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Quick Amigurumi Bee Tutorial for Beginners

Published on February 9, 2026March 27, 2026 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin2 Comments

Small Crochet bee with rosy cheeks made from cotton — Crochet bag charm patterns

This free Yarny Bee crochet pattern is a simple amigurumi bee design that’s quick to make, great for using leftover yarn, and perfect for handmade gifts or craft fairs. They make sweet bag charms. They can be added to summer wreaths. They are perfect for all kinds of handmade décor. They are also quick and simple to crochet. They’re ideal for market sellers looking for fast makes. And make thoughtful gifts for friends and teachers. They’re also a lovely way to use up leftover yarn from your stash, especially if you’re trying to keep things tidy and actually use up those small odds and ends.

Here’s the free crochet bee pattern, just for you — I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. They’re a lovely quick crochet project when you want a satisfying finish, and I’m currently making a few more to turn into a fun little tic-tac-toe game (they’re surprisingly addictive!).

If you’d like to crochet without ads, you can grab the printable PDF pattern — beautifully formatted for easy reading, printing, and saving to your personal pattern library. Available in both UK & US crochet terminology.

get your ad free yarny bee pdf pattern

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⭐ No ads – just the pattern
⭐ UK or US crochet terms included
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Yarn and Bee Size

You can use any yarn to make this project, but I think they look best made from cotton. The chunkier the yarn the bigger the bee.

I used Sirdar Happy Cotton

20g in Sundae (Yellow), Sandcastle (Brown) for main body. You should get 2 bees from this

20g Dolly (white/cream) will be enough for multiple bees (x4)

20g Liquorice (black) will be enough for a swarm of bees

My finished bee measured 6cms long x 3cms wide x 5cms tall.

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Two small crocheted amigurumi bees with cream wings nestled in a green succulent arrangement in a silver plant pot.

You Will Need:

Hook – use one size down from recommended on yarn ball. I used a 3mm

Scissors

Darning needle to weave in ends

Yarn of your choice

Stitch marker (recommended)

Safety eyes (I used 5mm – if you are using thicker yarn your bee will be larger so you may want to consider using bigger eyes. Alternatively, you could embroider the eyes using the black yarn.

Polyester toy filling (fire safety standard / EN71)

Blusher or crayon for cheeks (optional)

Pattern Notes:

Abbreviations used – UK terminology

The bee is made in continuous rounds or spirals. It is a method commonly used in amigurumi and means there will be no visible seam. When you start a new round just work it into the next st. I highly recommend marking the first st of each round with a st marker.

Repeats are marked by *

How to do a jogless join colour change

For clean, smooth stripes, I recommend using a Jogless join when changing colour. If you would like a more in-depth step by step explanation take a look at my previous post: How to do a Jogless Join

Side-by-side crochet swatches showing the difference between a jogged stripe and a jogless stripe, worked in cream yarn with contrasting yellow and purple stripes.

When changing colour, you need to work the previous stitch to the colour change differently. Work the stitch as normal until there are 2 loops on the hook, then pull the new colour through all 2 loops to complete the dc stitch; this is a standard colour change.

Slst in the front loop of next st, this counts as the 1^st st of the new row. I suggest marking the slst with a st marker until you are familiar with this method.

Do not cut yarn, simply drop non-working yarn on wrong side and pick up working yarn.

Stitches

st – stitch slst – slip stitch

ch – chain dc – double crochet

Inv-Dec – invisible decrease htr – half treble

Tr – treble dtr – double treble

BLO – back loop only FLO – front loop only

Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.

Inv-Dec – invisible decrease st worked over 2 stitches: insert hook under FLO of stitch, insert hook under FLO of next st (3 loops on hook) yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.

Htr: Yarn over before inserting hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, insert hook, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Tr: Yarn over hook, insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook.

Dtr: Yarn over hook twice, insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 4 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook.

BLO: Work stitch as stated, but in back loop of stitch only.

FLO: Work stitch as stated, but in front loop of stitch only

Prefer a printable, ad-free version? Grab it here.

Get your ad free yarny bee pdf pattern

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Pattern

In yellow, make a magic ring

Rnd 1: 6dc into magic ring (6dc)

Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around (12dc)

Rnd 3: *2dc in next st, dc in next st* repeat around (18dc) change colour (brown / black)

Rnd 4: slst in FLO of 1^st st,dc in each st around(1 slst, 17dc)

Rnd 5: dc in each st around, (18dc) change colour (yellow). Place st marker whilst you insert eyes.

Insert safety eyes in desired position.

Rnd 6: slst in FLO of 1^st st,dc in each st around(1 slst, 17dc)

Rnd 7: dc in each st around,(18dc)change colour (black / brown)

Rnd 8: slst in FLO of 1^st st,dc in each st around(1 slst, 17dc)

Rnd 9: dc in each st around,(18dc) fasten off brown yarn.Change colour (yellow)

Rnd 10: slst in FLO of 1^st st, inv-dec*dc, inv-dec* repeat around (12dc)

Rnd 11: inv-dec all around (6dc). Stuff With toy filling.

Fasten off leaving a long tail. With darning needle close with running st, pull tight and weave in any loose ends.

To create the antennae, cut a length of black yarn approx. 12cms long.

Insert hook where you would like the 1^st antennae to be positioned (I placed mine between rounds 3 and 4).
Exit hook where you would like the 2^nd antennae to be positioned (I left approx. a finger space between the antennae).
Pull yarn right through, so that you have two long antennae.
Tie a knot in each antennae at equal distance from the body of the bee and trim tails close to knot.

Make 2 wings in cream.

Row 1: Leaving a long tail Ch6, dc in 2^nd ch from hook and each st along, turn (5dc)

Row 2: ch1, htr, tr, 4dtr, tr, htr. Fasten off and weave in end.

With darning needle sew wings into position.

Add blusher / crayon to cheeks if desired.

More Easy Crochet Projects You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this pattern, you may also like my free Spring Bunny Lovey pattern this designed to be relaxing, practical, and perfect for using yarn you already own.

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Crochet Basket Not Holding Shape? Easy Tutorial for Sturdy Baskets

Published on October 11, 2024May 4, 2026 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

Struggling with a crochet basket that just won’t hold its shape?

You’re not alone — this is one of the most common crochet problems (and one of the easiest to fix once you know how).

In this guide, I’ll show you:
✔ Why your basket is collapsing
✔ The simple fix that makes it sturdy
✔ How to get that firm, structured look every time

If you want a neat, sturdy basket that actually stands up — you’re in the right place.

Stop Guessing — Use the Pattern That Actually Works

If your basket has ever gone floppy, uneven, or just… wrong — here’s why:
it’s usually not your skill.

It’s the pattern you’re using.

This is the pattern I use to get:
✔ firm, structured sides
✔ consistent sizing
✔ a basket that actually stands up

No trial and error. No wasted yarn, just a basket that works

You can follow the free version below — but if you want it to actually turn out right first time, use this.

GET THE PATTERN THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

💡 Quick Fix: Why your basket won’t hold shape

Most of the time it comes down to:

Yarn is too soft
Hook is too large
Stitches are too loose
No structure in the base

Don’t worry — I’ll walk you through exactly how to fix each one below.

Before you go… don’t lose this 👇

These are exactly the kind of things that are easy to forget once you start crocheting (ask me how I know!)

I keep all my project notes — yarn, hook size, what worked and what didn’t — in one place so I don’t make the same mistakes twice.

👉 Grab my free crochet project planner here
(perfect for keeping track of basket tweaks so yours actually holds its shape)

Struggling With A Floppy Crochet Basket?

If your basket won’t hold its shape, curls inwards, or collapses — don’t worry, this is one of the most common crochet problems.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to fix it so your basket stands up properly and looks clean, sturdy, and giftable.

These baskets are easy to make. You can swap the colours to suit your own style and add whatever decorations you choose, here I have chosen to add a sweet wooden snowflake, but labels, ribbons, bows and bells would look just as good. The best bit about these baskets is the wooden base.

The wooden base makes this a super quick make and means the basket has a great shape and is sturdy…all good elements for a useful basket to have. You will find bases in all sorts of shapes and sizes on lots of different shopping sites. I got mine from Etsy, as I like to support small business owners when I can. Take a look here to get started

What Type Of Yarn Is Best For Crochet Baskets

I would just like to talk about your choice of yarn or cord. I purchased several versions before I settled on one I was happy with. Some were too splitty, or dull, or just didn’t crochet well. I highly recommend using this 5mm braided recycled cotton cord because it is economical, comes in a great colour range and is easy to work with.

Prefer a premium ad-free version of this pattern. Available in both UK or US download, so no need for converting stitches. Perfect if you prefer to work offline or keep in your pattern library.

get ad-free printable pdf (uk & us terms)

⭐ Easy to print and follow anywhere
⭐ No ads – just the pattern
⭐ UK or US crochet terms included
⭐ Instant download

Pattern notes

The pattern that follows can be adapted to any size or shape base. The pattern uses English crochet terminology, but you can find US crochet terminology in brackets just below.

I strongly advise that you mark the 1st chain 1 of each round with a stitch marker. Repeats are marked by *

Materials

5mm braided cotton cord in colour of your choice

wooden base(s)

scissors

hooks – see below

stitch marker

decorations of your choice – bows / bells / small tree ornaments

Stitches used

DC – double crochet ( SC – single crochet)

slst – slip stitch

Ch – chain stitch

Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.

Hooks used

5mm and 8mm

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Top Tip

Write down your yarn + hook combo before you start – it makes it so much easier to recreate a basket that actually holds it shape.

👉 Grab my free crochet project planner here
(perfect for keeping track of basket tweaks so yours actually holds its shape)

To Start

Start by holding cord underneath the base. Using smaller hook pull up a loop through the first hole in the base.

Yarn over and pull through loop on your hook.

*Pull up next loop from the underside of base through next hole and complete DC* Repeat around base to last hole. Slst in 1st st.

Now turn work so outside of the basket is facing you.

Round 2: Using larger hook. Ch1 (counts as a st) place marker. DC in next stitch and in each st around.

Prefer a printable version?

If you’d like this pattern without ads (and with extra detail…comes in 3 sizes), you can grab the PDF version here:

Perfect for printing or saving to your crochet folder

Skip the trial and error and make a sturdy basket first time → Get the PDF here

get ad-free printable pdf (uk & us terms)

⭐ Easy to print and follow anywhere
⭐ No ads – just the pattern
⭐ UK or US crochet terms included
⭐ Instant download

Round 3: ch 1, continue to place DC in each st for desired height of basket, placing marker in ch1 of each round. Change colours as desired.

eg/ large basket pictured had a base with 37 holes / 17cm diameter. I completed rounds 1 – 8 in candy red and rounds 9 – 11 in natural. Final round in natural also. My basket measures 14cms tall.

Final round: Do not ch1, slst in each st around. Fasten off.

With smaller hook weave in loose ends. Weave starting tail at base so that it fills in the gap.

Now decorate your basket as desired.

Ready to make a sturdy crochet basket?

If you want a beginner- friendly pattern that’s designed to hold its shape from the start:

→ Includes step-by-step rounds, sizing, and structure tips

get ad-free printable pdf (uk & us terms)

Before You Go

If you enjoyed this, you’ll love these too:

Angelece Blanket

Face Scrubbies

And if you want to keep this pattern handy:
📌 Save it to Pinterest so you don’t lose it

Crochet Rainbow Pattern…

Published on May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin4 Comments

Hi, I just wanted to drop by to share with you this fabulous and free crochet sampler rainbow pattern by the amazing Sharon from The Stitch Foundary

It’s a quick make and looks fabulous hung up in the window to show support to all of our key workers at this unbelievable time and to add some cheer and unite in community spirit.

From a crochet point of view, the pattern is free, easy to follow and has several different stitches which give the rainbow some lovely textures. There is no gauge to worry about and you can make it from scraps…what’s not to love!

I did alter mine slightly…sorry Sharon!

I used 5 stitches to complete my popcorns in the orange row, instead of the recommended 3 stitches…just because it made my popcorns fatter and I like nice fat popcorns! Then on the last row of red I chained 5 and missed a stitch, instead of chain 3 between each stitch…just because it made the row less ruffled and more arched and I preferred the more simple finish.

Anyway, it’s a fabulous pattern and will make you smile if you hook it!

xxxxx

#Sidekicksistas…

Published on January 21, 2020 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin6 Comments

I wanted to stop by and show a beautiful shawl I made as a Secret Santa swap for one of my #sidekicksistas.

If you don’t know I am wonderfully blessed to be a part of a fabulous group of crafties that meets once a month. I met them online way back when I had my foot operation and I started the #seasidestashbustingblanket in 2018, and they kindly invited me along. They really are just the most supportive and creative women and we all share the same crafty kindred spirit. Even though I don’t make the monthly meets and only get to about three a year, I just love these women so much. The highlight is always our Christmas dinner in December where we all chip in and cook something for the table…here we are look…

This year for the secret Santa swap, I decided I was going to make a shawl and after a long trawl through ravelry, I set my heart on the Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl of Mijo Crochet. It is a free pattern and has a simple 2 row repeat, which means it is the perfect pattern to hook up whilst indulging in a box set. Perfect relaxing crochet. The pattern is well written and I will definitely be making this again.

I decided to treat my recipient to a Scheepjes whirl to hook this shawl in…well to treat myself really as I had never hooked with this yarn before and I had wanted to for ages. I chose the Blueberry Bambam which was my second choice. I had originally chosen the Jaffa Pop colourway…but it was out of stock everywhere, and I mean everywhere and was not due to be re-stocked until after Christmas. So Blueberry Bambam it was.

The yarn was a beauty to hook with. It is a beautifully soft cotton blend 4ply yarn which has a long gentle gradient. I used the whole 200g (1000m) and it made a great sized shawl. The whirl was worth every penny, as it produced a really lovely quality fabric which drapes amazingly. I love the raised rows of this shawl and it is aptly named the Dragon Belly for this reason. So, if your looking for a fabulous make which won’t tax your brain; but will certainly scratch that creative itch and give you a real sense of hooky satisfaction…this is the pattern to go for.

xxxxx

Bright and Bold Summer Flowers…pattern news

Published on June 25, 2019July 7, 2019 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin2 Comments

Do you remember not so long ago I said I had some exciting news to share with you? Well, I can share that news now…

These are my bright and bold summer flowers and they were featured in Crochetzine, a fabulous online crochet magazine, last month!

I felt so proud and excited to see my work shared. Of course I want to share it with you also. These are great flowers to make from left over snippets, but I think they work best in a cotton yarn, as they hold their shape better.

The pattern is based on hyperbolic crochet, but don’t let that put you off…it is really simple! I have had so many lovely comments about the bunch I have on my table. Here’s the link to Crochetzine, where you will find my pattern.

Do let me know what you think if you make any won’t you?

xxxxx

Last minute Easter pattern…

Published on April 6, 2019 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

I thought I’d drop by to let you know all about a really cute pattern I have found. It’s a quick make and the pattern is free (always a bonus!) and it would make a super cute Easter gift or spring gift.

It’s a very sweet little lambs hat, what could be more spring like…apart from a little fluffy yellow chick perhaps!

The pattern is available in all sizes from 0 -3 months right through to big peoples sizes and it is brilliantly written. If your thinking I’m not sure about making those bobbles there is a useful youtube link to help you with that. All in all this pattern would take you a couple of hours to make…that’s plenty of time to hook yourself a little flock.

I just adore how those lamb ears are low set and droop down.

Of course I made a pink one too…

So here are the pattern details…

Pattern by: Sarah Zimmerman

Pattern Name: Lamb’s Hat

Have you found any good patterns worth a shout out recently?

xxxxx

Heart baby blanket…

Published on April 2, 2019April 2, 2019 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin17 Comments

Here it is, my beautiful grey and white heart baby blanket…

I love this pattern, thanks to the very talented @emmacartercrochet for sharing this fabulous pattern which is called ‘The Ombre Heart C2C Blanket’ and which is also free!!! How generous to share such a brilliant pattern.

It is a corner to corner construction and therefore works up quite quickly. The version in Emma’s pattern has 5 colours which fade into each other, but I opted for a solid grey heart this time. I say this time, because this pattern is addictive and I already want to make more.

I opted to add a simple double crochet (single crochet) border in grey, and added one of my natural sustainably sourced cork labels as the finishing touch.

I just love the soft texture of this baby blanket…

I think the heart would look amazing in a swirl or gradient yarn, but I have chosen to make a rainbow blanket next, so the swirl may have to wait! After working on these calming grey and whites this is what I’m going to be using next…

My favourite colour…..Rainbow!

xxxxx

Grey and white…

Published on March 30, 2019March 26, 2019 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin6 Comments

I said I’d pop by to show you what is on my hook this week, so here I am.

But first of all, thanks for letting me know what you were making…I really enjoyed finding out what you were up to!

This week has been all about grey and white makes for me…and I can’t get enough of this calming colourway.

I have a corner to corner on the go right now

The pattern is The Ombre Heart C2C Blanket by Emma Carter Crochet.

I am really enjoying hooking this blanket. The pattern does not give a finished size and I was a bit worried it would either be too big or too small for what I wanted, but it is turning out to be just right for what I had in mind. It will make a decent sized baby blanket.