Knitting Tutorial: Honey Bee Bear with a Flower Crown – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted honey bee bear is dressed in mustard-and-charcoal striped overalls, a soft cream sweater, tiny sandals, a flower crown, and black bee antennae. The set also includes a matching striped bee hat, a tiny floral shoulder bag, a small bouquet, and a honey pot, creating a cozy garden-themed bear inspired by the image.

 

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 soft knitted bear with a rounded head, small ears hidden partly under a flower crown, a cream oval muzzle, shiny safety eyes, and a tiny embroidered nose. The body is compact and plush, with short arms, rounded legs, and separate striped overalls worked in honey mustard and dark charcoal.

The finished bear is designed to look like the toy in the photo: wide head, short body, slightly chubby legs, soft sweater sleeves, shoulder straps, small black buttons, floral embellishments, and tiny bee details. The accessories are worked separately and sewn in place for a layered handmade look.

• Finished bear height: about 10.5 inches from foot sole to top of head, not including antennae.
• Hat width: about 4.75 inches across the lower edge when relaxed.
• Shoulder bag: about 2 inches tall and 1.75 inches wide.
• Honey pot: about 1.5 inches tall.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: knitted flat and seamed, with small circular details worked using short rows and gathering.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in warm brown: for bear head, ears, paws, hands, and visible feet.
• Worsted weight yarn in cream: for sweater, muzzle, foot soles, sandal edging, flower centers, and bag base.
• Worsted weight yarn in honey mustard: for striped overalls, hat, sandal straps, honey pot, and flower accents.
• Worsted weight yarn in dark charcoal: for overall stripes, hat stripes, antennae, tiny nose, and bee stripes.
• Small amounts of dusty pink, ivory, muted yellow, burgundy, sage green, and soft peach: for flowers, leaves, and bag embroidery.
• US 4 knitting needles: 3.5 mm straight needles for firm toy fabric.
• US 3 knitting needles: 3.25 mm for small accessories if you want tighter details.
• Polyester fiberfill: for stuffing the bear, hat shape support, honey pot, and antennae.
• Two 10 mm black safety eyes: or embroidered eyes for a child-safe version.
• Two 6 mm black buttons: for overall straps.
• Two 4 mm dark buttons: optional for sandals.
• Tapestry needle: for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers: useful for center placement and strap alignment.
• Black embroidery thread: for mouth line and nose shaping.
• Blush pink embroidery thread: optional for tiny cheek tint stitches.

Gauge

Use a tight gauge so the stuffing does not show. The knitted toy in the image has a firm, smooth stockinette surface with visible but compact stitches. Adjust needle size if your fabric is loose.

• Gauge in stockinette: 6 stitches and 8 rows per 1 inch.
• Gauge for small accessories: 6.5 stitches and 8.5 rows per 1 inch.
• Recommended fabric feel: firm, flexible, and dense enough to hold rounded shaping.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• Sts: stitches.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• P2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• Kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• M1: make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back loop.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit the slipped stitches together.
• St st: stockinette stitch, knit RS rows and purl WS rows.
• Garter stitch: knit every row.

Important Notes Before Starting

All main toy pieces are knitted flat and seamed. Leave long yarn tails on each piece because those tails are used for closing, gathering, and attaching. The bear should be stuffed firmly enough to stand full and rounded, but not so firmly that the seams stretch.

The photo shows a bear with a large round head and a smaller body. Keep this proportion when stuffing. The head should be wider than the torso. The legs should be plump and short, with the striped overalls sitting high on the belly.

• Work the bear body in separate brown and clothing pieces for the layered look.
• Use mattress stitch for vertical seams where possible.
• Use whip stitch for tiny flowers, leaves, sandals, and bee appliqués.
• Steam lightly only after assembly, never press the stuffed pieces flat.

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Bear Head

The head is a rounded brown oval with a slightly flattened front where the cream muzzle sits. Knit firmly. The shape is made by increasing to a wide center, working straight rows, then decreasing to the back of the head.

1. Using warm brown yarn and US 4 needles, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb in each stitch to last 1 st, K1. You now have 22 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K2, kfb, repeat from kfb placement every 2 sts to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 31 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K3, M1, K5, M1, K5, M1, K5, M1, K5, M1, K3. You should have 36 sts.
9. Rows 8 to 22: Work in stockinette stitch, starting with a purl row.
10. Row 23: K4, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 31 sts.
11. Row 24: P all sts.
12. Row 25: K3, k2tog, repeat across to last 1 st, K1. You should have 25 sts.
13. Row 26: P all sts.
14. Row 27: K2, k2tog, repeat across to last 1 st, K1. You should have 19 sts.
15. Row 28: P all sts.
16. Row 29: K1, k2tog across to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 13 sts.
17. Row 30: P1, p2tog across to last 2 sts, P2. You should have 8 sts.
18. Cut yarn, leaving a 16 inch tail. Thread through remaining sts, pull snug, and seam the back of the head.

Stuff the head firmly as you seam. Shape it with your hands so the front is smooth and rounded. The lower face should be full enough to support the muzzle, but the top should stay slightly domed for the flower crown.

Cream Oval Muzzle

The muzzle is an oval patch sewn onto the lower front of the head. It should cover the lower center area and sit below the eyes. The photo shows a soft cream muzzle with a small black nose centered near the upper third.

1. Using cream yarn and US 4 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. You now have 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. You now have 12 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
8. Row 13: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
9. Row 14: P all sts.
10. Row 15: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
11. Row 16: P all sts.
12. BO all sts, leaving a 14 inch tail for sewing.

Pin the muzzle to the head before stitching. The top of the muzzle should sit about 4 rows below the eye line. Sew around the edge with small stitches, adding a thin layer of stuffing under the center before closing the final inch.

Face Details

• Place safety eyes between head rows 13 and 14, about 10 stitches apart, centered above the muzzle.
• Embroider the nose with dark charcoal yarn over 3 horizontal stitches near the top center of the muzzle.
• Work 5 satin stitches for the nose, then wrap once around the middle to make it rounded.
• For the mouth, use black embroidery thread and stitch one straight vertical line from the nose down 6 rows.
• Add two tiny curved stitches at the bottom if you want a soft bear expression.

Bear Ears

The ears are small rounded brown pieces partly covered by the flower crown. Keep them low and close to the head rather than tall. They should sit at the upper sides of the head, angled slightly outward.

1. Using warm brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. You now have 10 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 9: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
7. Row 10: P2tog, P4, p2tog. You now have 6 sts.
8. BO all sts, leaving a sewing tail.
9. Make a second ear the same way.

Fold each ear slightly at the base and sew the lower edge to the head between rows 7 and 12. Position the ears about 16 stitches apart across the top curve. The flower crown will sit in front of the ears and should not fully hide them.

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Body Base

The body is a short rounded form mostly covered by the cream sweater and striped overalls. The brown base gives structure under the clothing and creates a stable place to attach arms and legs.

1. Using warm brown yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K2, kfb across to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 32 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K4, M1, K6, M1, K6, M1, K6, M1, K6, M1, K4. You should have 37 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 20: Work in stockinette stitch.
8. Row 21: K5, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 32 sts.
9. Row 22: P all sts.
10. Row 23: K3, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 26 sts.
11. Row 24: P all sts.
12. Row 25: K2, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. You should have 20 sts.
13. Row 26: P all sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Seam the back of the body. Stuff firmly, making the lower body round and the upper body slightly narrower. The neck opening should be gathered just enough to fit under the head without creating a bulky ridge.

Cream Ribbed Sweater Front and Back

The sweater in the image is cream, soft, and slightly textured. It sits under the overalls and has visible ribbed or cable-like vertical texture. This simplified knitted version uses rib panels and narrow garter edges to create the same cozy look.

Sweater Front

1. Using cream yarn, CO 26 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts for a garter hem.
3. Row 5: K3, P2, K2, P2, K8, P2, K2, P2, K3.
4. Row 6: K3, K2, P2, K2, P8, K2, P2, K2, K3.
5. Rows 7 to 18: Repeat rows 5 and 6.
6. Row 19: K3, P2, K2, P2, K8, P2, K2, P2, K3.
7. Row 20: K all sts.
8. Row 21: K4, BO 18 sts, K4.
9. Place the first 4 shoulder sts on a holder. Work the last 4 sts for 4 rows in garter stitch, then BO.
10. Return to the first 4 shoulder sts and work 4 rows in garter stitch, then BO.

Sweater Back

1. Using cream yarn, CO 26 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 18: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 19 to 22: K all sts for a simple shoulder and neck edge.
5. BO all sts.

Place the sweater front and back around the body with the textured panel centered on the chest. Sew side seams from lower edge upward for 10 rows, leaving armholes open. Sew shoulder seams over 4 stitches on each side.

Cream Sweater Sleeves

The sleeves are short, wide, and cream-colored, ending above the brown paws. They have a slight puffed look because they are wider near the middle and gently gathered at the cuff.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Row 4: P all sts.
4. Row 5: K2, kfb, K10, kfb, K2. You now have 18 sts.
5. Rows 6 to 14: Work in stockinette stitch.
6. Rows 15 to 17: K all sts for cuff texture.
7. BO all sts loosely.
8. Make a second sleeve.

Seam each sleeve along the underside. Attach the top of each sleeve into the sweater armhole. The sleeve should angle slightly downward and outward, matching the relaxed pose in the photo.

Bear Arms and Paws

The brown paws show below the cream sleeves. Make the arms short and slightly rounded at the ends. They should not be long; the photo shows stubby arms that end around the top of the overalls.

1. Using warm brown yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. You now have 12 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 13: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
7. Row 14: P all sts.
8. Row 15: K2tog across. You now have 5 sts.
9. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.
10. Make a second arm.

Seam and stuff lightly. Insert each arm inside a cream sleeve, letting about 5 rows of brown paw show beyond the cuff. Stitch the paw to the sleeve from the inside so the join looks clean.

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Legs and Feet

The legs are short, rounded, and mostly covered by striped overall legs. The brown feet show at the bottom, with cream sandal soles and mustard straps decorated by small flowers.

1. Using warm brown yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K10, kfb, K1. You now have 16 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 13: K4, k2tog, K4, k2tog, K4. You now have 14 sts.
7. Row 14: P all sts.
8. Row 15: K2, k2tog, K6, k2tog, K2. You now have 12 sts.
9. Rows 16 to 18: Work in stockinette stitch.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long seam tail.
11. Make a second leg.

Seam each leg into a short tube and stuff firmly. Shape the lower front into a rounded foot by pushing stuffing forward. Attach legs to the lower body with a slight outward angle, leaving a small gap between them to match the separated overall legs in the image.

Striped Bee Overalls

The overalls are the most important clothing feature. They are honey mustard with dark charcoal horizontal stripes. The bib sits high on the chest. Two mustard straps go over the shoulders and attach with small dark buttons at the front.

Overall Body Panel

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts for a firm lower edge.
3. Rows 5 to 8: Work stockinette stitch in honey mustard.
4. Rows 9 to 12: Change to dark charcoal and work stockinette stitch.
5. Rows 13 to 18: Change to honey mustard and work stockinette stitch.
6. Rows 19 to 22: Change to dark charcoal and work stockinette stitch.
7. Rows 23 to 28: Change to honey mustard and work stockinette stitch.
8. Rows 29 to 32: Change to dark charcoal and work stockinette stitch.
9. Rows 33 to 36: Change to honey mustard and work stockinette stitch.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Wrap the panel around the lower body with the seam at the back. The striped section should begin at the belly and continue down over the hips. Sew the back seam carefully so the stripes line up as much as possible.

Separated Overall Legs

1. For the first leg, pick up 18 sts along the lower edge of one side of the overall body panel.
2. Rows 1 to 4: With honey mustard, work stockinette stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 8: With dark charcoal, work stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 9 to 14: With honey mustard, work stockinette stitch.
5. Rows 15 to 18: With dark charcoal, work stockinette stitch.
6. Rows 19 to 22: With honey mustard, work stockinette stitch.
7. Rows 23 to 24: K all sts in honey mustard for the cuff.
8. BO all sts loosely.
9. Repeat for the second leg.

Seam each overall leg around the brown leg. The bottom cuff should sit just above the sandal strap. Keep the stripes horizontal. Use small stitches along the inner leg so the seam is hidden in the center gap.

Overall Bib

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Rows 4 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Row 13: K all sts.
5. Row 14: K all sts.
6. BO all sts.

Sew the bib to the front upper edge of the overalls. Center it over the cream sweater. The bib should cover the lower chest but leave the cream sweater neckline visible above it.

Overall Straps

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Work 28 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap.

Sew one end of each strap to the back top edge of the overalls. Bring the straps over the shoulders and down to the front bib corners. Stitch a small black button over each front strap end, just like the image.

Sandal Soles and Straps

The bear wears cream-edged sandals with mustard straps. A small flower sits on each sandal near the outside edge. The brown foot remains visible through the sandal opening.

Cream Sole Edging

1. Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Row 4: K2tog, K12, k2tog. You now have 14 sts.
4. Row 5: K all sts.
5. BO all sts.
6. Make a second sole edging.

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Sew each cream sole piece under the brown foot, letting the cream edge show around the front and side. Do not cover the entire foot top.

Mustard Sandal Strap

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap.

Wrap each strap across the front of the foot and sew to both sides of the cream sole. Angle the strap slightly downward toward the outside of the foot.

Tiny Sandal Flowers

1. Using ivory yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Cut yarn and thread through all sts. Pull tightly into a small petal cluster.
4. Use peach or mustard yarn to make one small center knot.
5. Make two flowers and sew one to each sandal strap.

Flower Crown Base

The flower crown sits across the top front of the bear’s head. It includes small cream, peach, mustard, burgundy, and soft green details. The crown follows the head curve and rests in front of the ears.

1. Using sage green yarn, CO 46 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Curve the strip across the head from one upper side to the other. Pin it first. Sew it down with small hidden stitches, keeping the front edge visible and slightly raised.

Knitted Small Flowers for Crown

Make several tiny gathered flowers. The photo shows a natural garden mix rather than a perfectly even row, so vary the colors and placement. Use cream flowers with yellow centers, peach flowers with cream centers, and small burgundy accents.

Five-Petal Flower

1. Using flower color yarn, CO 15 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K2tog across to last 1 st, K1. You now have 8 sts.
5. Cut yarn and thread through all sts.
6. Pull tightly to gather into a flower shape.
7. Use the tail to stitch the first and last edges together.
8. Add a center French knot using mustard, cream, or pale yellow yarn.

• Make 3 cream flowers with mustard centers.
• Make 2 peach flowers with cream centers.
• Make 1 muted yellow flower with cream center.
• Make 1 burgundy bud using the small bud instructions below.

Small Bud

1. Using burgundy yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull into a tiny roll, and secure.

Small Leaves

1. Using sage green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, k2tog, K2.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K2tog, K1, k2tog. You now have 3 sts.
7. Cut yarn and pull through.

Make 8 leaves. Sew them under and between the flowers. Keep some leaves pointing upward and some outward to match the handmade crown in the image.

Black Bee Antennae

The bear has two black antennae rising behind the flower crown. Each antenna is narrow at the base and rounded at the tip. They lean slightly outward, giving the bear a bee costume look.

1. Using dark charcoal yarn and US 3 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 11: Kfb in each stitch. You now have 12 sts.
4. Rows 12 to 16: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 17: K2tog across. You now have 6 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed.
7. Seam the antenna into a narrow tube, stuffing the rounded tip lightly.
8. Make a second antenna.

Sew the antennae to the top of the head behind the flower crown. Place them about 1.25 inches apart. The bases should be secure, with the tips tilting outward.

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Matching Striped Bee Hat

The hat in the photo is a separate accessory placed beside the bear. It has a rounded crown, wide brim, and honey mustard and charcoal stripes. A tiny bee is sewn to the side of the hat.

Hat Crown

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 40 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 7: Change to dark charcoal and work stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 8 to 11: Change to honey mustard and work stockinette stitch.
5. Rows 12 to 14: Change to dark charcoal and work stockinette stitch.
6. Rows 15 to 18: Change to honey mustard and work stockinette stitch.
7. Rows 19 to 21: Change to dark charcoal and work stockinette stitch.
8. Rows 22 to 24: Change to honey mustard and work stockinette stitch.
9. Row 25: K4, k2tog across to last 4 sts, K4. You should have 34 sts.
10. Row 26: P all sts.
11. Row 27: K3, k2tog across to last 4 sts, K4. You should have 28 sts.
12. Row 28: P all sts.
13. Row 29: K2, k2tog across to last 4 sts, K4. You should have 22 sts.
14. Row 30: P all sts.
15. Row 31: K1, k2tog across to last 3 sts, K3. You should have 15 sts.
16. Cut yarn and thread through remaining sts. Pull closed.

Seam the back of the hat. Shape the crown into a soft dome. The stripes should wrap around horizontally and become narrower near the top.

Hat Brim

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 56 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Row 5: K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Row 7: K all sts.
6. Rows 8 to 10: K all sts.
7. BO loosely.

Sew the brim around the lower edge of the hat crown. Let it flare outward slightly. Do not pull the brim tight; the hat in the image has a soft bucket-hat shape.

Tiny Bee Appliqué for Hat

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Change to dark charcoal and work rows 5 and 6.
4. Change to honey mustard and work rows 7 and 8.
5. BO all sts.
6. With cream yarn, embroider two small wing loops on the top sides.
7. With dark charcoal thread, add one tiny head stitch and a short tail stitch.

Sew the bee appliqué to the right side of the hat brim area. Place it slightly above the brim edge, angled as if resting on the hat.

Floral Shoulder Bag

The small shoulder bag is cream with colorful floral embroidery and a pale strap crossing the bear’s chest. It hangs at the bear’s right hip. The bag is rectangular with a rounded lower edge and tiny flowers stitched across the front.

Bag Body

1. Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Rows 4 to 16: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Row 17: K1, ssk, K8, k2tog, K1. You now have 12 sts.
5. Row 18: P all sts.
6. Row 19: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
7. Rows 20 to 21: K all sts.
8. BO all sts.

Make a second identical piece for the back. Place wrong sides together and seam around the sides and bottom. Leave the top open or lightly closed with two small stitches.

Bag Flap

1. Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Row 5: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 6: K all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Sew the flap to the top back of the bag and fold it forward. Add one tiny dark stitch as a button or closure dot.

Bag Strap

1. Using pale beige or cream yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work 70 rows in garter stitch for a narrow strap.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the strap ends to the upper sides of the bag. Cross the strap over the bear from the left shoulder to the right hip, then tack it lightly to the sweater so it stays in place.

Bag Flower Embroidery

• Use burgundy yarn to make three small lazy-daisy flowers on the lower front.
• Use mustard yarn to make two tiny flower centers.
• Use sage green yarn to stitch three short leaf marks between flowers.
• Use soft pink yarn for two small scattered blossoms near the top.
• Keep stitches small so the embroidery looks delicate like the image.

Small Bouquet

The bouquet sits beside the bear in the image and matches the flower crown colors. It includes small red, pink, white, and yellow flowers with green stems, tied together near the base.

Stems

1. Using sage green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make 5 stems total.

Bouquet Flowers

1. For each flower, CO 10 sts in the chosen color.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Cut yarn and thread through all sts.
5. Pull tightly to gather into a tiny round flower.
6. Add a contrasting center knot.

• Make 1 burgundy flower.
• Make 1 dusty pink flower.
• Make 1 cream flower with mustard center.
• Make 1 mustard flower.
• Make 1 small rose-pink bud.

Sew one flower to the top of each stem. Arrange the stems together and wrap the base with beige yarn 6 times. Secure the wrap with a knot at the back.

Honey Pot

The honey pot is a small mustard accessory with a rounded jar shape, cream lid, and a little honey-colored rim. It sits beside the bear and reinforces the bee theme.

Pot Body

1. Using honey mustard yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K12, kfb, K1. You now have 18 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 13: K1, ssk, K12, k2tog, K1. You now have 16 sts.
7. Row 14: P all sts.
8. Row 15: K2tog across. You now have 8 sts.
9. Cut yarn and thread through remaining sts.

Seam the back of the pot and stuff lightly. Shape it round at the bottom and slightly narrower at the top.

Pot Lid

1. Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the cream lid across the top of the honey pot. Add one small horizontal mustard stitch across the lid edge to suggest honey dripping under the cream rim.

Tiny Bees for Sweater

The sweater has small bee details scattered on the cream surface. Keep them minimal and balanced. The image shows tiny bee marks on the sleeves and chest, not large appliqués.

1. With mustard yarn, make two short horizontal stitches for the bee body.
2. With dark charcoal thread, stitch one thin stripe across the body.
3. With cream yarn, add two tiny wing stitches above the body.
4. With dark charcoal thread, add one tiny head dot.

• Place one bee on the bear’s left sleeve near the shoulder.
• Place one bee on the bear’s right sleeve near the upper arm.
• Place one bee on the sweater chest, slightly off center.
• Place one very small bee near the strap line if desired.

Attaching the Head to the Body

Before attaching, check that the body is fully dressed in the sweater and overalls. The head should sit directly above the cream sweater neckline. Use strong stitching because the head is larger than the body.

1. Place the head on the body with the muzzle facing forward.
2. Use warm brown yarn and sew around the neck opening once.
3. Pull the head gently downward so there is no gap.
4. Sew around the neck a second time, catching both head fabric and body fabric.
5. Add a few hidden support stitches at the back of the neck.

The bear should have a slight seated softness but still look upright. The head is intentionally oversized for a cute plush proportion.

Placement Guide

• Eyes: centered above muzzle, evenly spaced, slightly glossy.
• Muzzle: lower front of head, oval, softly padded.
• Nose: centered near upper muzzle, small and rounded.
• Ears: upper sides of head, partly behind flower crown.
• Antennae: top center, behind flowers, leaning outward.
• Flower crown: across forehead, touching both upper sides.
• Sweater: visible on chest and sleeves under overalls.
• Overalls: high waist, bold horizontal stripes, loose rounded legs.
• Bag: strap crosses chest diagonally, bag rests on right hip.
• Sandals: cream soles, mustard straps, flower on outer side.

Extra Shaping Tips

To match the photo, do not over-lengthen the body or limbs. The charm comes from the rounded head, compact body, and soft chunky accessories. The overalls should look slightly roomy around the legs, not tight like pants.

When sewing the overalls, allow the fabric to sit over the stuffed body rather than stretching tightly. The stripes should remain visible and horizontal. If your stripes spiral or lean, pin the piece before sewing and adjust the side seam row by row.

The flower crown should look handmade and garden-like. Avoid lining the flowers in a perfect straight row. Place one large cream flower near the center, then add peach and mustard flowers to each side, with leaves peeking out underneath.

Detailed Step-by-Step Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the head first, then add the muzzle, eyes, nose, and mouth.
2. Knit the ears and sew them to the upper sides of the head.
3. Knit the body and stuff it firmly into a rounded pear shape.
4. Knit the sweater front, sweater back, and sleeves.
5. Dress the body with the sweater pieces and seam them neatly in place.
6. Knit and attach the brown arms inside the cream sleeves.
7. Knit the legs and attach them to the lower body.
8. Knit the striped overall body panel and wrap it around the bear.
9. Knit the separate overall legs and seam them around each leg.
10. Add the bib, straps, and small front buttons.
11. Attach the head securely to the dressed body.
12. Add the flower crown base, flowers, leaves, and antennae.
13. Add sandals, sandal flowers, sweater bees, and bag strap.
14. Knit the hat, bouquet, and honey pot as separate display accessories.

Making the Bear Look Like the Image

The original design has a cozy garden bee theme. The colors should stay muted and natural. Use honey mustard instead of bright yellow, dark charcoal instead of pure black for the stripes, and warm brown for the bear fur. The cream areas should look soft and slightly vintage.

The face should be simple and gentle. Large shiny eyes give the bear a sweet expression. Keep the embroidered nose small and centered. The mouth line should be straight down from the nose, creating the classic teddy bear look seen in the image.

The overalls are the visual anchor of the design. Use equal stripe tension when changing colors. Carry the yarn loosely along the wrong side if working small sections, or cut and weave ends if you prefer a cleaner inside. Do not let carried yarn pull the fabric inward.

The hat is displayed separately in the photo, so it does not need to fit perfectly on the bear’s head over the antennae. It should look like a matching accessory. The brim should be flexible and slightly flared, with a small bee appliqué on the side.

Optional Child-Safe Adjustments

• Replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes using black yarn.
• Skip small buttons and embroider button circles instead.
• Sew all flowers with extra long tails and knot securely inside the head.
• Do not leave the shoulder bag removable for children under three years old.
• Attach the bouquet and honey pot permanently to a display base if gifting to a young child.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, check the bear from the front, sides, and top. The muzzle should be centered, the eyes level, and the overalls straight. If the head tilts, add two hidden stitches at the back neck and one under the chin.

• Brush the surface gently with your fingers to smooth the stitches.
• Trim loose yarn tails only after every seam has been checked.
• Add tiny blush stitches beside the muzzle if desired.
• Reinforce the antennae bases so they stand upright.
• Make sure the bag strap crosses neatly over the sweater and under one overall strap.

Care Notes

Spot clean the finished bear with cool water and a soft cloth. Avoid soaking because the stuffing, buttons, and embroidered details may shift. Let the bear air dry completely before storing or displaying.

• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or small flowers are attached.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to protect the mustard and brown yarn colors.
• Reshape the hat brim gently by hand after cleaning.
• Store the bouquet and honey pot in a small fabric pouch when not displayed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is larger than body and firmly attached.
• Cream muzzle is centered and softly padded.
• Eyes are even and placed above the muzzle.
• Flower crown sits across the forehead with leaves visible.
• Antennae are secure and lean slightly outward.
• Overalls have mustard and charcoal horizontal stripes.
• Buttons are attached at the front strap ends.
• Sandals show cream soles, mustard straps, and tiny flowers.
• Bag hangs at the right hip with floral embroidery.
• Hat, bouquet, and honey pot are finished as matching accessories.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the bear in a dry place with good airflow. If dust collects, use a clean soft makeup brush or a lint-free cloth. Do not pull at flower petals or embroidered bees while cleaning.

If the bear becomes flattened during storage, gently massage the stuffed areas back into shape. Support the head while reshaping the neck. The antennae can be straightened by pinching the base and smoothing upward with your fingers.

• Wrap the bear in acid-free tissue if storing for a long time.
• Keep dark accessories away from damp cream areas to avoid color transfer.
• Check buttons and flowers occasionally and re-secure loose stitches.
• Store the striped hat flat with the brim relaxed, not folded tightly.