Note: Don’t be put off by the mention of double pointed needles (DPNs), it is knitted flat. The DPNs let you create stripes with a single row of colour. An interesting easy to master technique to add to your skill set!
Stuffed lightly, this makes a tiny little bee suitable for our hexagon map. Mad on larger needles will make a cheery bee for a bee-ring.
MATERIALS:
Pair of double pointed 3.25mm (UK 10) needles
Small amount of Black, yellow, white or cream DK
Small quantity of toy stuffing
Yarn needle
ABBREVIATIONS:
KFB – Knit into the front and back of the stitch
DPN – Double pointed needle
BEE (knitted from head)
Note: The bee can be made in either colourway. Pattern is for a black headed bee.
Cast on 5 stitches in black
Row 1: Knit into the front and back of each stitch (10 stitches)
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Change to yellow yarn. Don’t cut the black yarn
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Don’t turn the work but instead slide the stitches along the DPN so that black becomes your working yarn. Knit
Row 7: Turn as normal and Purl using the yellow yarn
Row 8: Without turning the needle, slide the stitches along as before and Purl using the black yarn
Row 9: Knit using the yellow yarn
Row 10: Slide stitches along the needle as before and Knit with the black yarn
Row 11: Purl using the black yarn
Row 12: K2 tog using the black yarn.
Trim both yarns leaving a long enough length of black to sew up the bee. With your yarn needle, draw the black yarn through all the remaining stitches on the DPN. Pull tightly and secure with a double stitch and continue to sew up the seam, stuffing the bee before you close. Embroider two eyes and a smile if desired.
WINGS (Make 2)
Using white, cast on 10 stitches. Cut yarn to approx 20 cm (8in)
With your yarn needle, thread yarn through all stitches on the DPN. Pull tight, fold the wing in half and secure. Position on head just in front of the first yellow stripe with the folded edge towards the middle. Secure with a couple of stitches and repeat with the second wing.