purlJam

# Buzzy the Hornet Crochet Pattern

**Designed for beginners | Finished size: Approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) long**

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton yarn
- Yellow: 25 yards (23 m)
- Black: 20 yards (18 m)  
- White or light gray: 10 yards (9 m) for wings

**Suggested yarns**: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook

**Other supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- 6mm safety eyes (2) OR black embroidery thread for embroidered eyes
- Scissors

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

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## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for this project. With worsted weight yarn and 3.5mm hook:
- 5 sc x 5 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in continuous rounds

Your hornet may be slightly larger or smaller depending on your tension, which is fine for this toy.

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## NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Do not join rounds.
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through.
- When changing colors, complete the last stitch of the old color until 2 loops remain on hook, then pull through with new color.
- You can carry the unused color inside the body or cut and rejoin for each stripe (beginners may prefer cutting and weaving in ends).
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before closing openings.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (worked from rear to front)

**Rnd 1**: With yellow, 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats × 4 sts = 24 ✓*

**Rnds 5-6**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds in yellow)*

**Rnd 7**: Change to black. Sc around [24]

**Rnd 8**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds in black - first black stripe complete)*

**Rnd 9**: Change to yellow. Sc around [24]

**Rnd 10**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds in yellow)*

**Rnd 11**: Change to black. Sc around [24]

**Rnd 12**: sc around [24]  
*(2 rounds in black - second black stripe complete)*

**Rnd 13**: Change to yellow. Sc around [24]

**Rnd 14**: sc around [24]

**Rnd 15**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*  
*Begin stuffing body firmly*

**Rnd 16**: Change to black. (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 ✓*  
*Add more stuffing*

**Rnd 17**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

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### HEAD

**Rnd 1**: With black, 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnds 4-6**: sc around [18]  
*(3 rounds even)*

**Rnd 7**: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 ✓*

If using safety eyes, insert them between Rnds 4 and 5, about 6 stitches apart.

*Begin stuffing head firmly*

**Rnd 8**: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close.

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### WINGS (make 2)

Wings are worked in rows, then turned to create an oval shape.

**Row 1**: With white, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [6 sc]

**Row 2**: ch 1, inc, sc 4, inc, turn [8]  
*Math check: 6 + 2 increases = 8 ✓*

**Row 3**: ch 1, inc, sc 6, inc, turn [10]  
*Math check: 8 + 2 increases = 10 ✓*

**Row 4**: ch 1, sc across, turn [10]

**Row 5**: ch 1, dec, sc 6, dec, turn [8]  
*Math check: 10 - 2 decreases = 8 ✓*

**Row 6**: ch 1, dec, sc 4, dec [6]  
*Math check: 8 - 2 decreases = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Optional: Work a round of sc around the entire edge of the wing for a neater finish.

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### STINGER

**Rnd 1**: With black, 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [6]  
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats × 3 sts = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc around [6]

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [8]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats × 4 sts = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc around [8]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (stinger should be firm but pointy).

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### ANTENNAE (make 2)

With black, ch 6. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Alternatively, for antennae with a small ball on top:
- Ch 5, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st back down the chain. Fasten off.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach head to body**: Position the head on the narrow (black) end of the body. The head should sit where the final black stripe meets the closed end. Pin in place. Using the long tail from the head and a yarn needle, whipstitch the head securely to the body all the way around. Weave in ends inside the body.

2. **Add eyes**: 
   - If using safety eyes, these should already be inserted.
   - If embroidering: With black yarn, create two small circles or French knots on Rnd 4 of the head, about 6 stitches apart (or 3-4 stitches apart for closer eyes).

3. **Attach wings**: Position wings on the back of the body where the second yellow stripe is (approximately between Rnds 9-11). Wings should angle slightly upward and outward. Pin in place. Using the long tails and yarn needle, sew the wider end of each wing to the body. Make sure wings are symmetrical. Weave in ends.

4. **Attach stinger**: Position the stinger at the rear end of the body (the yellow end where you started). The wider end (8 sts) should attach to the body. Pin in place. Using the long tail, whipstitch around the opening to secure. Weave in end.

5. **Attach antennae**: Position antennae on top of the head, slightly toward the front, about 3-4 stitches apart. Sew the end of each chain securely to the head. For curled antennae, you can stitch the chain in a slight curve. Weave in ends.

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## FINISHING

- Weave in any remaining yarn ends securely.
- Trim excess yarn tails close to work.
- Shape the hornet with your hands, making sure the body is evenly stuffed and rounded.
- Optional: Lightly steam the wings (do not touch with iron) to flatten them slightly, or press under a heavy book.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Bumblebee variation**: Use the same pattern but make the stripes wider (3-4 rounds each) and make the body rounder (add more even rounds at maximum circumference before decreasing).

**Larger hornet**: Use bulky weight yarn with a 5mm hook for a hornet approximately 7-8 inches long.

**Smaller hornet**: Use sport weight yarn with a 3mm hook for a mini hornet (approximately 3 inches).

**Embellishments**: 
- Add white highlights to the eyes with a tiny stitch of white yarn
- Embroider a smile with black or yellow yarn
- Add texture to wings by embroidering veins with gray thread

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this may cause the toy to pill or lose its shape.

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*This pattern is designed for beginners and uses only basic amigurumi techniques. The finished hornet makes a wonderful toy, decoration, or gift for insect enthusiasts of all ages!*

**Pattern difficulty**: ★☆☆☆☆ Beginner  
**Techniques used**: Magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases, color changes, basic assembly  
**Time to complete**: 3-4 hours for beginners