Crochet Tutorial: Honey Bee in a Blue Apron Dress – Free Crochet Pattern

This cheerful honey bee amigurumi wears a light blue apron dress, a textured blue vest, a white front apron with a tiny flower, yellow sandals, a brown crossbody bag, soft white wings, tall black antennae, and sweet garden details. The finished doll is designed with a round yellow head, black limbs, rosy cheeks, stitched lashes, flower decorations, and a tiny bee accent on the head.

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 creates a standing honey bee doll with a large rounded head, slim black arms and legs, a compact body, and a full skirted apron dress. The doll is worked mainly in continuous rounds, with separate accessories sewn on after the body is complete.

The look in the photo depends on firm stuffing, neat color changes, and careful placement of the facial features. The head should be larger than the body, the dress should flare softly, and the antennae should stand tall with rounded black tips.

• Finished size: about 10.5 inches tall from feet to antenna tips when using the suggested yarn and hook.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: separate head, body, limbs, dress pieces, vest, wings, bag, flowers, sandals, and small garden accessories.
• Main style: firm amigurumi crochet with decorative surface details.

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in honey yellow.
• Worsted weight yarn in black.
• Worsted weight yarn in light blue.
• Worsted weight yarn in medium denim blue.
• Worsted weight yarn in white.
• Small amounts of brown, green, pink, gray, teal blue, pale yellow, and dark brown yarn.
• 3.0 mm crochet hook for the doll and clothing.
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for flowers, bag flap, and small details.
• 8 mm black safety eyes or glossy black beads.
• Black embroidery thread for eyelashes and smile.
• Pink embroidery thread or pink yarn for cheeks.
• White embroidery thread for apron dots and dress dots.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small button or crocheted button for the bag.
• Optional craft wire or pipe cleaners for antennae and flower stems.

Abbreviations

• MR: magic ring.
• ch: chain.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• sc: single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• tr: treble crochet.
• inc: 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dec: invisible single crochet decrease.
• BLO: back loop only.
• FLO: front loop only.
• st: stitch.
• rnd: round.
• FO: fasten off.

Gauge and Tension

For amigurumi, exact gauge is less important than firm fabric. Your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. With worsted weight yarn and a 3.0 mm hook, 6 sc rounds should measure about 1 inch tall.

If your doll becomes too loose or soft, use a smaller hook. If your stitches are very stiff and difficult to work, move up slightly, but keep the fabric compact. The head and body need strong shaping to hold the rounded bee form.

Important Color and Shape Notes

• The head is honey yellow and very round, with a slightly wider middle.
• The body is mostly hidden under the blue dress and white apron.
• Arms and legs are black, with small yellow cuffs and yellow sandals.
• The dress has a light blue skirt with white dots and a white scalloped hem.
• The vest is medium blue and sits open at the front.
• The wings are white, rounded, and placed behind the shoulders.
• The antennae are black, tall, and slightly curved outward.
• The face has large black eyes with lashes, pink cheeks, and a small curved smile.

Head

Use honey yellow yarn and the 3.0 mm hook. Work in continuous rounds. Stuff firmly as you go, especially around the cheeks and lower face. The head should look like a smooth round bee face, not a narrow oval.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. Rnd 7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. (42)
8. Rnd 8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. (48)
9. Rnd 9: sc 7, inc, repeat around. (54)
10. Rnd 10: sc 8, inc, repeat around. (60)
11. Rnds 11-20: sc around. (60)
12. Rnd 21: sc 8, dec, repeat around. (54)
13. Rnd 22: sc around. (54)
14. Rnd 23: sc 7, dec, repeat around. (48)
15. Rnd 24: sc 6, dec, repeat around. (42)
16. Rnd 25: sc 5, dec, repeat around. (36)
17. Rnd 26: sc 4, dec, repeat around. (30)
18. Rnd 27: sc 3, dec, repeat around. (24)

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Insert the safety eyes between Rnds 15 and 16, about 11 stitches apart. The eyes should sit slightly below the center line of the face. Before closing fully, stuff the head until it is round and firm.

1. Rnd 28: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
2. Rnd 29: sc 1, dec, repeat around. (12)

FO with a long tail if sewing the head to the body later. Do not close the final opening completely until the neck is checked against the body. The head should sit low and stable on the torso.

Facial Details

The face gives the bee its gentle garden character. Place each feature carefully before tying off any embroidery thread. Use the image as a placement guide: glossy black eyes, long lashes, small smile, and pink cheeks.

• Eyelashes: With black embroidery thread, stitch 3 lashes at the outer side of each eye. Each lash should be about 2 stitches long.
• Smile: Stitch a shallow curved smile centered between the eyes, about 3 rounds below them. Use 3 small backstitches.
• Cheeks: Use pink yarn or embroidery thread. Make an oval cheek on each side, between Rnds 18 and 21, about 3 stitches from each eye.

For each cheek, make 5 horizontal satin stitches over 3 stitches, then add 2 short diagonal stitches across the cheek for a rosy textured look. Keep both cheeks even and slightly raised.

Body Base

The body is smaller than the head and shaped like a short pear. Use honey yellow yarn at the top and black yarn at the lower section, though much of it will be covered by the dress. Work firmly so the doll stands well.

1. Rnd 1: With honey yellow, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. Rnds 7-10: sc around. (36)
8. Rnd 11: Change to black, BLO sc around. (36)
9. Rnd 12: sc around. (36)
10. Rnd 13: sc 4, dec, repeat around. (30)
11. Rnd 14: sc around. (30)
12. Rnd 15: sc 3, dec, repeat around. (24)
13. Rnd 16: sc around. (24)
14. Rnd 17: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
15. Rnd 18: sc around. (18)

Stuff the body firmly, making the bottom slightly rounded and the top narrower. FO with a long tail. The neck opening should match the lower head opening. Sew the head on after the dress is fitted.

Black Neck Stripe

The black scalloped collar visible under the chin is made separately and sewn around the neck after the head and body are joined. Use black yarn and the 2.5 mm hook.

1. Ch 22.
2. Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc 21.
3. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sl st in first st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in next st, repeat across as evenly as possible.

FO with a long tail. Wrap around the front of the neck and sew only the upper edge down. Let the little scallops show above the dress neckline.

Legs

Make 2. Start with black yarn. The legs are slim, straight, and visible under the dress. They should be long enough to support the doll and leave space for the yellow sandals.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (9)
3. Rnd 3: sc around. (9)
4. Rnd 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (12)
5. Rnds 5-16: sc around. (12)
6. Rnd 17: sc 4, dec, repeat twice. (10)
7. Rnds 18-20: sc around. (10)

Stuff lightly but firmly. The legs should not bulge. FO with a long tail. Sew the legs to the underside of the body, about 6 stitches apart, angled slightly forward so the doll can sit or stand with support.

Feet

Make 2 with black yarn. These feet create the rounded black toes seen inside the sandals.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 6. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc 4, 3 sc in last ch. Work on opposite side of chain: sc 3, inc in last st. (12)
2. Rnd 2: inc, sc 3, inc in next 3 sts, sc 3, inc in last 2 sts. (18)
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc 5, dec 4 times, sc 5. (14)
5. Rnd 5: sc 4, dec 3 times, sc 4. (11)
6. Rnd 6: sc around. (11)

Stuff the front toe section only. FO with a long tail and sew each foot to the bottom of a leg. The toes should point forward and peek through the sandal straps.

Yellow Sandals

Make 2 sandal soles with yellow yarn and the 2.5 mm hook. The sandals have yellow straps, flower accents, and a thin white sole edge.

Sandal Sole

1. Rnd 1: With yellow, ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch. Work opposite side: sc 4, inc in last st. (14)
2. Rnd 2: inc, sc 4, inc in next 3 sts, sc 4, inc in next 2 sts. (20)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, sc 4, sc 1, inc, repeat 3 times across toe curve, sc 4, sc 1, inc twice. (26)
4. Rnd 4: Change to white, sl st around loosely. (26)

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FO and weave in the white tail. Place the sole under the black foot and sew through the yellow round only, leaving the white edge visible around the bottom.

Sandal Strap

1. With yellow, ch 9.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (8)

Sew one strap across the top of each foot, from side to side. Place the strap just behind the toe opening. Leave the black toe section visible at the front.

Sandal Flower

Make 2 tiny flowers. Use pale yellow or white for petals and pink for the center.

1. With pink, make 5 sc in MR, sl st to close. FO.
2. Join pale yellow in any st. In each st, work: sl st, ch 2, hdc, ch 2, sl st. Repeat 5 petals.

Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal strap. Keep the flower flat and small so it matches the delicate decoration in the image.

Arms

Make 2. The arms are black with small honey yellow upper sections. The hands are rounded black tips, and the arms hang down along the sides of the dress.

1. Rnd 1: With black, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (9)
3. Rnds 3-5: sc around. (9)
4. Rnd 6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. (6)
5. Rnds 7-17: sc around. (6)
6. Rnd 18: Change to honey yellow, sc around. (6)
7. Rnd 19: sc around. (6)

Stuff only the hand very lightly. Leave the arm mostly flat so it drapes naturally. FO with a long tail. Sew arms to the upper sides of the body before adding the vest, or sew through the vest later for a layered look.

Light Blue Dress Bodice

The bodice is light blue and sits close to the body. It has tiny white button dots on the front and supports the skirt and apron. Work this piece separately, then sew around the body.

1. Row 1: With light blue, ch 31. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 30.
2. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc 30.
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc 5, ch 5, skip 5, sc 10, ch 5, skip 5, sc 5. This creates arm openings.
4. Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc 5, sc 5 in ch space, sc 10, sc 5 in ch space, sc 5. (30)
5. Rows 5-8: ch 1, turn, sc 30.
6. Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc 30, then FO with a long tail.

Wrap the bodice around the upper body with the opening at the back. Sew the back seam neatly. The top edge should sit just below the black neck stripe, and the armholes should fit around the arms without pulling.

Full Blue Skirt

The skirt is light blue and flares outward, ending with a white scalloped trim. Work the skirt directly into the lower edge of the bodice or make it separately and sew it on. Direct attachment gives the cleanest shape.

1. Rnd 1: Join light blue to the bottom front edge of the bodice. Work 36 sc evenly around. (36)
2. Rnd 2: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (48)
3. Rnd 3: sc around. (48)
4. Rnd 4: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (60)
5. Rnds 5-6: sc around. (60)
6. Rnd 7: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (72)
7. Rnds 8-10: sc around. (72)
8. Rnd 11: sc 5, inc, repeat around. (84)
9. Rnds 12-13: sc around. (84)

Switch to white for the lower trim. The edge in the photo is bright white and scalloped. Keep the scallops evenly spaced and slightly ruffled.

1. Rnd 14: With white, sc around. (84)
2. Rnd 15: sl st in first st, skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st, repeat around. Adjust by skipping one extra stitch if needed to finish evenly.

FO and weave in ends. Steam lightly with your hands only if needed. Do not flatten the scallops too much; the skirt should look soft and rounded.

White Dress Dots

The dress has tiny white dots scattered over the blue skirt. Use white yarn or embroidery thread. Make about 12 to 16 dots, spaced naturally across the front and sides.

• For each dot, insert the needle from inside the skirt to outside.
• Make 2 small wraps over one stitch.
• Insert the needle back into the same place.
• Tie off on the wrong side and hide the tail.

Place more dots near the lower front skirt and fewer near the back. Keep them small so they look like neat embroidered texture, not large buttons.

White Apron Front

The apron is a rounded white panel sewn onto the front of the blue dress. It has a smooth top edge, rounded bottom, and a tiny embroidered flower near the lower center.

1. Row 1: With white, ch 15. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 14.
2. Row 2: ch 1, turn, inc, sc 12, inc. (16)
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, inc, sc 14, inc. (18)
4. Rows 4-8: ch 1, turn, sc across. (18)
5. Row 9: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 14, dec. (16)
6. Row 10: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 12, dec. (14)
7. Row 11: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 10, dec. (12)

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Do not turn after Row 11. Work a border around the apron: sc evenly up one side, 3 sc in each lower corner, sc across the bottom, 3 sc in the other lower corner, sc up the opposite side, and sl st across the top.

FO with a long tail. Sew the apron to the center front of the skirt, beginning just below the bodice and ending above the white scalloped hem. The apron should cover the front of the skirt but not hide the full blue flare.

Tiny Flower on Apron

• Use green thread to stitch a small stem with 3 straight stitches.
• Add 2 small green leaves with lazy daisy stitches.
• Use pink or yellow yarn to stitch 5 tiny petals at the top.
• Add one yellow dot in the flower center.

Keep this flower very small. It should sit near the lower center of the apron, just like a delicate embroidered garden motif.

Medium Blue Open Vest

The vest is darker blue than the dress and has a textured front. It sits open over the bodice and frames the apron. Make 2 front panels and 1 back panel, then seam at the shoulders and sides.

Vest Back Panel

1. Row 1: With medium blue, ch 19. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 18.
2. Rows 2-8: ch 1, turn, sc across. (18)
3. Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc 4, hdc 10, sc 4. (18)
4. Rows 10-11: ch 1, turn, sc across. (18)

FO. This panel should cover the upper back from shoulder to waist. It should not extend over the skirt.

Vest Front Panels

Make 2.

1. Row 1: With medium blue, ch 10. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 9.
2. Rows 2-7: ch 1, turn, sc across. (9)
3. Row 8: ch 1, turn, sc 7, dec. (8)
4. Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc across. (8)
5. Row 10: ch 1, turn, sc 6, dec. (7)
6. Row 11: ch 1, turn, sc across. (7)

FO. For the second front panel, place the decreases on the opposite front edge by working dec first on Rows 8 and 10. This creates mirrored neckline shaping.

Vest Border

Join medium blue at the lower corner of each front panel. Work sc evenly around the outer edges, placing 2 sc in each lower corner. On the front vertical edges, work 1 sc per row end.

Sew the shoulder seams first, matching the front panels to the back panel. Sew side seams for only 3 rows at the lower sides, leaving room for the arms. Place the vest over the dress and tack it down at the shoulders and underarms.

White Wings

Make 2 wings with white yarn. They are oval, slightly ribbed, and sit behind the shoulders. The wings in the image are soft, rounded, and visible on both sides of the body.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 8. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 6, 3 sc in last ch. Work opposite side: sc 5, inc in last st. (16)
2. Rnd 2: inc, sc 5, inc in next 3 sts, sc 5, inc in next 2 sts. (22)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, sc 5, sc 1, inc, repeat 3 times across curve, sc 5, sc 1, inc twice. (30)
4. Rnd 4: sc around. (30)
5. Rnd 5: sl st around loosely. (30)

FO with a long tail. Pin the wings to the back of the body behind the vest. Angle each wing outward at about 30 degrees. Sew only the inner vertical edge so the outer edge remains soft and dimensional.

Antennae

Make 2 with black yarn. The antennae are tall and slightly curved, with larger rounded tips. For a poseable look, insert a pipe cleaner inside each antenna, folding the sharp ends safely inward.

Antenna Stem

1. Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. Rnds 2-15: sc around. (5)

Stuff lightly with a thin strand of fiberfill, or insert covered wire. FO only after adding the tip.

Antenna Tip

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc around. (12)
4. Rnd 4: sc 1, dec, repeat around. (8)
5. Rnd 5: dec around until nearly closed.

Sew the tip to the stem. Attach each antenna to the top of the head between Rnds 3 and 6, about 10 stitches apart. Angle them upward and slightly outward. Secure with many stitches so they do not wobble.

Large White Daisy on Head

The daisy sits on the left side of the bee’s head near one antenna. Use white yarn for petals and yellow yarn for the center. It should be bold enough to read clearly against the yellow head.

Daisy Center

1. With yellow, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. FO and leave a tail.

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Daisy Petals

Join white yarn to any front loop of the center.

1. Petal 1: ch 5, starting in 2nd ch from hook work sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sl st into next center stitch.
2. Repeat Petal 1 around until you have 10 to 12 petals.

Sew the daisy flat to the upper left front of the head. Place it just below the left antenna, tilted slightly forward.

Tiny Bee Accent on Head

The small bee accent sits near the opposite antenna. It has a yellow oval body, black stripes, a tiny face, and white wings.

Tiny Bee Body

1. Rnd 1: With yellow, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (9)
3. Rnds 3-5: sc around. (9)
4. Rnd 6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. (6)

Stuff very lightly and close. With black embroidery thread, stitch 3 curved stripes across the body. Stitch 2 tiny black eyes on the front.

Tiny Bee Wings

Make 2.

1. With white, ch 4.
2. In 2nd ch from hook, work sc, hdc, 4 dc in last ch.
3. Sl st back into the first chain area and FO.

Sew one wing to each side of the tiny bee body. Attach the tiny bee to the top right side of the head, close to the antenna base.

Brown Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small textured brown satchel worn across the front of the dress. It sits on the bee’s right hip with a diagonal strap crossing over the bodice and apron.

Bag Body

1. Row 1: With brown and 2.5 mm hook, ch 11. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 10.
2. Rows 2-8: ch 1, turn, sc 10.
3. Do not FO. Work sc evenly around all four sides, placing 3 sc in each corner.

Make a second identical rectangle. Place both rectangles together and sc through both layers around the sides and bottom only. Leave the top open. FO and weave in ends.

Bag Flap

1. Row 1: With brown, ch 9. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 8.
2. Rows 2-3: ch 1, turn, sc 8.
3. Row 4: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 4, dec. (6)
4. Row 5: ch 1, turn, sc 6.

FO with a long tail. Sew the flap to the upper back edge of the bag and fold it over the front. Add a tiny tan button or make one with 6 sc in a magic ring.

Bag Strap

1. With brown, ch 56.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each ch across. (55)

Sew one end of the strap to the top left of the bag and the other to the top right. Place the strap over the bee’s left shoulder and let the bag rest on the right side of the apron skirt.

Optional Garden Hat

The photo includes a separate yellow garden hat with a blue ribbon and small flower. This is made as a removable accessory and can be displayed beside the doll or placed gently on the head if desired.

Hat Crown

1. Rnd 1: With yellow, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. Rnds 6-8: sc around. (30)

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 9: FLO sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
2. Rnd 10: sc 5, inc, repeat around. (42)
3. Rnd 11: sc 6, inc, repeat around. (48)
4. Rnd 12: sc around. (48)
5. Rnd 13: sl st around loosely. (48)

FO and shape the brim flat with your fingers. Do not over-stuff the crown. The hat should look like a soft straw sunhat.

Hat Ribbon and Flower

• With teal blue yarn, ch 42 and sl st back across. Wrap around the crown and tie or sew into place.
• For the bow tails, ch 8 twice and sew them near the side of the ribbon.
• Make a tiny flower with 5 white petals and a yellow center, then sew it beside the bow.

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Optional Gray Watering Can

The image shows a small gray watering can beside the doll. This accessory is optional, but it completes the garden scene. Use gray yarn and the 2.5 mm hook.

Can Body

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: BLO sc around. (24)
6. Rnds 6-10: sc around. (24)
7. Rnd 11: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
8. Rnd 12: sc around. (18)

Stuff lightly. FO and leave the top open if you want it to look hollow, or close it with a flat circle if making a toy for rough handling.

Can Rim

1. Join gray to the top opening.
2. Rnd 1: sc around. (18)
3. Rnd 2: sl st around. (18)

Spout

1. Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. Rnds 2-8: sc around. (5)
3. Rnd 9: sc 1, inc, repeat once, sc 1. (7)
4. Rnd 10: sc around. (7)

FO and sew the spout to one side of the can at a slight upward angle. Stuff only the base of the spout so the tip stays narrow.

Handle

1. With gray, ch 18.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 17.
3. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc 17.

FO. Curve the strip into a handle and sew to the opposite side of the can. Attach the top near the rim and the bottom near the lower body.

Optional Flower Pots

The picture includes small potted plants and white flowers. These pieces are optional but create a sweet garden display around the bee doll.

Terracotta Pot

1. Rnd 1: With rust brown, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: BLO sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 5: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
6. Rnds 6-8: sc around. (24)
7. Rnd 9: FLO sc around. (24)
8. Rnd 10: sl st around. (24)

Stuff lightly. Add a dark brown soil circle by making 6 sc in MR, then increasing to 24 stitches. Sew the soil circle into the pot opening.

Flower Stems

• For each stem, ch 11 with green yarn and sl st back across.
• Make 3 stems for the larger pot.
• Sew stems into the soil circle.
• Add small green leaves by ch 4, sc in 2nd ch, hdc, sl st, then sew to stem sides.

Small White Flower

1. With yellow, 5 sc in MR, sl st to close.
2. Join white. In each stitch work: sl st, ch 2, hdc, ch 2, sl st.
3. Repeat until you have 5 small petals.

Sew one flower to the top of each stem. Keep the flowers slightly different heights to match the natural garden look.

Optional Small Basket with Green Plant

The smaller beige basket in the image has a textured woven look and a green plant at the top. This accessory is quick and adds another soft handmade detail.

Basket

1. Rnd 1: With beige, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: BLO sc around. (18)
5. Rnds 5-8: sc around. (18)
6. Rnd 9: sl st around. (18)

Green Plant Top

1. With green, 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc, hdc, skip 1 st on circle, sl st in next st, repeat around for leafy bumps.

Sew the plant top into the basket opening. Shape each leaf outward with your fingers.

Joining the Doll

Before final sewing, pin all major pieces in place. The doll should look balanced from the front, side, and back. The head is large and needs secure stitching at the neck to prevent tilting.

1. Sew the legs to the underside of the body first. Place them evenly and slightly forward.
2. Sew the feet to the legs, making sure both toes face forward.
3. Wrap the bodice around the body and sew the back seam.
4. Attach the skirt to the bodice if you did not already crochet it directly on.
5. Sew the apron to the front of the skirt.
6. Sew the head to the body using the long tail from the head or body.
7. Add the black neck stripe around the front neck edge.
8. Sew the arms to the sides, letting them hang over the dress.
9. Place the vest over the shoulders and tack it neatly at the sides.
10. Sew wings to the back, behind the vest.
11. Add antennae, head daisy, and tiny bee accent.
12. Place the crossbody bag strap over the shoulder and secure the bag at the hip.

Positioning Guide

• Eyes: between Rnds 15 and 16 of the head, about 11 stitches apart.
• Smile: centered about 3 rounds below the eyes.
• Cheeks: between Rnds 18 and 21, outside the eyes.
• Antennae: top of head between Rnds 3 and 6, spaced widely.
• Daisy: upper left front of head, below the antenna.
• Tiny bee: upper right front of head, near the other antenna.
• Wings: back of body at shoulder height, angled outward.
• Bag: strap from left shoulder to right hip.

Detailed Stitch Notes for Beginners

Use a stitch marker at the first stitch of every round. Amigurumi is usually worked in a spiral, so the beginning of the round can shift slightly. Move your marker up each round to keep your increases and decreases accurate.

For invisible decreases, insert the hook into the front loop of the next stitch, then into the front loop of the following stitch. Yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over again, and pull through the final 2 loops.

When changing colors, complete the last yarn-over of the final stitch with the new color. This makes the color change cleaner. For the body and dress, keep color joins toward the back whenever possible.

Stuff gradually. A large head needs more stuffing than you may expect, but do not stretch the stitches open. Add small pieces of fiberfill at a time and push them into the sides with the back of your hook.

Dress and Apron Shaping Tips

The dress should flare from the waist and rest softly above the legs. If your skirt curls upward, your stitches may be too tight. Work the scalloped edge loosely, especially the slip stitches between shells.

The white apron should sit centered on the front and should not pull the skirt inward. Sew with small stitches around the apron edge, catching only the front loops of the blue skirt when possible.

For the tiny white dots on the dress, avoid placing them in perfect rows. The photo shows a handmade scattered effect. Add a few on the left, a few on the right, and several near the lower skirt front.

Making the Bee Look Like the Photo

• Use a warm golden yellow, not pale lemon yellow, for the head and upper body.
• Use deep black for the arms, legs, antennae, lashes, and smile.
• Choose soft light blue for the dress and a slightly darker blue for the vest.
• Make the head round and oversized compared with the body.
• Keep the wings small enough to peek out from behind the vest.
• Place the bag low on the right side so it overlaps the skirt.
• Use glossy safety eyes for the same bright expression.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After every piece is attached, check the doll from the front. The eyes should be level, the cheeks should be symmetrical, and the smile should be centered. Add extra black embroidery to the lashes if one side looks lighter.

Secure all yarn tails inside the doll. Tug gently on antennae, wings, flowers, sandals, and the bag to make sure each piece is firmly sewn. Shape the skirt, vest, and apron with your fingers so the outfit sits smoothly.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the doll has safety eyes, wire, or delicate accessories.
• Press with a towel to remove moisture after cleaning.
• Air dry flat in a shaded area.
• Keep away from strong heat, direct sunlight, and rough pulling.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and securely sewn to the body.
• The antennae stand tall and are evenly spaced.
• The daisy and tiny bee accent are attached near the antennae.
• The eyes, lashes, smile, and cheeks are balanced.
• The dress flares outward with a white scalloped hem.
• The apron is centered and has a tiny flower detail.
• The vest sits open and does not cover the apron.
• The wings are visible from the front and sides.
• The sandals show black toes and small flower accents.
• The brown bag crosses the body and rests at the hip.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the honey bee doll upright or lying flat in a clean dry space. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the antennae, wings, or hat. These parts can bend if compressed for a long time.

If dust gathers on the doll, use a soft brush and gently sweep over the stitches. For the face and apron, dab instead of rubbing so the embroidery stays neat. Let the doll dry fully before storing.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll loosely in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth. Keep it away from moisture and strong sunlight. Small accessories such as the hat, watering can, and flower pots can be stored beside the doll in a separate soft pouch.