This PDF pattern is written in English for intermediate knitters knitting flat on two needles. It comes in two parts:

General instructions, which include: Body and leg variations, assembly instructions, special stitch and technique instructions
Specific animal instructions for shaping animal heads and tails, and adding animal-specific details

The honey bee is my first insect pattern – designed for a friend who started her own pediatric clinic. The wings are a little tricky, but I love the effect. They’re also not extremely rugged… but what insect’s wings are?! Bees are fascinating creatures – so small and easy to overlook – but their contribution to life is so significant – just like all the seemingly “small” people who influence our lives in such big ways.

You need to have…
• Yarn in desired colors and weights (~3.5oz/100g for sport weight; ~12oz/300g for worsted)
• Contrast yarn in desired color for eyes and nose
• Needles at least 2 sizes smaller than those recommended for the yarn used
• Stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• White fine “airy” yarn for wings
• Crochet hook in size needed for wing yarn

You need to know (or learn)…
• Stockinette stitch
• Increase and decrease stitches
• Mattress stitch for sewing seams
• Single crochet and chain stitch for wings
• French knots

© Sherri Sagers, Painted Cricket, 2018, All rights reserved