Knitting Tutorial: Cat in Bee-Themed Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted cat is a charming collectible soft toy with a rounded sleepy face, tiny muzzle, blue bee-print overalls, matching sandals, a little yellow crossbody pouch, a flower headpiece, a blue hat, two tiny bees, and a honey pot. It is perfect for handmade toy lovers, nursery decor, gift making, amigurumi-style knit displays, and collectors searching for a cute stuffed animal, knitted doll outfit, artisan toy, heirloom plush, or handmade baby shower gift to buy.

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

Materials

• Main cat color: light taupe-gray DK yarn, about 80 to 90 g
• Muzzle, paws, feet, inner ears: cream or white DK yarn, about 50 g
• Overalls and sandals: medium sky blue DK yarn, about 50 g
• Bag and flower center: soft yellow DK yarn, about 20 g
• Leaves: light green DK yarn, small amount
• Bee stripes and facial embroidery: black yarn or embroidery floss
• Bee bodies: yellow DK yarn, small amount
• Honey pot: medium brown, cream, and yellow DK yarn, small amounts
• Blush: peach yarn for light stitched blush, or fabric-safe blush after finishing
• Needles: set of double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in 2.75 mm and 3 mm
• Crochet hook: 2.5 mm only for optional edging and tiny decorative attachment if needed
• Stuffing: high-loft polyester fiberfill
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Sewing needle
• Thin floral wire, optional: only if you want the hat brim slightly shaped

Finished Size

The finished cat is approximately 11 to 12 inches tall seated, measured from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head, not including the flower. The body proportions are intentionally chubby and rounded to match the image.

• Head: very large, almost 45% of total visual height
• Body: plump pear shape, short and wide
• Arms: slim and slightly tapered
• Legs: short, thick, with oversized white feet
• Hat: about 4 inches across including brim
• Bag: about 1.5 inches tall
• Tiny bees: about 1 inch long each

Gauge

Stockinette in the round on 3 mm needles: 26 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches.

The toy must be knitted at a firm gauge so the stuffing does not show through. If your stitches are loose, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch, use lifted increase or kfb
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• wyib = with yarn in back
• wyif = with yarn in front
• pick up = pick up and knit

Construction Overview

This pattern is built from several separate knitted pieces. The cat has a large spherical head with a lower cream muzzle area shaped directly into the fabric. The muzzle bump is a separate stuffed double-lobed piece. The body is a rounded stuffed shape. Arms, legs, ears, overalls, sandals, bag, hat, bees, and honey pot are separate pieces.

For the closest result to the image, the head should sit slightly forward on the body, the arms should angle outward gently, and the legs should extend forward in a seated pose. The overalls must look snug, with the bib centered and the legs slightly puffed.

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Color Placement Notes

• The head is mostly taupe-gray.
• The lower front of the head is cream, forming the muzzle and cheek zone.
• The body under the overalls is cream.
• The arms begin gray and end with cream paws.
• The legs are mostly cream, with blue sandals added after.
• The overalls are medium blue with many tiny bee motifs.
• The tiny bag is yellow with a small bee on the front.
• The flower is pale yellow with two green leaves.
• The hat is blue with yellow trim and a matching flower.

Head

Head Base

Using taupe-gray and 3 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round. Mark the beginning of the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 72 sts.
11. Rnd 11: Knit.
12. Rnd 12: K5, kfb around. 84 sts.
13. Rnd 13: Knit.
14. Rnd 14: K6, kfb around. 96 sts.
15. Rnds 15 to 26: Knit.

The head is broad and slightly flattened, not perfectly tall. Begin building the cream face area on the front half only.

Lower Face Color Panel

Continue on 96 sts. The front 40 sts will form the face panel. Place markers so that 28 back sts remain gray on each side and the center 40 sts are the front face area.

1. Rnd 27: Knit 28 gray, change to cream and knit 40, change to gray and knit 28.
2. Rnd 28: Maintain colors as established.
3. Rnds 29 to 38: Repeat Rnd 28.

To soften the transition and create the curved cheek boundary seen in the image, narrow the cream panel very slightly at the top edges.

1. Rnd 39: K28 gray, cream k2tog, k36, ssk, gray k28. 94 sts.
2. Rnd 40: Work in pattern.
3. Rnd 41: K28 gray, cream k2tog, k34, ssk, gray k28. 92 sts.
4. Rnd 42: Work in pattern.
5. Rnd 43: K28 gray, cream k2tog, k32, ssk, gray k28. 90 sts.
6. Rnd 44: Work in pattern.

The face panel should now look like a broad rounded white muzzle area extending across the lower face. The upper head remains gray.

Head Crown Shaping

1. Rnd 45: K13, k2tog around. 84 sts.
2. Rnd 46: Knit.
3. Rnd 47: K12, k2tog around. 78 sts.
4. Rnd 48: Knit.
5. Rnd 49: K11, k2tog around. 72 sts.
6. Rnd 50: Knit.
7. Rnd 51: K10, k2tog around. 66 sts.
8. Rnd 52: Knit and begin stuffing firmly.
9. Rnd 53: K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
10. Rnd 54: Knit.
11. Rnd 55: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
12. Rnd 56: Knit.
13. Rnd 57: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
14. Rnd 58: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
15. Rnd 59: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
16. Rnd 60: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
17. Rnd 61: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.

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Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close neatly. Add more stuffing before fully closing. The head should be very full but still soft enough to indent slightly when pressed.

Head Top Spots

Using black yarn, make three separate oval appliqués in stockinette.

• Large spot: CO 6, work 4 rows stockinette, increase 1 stitch at each end on rows 2 and 4, then decrease similarly to finish with 6 stitches, BO. Make 2.
• Small spot: CO 4, work 4 rows stockinette oval, BO. Make 1.

Sew the two larger spots and one smaller spot on the upper right half of the head, spaced like the image, curving toward the crown.

Muzzle Piece

The cat in the image has a distinct double-lobed stuffed muzzle. This must be separate and attached to the center of the cream face panel.

Using cream yarn, make 2 identical muzzle bumps.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 8: Work 4 rows stockinette.
7. Row 9: K2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
8. Row 10: Purl.
9. Row 11: K2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
10. Row 12: Purl.
11. Thread yarn through remaining sts and gather lightly.

Make 2 pieces, seam each into a tiny dome, stuff lightly, and join side by side. Sew them onto the center lower face. The finished muzzle should project outward and sit just above the white face panel midpoint.

Nose

Using pink yarn, embroider a small upside-down triangle centered where the two muzzle bumps meet. Work 3 to 4 satin stitches across for width and 3 stitches upward for height. The nose should be tiny and delicate.

Ears

Make 2 outer ears in gray and 2 inner ears in cream.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
10. Row 9: Purl.
11. Row 10: Ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
12. Row 11: P2tog twice. 2 sts.
13. BO.

Inner Ear, Make 2

Repeat outer ear in cream but stop after Row 8. BO 6 sts. Sew centered onto each outer ear.

Fold the bottom edges slightly and seam to create a shallow cone. Sew ears to the upper left and upper right sides of the head, angled outward. The left ear in the image is partly hidden by the flower, so place it slightly behind the flower base.

Body

The body is mostly covered by the overalls, but the base shape matters. It should be plump and pear-shaped, narrower at the neck and widest around the belly.

Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 72 sts.
11. Rnds 11 to 22: Knit.

Shape upper body.

1. Rnd 23: K10, k2tog around. 66 sts.
2. Rnd 24: Knit.
3. Rnd 25: K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
4. Rnd 26: Knit.
5. Rnd 27: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
6. Rnd 28: Knit.
7. Rnd 29: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
8. Rnd 30: Knit.
9. Rnd 31: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
10. Rnd 32: Knit.

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Stuff firmly, especially low in the belly. Leave top open for attaching head. Cut yarn long and leave live stitches or close lightly. The head will cover the neck area. If closing fully, draw through 42 sts and cinch only enough to make a flat top.

Arms

Make 2. The arms are short, simple cylinders with cream paws. They are attached at an outward angle.

Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnds 1 to 5: Knit.
2. Change to gray.
3. Rnds 6 to 18: Knit.
4. Rnd 19: K4, k2tog twice. 10 sts.
5. Rnd 20: Knit.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Rnd 21: K3, k2tog twice. 8 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and flatten the top opening for sewing. Make sure the cream paw portion is about one-third of the visible arm length.

Legs

Make 2. These are short, thicker than the arms, and mostly white. The feet are soft ovals. The sandals will be added later.

Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb around. 21 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K2, kfb around. 28 sts.
5. Rnds 5 to 8: Knit.

Now taper slightly above the foot.

1. Rnd 9: K5, k2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 10 to 18: Knit.
3. Rnd 19: K4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 20 to 24: Knit.

Stuff the foot firmly, then the leg lightly. Flatten top opening and sew closed. The feet should point slightly outward when attached. Before sewing, shape the front of each foot with a little horizontal mattress stitch underneath if needed so the foot looks flatter and more shoe-like.

Tail

The tail is barely visible in the image, so keep it small and optional. Using gray yarn, CO 10 sts, join in the round, knit 12 rounds, stuff lightly, and close. Sew low at the back so it does not interfere with sitting.

Overalls

The overalls are a major visual feature. They are medium blue, close-fitting, and cover the body and upper legs. The bib is high and the straps are narrow. The leg hems and upper edge have a subtle white trim.

Overall Shorts Base

Using blue yarn and 3 mm needles, make two leg tubes first.

Leg 1 and Leg 2

1. CO 22 sts for each leg and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: Purl 1 round for turning ridge if desired.
4. Rnd 6: Knit.
5. Rnds 7 to 14: Knit.

Place one leg aside. On second leg do not cut yarn. Join legs together.

1. Rnd 15: Knit across second leg 22 sts, CO 4 sts, knit across first leg 22 sts, CO 4 sts. 52 sts.
2. Rnds 16 to 28: Knit.

Now shape the upper front and back separately in rows.

1. Divide work into front 26 sts and back 26 sts.
2. Work back first: Rows 1 to 8 back and forth in stockinette on 26 sts.
3. BO all back sts loosely.

Rejoin yarn to front 26 sts.

1. Front Row 1: Purl.
2. Front Row 2: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 24 sts.
3. Front Row 3: Purl.
4. Front Row 4: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 22 sts.
5. Rows 5 to 10: Work straight in stockinette.

Bib

Continue on center 12 sts of the front. BO 5 sts at each side to leave 12 center sts.

1. Row 1: Purl 12.
2. Rows 2 to 14: Work 13 rows stockinette, ending with a WS row.
3. BO all 12 sts.

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Straps, Make 2

Using blue yarn, CO 4 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Knit 20 rows in garter stitch.
2. BO.

Sew strap tops to the top corners of the bib. Sew strap bottoms to the upper back edge. Fit the overalls onto the body before final attachment so the strap length sits snugly. They should look lightly stretched, not loose.

White Trim for Overalls

Using white yarn and smaller needles or a crochet hook, work a neat trim around the bib top and leg hems.

• Pick up 1 stitch in about every 2 rows around the bib top and side edge, knit 1 round or 1 row, then BO loosely.
• At each leg hem, pick up about 22 sts and knit 1 round in white, then BO.

This trim should be delicate. Do not make it bulky.

Bee Motifs on Overalls

The overalls show many tiny bees scattered across the front. These are best made with duplicate stitch and very small embroidered wings.

Make 10 to 14 tiny bees distributed across the front and side-visible areas of the overalls. Concentrate most on the front bib and legs.

Each Tiny Bee

• Duplicate stitch a small yellow oval over 2 stitches wide and 2 to 3 rows tall.
• Add 1 horizontal black stripe through the middle.
• Add a tiny black head stitch at one end.
• Add two white or cream wing stitches above using straight stitches.

Keep the bees irregularly spaced for a natural playful look. The image shows several bees at different angles, so vary the tilt slightly.

Sandals

The cat wears blue sandals with open-looking uppers and a little bee button detail on each outer side. Make 2.

Sole Edge

Using blue yarn, pick up 18 stitches around the front half and outer edge of each foot after the leg is sewn on. Alternatively knit separately and sew.

1. Rnd 1: Knit 18.
2. Rnd 2: Purl 18.
3. BO loosely.

Straps

For each sandal, make 2 straps.

• Toe strap: CO 18 sts, BO, or work an I-cord 12 rounds for a rounded look.
• Ankle strap: CO 22 sts, BO, or work an I-cord 16 rounds.

Sew toe strap across the foot opening. Sew ankle strap around the front ankle area, crossing slightly like the image. Keep the foot front visible in white. The blue trim should frame the white foot without fully covering it.

Sandal Bee Buttons

Make 2 tiny flat bees.

• CO 4 sts in yellow.
• Work 2 rows stockinette.
• Add a black stripe with duplicate stitch.
• Gather into a tiny oval.

Sew one on the outer side of each sandal strap.

Crossbody Bee Bag

The yellow bag is small, square-rounded, and hangs across the front from the cat’s left shoulder to right hip area. It has a tiny bee on the front.

Bag Front and Back, Make 2

Using yellow yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 14: Work stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
2. Row 15: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 10 sts.
3. Row 16: Purl.
4. BO.

Place front and back wrong sides together. Seam sides and bottom, stuff very lightly or leave flat. The bag in the image is soft and slightly puffed, not rigid.

Strap

Using yellow yarn, CO 3 sts.

1. Work i-cord for 42 to 48 rows, depending on how low you want the bag to hang.
2. BO.

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Sew strap diagonally so the bag sits at the right front hip of the cat. The strap should pass from left shoulder to right side across the overalls.

Bag Bee Appliqué

• CO 5 sts in yellow.
• Work 3 rows stockinette.
• Duplicate stitch 2 black stripes.
• Add small white wings.
• Sew centered on the lower front of the bag.

Flower Headpiece

The cat wears a yellow flower with two green leaves on the top left side of the head. The flower is small and neat, with a rounded center.

Flower Center

Using yellow, CO 4 sts. Work i-cord for 8 rounds. Coil into a small spiral and stitch down.

Petals, Make 5

Using pale yellow, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: Ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
7. BO.

Sew the 5 petals around the center.

Leaves, Make 2

Using green, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. BO.

Sew the two leaves under the flower at slight opposing angles. Attach the whole piece above the left ear area.

Blue Hat

The hat is displayed beside the cat. It has a rounded crown, a downward brim, a yellow band, and a flower matching the headpiece.

Hat Crown

Using blue yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 8 sts, join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
11. Rnds 11 to 24: Knit.

Brim

1. Rnd 25: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: K6, kfb around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Purl 1 round to help brim angle.
5. Rnds 29 to 34: Knit.
6. BO loosely.

Optional: thread very fine wire around the BO edge if you want more brim shape. Add a narrow yellow cord band by couching yellow yarn around the crown base. Sew one flower and leaf set to the brim front.

Tiny Bees, Make 2 or 3

There are two loose decorative bees near the cat and many on the overalls. Make the larger loose bees separately.

Using yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb around. 9 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K1, k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly, gather closed. Duplicate stitch 2 black stripes around the body. Add tiny wings using white felted yarn stitches or tiny knitted wings.

Optional Knitted Wings, Make 4

• CO 4 sts in white.
• Work 2 rows stockinette.
• BO.

Fold each wing slightly and sew two per bee at the top. Add a small black head stitch at one end.

Honey Pot

The honey pot is a tiny striped cylinder with cream top and yellow honey drips.

Using brown yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnds 1 to 6: Knit in brown.
2. Change to cream.
3. Rnds 7 to 9: Knit.
4. Rnd 10: K2tog around. 5 sts.

Stuff lightly and close. Embroider a yellow spiral on top center. Add 3 short yellow drip shapes down one side using satin stitch or tiny attached knitted strips.

Face Embroidery

The cat has sleepy closed eyes, small whiskers, and soft cheek blush. This part defines the expression, so place carefully.

• Eyes: embroider each eye as a slightly downward-slanting horizontal line, about 10 to 12 stitches wide, placed high on the cream panel edge where gray meets cream.
• Whiskers: add 2 short black straight whiskers on each side of the muzzle.
• Blush: stitch small peach blush patches below the eyes at each cheek, or use a tiny amount of fabric-safe blush.

The eyes should sit relaxed and symmetrical. Do not place them too low. The overall expression in the image is calm and sleepy.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the muzzle bumps together and attach to the head.
2. Embroider nose, eyes, whiskers, and blush.
3. Sew ears to head.
4. Sew black head spots in place.
5. Stuff body fully and attach head, tilting head slightly forward.
6. Sew arms to body sides just below head line, angling slightly downward.
7. Sew legs to lower front body in a seated spread position.
8. Attach tail if using.
9. Dress body in overalls and sew overalls in place discreetly at back and inseam if desired.
10. Add overall straps and trim.
11. Embroider scattered bees on overalls.
12. Attach sandals and bee buttons.
13. Sew flower headpiece to head.
14. Attach bag strap and bag.
15. Make hat, tiny bees, and honey pot as separate props.

Shaping Notes for Accuracy

To match the image, shaping is just as important as stitch counts. The head should feel oversized compared to the body. The cheeks should be full, and the muzzle should protrude noticeably. The body should look round and soft under the overalls.

The arms should not be stiff. After sewing them on, bend them outward slightly. The legs should extend forward with the feet visible. The sandals should frame the white feet clearly. The bag should rest high enough to be seen without hiding too much of the bib.

The hat should be slightly wider than it is tall, with a gentle downward brim. The flower on the hat should mirror the flower on the head so the accessories feel coordinated.

Detailed Placement Guide

• Head to body: center the head over the upper body, but shift forward 0.25 inch for the same visual balance as the image.
• Arms: sew at body sides aligned with upper overall bib corners.
• Legs: place 6 to 8 stitches apart at the lower front body.
• Muzzle: centered horizontally, top edge just below the eye line.
• Eyes: positioned just above the widest part of the muzzle.
• Flower headpiece: top left of head, slightly forward.
• Bag strap: left shoulder to right hip.
• Bee motifs: more densely on lower bib and upper pant legs.

Tips for New Knitters

If you are newer to toy knitting, focus on firm even stitches and accurate counting. This pattern looks polished because the shapes are clean and rounded. Use stitch markers generously. Count every increase round and every decrease round. Before sewing, pin pieces temporarily to check proportion.

When stuffing, use small bits instead of large handfuls. This prevents lumps and helps the head and body stay smooth. The face must be especially tidy because the image has a soft refined finish.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head is centered, the muzzle is even, and both eyes slant the same way. Adjust the whiskers so they are short and neat. The flower should sit securely without covering the face. Lightly shape the cheeks with your hands before the final stitches are tightened.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If full washing is necessary, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Press between towels and dry flat away from direct sun. Avoid rough twisting because it can distort the stuffed shapes and small appliqués.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head large and round
• Muzzle double-lobed and centered
• Sleepy eyes symmetrical
• Three black head spots attached
• Blue overalls snug and trimmed
• Bee motifs scattered evenly
• Sandals balanced on both feet
• Yellow bag hanging diagonally
• Flower on head secured
• Hat, bees, and honey pot completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished toy in a dry, clean place. Keep it away from prolonged humidity, dust, and sharp sunlight. For long-term display, support the head and body so the seams do not strain. If storing with props, keep the bees and honey pot in a fabric pouch so the tiny details stay protected.