Crochet Honey Bee Free Blanket Pattern
There is something sweet about this cheerful blanket. After releasing The Buzzing Beehive Blanket, I did not think I could ever think of another style. But I love when inspiration strikes, and I had been itching to do some cross-stitch. So I combined my love for crochet and cross-stitch together and created The Honey Bee Crochet Blanket.
And I've even released more blankets with hexagon shapes such as the Gaudi Sidewalk Colorwork Crochet Blanket and the Snowflake Hexagon Mosaic Crochet Blanket.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Bee themed crochet is popular on my blog. I love the cheerful colors of yellow as they bring feelings of warmth and happiness. Plus, a hexagon is my favorite shape. It's both mathematical and popular in nature. So if you love bee themed patterns, you might also enjoy the Bee Fingerless Mittens Free Crochet Pattern or the Queen Bee Crochet Tank Top Pattern.
For this blanket, I stumbled upon Loops & Threads Creme Cotton from Michael's Craft Stores. It's the yarn that inspired the crochet blanket. I purchased the colors that spoke to me, and then they sat in a basket for a while. Whenever I saw them, I thought it would make a beautiful bee theme.
Want to make substitutions?
However, this yarn has since been discontinued so I recommend using WeCrochet Billow, which is 100% Pima Cotton. And the Colorways White & Turmeric are such a close match.
Living in Florida means it's warm most of the year. So choosing a blanket yarn is very important, and I'm very particular. I love it when I find a soft cotton yarn that creates a stunning blanket. However, if you would like to use an acrylic yarn, I highly recommend either WeCrochet Brava or Mary Maxim Starlette. Both are affordable and nice yarns.
Other yarns can also be used if a different fiber is desired. The key thing is to make sure the gauge works. Each hexagon needs to come out as, well, a hexagon. So as long as each piece can be blocked to a hexagon which is equal on all sides, then substitutions are fine.
The blanket can also be sized larger or smaller by making more hexagons for the center and the sides. A visual schematic of the finished blanket in the pattern will help in deciding adjustments.
Tips on Cross Stitching on Crochet
I know a lot of people do not want to cross stitch the bee design, so I've also included a crochet tapestry option as well. The bee will simply be mirrored and turns out beautiful.
But here are some helpful tips when it comes to cross stitching on crochet fabric:
- Anchor Your Cross Stitch Yarn: When starting your cross-stitch, anchor your yarn securely on the back of your crochet fabric. This prevents your stitches from unraveling and ensures that they stay in place, and it's less ends to weave in later.
- Mind Your Tension: Be mindful of your tension as you stitch. Avoid pulling your stitches too tight, as this can cause your crochet fabric to pucker or distort. Aim for even tension to create a smooth and uniform finish.
- Finish Neatly: Once you've completed your cross-stitch design, neatly finish off your threads on the back of your crochet fabric. Secure them with a few small stitches to prevent them from coming loose. But don't worry too much about the back, it's not going to be perfect. You can always line the back of your blanket with fabric to hide it if you like.
Blanket Crochet Supplies
Crochet Hook
6.5 mm (K) or size to obtain gauge
Notions
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Blocking Mats & Pins
Measurements
When blocked: 32 inches (81 cm) wide by 48 inches (123 cm) long
Abbreviations
ch- Chain
RS- Right Side
sc- Single Crochet
sc2tog - Single Crochet Two Together
sl st- Slip Stitch
sts- Stitches
WS- Wrong Side
Yarn
Loops & Threads Creme Cotton (discontinued)
(432 yds/ball)
In Colorways: Cream 2 skeins, Mustard 3 skeins
• Approx. 1,650 Yards [1,509 meters]
Yarn Substitutes
WeCrochet Billow, 100% Pima Cotton. In Colorways White & Turmeric
Portobello by Hobbii, 60% Cotton, 28% Acrylic, 12% Wool
WeCrochet Brava, 100% Premium Acrylic
Mary Maxim Starlette, 100% Acrylic
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Gauge
Before blocking: 15 sc sts and 15 rows = 4” [10 cm] with K-hook
This pattern is worked in pieces and joined together similar to a quilt. Blocking pieces before joining is recommended.
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is worked in pieces and joined together similar to a quilt. Blocking pieces before joining is recommended.
- After the end of each row turn and ch 1. The ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
- When the pattern states: (Cream ) x 14, this means you will sc 14 stitches with the Cream yarn.
- Bobble Stitch: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through two. Repeat from * to * in the same stitch/space until you have a total of 6 loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through all 6 loops at once. Push the bobble to the right side of work when working on the wrong side rows.
- On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
- Since there is a wrong side and a right side to the hexagon pieces, I used a combination of intarsia and carrying yarn across the back for the color work. Experiment and see what works best for you. Lining the back of the blanket is an option to hide any yarn strands that were carried.
- The cream hexagons are crocheted and then cross stitched over the stitches. Each single crochet stitch equals one square grid space. If you prefer to complete this in crochet colorwork omitting the cross stitch, feel free.
- Please visit Ways To Colorwork in Crochet for a full tutorial on colorwork as well as a FREE Sheep Yarn Bobbin Printable to assist you with this project. No one loves tangles.
- Blanket Edge Video:
Relax & Crochet
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.Crochet Charts
The written instructions are unlocked below, the charts for this pattern are for blog subscribers.
Creme Hexagon
Cross Stitch Bee
Mustard Hexagon
Mustard Half Hexagon
Mustard Vertical Half Hexagon
Mustard Quarter Hexagon
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Written Instructions for The Crochet Blanket
Cream Hexagon - Make 12
← Row 1 [RS]: With Cream chain 15, in 2nd chain from hook: (Cream ) x 14
→ Row 2 [WS]: (Cream ) x 14
← Row 3 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 12, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 4 [WS]: (Cream) x 16
← Row 5 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 14, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 6 [WS]: (Cream) x 18
← Row 7 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 16, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 8 [WS]: (Cream) x 20
← Row 9 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 18, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 10 [WS]: (Cream) x 22
← Row 11 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 20, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 12 [WS]: (Cream) x 24
← Row 13 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 22, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 14 [WS]: (Cream) x 26
← Row 15 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 22, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 16 [WS]: (Cream) x 24
← Row 17 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 20, Cream sc2tog,
→ Row 18 [WS]: (Cream) x 22
← Row 19 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 18, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 20 [WS]: (Cream) x 20
← Row 21 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 16, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 22 [WS]: (Cream) x 18
← Row 23 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 14, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 24 [WS]: (Cream) x 16
← Row 25 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 12, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 26 [WS]: (Cream) x 14
On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
To Work the Bee in Tapestry Crochet
← Row 1 [RS]: With Cream chain 15, in 2nd chain from hook: (Cream ) x 14
→ Row 2 [WS]: (Cream ) x 14
← Row 3 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 12, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 4 [WS]: (Cream) x 16
← Row 5 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 14, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 6 [WS]: (Cream) x 2, (Mustard) x 4, (Cream) x 12
← Row 7 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 1, Mustard, (Cream) x 8, (Mustard) x 6, (Cream) x 1, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 8 [WS]: (Cream) x 2, (Mustard) x 2, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 5, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 4
← Row 9 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 3, Mustard, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 2, (Mustard) x 3, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 1, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 10 [WS]: (Cream) x 4, (Mustard) x 3, Cream, (Mustard) x 2, Cream, (Mustard) x 2, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 5
← Row 11 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 6, Mustard, Cream, (Mustard) x 5, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 4, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 12 [WS]: (Cream) x 7, (Mustard) x 6, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 7
← Row 13 [RS]: Cream 2 sc in first, (Cream) x 7, (Mustard) x 7, (Cream) x 8, Cream 2 sc in last
→ Row 14 [WS]: (Cream) x 9, (Mustard) x 3, Cream, (Mustard) x 2, (Cream) x 11
← Row 15 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 6, (Mustard) x 9, (Cream) x 7, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 16 [WS]: (Cream) x 5, (Mustard) x 9, Cream, (Mustard) x 4, (Cream) x 5
← Row 17 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 2, (Mustard) x 4, Cream, (Mustard) x 2, Cream, (Mustard) x 5, (Cream) x 2, Mustard, (Cream) x 2, Cream sc2tog,
→ Row 18 [WS]: (Cream) x 5, (Mustard) x 4, (Cream) x 3, (Mustard) x 3, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 3
← Row 19 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 1, (Mustard) x 2, Cream, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 4, Mustard, Cream, Mustard, (Cream) x 4, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 20 [WS]: (Cream) x 7, Mustard, (Cream) x 5, (Mustard) x 5, (Cream) x 2
← Row 21 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 2, (Mustard) x 3, (Cream) x 7, Mustard, (Cream) x 3, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 22 [WS]: (Cream) x 18
← Row 23 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 14, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 24 [WS]: (Cream) x 16
← Row 25 [RS]: Cream sc2tog, (Cream) x 12, Cream sc2tog
→ Row 26 [WS]: (Cream) x 14
On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
Mustard Hexagon - Make 8
← Row 1 [RS]: With Mustard chain 15, in 2nd chain from hook: (Mustard) x 14
→ Row 2 [WS]: (Mustard) x 14
← Row 3 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 12, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 4 [WS]: (Mustard) x 4, Bobble, (Mustard) x 6, Bobble, (Mustard) x 4
← Row 5 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 14, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 6 [WS]: (Mustard) x 18
← Row 7 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 16, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 8 [WS]: (Mustard) x 20
← Row 9 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 18, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 10 [WS]: (Mustard) x 22
← Row 11 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 8, Bobble, (Mustard) x 2, Bobble, (Mustard) x 8, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 12 [WS]: (Mustard) x 24
← Row 13 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 22, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 14 [WS]: (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 5, Bobble, (Mustard) x 6, Bobble, (Mustard) x 5, Bobble, (Mustard) x 3
← Row 15 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 22, Mustard sc2tog
→ Row 16 [WS]: (Mustard) x 24
← Row 17 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 8, Bobble, (Mustard) x 2, Bobble, (Mustard) x 8, Mustard sc2tog,
→ Row 18 [WS]: (Mustard) x 22
← Row 19 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 18, Mustard sc2tog
→ Row 20 [WS]: (Mustard) x 20
← Row 21 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 16, Mustard sc2tog
→ Row 22 [WS]: (Mustard) x 18
← Row 23 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 6, Bobble, (Mustard) x 3, Mustard sc2tog
→ Row 24 [WS]: (Mustard) x 16
← Row 25 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 12, Mustard sc2tog
→ Row 26 [WS]: (Mustard) x 14
On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
Mustard Half Hexagon - Make 4
← Row 1 [RS]: With Mustard chain 15, in 2nd chain from hook: (Mustard) x 14
→ Row 2 [WS]: (Mustard) x 14
← Row 3 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 12, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 4 [WS]: (Mustard) x 4, Bobble, (Mustard) x 6, Bobble, (Mustard) x 4
← Row 5 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 14, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 6 [WS]: (Mustard) x 18
← Row 7 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 16, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 8 [WS]: (Mustard) x 20
← Row 9 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 18, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 10 [WS]: (Mustard) x 9, Bobble, (Mustard) x 2, Bobble, (Mustard) x 9
← Row 11 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 20, Mustard 2 sc in last
→ Row 12 [WS]: (Mustard) x 24
← Row 13 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 1, Bobble, (Mustard) x 5, Bobble, (Mustard) x 6, Bobble, (Mustard) x 5, Bobble, (Mustard) x 1, Mustard 2 sc in last
On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
Mustard Vertical Half Hexagon - Make 10
← Row 1 [RS]: With Mustard chain 8, in 2nd chain from hook: (Mustard) x 7
→ Row 2 [WS]: (Mustard) x 7
← Row 3 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 6
→ Row 4 [WS]: (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 4
← Row 5 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 7
→ Row 6 [WS]: (Mustard) x 9
← Row 7 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 8
→ Row 8 [WS]: (Mustard) x 10
← Row 9 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 9
→ Row 10 [WS]: (Mustard) x 11
← Row 11 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 8, Bobble, Mustard
→ Row 12 [WS]: (Mustard) x 12
← Row 13 [RS]: Mustard 2 sc in first, (Mustard) x 11
→ Row 14 [WS]: (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 5, Bobble, (Mustard) x 3
← Row 15 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 11
→ Row 16 [WS]: (Mustard) x 12
← Row 17 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 8, Bobble, Mustard
→ Row 18 [WS]: (Mustard) x 11
← Row 19 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 9
→ Row 20 [WS]: (Mustard) x 10
← Row 21 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 8
→ Row 22 [WS]: (Mustard) x 9
← Row 23 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 3
→ Row 24 [WS]: (Mustard) x 8
← Row 25 [RS]: Mustard sc2tog, (Mustard) x 6
→ Row 26 [WS]: (Mustard) x 7
On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
Mustard Quarter Hexagon - Make 2
← Row 1 [RS]: With Mustard chain 14, in 2nd chain from hook: (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 5, Bobble, (Mustard) x 3
→ Row 2 [WS]: (Mustard) x 11, Mustard sc2tog
← Row 3 [RS]: (Mustard) x 12
→ Row 4 [WS]: (Mustard) x 1, Bobble, (Mustard) x 8, Mustard sc2tog
← Row 5 [RS]: (Mustard) x 11
→ Row 6 [WS]: (Mustard) x 9, Mustard sc2tog
← Row 7 [RS]: (Mustard) x 10
→ Row 8 [WS]: (Mustard) x 8, Mustard sc2tog
← Row 9 [RS]: (Mustard) x 9
→ Row 10 [WS]: (Mustard) x 3, Bobble, (Mustard) x 3, Mustard sc2tog
← Row 11 [RS]: (Mustard) x 8
→ Row 12 [WS]: (Mustard) x 6, Mustard sc2tog
← Row 13 [RS]: (No Stitch) x 7
On the last row of hexagon, (including partial hexagons) continue to slip stitch around all outer edges with RS facing. Be sure to slip stitch loosely or go up a hook. You can choose to do this in current working coloror in the contrast color. Join to first slip stitch and fasten off.
Assembly & Finishing Touches
To prepare each hexagon shape blocking is recommended. Find a large table or space to lay out each piece of the blanket in order as pictured on last page. Rotate the bees facing up and down for every other block.
To stitch the pieces together we will be first working in vertical rows, and then stitch the rows together with slip stitches. For a flat and seamless look, slip stitch in back loops only. A video on how to get a great join can be found here:
Blanket Border
Rnd 1: With Cream join yarn at corner of blanket and sl st around edge, on corners work a sl st, ch 2, sl st, join.
Rnd 2: St sc, *hdc in the blo until next corner, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) into corner chain spaces*; repeat from * to * around, join.
Rnd 3: The hdc stitches will always be worked in the third loop for the rest of the blanket edging.
St sc, *hdc in third loop until next corner, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) into corner chain space*: repeat from * to * around, join.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Block blanket to measurements.
Crafting the Honey Bee Blanket is a delightful journey into either combining crochet and cross stitch, or practicing your crochet colorwork. To ensure that your Honey Bee Blanket remains a cherished keepsake for years to come, it's important to care for it with love and attention. Gentle washing in cool water with mild detergent, followed by flat drying away from direct sunlight, will help maintain its beauty and integrity. Additionally, storing your blanket in a cool, dry place when not in use will help protect it from damage.
If you've enjoyed crocheting this blanket, you might also like the Hexagon Granny Square Bag Pattern or the Tapestry Arrow Crochet Blanket. Happy Crocheting!
Well That Was Fun! What's Next?
