This makes a small knitted bumblebee ideal for using on our hexagon map. The download pattern offers two methods of making the wings – one is by simply teasing out and shaping a small piece of stuffing!
MATERIALS:
Small quantities of black / brown (B) and yellow / gold and cream (optional for wings) (A) DK
Pair of 3.25mm (UK 10) knitting needles
Wool needle for sewing up
Toy stuffing
ABBREVIATIONS:
STS: Stitches
KFB: Knit into the front and back of stitch
K2 tog: Knit two stitches together
BODY AND HEAD:
Starting with colour A, cast on 5 STS
Row 1: (WS): Purl
Row 2: K1, (KFB) to end (9 STS)
Rows 3 & 4: Repeat rows 1 and 2 (17 STS)
Row 5: Purl
Row 6: Join B and K to end
Row 7: Purl
Row 8: Join A and K to end
Row 9: Purl
Rows 10-13: Repeat rows 6-8
Row 14: K2 tog (K1, K2 tog) to end (11 STS)
Row 15: Purl
Row 16: K2 tog, (K1, K2 tog) to end (7 STS)
Thread yarn and pass needle through the remaining stitches, pull tight and secure. Use the remaining yarn to sew up the bee as far as the stripe nearest the head. Stuff the bee and finish sewing the seam.
WINGS (Make 2)
Cast on 15 stitches in white. Cast off and using your yarn needle draw through stitches and secure tightly. Sew behind first yellow stripe.