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Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern

Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.2K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a complete magnetic sorting toy set made of seven hexagonal bowls, seven matching bees with magnet pockets and seven small flowers. It uses small amigurumi techniques, color changes and a simple special increase to form polygonal bowls and tiny bees. The set is designed to be playful, educational and portable for children to sort and match by color.

Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed round-by-round instructions, tips and photos are included to help you through every step. The pattern uses US terminology and continuous rounds for consistency.

Why You'll Love This Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines small amigurumi techniques with a functional, playful magnetic element that children adore. I enjoy designing projects that teach while being tactile and colorful, and these hex bowls with matching bees and flowers do exactly that. The special increase trick to make polygon sides always feels satisfying and gives a neat geometric finish. Sewing the magnet socket and testing directionality is a hands-on step I find oddly calming and rewarding.

Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this set by changing colors and yarn weight; try pastel shades for a softer, baby-friendly version.

I sometimes make tiny keyring versions by using thinner yarn and a smaller hook so the bees become pocket-sized charms.

I also enjoy embroidering different facial expressions on the bees to give each one personality — a simple mouth or tilted eyes can make a big difference.

If you want a sturdier toy for toddlers, reinforce the magnet pocket with a small circle of felt glued and stitched on the inside before inserting the magnet.

I often swap the hexagon bowls for larger sizes by adding more increase rounds to make the set scale to different ages and play styles.

Try using variegated yarn for the bees for a fun textured stripe pattern rather than solid color stripes.

For a quieter toy, use fabric scraps inside the bowls to muffle sounds, or add a small bell into a bee for a jingly version for older kids.

I like to add removable little accessories like tiny crocheted hats or scarves to make seasonal versions — Halloween or Christmas themed bees are adorable.

To make a travel-friendly set, store the pieces in a small drawstring bag and consider sewing the bowls together into a single base that folds flat for portability.

If you want to increase difficulty, use more intricate stitch patterns for the bowl walls, like surface crochet or textured stitches, to create a decorative display instead of a toy.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers while working continuous rounds leads to losing the start of rounds; use a marker at the end of each round and move it as you work to keep track. ✗ Not inserting the magnet in the correct direction will prevent bees and flowers from connecting; insert all magnets the same way and test with a spare magnet before final sewing. ✗ Forgetting to leave tails when making magnet covers and wings makes assembly harder; leave long tails for sewing and secure knots after placement. ✗ Pulling the magic ring too tight makes the first round hard to work into; insert the hook into the first stitch before pulling the tail to close the ring slightly loose.

Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern

Make a delightful magnetic sorting toy set with seven colorful bowls, matching bees and flowers. This pattern guides you through crocheting bowls, tiny bees with magnet pockets, and cute flowers to match — perfect for playful learning and hands-on fun. Follow step-by-step rounds, helpful tips and photo guidance to create a charming, tactile toy for kids or gifts.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Sorting Bees Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    280 grams total yarn (10 ply recommended such as DROPS PARIS)
  • 02
    35 g for each rainbow color (7 colors) - approximately 35g per color
  • 03
    20 g white for wings and flower centers
  • 04
    15 g black for bee stripes and details
  • 05
    Polyester fiberfill for stuffing bees
  • 06
    Small round magnets 2 cm / 0.8 inches diameter (used 28 pcs by author; 14 may suffice if very strong)
  • 07
    Optional: safety eyes ~5 mm (if using safety eyes choose the smallest available)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.5 mm (UK 12 = 2.5mm = C2 US) - recommended
  • 02
    Optional: up to 5 mm (UK 6 / H8 US) hook for looser fabric (author prefers 2.5mm for tidier work)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Yarn needle for sewing
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Polyester stuffing
  • 07
    Needle for closing and sewing details
  • 08
    Small magnets (2 cm / 0.8 in diameter) and glue or secure stitching to enclose them

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Bowls :

Round 1 :

MR + sc X 6 => 6

Round 2 :

inc X 6 => 12

Info :

Tip! Before pulling the tail to close the ring, insert the hook in the first stitch; in this way you will keep it loose enough for the hook to be inserted in the next row.

Info :

From this row down you should make "special increases - splnc" instead of normal ones. A special increase is a [sc + ch + sc] in the same stitch. You should add the extra chain in the increase to make your bowl more like a polygon. Do not count or work in the extra chain when working the next rows – it just helps with the shape so just ignore it.

Round 3 :

(1 sc + 1 splnc) X 6 => 18

Round 4 :

(2 sc + 1 splnc) X 6 => 24

Round 5 :

(3 sc + 1 splnc) X 6 => 30

Round 6 :

(4 sc + 1 splnc) X 6 => 36

Round 7 :

(5 sc + 1 splnc) X 6 => 42

Info :

The next row is a back loop only, with no increases. In this row we will also consider the extra chain from the special increase. So instead of 42 single chains we will have 48 sc as we go round.

Round 8 :

BLO sc X 48 => 48

Round 9-16 :

sc X 48 => 48

Info :

Now we are going to do the 6 edges on the sides of the bowls.

Item Name (Edge) :

Repeat X 6: Sl X 8. Like in the 3rd picture below go down with 9 X sc (you will be working over rows 16-8) (make sure your last sc is in the front loop of row 8). Go back up with 10 X Sl – the slip stitches should be on the back of the single chains you just made (the last one should be at the top).

Info :

Optionally you can sew the bowls together like I did. There is no technique for this, but you will need a lot of patience.

— Bee :

Info :

Make 7, one for every color.

Section :

a. Make the magnet support:

Round 1 :

MR + sc X 6 => 6, slip stitch in the first sc, leave a tail for sewing

Round 2 :

inc X 6 => 12

Info :

(the magnet should be small enough to fit in this pocket; however if yours is bigger just make an extra row to cover it ➔ R2: inc X 6 => 12)

Section :

b. Make 2 wings – with white:

Round 1 :

MR + sc X 6 => 6

Round 2 :

inc X 6 => 12 , slip stitch in the first sc, leave a tail for sewing; sew the two wings together and leave the tail for sewing into the bee

Section :

c. Make the bee:

Round 1 :

With main color: MR + sc X 6 => 6

Round 2 :

inc X 6 => 12

Round 3 :

(1 sc + 1 inc) X 6 => 18

Info :

Stop and sew the magnet socket (with the magnet inside) around rows 1/2. Make sure all your magnets are inserted in the same direction. To test this, use another magnet that should connect with all the bees on the same side.

Round 4-5 :

sc X 18 => 18

Info :

Sew also the eyes in increases 1 and 3 of row 2, using black needle. If you choose safety eyes go for the smallest you can find (5 mm or smaller).

Round 6 :

With black: sc X 18 => 18

Info :

When changing the color: at row 6, in the last single crochet, make half of the stitch with your main color but then finish with the other color (black in this case) like in the pictures below.

Round 7 :

With main color: sc X 18 => 18

Round 8 :

With black: sc X 18 => 18

Round 9 :

With main color: sc X 18 => 18

Round 10 :

With black: (4 sc + 1 dec) X 3 => 15

Info :

Sew the wings between rows 7 and 9. Make sure they are centered between the eyes. Start stuffing the bee, stuff as you go.

Round 11 :

With main color: (3 sc + 1 dec) X 3 => 12

Round 12 :

With black: (2 sc + 1 dec) X 3 => 9

Round 13 :

(1 sc + 1 dec) X 3 => 6

Round 14 :

close the bee with a needle: insert a needle in the front loop of every stitch from the exterior to the middle of the stitch; after covering all 6 stitches pull firmly to close the ring. Insert the needle a couple of extra times under the stitches to make sure it's well secured. Hide the yarn.

— Flower :

Info :

Make 7, one for every color.

Section :

a. Make the magnet support:

Round 1 :

MR + sc X 6 => 6, slip stitch in the first sc, leave a tail for sewing

Info :

(the magnet should be small enough to fit in this pocket; however if yours is bigger just make an extra row to cover it ➔ R2: inc X 6 => 12)

Section :

b. Make the flower – with white:

Round 1 :

MR + DC X 13 => 13, sl stitch in the second DC

Info :

We will not work on the first DC, so we will consider 12 DC, we will use them for 6 petals.

Round :

With the main color (change color at the slip stitch as learned before) REPEAT 6 times: sc X 2 in the current stitch. 3 TREBLE CROCHET in the next stitch, sc X 2 in the current stitch. Slip stitch in the next stitch.

Info :

Sew the magnet cover, containing the magnet in the back of the flower – make sure the magnet is in the correct direction – to test this just place the bee in front of the flower and they should connect like in the picture.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the magnet socket into the bee between rows 1 and 2 and enclose the magnet securely, making sure all magnets are oriented the same direction so bees and flowers connect reliably.
  • Sew the eyes (embroider with black yarn or use tiny safety eyes) into increases 1 and 3 of row 2 before closing the bee to ensure correct placement.
  • Attach the two white wings by sewing them together and then stitching them to the bee between rows 7 and 9, centered between the eyes.
  • Sew the magnet cover to the back of each flower ensuring the magnet sits in the correct direction; test by bringing the bee close to the flower to confirm magnetic attraction.
  • If desired, sew adjacent bowls together along the edges to create a fixed hive layout; pin pieces in place and stitch slowly for an even join.
  • Hide and secure all yarn tails and reinforce magnet pockets with extra stitches to ensure safety and durability for play.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is written in US terminology and is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated; UK equivalents are noted in abbreviations.
  • 💡Make sure magnets are well inserted and sewn closed; test orientation before final sewing so bees and flowers connect as expected.
  • 💡Please supervise children while playing with this set due to small magnets and small parts; ensure magnets are fully enclosed and secured.

This colorful Sorting Bees set brings hands-on matching and lots of playful learning to little ones. The tiny bees, sunny flowers and hex bowls make a tactile activity that is bright and satisfying to crochet. Make a full rainbow set for a special gift or classroom toy — creative play awaits! 🧶🐝✨

You ask,

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Each bee measures approximately 3-4 cm tall and each hex bowl is about 5-6 cm across when using the recommended yarn and 2.5 mm hook; final size varies by yarn and tension.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size; if you use bulkier yarn increase your hook size and test magnet pocket size to ensure magnets still fit.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes you know how to work in continuous rounds, do increases and decreases, and change colors; beginners with patience can still follow the step-by-step instructions.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the entire set in 5-7 hours, though time varies by skill level, number of colors used and whether you sew bowls together or make extra reinforcement.

Are the magnets safe for children?

Magnets must be fully enclosed and sewn securely; supervise children during play and do not use with very young children who may place items in their mouths.