Soft wool against your forehead makes a hat that keeps you warm through the coldest winter mornings. These beanies feature a distinctive continuous spiral stitch that creates a textured, ribbed look without the need for visible seams. You can whip one up for a toddler or scale it for an adult head using the same simple construction method. It is a satisfying project for anyone who enjoys steady, rhythmic movements. You will learn how to maintain consistent tension while working in rounds, which helps the hat keep its shape through many washes and long hours of outdoor wear.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet bumblebee is a classic amigurumi project that works up quickly using basic stitches, making it a reliable choice for last-minute gifts or craft fair inventory. The construction relies on a continuous spiral, which eliminates visible seams and ensures the color changes remain clean and professional. You only need a small amount of yarn for each section, so it is an excellent way to use up leftover scraps from your stash. Because the pattern uses single crochet stitches throughout, it is meditative and simple to pick up and put down as your schedule allows.

I finished this little bee in a single afternoon and the instructions for the color transitions were very easy to follow. It sits perfectly on my desk and makes a great gift for coworkers.

— Sarah, amigurumi enthusiast

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 1 to 2 hours
Construction: Amigurumi style worked in continuous rounds, starting from the head and ending at the stinger.
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) acrylic or cotton blend. You will need approximately 20 yards of yellow, 15 yards of black, and 10 yards of white for the wings.
Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) for a tight stitch density that prevents stuffing from showing through.
Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, 6mm safety eyes, yarn needle, and stitch markers.
Yarn Substitutions: You can use DK weight yarn with a 2.75 mm hook to create a smaller, miniature bee, or chunky weight yarn with a 5.0 mm hook for a larger, plush version.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR: Magic ring
ch: Chain
sc: Single crochet
inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
st(s): Stitch(es)
sl st: Slip stitch
BLO: Back loop only

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Bee Body

Using yellow yarn, work in a continuous spiral.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into MR (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [1 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (24 sts)
Rnd 5-7: sc in each st around (24 sts)
Rnd 8: [2 sc, dec] repeat 6 times (18 sts). Insert safety eyes between rounds 6 and 7, spaced 4 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the head.
Rnd 9: Switch to black yarn. [1 sc, dec] repeat 6 times (12 sts)
Rnd 10: Switch to yellow yarn. [1 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (18 sts)
Rnd 11-12: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Rnd 13: Switch to black yarn. [1 sc, dec] repeat 6 times (12 sts)
Rnd 14: Switch to yellow yarn. [dec] repeat 6 times (6 sts)
Rnd 15: Fasten off and weave the tail through the front loops of the final round to close the opening.

Wings

Make two using white yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into MR (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 3-4: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 5: [dec] repeat 6 times (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Assembly

Position the wings on the back of the bee, centered over the second yellow stripe. Use the yarn tail to whip stitch the wings securely to the body. Embroider a small smile between the eyes using a length of black yarn.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent to keep the fiberfill from clumping.
Do not wring or twist the piece; gently press between two towels to remove excess moisture.
Lay flat on a clean surface in the shade to air dry completely.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure the stuffing does not peek through gaps in the stitches.
Always place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round, as it is easy to lose track of your place in a continuous spiral.
When weaving in ends, pass the needle through the inside of the body and pull slightly to anchor the yarn tail, which helps hide the knot.
If you choose to use a larger weight yarn, remember that you will need significantly more stuffing to maintain the intended shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cotton yarn instead of acrylic?

Yes, cotton yarn works beautifully for this pattern and often provides better stitch definition. Note that cotton has less stretch than acrylic, so keep your tension consistent.

How do I adjust the size of the bee?

You can change the finished size by modifying the weight of your yarn and the corresponding hook size. A smaller hook will result in a smaller bee, while a larger hook will produce a larger result.

Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?

This pattern is perfect for beginners because it focuses on the most fundamental amigurumi techniques like the magic ring, single crochet, and simple increases and decreases.

Am I allowed to sell finished items made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items you create yourself. Please credit the original design and use your own photographs when listing items for sale online.

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A finished hat keeps you cozy all season, especially when paired with a matching pom-pom made from leftover yarn scraps. You can swap the standard worsted weight wool for a variegated alpaca blend to create a unique color gradient that stands out in a crowd. Please share a photo of your completed project on social media so others can see your color choices. Browse through the rest of the blog for more free patterns that help you build your handmade wardrobe one stitch at a time.