MATERIALS:
FABRIC:
• Pink Fabric 2 – 12.5” Circles, and 1 – 2” x 38.5” Strip
• Yellow Fabric – 2 Bee Shapes
• Pink, Black and White Felt
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:
• Coordinating Thread
• Low Loft Batting (Enough for Bee Shape)
• Black Fabric Pen
• Googly Eyes or Buttons (2)
Poly-Fil 16 or 20 oz bag – includes traceable pattern for the pillow and shapes
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cutting
Trace all pattern pieces onto tissue or other paper and cut out. Cut out 12.5” circle pattern. Tip: Trace half circle twice. Pin pattern pieces on the fabric and cut out.
Pattern can be found on the back of Poly-Fil bags OR you can download the PDF version here.
Step 2: Bee Assembly
Place bee body pieces with right sides together. Add bee shape cut from batting to the bottom of the pile, and pin all of the layers together. Sew around the top with a 1⁄4” seam. Sew from under the head to just under the tail. The bottom will stay open for now. Turn bee right side out and iron.
Step 3: Create Pocket
Pin bee to the right side of a 12.5” circle. Line up bottom of the bee to edge of the circle. Baste in place with a 1/8” seam. This will be your pillow top.
Step 4: Joyfil Message
Use a fabric marker to letter, “bee joyful,” on the pillow top, above the bee. Find free traceable lettering patterns to print and place under your fabric here.
Step 5: Petals
Pin felt petals to the right side of the upper half of the back 12.5” circle, with tops facing inward. Baste in place with a 1/8” seam.
Step 6: Pillow Assembly & Gusset – video tutorial here
Fold the 38.5” strip in half, right sides together, and sew a 1⁄4” seam across the short edge. This will give you a 19.25” loop. Pin one edge of the loop around the edges of the pillow top circle, right sides together, then sew with a 1⁄4” seam, gently easing the straight edge around the curves.
Pin and sew the other edge of the loop around the edges of back circle, right sides together, with a 1⁄4” seam. Leave a 3” opening. Felt petals will be on the top half of the pillow back. Turn right side out and fill with Poly-Fil. Hand stitch the opening shut.
Step 7: Finish Bee Assembly
Hand stitch two wing shapes together, leaving a small opening. Repeat. Fill each wing with Poly-Fil, then stitch the opening shut.
Hand stitch or glue black felt stripes onto the bee body. Trim to fit. Hand stitch or glue the wings to the middle of the bee’s body. Glue google eyes or buttons to the bee. Add a smile using a fabric marker.
Step 8: Finishing
Now, all that’s left to do is fill the pocket with things that bring joy, like a note, a piece of candy, or other small treasures!
