Betty The Gardening Bee Free Pattern – Knit a Chunky Pollinator Pal

Bring a touch of whimsy to your windowsill with Betty, a chunky knitted bee clutching a tiny terracotta pot and sunflower. This soft, textured amigurumi is the perfect cozy companion for plant lovers and a delightful handmade gift. Whether you're an experienced knitter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this pattern is designed to be approachable, rewarding, and utterly adorable. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarns are worsted weight, making Betty soft, squishy, and quick to knit.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in golden yellow, black, soft cream, leaf green, and terracotta orange (e.g., Lion Brand Vanna's Choice or similar).
• Knitting Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles for the body and limbs.
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the pot and flower details.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knitting); 16 sc = 4 inches (crochet). Note: Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure your bee is proportionate.
• Other: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, and small amount of black embroidery floss for the face.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Knit in One Piece, Then Stuffed)

The body is worked flat in stockinette stitch, then seamed and stuffed. This creates a plush, rounded shape.

1. Cast on 6 stitches in golden yellow.
2. Row 1: Knit all (6 sts).
3. Row 2: Increase in every stitch (kfb) – 12 sts.
4. Row 3: Knit all.
5. Row 4: (Kfb, k1) repeat to end – 18 sts.
6. Row 5: Knit all.
7. Row 6: (Kfb, k2) repeat – 24 sts.
8. Rows 7-10: Knit all (stockinette, 4 rows).
9. Row 11: (K2tog, k2) repeat – 18 sts.
10. Row 12: Knit all.
11. Row 13: (K2tog, k1) repeat – 12 sts.
12. Row 14: Knit all.
13. Row 15: (K2tog) repeat – 6 sts. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and sew side seam, leaving bottom open. Stuff firmly with fiberfill.

Head (Knit Separately)

The head is slightly smaller than the body and attaches to the top, giving Betty a cute, proportionate look.

1. Cast on 8 stitches in golden yellow.
2. Row 1: Knit all.
3. Row 2: Kfb in every stitch – 16 sts.
4. Row 3: Knit all.
5. Row 4: (Kfb, k1) repeat – 24 sts.
6. Rows 5-8: Knit all (4 rows).
7. Row 9: (K2tog, k1) repeat – 16 sts.
8. Row 10: Knit all.
9. Row 11: (K2tog) repeat – 8 sts. Cut yarn, gather, and sew to top of body, stuffing lightly before closing.

Stripes (Knit as Separate Bands)

These simple bands create Betty's iconic black stripes. They're sewn on after the body is assembled.

1. Cast on 12 stitches in black.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. Bind off. Make 3 such bands.
4. Sew them evenly around the body between the yellow sections, using a yarn needle and matching thread.

Wings (Knit Two)

Soft cream wings add a delicate touch. They are slightly shaped with increases and decreases.

1. Cast on 6 stitches in soft cream.
2. Row 1: Knit all.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k4, kfb – 8 sts.
4. Row 3: Knit all.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k6, kfb – 10 sts.
6. Row 5: Knit all.
7. Row 6: K2tog, k6, k2tog – 8 sts.
8. Row 7: Knit all.
9. Row 8: K2tog, k4, k2tog – 6 sts. Bind off. Sew wings to the back of the body, slightly overlapping for a natural look.

Antennae (Knit Two)

These cute little stalks are made with I-cord, a simple technique that creates a tube.

1. Cast on 3 stitches in black.
2. Knit I-cord for 2 inches (knit across, slide stitches to other end of needle, repeat).
3. Bind off. Attach a small yellow pompom to the tip of each. Sew to top of head.

Legs (Knit Two)

Short I-cord legs give Betty stability when she sits.

1. Cast on 4 stitches in black.
2. Knit I-cord for 1.5 inches.
3. Bind off. Sew to bottom front of body.

Terracotta Pot (Crochet)

Using the crochet hook and terracotta orange yarn, create a sturdy pot for Betty to sit in.

1. Make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring (6).
3. Round 2: 2 sc in each st (12).
4. Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat (18).
5. Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat (24).
6. Rounds 5-8: Sc in each st around (24).
7. Round 9: Working in front loops only, sc in each st (24). This creates the ridged rim.
8. Round 10: Sc in each st (24). Fasten off. Sew a small brown circle (crocheted in a spiral) to the bottom for drainage hole detail.

Sunflower (Crochet)

Betty holds a cheerful sunflower, crocheted in the round.

1. Using golden yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring (6).
3. Round 2: (Sc, 2 sc in next st) repeat (9).
4. Round 3: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat (12).
5. Round 4: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat (15). Fasten off.
6. Using brown yarn, make a small circle (magic ring, 6 sc, then 2 sc in each st) and sew to center.
7. Attach a green crochet stem (chain 6, sc back) and a leaf (chain 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc).
8. Sew sunflower to Betty's front, as if she's holding it.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring Betty to life!

1. Sew the pot to the bottom of Betty's body, or leave it separate so she can sit in it. Tip: Leaving it separate allows for easy repositioning.
2. Embroider a small smile with black yarn using a simple backstitch.
3. Add a tiny green leaf to the top of her head for extra charm.

And there you have it—your very own Betty the Gardening Bee! This project is perfect for using up scrap yarn and makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for any plant lover. Enjoy your new cozy companion!