in black.
• Add two narrow black body stripes.
• Add tiny white wings with one or two small stitches.

Add small flower accents.

• Make one tiny white flower with a yellow center.
• Make one tiny blue flower.
• Scatter them lightly so the bib stays readable and not crowded.

Bee Bag

The bag is knitted in stripes and worn crossbody from one shoulder to the opposite side.

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Bag Body

Using yellow yarn, CO 12 sts.

Work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: k all.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: k all in yellow.
4. Row 4: p all in yellow.
5. Row 5: knit in black.
6. Row 6: purl in black.
7. Row 7: knit in yellow.
8. Row 8: purl in yellow.
9. Row 9: knit in black.
10. Row 10: purl in black.
11. Row 11: knit in yellow.
12. Row 12: purl in yellow.
13. Row 13: knit in black.
14. Row 14: purl in black.
15. Row 15: knit in yellow.
16. Row 16: purl in yellow.

Bind off.

Fold in half and seam sides to create a rounded pouch.

Stuff very lightly so it holds shape but still looks like a soft bag.

Bag Strap

Using yellow yarn, CO 3 sts.

Knit every row until the strap is long enough to run diagonally across the chest and torso.

Usually 32 to 40 rows is enough, depending on scale.

Bind off and sew neatly to the bag top corners.

Bag Decoration

Add one narrow black stripe around the middle with duplicate stitch or a sewn yarn line.

Sew two small white daisies to the upper side of the bag.

Each daisy may be made like this:

• CO 5 sts in white for a tiny petal strip.
• Knit 2 rows.
• Gather into a circle.

Or simply embroider five white loop petals around a yellow center knot.

Bee Hat

The hat has a rounded dome, narrow black stripes, and a soft brim.

Using yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and divide for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k all.
5. Rnd 5: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 6: k all.
7. Rnd 7: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 8 to 11: k all in yellow.
9. Rnd 12: black, k all.
10. Rnd 13 to 14: yellow, k all.
11. Rnd 15: black, k all.
12. Rnd 16: yellow, k all.

Now make the brim.

1. Rnd 17: k4, m1R around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 18: p all.
3. Rnd 19: k all.
4. Rnd 20: p all.
5. Rnd 21: k5, m1R around. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 22: p all.
7. Rnd 23: k all.

Bind off loosely.

Shape the brim flat with gentle steam if needed.

Add a black band detail if your stripes do not sit exactly as desired.

Sew two tiny daisies to one side of the hat and embroider a tiny bee beside them.

Sandals Make 2

The sandals are yellow with a darker sole line and a small bee detail at the front strap.

Using yellow yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: k all.
2. Row 2: p all.
3. Row 3: k all.
4. Row 4: p all.

Pick up around as for a tiny slipper if needed, or keep construction simple:

• Fold the piece around the foot front.
• Seam the underside neatly.
• Leave the toe open enough to show the beige paw front, as in the photo.

For a more exact look, create a front strap and ankle strap separately.

• Front strap: CO 8 sts, knit 2 rows, bind off.
• Ankle strap: CO 10 sts, knit 2 rows, bind off.

Sew straps onto the sole base around the foot.

Using black yarn, embroider a thin line around the sole edge.

Add a tiny bee motif at the center top of each sandal using one yellow knot and two black wraps.

Honey Pot Prop

Make 1 small round honey pot with a pale top.

Using brown-gold yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4 to 6: k all.
5. Rnd 7: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Change to pale yellow for the top ring.

1. Rnd 8: k all.
2. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly and close.

Honeycomb Prop

Make 1 small hive-like prop.

Using honey-gold yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4 to 8: k all.
5. Rnd 9: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 10: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly.

Before closing fully, embroider a small brown doorway square near the base.

Close the top.

Daisy Flowers for Ear

Make 2 tiny flowers in white yarn.

Each flower may be made as a tiny gathered strip:

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: k all.
3. Row 2: p all.
4. Bind off.

Gather tightly into a small rosette.

Embroider a yellow center.

Sew beside the left ear base area.

Add one tiny green stitch below for the bead-like accent if desired.

Facial Embroidery

The face must stay gentle and simple.

• Use dark brown yarn for the nose.
• Embroider a small upside-down triangle centered on the muzzle.
• Add a short vertical stitch downward from the nose.
• Add a soft curved smile, one side at a time.

The smile should be subtle and low.

Do not make it wide.

Add very light beige or cream shading stitches around the muzzle if you want more depth, but this is optional.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the head to the neck firmly, making sure the muzzle faces straight forward.
2. Sew the ears high on the crown, spaced wide apart.
3. Angle each ear slightly outward.
4. Sew the arms at the side of the upper torso just below the neck.
5. Sew the legs low on the body so they project forward in a seated pose.
6. Sew the tiny tail to the back.
7. Dress the body in overalls and tack the garment invisibly at the back and inner legs if needed.
8. Attach sandals to the feet with small hidden stitches.
9. Add the bag crossbody from one shoulder to the opposite hip.
10. Place the hat beside the doll or tack lightly to the head if desired.
11. Set the honey props near the figure.

Placement Notes for Accuracy

For the closest match to the image, check the following proportions carefully.

• Head: about the same visual width as the bib area plus both shoulders.
• Ears: very tall, roughly half the head height from crown line to tip.
• Eyes: large, glossy, and low enough to keep a baby-animal expression.
• Arms: slim and hanging almost straight down.
• Legs: overalls should cover most of the upper legs and reach just above the sandals.
• Bib: high and square with visible decorative embroidery.
• Bag: not too large, just enough to sit at the dog’s side without covering the full leg.
• Hat: rounded crown, moderate brim, and clearly striped.

Helpful Tips for New Knitters

If you are newer to toy knitting, focus first on consistency and firmness.

This design looks polished because the fabric is tight and the stuffing is placed with care.

• Stuff in small bits, not large handfuls.
• Pause often and compare left and right sides.
• Sew limbs with strong thread or doubled matching yarn.
• Use pins before final sewing so the ears and limbs are symmetrical.
• Keep facial embroidery tiny.

The accessories make this piece special, so do not rush the finishing.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head sits upright and the muzzle points slightly forward, not upward. Secure the ears high and open. Make the nose small and centered. Keep the smile short and soft. Sew the daisy flowers close to one ear. Position the overalls high on the chest and place the bag strap diagonally across the body.

Care Notes

Display this knitted Chihuahua away from direct moisture and heavy sunlight. Avoid rough handling of the flower trims, straps, and hat decorations. If made for a child, embroidered eyes are safer than safety eyes for very young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed but not stretched.
• Ears even in height and angle.
• Eyes aligned.
• Overalls striped evenly.
• Bib embroidery centered.
• Sandals secured.
• Bag strap positioned neatly.
• Daisies attached firmly.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak unless all parts are securely fastened and the stuffing is washable. Reshape while drying flat. Store in a dust-free area. For long-term display, keep the toy away from strong heat, direct sun, and high humidity.