Free crochet pattern – Bubbles the Blue-Banded Bee

Hello crochet friends!

September is always such a special month for me, and this year it is even more special! Why, you may ask? September is my birthday month (and my little Clark’s birthday month too, seeing as he was born on my birthday), and I love cake, and presents. This year, I turned 30 and despite the fact we were still in lockdown, I couldn’t help but feel excited about it! I was very spoilt and got a few new crochet books that I can’t wait to get started on! I also love that September is Biodiversity Month in Australia. Last year, I designed an Australian amigurumi for the Amigurumi Showcase (it was Gigi the Galah if you’re curious, and the pattern is still available for free). And I did it again this year! My design was not shortlisted but I’m not too sad about it, because I am still sharing the free pattern with your guys! I hope this little bee will make you as happy as it makes me 😊

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Materials

Abbreviation used (U.S. terms)

ch: chain

sc: single crochet

sl st: slip stitch

*…*: repeat

hdc: half double crochet

dc: double crochet

inc: 2 single crochet in the same stitch

dec: single crochet 2 stitches together through the front loop only (invisible decrease)

Finished size: approx. 12 cm/4.5 inches

All pieces are worked through both loops of the stitches and in the round without joining unless stated otherwise in the pattern. It is recommended to use a stitch marker to mark the end of each round. To make it easier, you can stuff your amigurumi as you go.

Thorax and abdomen – starting in yellow make 1

Work in rounds
Round 1. sc 6 in a magic ring
Round 2. inc x6
Round 3. *sc 1, inc* x6
Round 4. *sc 2, inc* x6
Rounds 5-9. sc in each st around
Round 10. *sc 2, dec* x6
Round 11. *sc 1, dec* x6

Stuff the thorax firmly before continuing onto the abdomen.

Change to black
Round 12. *sc 1, inc* x6
Round 13. *sc 2, inc* x6
Change to blue
Round 14. *sc 3, inc* x6
Round 15. sc in each st around
Change to black
Rounds 16-18. sc in each st around
Change to blue
Rounds 19-20. sc in each st around
Change to black
Round 21. sc in each st around
Round 22. *sc 8, dec* x3
Change to blue
Round 23. *sc 7, dec* x3
Round 24. *sc 6, dec* x3
Change to black
Round 25. *sc 5, dec* x3
Round 26. *sc 4, dec* x3

Start stuffing the abdomen.

Change to blue
Round 27. *sc 3, dec* x3
Round 28. *sc 2, dec* x3
Change to black
Round 29. *sc 1, dec* x3
Round 30. *dec* x3

Fasten off, finish stuffing and weave in ends by passing your thread in the front loop only of the remaining stitches.

Antennae – in black make 2

Work in rows
Row 1. ch 5
Row 2. starting from the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 1, sl st 3

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Head – in yellow make 1

Work in rounds
Round 1. sc 6 in a magic ring (6)
Round 2. inc x6 (12)
Round 3. *sc 1, inc* x6 (18)
Rounds 4-6. sc in each st around

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing and stuff the head.

Legs – in yellow make 2

Work in rows
Row 1. ch 8
Row 2. starting from the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 1, hdc 3, sc 3

Repeat rows 1-2 x2 more times (3 legs in total).

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Wings – in light blue make 2

Work in rows
Row 1. ch 11
Row 2. starting from the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st 2, sc 3, hdc 3, dc, dc 5 in last stitch, on the other side of the ch, dc, hdc 3, sc 3, sl st 2

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

1. Sew the head to the thorax, between rounds 1-6 of the thorax so that the head is slightly lowered compared to the body. 

2. Sew the antennae to the top of the head between rounds 4-5 with approx. 2 stitches in between them. Embroider eyes to either side of the head on rounds 4-5.

3. Sew the legs to either side of the thorax, distributed evenly between the head and the abdomen. 

4. Sew the wings to the top of the thorax, between rounds 5-6 with approx. 3 stitches in between them.

You are done!

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©EmmaCraftsDesign
This is a pattern for personal use only, and it may not be shared, passed on to others, re-sold, or redistributed in any way other than purchasing as a gift. this includes, but is not limited to, any text, pictures or graphs presented in this pattern.

Finished objects may be sold in small numbers as long as credit is given to me (emmacraftsdesign), the designer, with the link to my website provided. (https://www.emmacraftsdesign.com). Not for commercial use.