Jumbo the Bee

Materials Needed & Measurements:

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

  • Yarn:
    • Suggested yarn: Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles (Jumbo weight yarn)
    • Yardage: 20–30 yards (18–27 m)
  • Crochet Hook: Size 10.0 mm (N/P)
  • Stuffing: Fiberfill or similar stuffing material
  • Safety Eyes: Size: 15–20 mm (or preferred size for the bee’s face)
  • Tapestry Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
  • Scissors: For trimming yarn.
  • Stitch Markers: To help keep track of rounds.
  • Finished Measurements:
    • 13 inches (33 cm) in length
    • 10 inches (25 cm) in width

Abbreviations:

  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet
  • inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
  • dec = decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • st = stitch
  • rnd = round

Stitching Instructions for Making the Jumbo the Bee Pattern:

Bee’s Body

  • The body is worked in continuous rounds (spiral). Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
  • Top of the Body (Increasing Rounds):
    • Start with Yellow Yarn:
      • Rnd 1: Make a magic ring and crochet 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
      • Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
      • Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] repeat around. (18 sts)
      • Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] repeat around. (24 sts)
      • Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc] repeat around. (30 sts)
  • Middle of the Body (Striped Section):
    • Continue with Yellow Yarn: Rnd 6-10: Sc in each st around. (30 sts per rnd)
    • Switch to Black Yarn for First Stripe: Rnd 11-12: Sc in each st around. (30 sts per rnd)
    • Switch Back to Yellow Yarn: Rnd 13-15: Sc in each st around. (30 sts per rnd)
    • Repeat Stripes: Alternate 2 rounds of black and 3 rounds of yellow until the body reaches the desired length, approximately 13 inches.
  • Bottom of the Body (Decreasing Rounds):
    • Start Decreasing:
      • Rnd X: [Sc in next 3 sts, dec] repeat around. (24 sts)
      • Rnd Y: [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] repeat around. (18 sts)
      • Rnd Z: [Sc in next st, dec] repeat around. (12 sts)
    • Final Round: [Dec] around until the opening is closed. (6 sts, then 0)
    • Stuff the Body Firmly:
      • Use fiberfill to stuff the body as you decrease. Make sure it is firm but not overstuffed to avoid gaps.
      • Fasten off and weave in the end.

Wings (Make 2)

  • Using White Yarn:
    • Rnd 1: Make a magic ring and crochet 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
    • Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
    • Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] repeat around. (18 sts)
    • Rnd 4-6: Sc in each st around. (18 sts per rnd)
  • Finishing the Wings:
    • Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
    • Stuff the wings lightly (optional) or leave them flat for a soft, flexible look.

Antennae (Make 2)

  • Using Black Yarn:
    • Ch 8: Starting from the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each ch. (7 sts)
    • Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
  • Curl the Ends (Optional): Roll the ends slightly for a natural curl or leave them straight for a simpler look.

Assembly

  • Attach the Wings:
    • Position the wings on the top-back section of the bee’s body.
    • Use a tapestry needle and the long tail of yarn to sew the wings securely to the body.
    • Stitch evenly around the edges, ensuring they are attached firmly.
  • Attach the Antennae:
    • Sew the antennae onto the top of the head (front section of the body).
    • Place them symmetrically and secure with several stitches.
  • Insert Safety Eyes:
    • Attach the safety eyes to the front section of the bee’s body (the “face”).
    • Space them approximately 2-3 rows apart. Secure the backs of the eyes tightly.
  • Optional Embroidery: Use black yarn or thread to embroider a smile or other facial features.

Final Touches

  • Check for Loose Ends: Ensure all ends are woven in securely.
  • Adjust Stuffing: Fluff the stuffing if needed to give the bee a smooth, even shape.

Congratulations! Your Jumbo the Bee is complete!

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