The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat has been a favorite in our home for years. This love for a book is why I created this Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend Crochet Pattern.
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When my son first connected with the book, I created a crochet version of Beekle for his birthday. He was so thrilled, and it brought him such warmth and joy.
Beekle inspired us to gift this book to friends of ours, especially instead of a card at a baby shower. I encourage you to purchase this book for your little one, as it’s a beautiful story of friendship and determination.
I recently contacted the author asking for permission to create this pattern, and he graciously said it’s perfectly fine by him.
Beekle is an imaginary friend who is brave and has a creative personality. Children often practice friendships through imaginary, and it’s good practice in learning to communicate and share our characters with others.
For my youngest attachments come quickly; for my older child, it’s a bit harder to pick up on social queues and the needs of others. But his imagination is so creative I know he will connect with others who also have a big vision. The story in this book takes a beautiful turn towards the end, and you just have to read.
I hope you enjoy this book, pattern, and sharing friendships.
And be sure to follow Dan Santat and his other wonderful books!
French Knot Tutorial
Using a french knot for the eyes of a stuffie or doll is safer than the plastic safety eyes. It’s also essential to know in cross stitch as well. This video will walk you through the process of creating a french knot.
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Supplies for Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend Crochet:
Supplies:
Crochet Hook: 4 mm (H), I highly recommend Furls Hook (affiliate link) or a Tulip Rose Crochet Hook (link below). I love both of these.
Yarn:
Red Heart Super Saver
• White
• Black
• Gold
Yardage:
• Approx. 135 Yards
If gauge is met, other yarns of the same weight can be substituted:
Bernat Super Value
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Premier Yarns Everyday Worsted
Many of the supplies can be found at the affiliate links below:
Other Supplies:
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Fiberfill or Stuffing
Gauge:
• 15 sts and 17 rows = 4” (10 cm)
in single crochet stitch
Abbreviations:
• blo – back loop only
• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet two together
• st(s) – stitch(es)
Skill Level:
• Advanced Beginner
Measurements:
• Beekle stands about 7” (18 cm) tall
Many of the supplies can be found at the affiliate links below:
Notes for Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend Crochet:
-This pattern starts with the crown, which is then set aside until some of the body is worked. Beekle’s body is worked in one piece continuously from top-down. The arms and crown are worked separately and then hand-sewn to Beekles’ body.
-To reduce a traveling seam use the hook over method. This occurs when completing the last step of the single crochet. Instead of placing the yarn over the hook, place the hook over the yarn and complete stitch.
– Most of the pattern, other than the crown, is worked in the round continuously without joining. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds.
Magic Crochet Ring:
Invisible Decrease:
Instructions for Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend Crochet::
Crown:
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 1 | With Gold Yarn and leaving a long tail for attaching later, chain 20 and join | 20 |
| 2-3 | ch 1, sc 20, join | 20 |
| 4 | ch 1, *sc 1, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next stitch, sc 2tog; repeat * around, join. | 25 |
| 5 | ch 1, sl st 2, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in next stitch, sl st 3; repeat * around, join. Fasten off and weave in end. Set aside until sewn onto the body. | 35 |
Beekles’s Body:
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 1 | With White yarn sc 6 in Magic Ring, the rest will be working continuously without joining. | 6 |
| 2 | 2 sc in each stitch around | 12 |
| 3 | *2 sc in first, sc in next; repeat * around | 18 |
| 4 | *2 sc in first, sc 2; repeat * around | 24 |
| 5 | *2 sc in first, sc 3; repeat * around | 30 |
| 6 | *2 sc in first, sc 4; repeat * around | 36 |
| 7-12 | sc in each stitch around | 36 |
| 13 | *2 sc in first, sc 17; repeat * around | 38 |
| 14-15 | sc in each stitch around | 38 |
| 16 | *2 sc in first, sc 18; repeat * around | 40 |
| 17-18 | sc in each stitch around | 40 |
| 19 | *2 sc in first, sc 19; repeat * around | 42 |
| 20-21 | sc in each stitch aroundNow is a good time to stitch face with black yarn onto the front of Beekle.Simply stitch a line for the smile and a French knot for eyes.Stitch the crown to the top of the head. Stuff with fiberfill as you go. | 42 |
| 22 | *2 sc in first, sc 20; repeat * around | 44 |
| 23 | sc in each stitch around | 44 |
| 24 | *sc2tog twice, sc 18; repeat * around | 40 |
First Leg:
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 25 | sc in the first 10, skip the next 20 sts, sc in last 10 (see images below) | 20 |
| 26-27 | sc in each stitch around, continue to stuff the leg with fiberfill as you go | 20 |
| 28 | Work this round in blo: *sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around | 15 |
| 29 | *sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around | 10 |
| Fasten off and use tail to close the opening, weave in ends. |
Second Leg:
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 25 | Attach white yarn at the opening next to the first leg, sc in each stitch around | 20 |
| 26-27 | sc in each stitch around, continue to stuff the leg with fiberfill as you go | 20 |
| 28 | Work this round in blo: *sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around | 15 |
| 29 | *sc2tog, sc 2; repeat * around | 10 |
| Fasten off and use tail to close the opening, weave in ends. Use the beginning tail to sew closed the hole between the legs. |
Arms (Make 2):
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 1 | The arms will be worked continuously without joining in white yarn. Leaving a long tail for attaching the arms later ch 13 and join, sc in each stitch around | 13 |
| 2-6 | sc in each stitch around, stuffing with a small amount of fiberfill as you go | 13 |
| 7 | sc2tog, sc 4, sc2tog, sc 5 | 11 |
| 8 | 2sc in first, sc 4, 2sc in next, sc 5 | 13 |
Thumb:
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 9 | sc 4, skip 9 | 4 |
| 10 | Working in the round, sc in each 4 of the thumb stitches. | 4 |
| Fasten off and use tail to close the thumb opening, weave in end. |
Hand:
| Round | Description | Stitch Count |
| 9 | Attach white yarn at the opening next to the thumb.sc 8, 2sc in last | 10 |
| 10-11 | sc in each hand stitch around | 10 |
| Fasten off and use tail to close the hand opening, weave in end. |
Finishing:
With white yarn and needle, sew arms to either side of the body as shown in the image. Enjoy your new unimaginary friend!
Crochet & Tag
I hope you have enjoyed making the Pattern!
If you have made this, please share it on social media. Above all I love to see the projects created with my patterns and also share your beautiful work.
Please use #brianakdesigns or @brianakdesigns
It is much appreciated and adored!
Oh, my goodness! I love Beekle, and you did an amazing job recreating him! I don't usually do stuffies, but I just might have to try this one...