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Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.2K 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.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

This pattern creates a wearable Butterfly Bag formed from two crocheted butterflies joined together with a strap. The design uses medium weight yarn and color changes to create layered wing details. You will make two identical butterflies, add a border and then crochet or join a strap to finish the bag.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Pattern includes full written rows for abdomen, forewings, hindwings, border and strap. Step-by-step assembly instructions help you attach everything cleanly for a polished bag.

Why You'll Love This Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns classic crochet stitches into a whimsical wearable accessory. I enjoy the mix of shaping and color changes that make each wing feel like a tiny tapestry. The finishing—folding and bordering—gives a professional look that makes me proud to gift or wear this bag. It is playful, stylish, and satisfying to assemble once all pieces are complete.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this bag by changing the color palette; try pastel shades for a soft, romantic look or neon tones for bold street style.

You can change yarn weight and hook size to scale the bag up or down — bulky yarn with a larger hook makes a chunky, statement bag while finer yarn creates a delicate mini version.

I often add a fabric lining with a hidden zipper to increase durability and make the bag more practical for everyday use.

Consider embroidering tiny details or adding sequins or beads to the wing spots for sparkle and personalization.

If you want a crossbody style, lengthen the strap or make the strap wider with more starting chains for extra comfort on the shoulder.

You can experiment with different border stitches — try a scallop edge or crab stitch for a different finished look around the wings.

I like to add a small interior pocket sewn to the lining so keys and phone have a safe spot inside the bag.

For a more structured bag, use a firmer cotton yarn for the border and strap, and consider interfacing inside the lining for shape retention.

I sometimes use ombre or gradient yarns to get color transitions across the wings without frequent color changes — it creates beautiful blended wings with less joining.

If you prefer a reversible look, make two butterfly panels and join them wrong sides together, then add a hidden zipper along the top for a reversible bag finish.

Try contrasting colors for the strap and border to make the butterflies pop, or match the strap to the darkest wing color for a cohesive, unified design.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the written counts when changing colors can lead to mismatched wing shapes; follow the row counts and color-change instructions exactly to keep symmetry. ✗ Not starting rows at the correct stitch (for dc rows) causes shifting in the pattern; remember Ch 3 counts as 1 dc and start from the 2nd stitch in all dc rows. ✗ Joining wings without folding and aligning the forewing and hindwing edges produces a sloppy seam; fold the wings right sides together and connect the lower forewing to the top of the hindwing by sc 11 to secure alignment. ✗ Forgetting to include the border when measuring the strap will make the strap too short; always crochet the strap length including the border so the butterflies attach correctly. ✗ Not weaving in ends as you work makes finishing cumbersome and visible; weave in loose ends throughout the project for a neat finish.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

Make a charming Butterfly Bag that doubles as a wearable piece of art. This pattern guides you through crocheting two butterfly wings, joining them, and creating a sturdy strap for everyday use. You will enjoy the colorwork, shaping, and a neat border that brings the design together. Perfect for crafters wanting a stylish handmade accessory.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn (size 4) acrylic/cotton blend; pictured bag used a mix of acrylic yarn (166g) and cotton yarn for the border & strap (330g)
  • 02
    Light purple (yarn-1) - used for inner wing tones
  • 03
    Medium purple (yarn-2) - used for mid wing tones
  • 04
    Dark purple (yarn-3) - used for outer wing tones
  • 05
    Blue (yarn-4) - used for outer accents
  • 06
    White (yarn-5) - used for small white spots and details
  • 07
    Testers: Red Heart weight 4 acrylic approx 310g with 3.5 mm hook (example)
  • 08
    Alternate tester yarns: all acrylic weight 4 (example amounts around 406g depending on color choices)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5 mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm (used by some testers)
  • 03
    Yarn needle for sewing
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Iron (optional, to press/shape butterflies after finishing)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Abdomen :

Info :

Crochet in rounds.

Foundation row :

Ch 17

Row 1 :

sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, sc 14, sc 3 into the next stitch, sc 14, sc inc, sl st and ch 1. (34)

Row 2 :

sc 16, sc inc, sc 16, sc inc, sl st and fasten off. (36)

Info :

Size: 3.5 cm x 12.5 cm

— Forewings (Left) :

Info :

Graph of the butterfly: Colors: Light purple-1, medium purple-2, dark purple-3, blue-4 and white-5. Attach your yarn-2 to the 3rd stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and make a chain, sc in the same stitch (change to yarn-1), then dc 3, sc 1, ch 3 and TO. (5)

Row 2 :

2 dc inc (change to yarn-2) dc 1, dc inc, ch 3 and TO. (8)

Row 3 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc inc (change to yarn-1), tr 2, dc 4 (change to yarn-2), ch 1 and TO. (10)

Row 4 :

Sc 1 (change to yarn-1), sc 5 (change to yarn-2), sc 1, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-3), ch 3 and TO. (11)

Row 5 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2 (change to yarn-2), dc inc, dc 2, 2 tr inc, dc 1 (change to yarn-3), dc 2, ch 1 and TO. (15)

Row 6 :

Sc 3 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 4, sc inc, ch 3 and TO. (16)

Row 7 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2, tr 4, dc 4, sc 5 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

Row 8 :

Sc across the row, ch 3 and TO. (17)

Row 9 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 4, ch 1 and TO. (18)

Row 10 :

Sc 4 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 3, sc inc, ch 3 and TO. (19)

Row 11 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 4, tr 2, ch 4, sl st to the 2nd tr, tr 2, dc 4, hdc 2, sc 3, sl st and fasten off. (20)

Info :

You have finished the the left forewing. Let's work on the right forewing.

— Forewings (Right) :

Info :

Attach yarn-1 to the 28th stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and ch 1, sc in the same stitch, dc 3 (change to yarn-2), sc 1, ch 3 and TO. (5)

Row 2 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 1 (change to yarn-1), 2 dc inc, dc 1, ch 3 and TO. (8)

Row 3 :

Dc 3, tr 2 (change to yarn-2), 2 dc inc, ch 3 and TO. (10)

Row 4 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2, sc 1 (change to yarn-1), sc 5 (change to yarn-2), sc 1 (change to yarn-3), ch 3 and TO. (11)

Row 5 :

Dc 1 (change to yarn-2), dc 1, 2 tr inc, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-3), dc 2, dc inc, ch 1 and TO. (15)

Row 6 :

Sc inc, sc 4 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 3, ch 1 and TO.

Row 7 :

Sc 5, dc 4, tr 4, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

Row 8 :

Sc across the row, ch 3 and TO. (17)

Row 9 :

Dc 3 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2, dc inc, ch 1 and TO. (18)

Row 10 :

Sc inc, dc 3 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), sc 4, ch 1 and TO. (19)

Row 11 :

Sl st, sc 3, hdc 2, dc 4, tr 2, ch 4, sl st to the 2nd tr, tr 2, dc 4, dc inc and fasten off. (20)

— Hindwings (Left) :

Info :

Attach your yarn-1 to the 10th stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and ch 3, dc in the next stitch, tr 3 in one stitch, dc inc, sc inc, ch 1 and TO. (9)

Row 2 :

Sc inc, hdc 3, dc 1, dc inc, dc 1, tr 2 (change to yarn-2), ch 1 and TO. (11)

Row 3 :

Sc 1, hdc 2, dc inc, tr 2, dc 2, hdc 2, sc 1 (change to yarn-3), ch 1 and TO. (12)

Row 4 :

Sc 5, hdc inc, dc 2, tr inc, dc 1, hdc 1, sc 1 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (14)

Row 5 :

Sc 3, sc inc, sc 5, sc inc, sc 4, ch 1 and TO. (16)

Row 6 :

Sc 9, hdc inc, dc inc, dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), sc 1, ch 3 and TO. (18)

Row 7 :

Dc 5, 3 dc inc, dc 3, ch 4, sl st to the last dc, sc 4, sl st 2 and fasten off. (21)

— Hindwings (Right) :

Info :

Attach your yarn-1 to the 21st stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and ch 1, sc inc in the same stitch, dc inc, tr 3 in the same stitch, dc 2, ch 4 and TO. (9)

Row 2 :

Tr 1, dc 1, dc inc, dc 1, hdc 3, sc inc (change to yarn-2), ch 1 and TO. (11)

Row 3 :

Sc 1, hdc 2, dc 2, tr 2, dc inc, hdc 2, sc 1 (change to yarn-3), ch 1 and TO. (12)

Row 4 :

Sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, tr inc, dc 2, hdc inc, sc 5 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (14)

Row 5 :

Sc 4, sc inc, sc 5, sc inc, sc 3, ch 1 and TO. (16)

Row 6 :

Sc 1 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2, dc inc, hdc inc, sc 9, ch 1 and TO. (18)

Row 7 :

Sl st 2, sc 4, ch 4, sl st to the 4th sc, dc 3, 3 dc inc, dc 6 and fasten off. (21)

— Border :

Info :

Here is the graph of the border. Row 1 is graphed in black. Row 2 is in purple and yellow. Attach your yarn to the last stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 (left forewing to the abdomen) :

Ch 1, sc 17, hdc 2, dc 2, ch 3, sl st to the 2nd dc, dc in the same stitch, dc 1, tr 2, dc 4, sc 16, ch 3, sl st to last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 16

Row 1 (left hindwing to the bottom of the abdomen) :

sc 10, ch 2, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 3, hdc 2, dc 4, hdc 2, sc 13, ch 3, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 3, hdc 2, dc 2, sc 4, dc 1

Row 1 (right hindwing to the abdomen) :

dc 1, hdc 2, sc 4, ch 3, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 12, hdc 2, dc 4, hdc 2, sc 4, ch 2, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 11

Row 1 (right forewing) :

sc 15, ch 3, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 15, dc 4, tr 2, dc 2, ch 3, sl st to the last dc, dc in the same stitch, dc 1, hdc 2, sc 17, sl st and ch 1. (214)

Row 2 :

Sc 1, sc3tog, sc 8, hdc 5, dc 4, tr 3, dc 3, tr 5, dc 4, hdc 5, sc 14,

Infos :

Then fold the butterflies into half, right sides in, and connect the lower part of the forewing and the top of the hindwing together by sc 11 and fasten it off. (Yellow part of the graph)

Info :

Attach the yarn to the 2nd ch of the top left corner of the left hindwing.

Row 1 :

ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 4, hdc 2, 2 dc inc, dc 9, hdc 9, hdc inc, hdc 7, hdc3tog, sl st 2, hdc3tog, hdc 7, hdc inc, hdc 9, dc 9, 2 dc inc, hdc 2, sc 5.

Info :

Again, connect 2 wings together by sc 11 and fasten off.

Info :

Attach the yarn to the 4th stitch counting from the right, after the ch 3, from the bottom of the right forewing.

Row 1 :

ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 13, hdc 5, dc 4, tr 5, dc 3, tr 3, dc 4, hdc 5, sc 8, sc3tog, sc 1, sl st and fasten off. (208)

Info :

You have now finished 1 butterfly. Make 2 in total. Iron the butterflies if neccessary.

— Strap :

Info :

After finishing 2 butterflies, ch 8 (or till the desired width of the strap), sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, *sc across, ch 1 and TO*, repeat till you reach the desired length, including the border of the butterfly.

Info :

Then you may sc/ sl st/ sew the ends of the strap together, with wrong sides facing up.

Info :

Length of the strap should include part of the butterfly bag and the strap itself. First, crochet a long rectangle. Then, connect the ends of the strap together.

— Assembly :

Info :

Connect the strap and the butterflies by sc from the bottom centre of the abdomen, with right sides facing up.

Info :

After sc across the left side of the butterfly, continue to sc along the edge of the strap, then connect back to the top of the right wing, sc across till you reach the bottom of the abdomen again, sl st and fasten off.

Info :

Repeat to connect both butterflies to the strap.

Info :

Start connecting from the bottom of abdomen. After, connecting one side of the bag, continue to sc along the edge of the strap.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach each butterfly's abdomen center to the strap by single crocheting from the bottom centre of the abdomen with right sides facing up, working across the left wing, along the strap edge, then to the top of the right wing and back to the abdomen.
  • Fold each butterfly right sides together and connect the lower part of the forewing to the top of the hindwing by single crocheting 11 stitches, then fasten off to secure the wing seam.
  • When joining the strap ends, sew or single crochet the strap ends together with wrong sides facing up so the seam sits on the inside of the strap.
  • Pin or hold the butterflies in place on the strap before connecting; work slowly across each edge to ensure even spacing and symmetry.
  • After connecting both butterflies, weave in all loose ends and press or iron the butterflies lightly (if your yarn permits) to shape and flatten seams.

Important Notes

  • 💡Crochet with your right side out for all parts; the tail from the foundation row should be on the left for correct shaping.
  • 💡Ch 1 counts as turning chain and Ch 3 counts as 1 dc; in all dc rows, start from the 2nd stitch to keep stitch count correct.
  • 💡Stop crocheting before pulling through the last 2 loops to change colors, drop old color and pull new color through the last 2 loops to complete the stitch.
  • 💡Weave in loose ends as work progresses to keep the pieces neat and easy to handle during assembly.
  • 💡You can add a lining if using soft yarn so the bag does not stretch too much and so items do not show through.

Thank you for making the Butterfly Bag — I hope it brightens your wardrobe and sparks smiles! 🦋 This pattern blends shaping, colorwork, and neat finishing to create a truly wearable crochet piece. 🧶 Share your finished bag and tag me — I love seeing your versions and color choices! ✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished size varies by yarn and hook; example dimensions from testers: orange butterfly approx 10.5 inches width and 9 inches length with a 36 inch strap; blue example approx 9.5 inches width and 10 inches length with a 30 inch strap.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but changing yarn weight will alter final size and drape; use appropriate hook sizes and expect to adjust strap length and border counts accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses dc, tr, hdc, increases and color changes, so familiarity with these stitches and reading row instructions is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this in about 5-7 hours depending on experience, color changes and assembly time.