Pattern notes:
This pattern is made using UK notation and is crocheted in a continuous round.
When changing colour, in the last stitch of the round, insert the hook through the next stitch as normal and draw yarn through. Use the NEW yarn colour to make the final wrap to complete the stitch. As you move to the next stitch, give the previous yarn colour a gently tug to tighten the stitch.
MATERIALS:
4mm Crochet hook
Small quantity of black, yellow and white DK
Small amount of toy stuffing
Yarn needle
ABBREVIATIONS:
dc – double crochet (equivalent of US single crochet)
dc2tog – double crochet two stitches together
Bee – starting at the head end:
Using yellow
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 dc into the ring. Pull tightly to close. (6 stitches).
Round 2: Work 2 dc into each stitch (12 stitches).
Round 3: * Work dc in in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Repeat from * twice more (15 stitches)
Round 4: * Work dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Repeat from * twice more (18 stitches)
Round 5: * Work dc in next 5 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Repeat from * twice more (21 stitches)
Round 6: * Work dc in next 6 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Repeat from * twice more (24 stitches) changing to black on the last stitch as described above.
Using black
Rounds 7-8: dc in each stitch changing to yellow on the last stitch as before. (24 stitches)
Using yellow
Rounds 9-10: dc in each stitch changing to black on the last stitch as before. (24 stitches)
Using black
Round 11: dc in each stitch (24 stitches)
Round 12: * dc in next 2 stitches, dc2tog. Repeat from * a further 5 times changing to yellow on the last stitch as before. (18)
Using yellow
Round 13: dc in each stitch (18 stitches)
Stuff with toy stuffing
Round 14: * dc in next stitch, dc2tog a further 5 times changing to black on the last stitch as before (12 stitches)
Using black
Round 15: * dc in next 2 stitches, dc2tog. Repeat from *twice more (9 stitches)
Round 16: * dc in next stitch, dc2tog. Repeat from * twice more (6 stitches)
Finish off leaving a 6″ tail. Using yarn needle weave tail through remaining 6 stitches and pull firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.
WINGS (make 2):
With white
Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 dc into the ring. Pull tightly to close. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 dc in next stitch, 2 htc in next sc, 2tc in next 2 stitches, 2 htc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch (12 stitches)
Round 3: Work in the stitches as follows: dc, 2dc, dc, 2dc, htc, tc , 2tc, tc, htc, 2dc, dc, 2dc dc (18 stitches).
Finish off leaving enough of a tail for sewing the wings. Sew wings between the black stripes. Weave in the ends.
Using black yarn stitch eyes by inserting the needle between the 3rd and 4th row and making a vertical stitch. Oversew 3 times and repeat for second eye 3 stitches away. Add a mouth and finish off and secure ends.