Honeycomb Hideaway Reversible Bee Free Pattern
Introducing the Honeycomb Hideaway Reversible Bee
Get ready to fall in love with the most charming, cozy, and clever crochet project you'll make this season! The Honeycomb Hideaway Reversible Bee is a delightful amigurumi pattern that gives you two adorable toys in one. Flip it one way to reveal a sunny, cheerful yellow bee with classic black stripes. Flip it over, and you'll find a soft, cream-colored companion adorned with subtle honeycomb-inspired dots.
This pattern is perfect for beginners who want to practice working in continuous spirals, increasing, decreasing, and simple sewing techniques. The result is a plush, textured friend that makes a heartwarming handmade gift for nature lovers, teachers, or anyone who needs a little sunshine in their pocket. Let's dive into this free pattern and create something truly special!
Materials Needed
Before you begin your crochet journey, gather these simple supplies. This project uses basic materials, making it an accessible and budget-friendly craft.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or acrylic yarn in the following colors:
- Yellow (for the sunny bee side)
- White or Cream (for the honeycomb side)
- Black (for stripes and facial features)
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) hook. This size pairs perfectly with worsted weight yarn to create a tight, firm fabric that holds its shape.
- Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds, as this pattern is worked in a continuous spiral.
- Yarn Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or your preferred stuffing material.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
Note on Gauge: The gauge is 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 square inch. While gauge isn't critical for this toy, maintaining consistent tension will ensure your bee is evenly shaped and the two halves match in size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous spirals unless otherwise noted. Always use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Let's break this down into manageable parts.
Part 1: Crocheting the Heads (Make 2)
You will need to create two identical head shapes: one in yellow and one in white/cream.
- Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Work 2 sc (an increase, or inc) into each sc around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: *Sc in the next sc, inc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sc, inc in the next sc.* Repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sc, inc in the next sc.* Repeat around. (30 stitches)
- Rounds 6-10: Sc in each sc around for 5 rounds. (30 stitches)
- Round 11: *Sc in the next 3 sc, then work a decrease (dec) over the next 2 stitches.* Repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Round 12: *Sc in the next 2 sc, dec over the next 2 stitches.* Repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Stuff firmly: Now is the time to stuff the head with fiberfill. Make sure it's packed tightly to maintain the round shape.
- Round 13: *Sc in the next sc, dec over the next 2 stitches.* Repeat around. (12 stitches)
- Round 14: Dec around. (6 stitches)
- Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail onto a yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Secure with a knot and set aside.
Part 2: Crocheting the Bodies (Make 2)
Similarly, create two body shapes: one in yellow and one in white/cream.
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Inc in each sc around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: *Sc in next sc, inc.* Repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sc, inc.* Repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Rounds 5-8: Sc in each sc around for 4 rounds. (24 stitches)
- Round 9: *Sc in next 2 sc, dec.* Repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Round 10: Sc in each sc around. (18 stitches)
- Stuff firmly: Fill the body with stuffing, shaping it into a plump oval.
- Round 11: *Sc in next sc, dec.* Repeat around. (12 stitches)
- Round 12: Dec around. (6 stitches)
- Fasten off: Leave a long tail and close the opening as you did for the head.
Part 3: Crocheting the Wings (Make 2)
These are simple, flat ovals that will be attached to the yellow bee's back.
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Inc in each sc around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: *Sc in next sc, inc.* Repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Rounds 4-5: Sc in each sc around for 2 rounds. (18 stitches)
- Fasten off: Leave a long tail for sewing. Flatten the piece so it forms an oval shape and set aside.
Part 4: Creating the Black Stripes (Make 3)
These small rectangles will be sewn onto the yellow body to create the bee's iconic look.
- Foundation: Chain 6.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 stitches)
- Fasten off: Leave long tails on both ends for sewing and weaving in.
Part 5: Assembling the Individual Bees
Now we'll turn our crocheted pieces into two distinct characters.
- Attach Heads to Bodies: Using the long tails from the heads, sew the yellow head to the yellow body. Repeat with the white head and white body. Use a neat whip stitch or mattress stitch to create a seamless join. Weave in the ends securely.
- Add Stripes to the Yellow Bee: Position the three black stripes horizontally across the yellow body. Space them evenly—one near the top, one in the middle, and one near the bottom. Sew them on securely using the tails, then weave in the ends.
- Embellish the White Bee: To mimic honeycomb cells, thread a yarn needle with black yarn. Embroider small, scattered dots or tiny "V" shapes across the white body. You can also leave it plain if you prefer a minimalist look.
- Attach the Wings: Place the two wings on the top of the yellow bee's body, just behind the head. Position them so they angle slightly outward. Sew them on securely with the long tails.
- Embroider the Faces: Using black yarn, embroider eyes on both heads. For the yellow bee, make two small French knots or satin stitches. For the white bee, you can make the eyes slightly larger for contrast. Place them about 3-4 rounds down from the top of the head and a few stitches apart.
Part 6: The Final Reversible Join
This is the magical step that brings both bees together into one reversible toy.
- Position the Bees: Place the two completed bees back-to-back. The yellow side should face out on one side, and the white side should face out on the other. Ensure the heads and bodies are aligned perfectly.
- Start Sewing: Thread a yarn needle with a long piece of yellow yarn (or a contrasting color for a decorative edge). Starting at the top of the head, begin a whip stitch around the entire perimeter of the two pieces, catching loops from both the yellow and white bees.
- Leave an Opening: Sew around the entire edge, but stop about 2 inches before you reach your starting point. This will be your turning hole.
- Final Stuffing: Through this opening, add a little more stuffing to fill out the seam area and ensure the toy is plump and squishy. Don't overstuff, as this can distort the shape.
- Close the Opening: Continue your whip stitch to close the gap completely. Secure the yarn with a knot and weave the end inside the toy between the two layers to hide it.
- Weave in All Ends: Double-check that all yarn tails from the stripes, wings, and embroidery are securely woven in and trimmed.
Congratulations! Your Honeycomb Hideaway Reversible Bee is complete. Flip it to show the sunny yellow bee with black stripes, or turn it to reveal the soft white honeycomb side. This cuddly creation is sure to become a treasured companion and a testament to your crochet skills. Happy crafting!