A delicate, lacy spider web applique adds a spooky charm to everything from seasonal gift bags to festive wall hangings during the crisp autumn months. This project feels light in your hands, relying on simple chains and double crochet stitches to build outward in a circular, geometric shape. You will find it deeply satisfying to watch the thin yarn transform into a structured, radiating design that holds its own shape when lightly stiffened. Whether you are decorating for a party or adding a detail to a handmade garment, this quick pattern helps you master working in the round with precision and ease.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet bumblebee pattern relies on basic amigurumi techniques, making it an ideal project for those looking to build confidence with spherical shapes. Because the bee is constructed in a single continuous piece for the body, you only need to sew on the wings and attach the safety eyes. The pattern uses a classic Worsted weight yarn, which provides enough structure to hold the fiberfill stuffing without showing gaps between stitches. It works up in under two hours, making it a reliable choice for last-minute gifts or craft fair inventory.

I finished this little bee in one evening while watching a movie. The instructions for the color changes were very easy to follow and it looks exactly like the photos.

— Sarah, amigurumi hobbyist

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Approximate Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Construction: Amigurumi style, worked in continuous rounds
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% cotton or acrylic. Colors: Yellow (approx. 20 yards), Black (approx. 15 yards), and White (approx. 5 yards).
Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) for a tight gauge that prevents stuffing from peeking through.
Notions: 6mm plastic safety eyes, polyester fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, stitch marker, and scissors.
Safe Yarn Substitutions: Using a DK weight yarn with a 3.0 mm hook will result in a smaller bee; using a Bulky (#5) yarn with a 5.0 mm hook will create a larger, softer plushie but will require significantly more yarn and larger safety eyes.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR: Magic Ring
ch: Chain
sc: Single crochet
inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
sl st: Slip stitch
st/sts: Stitch/stitches
FO: Fasten off

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Bee Body

Starting with yellow yarn, work in a continuous spiral without joining rounds. Use a stitch marker to track the start of each round.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)
Rnd 6-8: sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 9: Switch to black yarn. sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 10: sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 11: Switch to yellow yarn. sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 12: sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 13: Switch to black yarn. sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 14: sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 15: Switch to yellow yarn. [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24). Attach safety eyes between rows 7 and 8, spaced 4 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the body firmly.
Rnd 16: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)
Rnd 17: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)
Rnd 18: dec 6 times (6). FO, sew the opening closed, and weave in the end.

Wings

Make two identical wings using white yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3-4: sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 5: [2 sc, dec] 3 times (9). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the wings.

Assembly

Flatten the wings slightly and sew them onto the top of the body, centered over the black stripes. Ensure they are symmetrical before pulling the yarn tight and securing the knot.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash gently in lukewarm water with a mild detergent.
Do not wring or twist; instead, press the water out between two towels.
Lay flat in the shade to dry completely, reshaping the bee while it is still damp to ensure it remains round.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tension is key for amigurumi. If you find your stitches are loose, try dropping down a hook size to ensure the stuffing does not poke through the fabric.
Always place your stitch marker in the first stitch of every round. Losing your place in a continuous spiral makes it difficult to align your color changes correctly.
Weave your yarn ends inside the body before closing the piece completely. This prevents loose threads from popping out of the finished toy.
Adjusting the size: If you want a larger bee, use a heavier weight yarn and a hook that corresponds to the yarn label. Remember that this will change your yarn requirements, so have extra skeins on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use buttons instead of safety eyes?

Yes, buttons can be used if the bee is intended for a display piece. However, if the toy is for a young child, safety eyes are safer as they are locked in place and prevent choking hazards.

How do I make the color transitions look smooth?

To create a cleaner color change, pull the new color through on the final loop of the last stitch of the previous color. This ensures the first stitch of the new round is the correct color.

Is it possible to scale this pattern up?

You can use a chunky weight yarn and a 6.0 mm hook to make a larger version. Follow the stitch counts exactly, as the proportions will remain consistent regardless of the yarn thickness.

Can I sell the bees I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities. Please provide credit to this website as the designer in your product listings.

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Seeing your handmade web finished and ready to display is a rewarding experience that highlights your growing crochet skills. Try working this in a shimmering metallic thread or a glow in the dark yarn to shift the mood of your home decor significantly. Please upload a photo of your finished work to your favorite social media site to inspire other makers in the community. You can find many other seasonal projects and free patterns by browsing the rest of the craft blog archives.