Knitting Tutorial: Honeybee Garden Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Honeybee Garden Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted Honeybee Garden Tabby Cat is a soft gray-and-white kitten wearing a yellow striped shirt, blue garden overalls, tiny sandals, and a floral crossbody bag. The design also includes a small bee on the ear, a striped bee hat, a daisy flower, and a miniature watering can for a cheerful garden-themed display.

 

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 to create a seated tabby cat doll with a round head, soft muzzle, chubby body, short arms, rounded feet, and detailed accessories. The finished cat is designed to look like the image, with gray tabby markings, a white face and paws, glossy safety eyes, a pink embroidered nose, yellow-and-blue clothing, and honeybee garden decorations.

The cat is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop circular needles. Smaller accessories are worked flat or in the round depending on the shape. Use firm stuffing and neat seaming so the doll keeps a plump, handmade amigurumi-style knitted shape.

Finished Size

  • Main cat doll: about 11.5 inches tall when seated, not including the ears.
  • Head width: about 4.25 inches across the cheeks.
  • Body width: about 4 inches across the overalls.
  • Bee hat: about 3.25 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
  • Flower bag: about 2.25 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
  • Daisy flower: about 2 inches across.
  • Watering can: about 2 inches long including the spout.

Skill Level

Intermediate beginner to intermediate. The main knitting uses knit, purl, increases, decreases, color changes, simple embroidery, picking up stitches, and seaming. The small details require patience, especially the tabby stripes, tiny flowers, sandals, and bee accessories.

Materials

  • Worsted weight yarn in heather gray for the tabby head, ears, tail, and markings.
  • Worsted weight yarn in white for the muzzle, face center, paws, feet, inner ears, and hand tips.
  • Worsted weight yarn in denim blue for the overalls and sandal bows.
  • Worsted weight yarn in bright yellow for the striped shirt, bee hat, small bee body, sandal trim, and daisy center.
  • Worsted weight yarn in black for bee stripes, bee antennae, and cat facial accents.
  • Small amount of dark brown or charcoal yarn for embroidered tabby stripes.
  • Small amount of soft pink yarn for nose and mouth embroidery.
  • Small amount of cream or beige yarn for the crossbody strap, floral bag, and watering can.
  • Small scraps of pink, blue, green, lavender, red, and yellow yarn for flower embroidery.
  • Pair of 12 mm black safety eyes or glossy black buttons.
  • Two tiny tan buttons for the overall straps.
  • One tiny tan button for the flower bag flap.
  • Fiberfill stuffing.
  • US size 4 knitting needles, double-pointed needles, or circular needles for magic loop.
  • US size 3 needles for smaller accessories if you want tighter tiny pieces.
  • Tapestry needle.
  • Stitch markers.
  • Waste yarn or stitch holders.
  • Sewing needle and matching thread for buttons.

Gauge

  • Main doll gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
  • Accessory gauge: 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
  • Important: Knit firmly so stuffing does not show through the fabric.

The image shows a plush knitted texture with visible but compact stitches. A slightly tight gauge helps the head, body, paws, and accessories stay rounded. If your stitches are loose, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

  • K: knit.
  • P: purl.
  • St: stitch.
  • Sts: stitches.
  • Rnd: round.
  • RS: right side.
  • WS: wrong side.
  • Kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch.
  • M1: make 1 stitch.
  • K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
  • SSK: slip, slip, knit.
  • BO: bind off.
  • CO: cast on.
  • Rep: repeat.

Helpful Notes Before You Start

  • Work the cat firmly and stuff each part gradually.
  • Use heather gray for the upper tabby areas and white for the face center and paws.
  • Keep the face rounded and sweet, not flat. The muzzle should be padded and slightly raised.
  • The overalls should sit high on the body, with a bib front and two straps sewn over the shoulders.
  • The yellow striped shirt is visible at the neck, sleeves, and upper chest.
  • The bee hat and small bee are separate accessories and should look rounded, striped, and soft.
  • The floral bag hangs across the body from the right shoulder to the left hip.

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Main Cat Head

The head is round and slightly wide at the cheeks. The upper face is gray tabby, while the center face and muzzle are white. You will knit the main head in gray first, then add the white face panel and muzzle separately for a clean shaped look.

Head Base

  1. With heather gray yarn, CO 8 sts and divide evenly over double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb; rep around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb; rep around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: K3, Kfb; rep around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
  11. Rnd 10: K4, Kfb; rep around. 48 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
  13. Rnd 12: K5, Kfb; rep around. 56 sts.
  14. Rnds 13-23: K all sts for 11 rounds.
  15. Rnd 24: K5, K2tog; rep around. 48 sts.
  16. Rnd 25: K all sts.
  17. Rnd 26: K4, K2tog; rep around. 40 sts.
  18. Rnd 27: K all sts.
  19. Rnd 28: K3, K2tog; rep around. 32 sts.
  20. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping it round with wider cheeks.
  21. Rnd 29: K2, K2tog; rep around. 24 sts.
  22. Rnd 30: K1, K2tog; rep around. 16 sts.
  23. Add more stuffing to make the head smooth and plump.
  24. Rnd 31: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  25. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

White Face Panel

The face panel forms the bright white center from forehead to muzzle. It should sit between the eyes and widen toward the cheeks.

  1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  3. Row 2 RS: K1, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: P all sts.
  5. Row 4: K1, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
  6. Row 5: P all sts.
  7. Row 6: K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K1. 14 sts.
  8. Rows 7-12: Work stockinette stitch, starting with a purl row.
  9. Row 13: P all sts.
  10. Row 14: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
  11. Row 15: P all sts.
  12. Row 16: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
  13. Row 17: P all sts.
  14. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Place the white face panel on the front center of the gray head. The top point begins between the ears, and the lower rounded edge rests where the muzzle will be placed. Sew around the edge with small neat stitches.

Rounded Muzzle Pieces

The muzzle is made from two small white ovals sewn side by side. This creates the soft cheeky look shown in the image.

  1. Make 2 pieces.
  2. With white yarn, CO 6 sts.
  3. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 2 RS: Kfb, K4, Kfb. 8 sts.
  5. Row 3: P all sts.
  6. Row 4: Kfb, K6, Kfb. 10 sts.
  7. Rows 5-8: Work stockinette stitch.
  8. Row 9: P all sts.
  9. Row 10: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  10. Row 11: P all sts.
  11. Row 12: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
  12. BO, leaving a long tail.

Lightly stuff each muzzle oval before the final sewing edge is closed. Sew the two ovals together at the center front, slightly overlapping them. Position them below the eyes and on top of the lower white face panel.

Cat Ears

The ears are tall triangles with gray outer edges and white inner panels. They sit high on the head and tilt outward slightly, matching the alert kitten look in the image.

Outer Ears

  1. Make 2 with heather gray yarn.
  2. CO 18 sts.
  3. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 2 RS: K all sts.
  5. Row 3: P all sts.
  6. Row 4: SSK, K14, K2tog. 16 sts.
  7. Row 5: P all sts.
  8. Row 6: SSK, K12, K2tog. 14 sts.
  9. Row 7: P all sts.
  10. Row 8: SSK, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
  11. Row 9: P all sts.
  12. Row 10: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
  13. Row 11: P all sts.
  14. Row 12: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  15. Row 13: P all sts.
  16. Row 14: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
  17. Row 15: P all sts.
  18. Row 16: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
  19. Row 17: P all sts.
  20. Row 18: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  21. Row 19: P2tog. 1 st.
  22. Fasten off.

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Inner Ear Panels

  1. Make 2 with white yarn.
  2. CO 12 sts.
  3. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 2 RS: K all sts.
  5. Row 3: P all sts.
  6. Row 4: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
  7. Row 5: P all sts.
  8. Row 6: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  9. Row 7: P all sts.
  10. Row 8: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
  11. Row 9: P all sts.
  12. Row 10: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
  13. Row 11: P all sts.
  14. Row 12: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  15. Row 13: P2tog. 1 st.
  16. Fasten off.

Sew one white inner panel onto each gray outer ear, leaving a narrow gray border visible. Sew the ears to the head between rounds 7 and 15 from the crown, angled outward about 25 degrees. The ears should frame the face and sit behind the small bee accessory.

Tabby Markings

The tabby markings are embroidered after the head is shaped. Use dark brown or charcoal yarn. Keep the lines short and slightly curved, following the direction of the knitted stitches.

  • Embroider three short vertical stripes on the forehead, each about 1 inch long.
  • Add two narrow curved stripes above each eye.
  • Add three short whisker stripes on each cheek, starting near the outer face panel and pointing toward the side of the head.
  • Add dark edging stitches along the outer ear edges for a defined tabby outline.
  • Use small duplicate-stitch patches on the gray head to create irregular darker tabby bars.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

  1. Place the safety eyes between rounds 17 and 18 of the head, about 12 sts apart.
  2. The eyes should sit just above the white muzzle and slightly inside the gray-white face boundary.
  3. Secure the safety eyes firmly before closing the head if using safety backs.
  4. With pink yarn, embroider a small triangular nose centered above the two muzzle ovals.
  5. Make 7 horizontal satin stitches across 4 knitted stitches for the nose.
  6. Add 2 shorter satin stitches at the lower point to make the heart-like shape.
  7. Use pink yarn to stitch one straight line down from the nose, about 3 rows long.
  8. Add a tiny curved mouth on each side with one backstitch curve.

Body

The body is pear-shaped and soft, with the overalls covering most of it. Work the base body in white for the upper chest and then add the yellow shirt and blue overalls as separate garment layers.

Body Base

  1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts and divide evenly. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb; rep around. 30 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb; rep around. 40 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: K3, Kfb; rep around. 50 sts.
  10. Rnds 9-21: K all sts.
  11. Rnd 22: K8, K2tog; rep around. 45 sts.
  12. Rnd 23: K all sts.
  13. Rnd 24: K7, K2tog; rep around. 40 sts.
  14. Rnd 25: K all sts.
  15. Rnd 26: K6, K2tog; rep around. 35 sts.
  16. Rnd 27: K all sts.
  17. Rnd 28: K5, K2tog; rep around. 30 sts.
  18. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the bottom wide and the shoulders narrower.
  19. Rnd 29: K3, K2tog; rep around. 24 sts.
  20. Rnd 30: K2, K2tog; rep around. 18 sts.
  21. Rnd 31: K1, K2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
  22. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Sew the head to the body with the head tilted slightly back. The front of the face should look upward a little, as shown in the relaxed seated pose. Sew around the neck twice for strength.

Yellow Striped Shirt

The shirt is visible under the blue overalls. It has yellow as the main color with narrow blue stripes at the chest and sleeves. Knit it as a snug garment layer and sew it around the upper body.

Shirt Body Band

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 44 sts. Work flat.
  2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  3. Row 2 RS: K all sts.
  4. Row 3: P all sts.
  5. Change to denim blue.
  6. Row 4: K all sts.
  7. Row 5: P all sts.
  8. Change to yellow.
  9. Rows 6-7: Work stockinette stitch.
  10. Change to denim blue.
  11. Rows 8-9: Work stockinette stitch.
  12. Change to yellow.
  13. Rows 10-13: Work stockinette stitch.
  14. Row 14: K4, K2tog; rep to last 2 sts, K2. 37 sts.
  15. Row 15: P all sts.
  16. Row 16: K all sts.
  17. BO all sts.

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Wrap the shirt band around the upper body with the blue stripes horizontal. Seam it at the back. The top edge should sit just below the neck, and the lower edge should disappear under the overalls.

Short Sleeves

  1. Make 2.
  2. With yellow yarn, CO 20 sts. Work flat.
  3. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 2 RS: K all sts.
  5. Change to denim blue.
  6. Rows 3-4: Work stockinette stitch.
  7. Change to yellow.
  8. Rows 5-7: Work stockinette stitch.
  9. Change to denim blue.
  10. Rows 8-9: Work stockinette stitch.
  11. Change to yellow.
  12. Rows 10-12: Work stockinette stitch.
  13. BO all sts.

Fold each sleeve into a tube and sew the side seam. Slide one sleeve over the top of each arm before attaching the arms to the body, or sew the sleeves directly to the arm tops after assembly.

Arms

The arms are short and rounded, with white paw ends and yellow striped shirt sleeves near the shoulders. They hang slightly outward from the body.

  1. Make 2.
  2. With white yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  3. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  5. Rnds 3-8: K all sts.
  6. Change to yellow yarn.
  7. Rnd 9: K all sts.
  8. Change to denim blue yarn.
  9. Rnd 10: K all sts.
  10. Change to yellow yarn.
  11. Rnds 11-12: K all sts.
  12. Change to denim blue yarn.
  13. Rnd 13: K all sts.
  14. Change to yellow yarn.
  15. Rnds 14-16: K all sts.
  16. Stuff the paw and arm lightly. Do not overstuff the top.
  17. Rnd 17: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  18. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the head. Angle them downward, with the white paws visible below the short sleeves. The right arm should sit slightly away from the body, and the left arm should rest beside the floral bag.

Legs and Feet

The legs are white at the feet and covered by blue overall pant legs. The feet are rounded and point slightly outward. Each foot has a yellow-and-blue sandal strap and a small blue bow.

Legs

  1. Make 2.
  2. With white yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
  3. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
  5. Rnds 3-8: K all sts.
  6. Change to denim blue yarn.
  7. Rnd 9: K all sts.
  8. Rnds 10-24: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 25: K3, K2tog; rep around. 16 sts.
  10. Stuff the lower leg firmly and the upper leg lightly.
  11. Rnd 26: K2, K2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
  12. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and secure.

Sew the legs to the lower body in a seated position. The thighs should be close together at the top, with a small gap between the pant legs at the center front, like the image.

Rounded Feet Shape

  1. With white yarn, pick up 12 sts around the front of each lower leg foot area.
  2. Work 4 short rows in stockinette stitch to build the toe bump.
  3. Short Row 1 RS: K9, turn.
  4. Short Row 2 WS: P6, turn.
  5. Short Row 3 RS: K7, turn.
  6. Short Row 4 WS: P8, turn.
  7. BO loosely and sew the edge flat to the foot.

Blue Overalls

The overalls are denim blue with a bib front, two pant legs, shoulder straps, tiny tan buttons, and small embroidered flowers. The overall fabric should cover the body from chest to ankles.

Overall Front Panel

  1. With denim blue yarn, CO 34 sts. Work flat.
  2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  3. Rows 2-20: Work stockinette stitch, ending with a WS row.
  4. Row 21 RS: K8, BO 18 sts, K8. This forms the center separation for the legs.
  5. Work first 8 sts for left pant side for 12 rows in stockinette stitch.
  6. BO left pant side.
  7. Rejoin yarn to remaining 8 sts and work right pant side for 12 rows.
  8. BO right pant side.

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Place the panel on the front of the body, with the bib high on the chest and the two pant sections over the legs. Sew the sides neatly to the body and legs.

Overall Back Panel

  1. With denim blue yarn, CO 34 sts.
  2. Rows 1-18: Work stockinette stitch.
  3. Row 19 RS: K8, BO 18 sts, K8.
  4. Work each 8-st pant side separately for 12 rows.
  5. BO both pant sides.

Sew the back panel to the back body and around the legs. Join the front and back at the side seams, keeping the lower leg openings slightly loose so the white ankles show below.

Bib Top

  1. With denim blue yarn, CO 22 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  3. Rows 2-12: Work stockinette stitch.
  4. Row 13 RS: K2, SSK, K14, K2tog, K2. 20 sts.
  5. Row 14: P all sts.
  6. Row 15: K2, SSK, K12, K2tog, K2. 18 sts.
  7. Row 16: P all sts.
  8. BO all sts.

Sew the bib to the front upper chest over the shirt. The top of the bib should sit below the yellow collar area. Add flower embroidery before attaching straps, or embroider after sewing if that feels easier.

Shoulder Straps

  1. Make 2 with denim blue yarn.
  2. CO 5 sts.
  3. Rows 1-26: Work garter stitch by knitting every row.
  4. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Sew one end of each strap to the back of the overalls. Cross the straps slightly over the shoulders or keep them straight. Bring the front ends down to the top corners of the bib and sew a small tan button over each strap end.

Flower Embroidery on Bib

  • Use pink yarn to make a 5-petal flower on the left side of the bib.
  • Use lavender yarn to make a smaller daisy on the right side.
  • Use green yarn to add two straight stems, each about 4 stitches tall.
  • Add two small leaves beside each stem using lazy daisy stitches.
  • Keep the flowers small so the bib still looks like knitted denim.

Sandals

The sandals are cream-white bases with yellow trim, blue edging, and tiny blue bows. They sit over the rounded white feet.

Sandal Sole Trim

  1. Make 2.
  2. With yellow yarn, CO 22 sts.
  3. Row 1: K all sts.
  4. Row 2: K all sts.
  5. BO all sts.

Wrap one yellow strip around the front and sides of each foot, just above the sole. Sew it in place with the ends meeting at the back of the heel.

Blue Outer Edge

  1. Make 2.
  2. With denim blue yarn, CO 24 sts.
  3. Row 1: K all sts.
  4. BO all sts.

Sew the blue edging below the yellow strip, following the curve of the foot. The blue line should be visible around the sole edge.

Top Foot Strap

  1. Make 2.
  2. With yellow yarn, CO 12 sts.
  3. Row 1: K all sts.
  4. Row 2: K all sts.
  5. BO all sts.

Sew one strap across the top of each foot from side to side. Keep it slightly arched so it looks like a sandal strap rather than a flat band.

Small Blue Bows

  1. Make 2.
  2. With denim blue yarn, CO 6 sts.
  3. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
  4. BO all sts.
  5. Wrap yarn tightly around the center 4 times to pinch the bow.
  6. Sew one bow to the top of each sandal strap.

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Tail

The tail is gray with dark tabby rings and a white base blend. It curves gently beside the body and appears from behind the overalls.

  1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
  5. Change to heather gray yarn.
  6. Rnds 6-9: K all sts.
  7. Change to dark brown or charcoal yarn.
  8. Rnd 10: K all sts.
  9. Change to gray yarn.
  10. Rnds 11-14: K all sts.
  11. Change to dark yarn.
  12. Rnd 15: K all sts.
  13. Change to gray yarn.
  14. Rnds 16-22: K all sts.
  15. Stuff the tail lightly as you work.
  16. Rnd 23: K2, K2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
  17. Rnd 24: K1, K2tog; rep around. 8 sts.
  18. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Sew the tail to the back-left lower body. Curve it toward the front so the striped end shows beside the overalls, just like the image. Use a few hidden stitches along the side of the tail to hold the curve.

Floral Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small cream pouch with colorful embroidered flowers, a flap, a button, and a rope-like strap. It hangs from the cat’s right shoulder to the left hip.

Bag Front

  1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  3. Rows 2-18: Work stockinette stitch.
  4. BO all sts.

Bag Back

  1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
  3. Rows 2-18: Work stockinette stitch.
  4. BO all sts.

Bag Side Gusset

  1. With cream yarn, CO 5 sts.
  2. Rows 1-46: K all sts.
  3. BO all sts.

Sew the gusset around the sides and bottom of the bag front. Attach the bag back to the other edge of the gusset. Lightly stuff the bag only enough to make it softly rounded.

Bag Flap

  1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
  2. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
  3. Row 5: SSK, K14, K2tog. 16 sts.
  4. Row 6: K all sts.
  5. Row 7: SSK, K12, K2tog. 14 sts.
  6. Row 8: K all sts.
  7. BO all sts.

Sew the straight edge of the flap to the top back of the bag. Fold it over the front. Add a tiny tan button in the center of the flap.

Bag Strap

  1. With cream yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work an I-cord for 19 inches: K4, slide sts to the other needle end, pull yarn behind, K4 again.
  3. Repeat until the strap reaches the length needed to cross the body.
  4. BO all sts and sew one end to each side of the bag.

Bag Flower Embroidery

  • Add 3 pink flowers using five small straight stitches each.
  • Add 3 blue flowers using tiny crossed stitches.
  • Add 2 red flowers near the lower corners.
  • Add 6 green leaf stitches scattered between the flowers.
  • Keep the flowers irregular and garden-like, as shown in the image.

Small Honeybee on the Ear

The tiny bee sits on the left ear near the top edge. It has a rounded yellow-and-black striped body and small white wings.

Bee Body

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Change to black yarn.
  6. Rnd 4: K all sts.
  7. Change to yellow yarn.
  8. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  9. Change to black yarn.
  10. Rnd 6: K all sts.
  11. Change to yellow yarn.
  12. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  13. Stuff lightly.
  14. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  15. Cut yarn and draw closed.

Bee Wings

  1. Make 2 with white yarn.
  2. CO 5 sts.
  3. Row 1: K all sts.
  4. Row 2: Kfb, K3, Kfb. 7 sts.
  5. Row 3: K all sts.
  6. Row 4: SSK, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
  7. BO all sts.

Sew the wings to the top of the bee. Attach the bee to the cat’s left ear, slightly angled so it looks perched on the knitted edge.

Striped Bee Hat

The bee hat is a round yellow-and-black striped cap with two soft black antennae. It is displayed beside the cat in the image, but it may also be made to fit loosely over the cat’s head.

Hat Dome

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb; rep around. 24 sts.
  6. Change to black yarn.
  7. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  8. Change to yellow yarn.
  9. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb; rep around. 32 sts.
  10. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  11. Change to black yarn.
  12. Rnd 8: K all sts.
  13. Change to yellow yarn.
  14. Rnd 9: K3, Kfb; rep around. 40 sts.
  15. Rnd 10: K all sts.
  16. Change to black yarn.
  17. Rnd 11: K all sts.
  18. Change to yellow yarn.
  19. Rnds 12-13: K all sts.
  20. Change to black yarn.
  21. Rnd 14: K all sts.
  22. Change to yellow yarn.
  23. Rnds 15-16: K all sts.
  24. Change to black yarn.
  25. Rnd 17: K all sts.
  26. Change to yellow yarn.
  27. Rnd 18: K all sts.
  28. BO loosely.

Stuff the hat lightly if it will be displayed beside the doll. If it will be worn on the head, leave it unstuffed and shape it over the ears carefully.

Hat Antennae

  1. Make 2 with black yarn.
  2. CO 5 sts and join in the round.
  3. Rnds 1-10: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 11: Kfb in each st around. 10 sts.
  5. Rnd 12: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 13: K2tog around. 5 sts.
  7. Cut yarn, draw closed, and stuff the tip very lightly.

Sew the antennae to the top of the hat, about 1 inch apart. Angle them outward slightly. The antennae should stand upright but still look soft.

White Daisy Flower

The daisy is a small separate accessory with white petals and a yellow center. It rests beside the bee hat in the image.

Daisy Center

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  5. Cut yarn and draw closed.

Daisy Petals

  1. Make 10 petals with white yarn.
  2. CO 4 sts.
  3. Row 1: K all sts.
  4. Row 2: Kfb, K2, Kfb. 6 sts.
  5. Rows 3-5: K all sts.
  6. Row 6: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
  7. Row 7: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  8. Row 8: K2tog. 1 st.
  9. Fasten off.

Sew the petals evenly around the yellow center. Add a tiny green yarn stitch at the back if you want a small leaf detail like the photo.

Mini Watering Can

The watering can is beige with a small blue flower on the side, a spout, a handle, and a rounded body. It is a decorative accessory, so keep it tiny and lightly stuffed.

Watering Can Body

  1. With beige yarn, CO 16 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-8: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
  4. Stuff lightly.
  5. Rnd 10: K1, K2tog; rep around. 8 sts.
  6. Cut yarn and draw closed.

Watering Can Top Rim

  1. With beige yarn, CO 12 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. BO all sts.

Roll the strip into a small oval ring and sew it to the top of the watering can body.

Watering Can Spout

  1. With beige yarn, CO 5 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-7: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 8: Kfb, K3, Kfb. 7 sts.
  4. Rnd 9: K all sts.
  5. BO all sts.

Sew the spout to the side of the can, angled upward about 25 degrees. Flatten the end slightly and secure with two small stitches.

Watering Can Handle

  1. With beige yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 4 inches.
  3. BO all sts.

Curve the I-cord into a handle and sew it to the opposite side of the watering can. Embroider one tiny blue flower with a yellow center on the front.

Neckline and Collar Detail

The image shows the yellow shirt at the neckline. Add a small yellow collar ring to create a neat transition between the head and body.

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 34 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: K all sts.
  4. BO all sts.

Wrap the strip around the neck and sew the ends at the back. This hides the head seam and makes the shirt look complete under the overalls.

Optional Overall Waist Shaping

To make the overalls look more fitted, add two short vertical seams at the front waist. Use denim blue yarn and sew through the overall layer only, not through the body stuffing.

  • Place one shaping seam 6 stitches from the left side of the bib.
  • Place one shaping seam 6 stitches from the right side of the bib.
  • Each seam should be about 5 rows tall.
  • Pull gently to create a soft gathered look at the waist.

Assembly Order

  1. Knit and stuff the head.
  2. Sew on the white face panel and muzzle pieces.
  3. Add safety eyes, nose, mouth, and tabby embroidery.
  4. Knit and attach the ears.
  5. Knit and stuff the body.
  6. Sew the head to the body with a slight backward tilt.
  7. Add the yellow striped shirt band around the upper body.
  8. Knit the arms and sleeves, then attach the arms.
  9. Knit the legs and sew them to the lower body in a seated pose.
  10. Add the blue overall panels, bib, straps, buttons, and flower embroidery.
  11. Add sandals, bows, and foot trims.
  12. Sew on the tail and curve it gently beside the body.
  13. Make the flower bag and attach the crossbody strap.
  14. Knit the small bee and sew it to the ear.
  15. Knit the bee hat, daisy, and watering can as separate accessories.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before tying off the final embroidery ends. The eyes should be level and glossy, the nose should sit centered between the two muzzle ovals, and the mouth should be soft and small. Add a few extra tabby stitches only where needed.

Sew the ears firmly so they stand up without flopping. The left ear should hold the small bee accessory near the front edge. The body should sit naturally, with the legs angled forward and the arms relaxed at the sides.

  • Face check: eyes even, muzzle rounded, pink nose centered.
  • Ear check: ears angled outward and securely sewn.
  • Clothing check: overalls centered, straps even, buttons secure.
  • Accessory check: bag hangs diagonally and bee sits neatly on the ear.

Care Notes

Because this doll includes buttons, small accessories, embroidery, and safety eyes, it is best used as a decorative handmade item. Keep it away from pets and very young children if any small parts are attached.

  • Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
  • Do not soak the doll unless all materials are washable.
  • Press out moisture gently with a towel.
  • Reshape the head, body, feet, hat, and bag while damp.
  • Let the doll air dry completely before storing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • The cat has gray tabby markings on the forehead, cheeks, ears, and tail.
  • The face panel and paws are white.
  • The nose is pink and softly triangular.
  • The shirt is yellow with blue stripes.
  • The overalls are blue with a front bib, straps, tan buttons, and flower embroidery.
  • The sandals have yellow trim, blue edging, and small blue bows.
  • The floral bag has a cream body, colorful flowers, a button flap, and a crossbody strap.
  • The tiny bee is attached to the left ear.
  • The bee hat has yellow-and-black stripes and two black antennae.
  • The daisy and watering can are finished as small garden props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished Honeybee Garden Tabby Cat in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Strong sunlight may fade the yellow shirt, blue overalls, and small embroidered flowers over time.

For dust removal, use a soft brush and move gently in the direction of the knitted stitches. Avoid pulling the embroidered flowers, tabby markings, bee wings, bag strap, and sandal bows.

  • Wrap the doll in acid-free tissue paper for long-term storage.
  • Do not compress the bee hat or ears under heavy objects.
  • Keep the crossbody bag flat against the doll when storing.
  • Check buttons and small sewn pieces regularly.
  • Refresh the shape by gently rolling the stuffed areas between your palms.

Your Honeybee Garden Tabby Cat is now complete, with its sweet tabby face, garden overalls, bee-themed accessories, floral bag, daisy, and tiny watering can. Place the cat and accessories together for a cheerful handmade garden display.

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