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Butterfly Pattern

Butterfly Pattern
4.5★ Rating
12+ Hours Time Needed
2.4K 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.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

🏡

Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Butterfly Pattern

This pattern creates a delicate lace butterfly worked with fine crochet thread (DMC Babylo 20) using corded shaping and arch motifs. It includes step-by-step photo instructions and crochet symbol references to guide you through each wing segment. The design combines circular motifs for small wings and corded layered rows for large wings to produce a sculpted, elegant result.

Butterfly Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed row-by-row directions cover stitch placement, cord attachment, arches and finishing. Suitable for intermediate crocheters comfortable with small hooks and fine thread.

Why You'll Love This Butterfly Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple thread and tiny stitches into a sculptural, elegant butterfly that looks like lace. I enjoy the challenge of working with a cord to shape the wings — it creates beautiful definition and movement. The combination of circular motifs and layered wing rows always yields a satisfying, delicate result that can be used as decor or a special gift. Working this design feels like creating wearable art, and the detailed photos make the process very rewarding.

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

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this lace butterfly pattern is and you can customize it easily—I often change thread colors to create bicolour wings or ombre effects.

Want a chunkier version? Use a thicker crochet thread or lightweight yarn and a larger hook to scale the whole design up for a more substantial decorative piece.

To make a mini keychain version, use thinner thread and a smaller hook or omit some arch repeats to reduce the wingspan.

I sometimes replace the internal cord with a lightweight wire to make the wings poseable and hold shaped positions for displays.

Try adding small beads or tiny embroidered details to the wing tops for extra sparkle and dimension—just ensure beads are secured before blocking.

If you want a symmetrical set, mirror the big right wing instructions exactly to create a left wing; adjust cord length equally for both sides.

For a softer, vintage look, wash and lightly tea-stain cotton thread after blocking, then press gently under a cloth to set the tone.

I recommend experimenting with picot sizes on the final edging—larger picots can look more decorative while smaller ones keep the edge delicate.

Consider mounting the finished butterfly on a shadowbox or hoop frame to highlight the lacework and protect the shape from dust.

I also enjoy making matching sets in different sizes to use as gift toppers, ornaments, or framed art—it's a lovely way to showcase variations of the same motif.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Working with inconsistent tension on fine thread causes uneven arches and waviness; maintain steady, relaxed tension and check your edges frequently to keep arches even. ✗ Not attaching or tightening the cord properly will make the wing shape collapse; weave and secure the cord as directed and pull gently to align the wing before continuing. ✗ Skipping counting stitches when making repeats results in mismatched rapport and uneven spacing; count stitches after each round and mark repeat points with a removable marker. ✗ Forgetting to work in front or back loops as specified will ruin the layered texture; follow the instructions exactly (front loops vs back loops) and double-check before stitching. ✗ Leaving long tails unsecured makes finishing difficult and bulky; hide and weave tails as instructed and leave only the sewing tail to attach pieces neatly.

Butterfly Pattern

Create an elegant lace butterfly using fine crochet thread and delicate shaping. This pattern walks you through both small and large wing motifs so you can assemble a beautiful decorative butterfly. Perfect for home decor, appliques, or framed lace art, the design highlights cord-work and arch motifs for a textured finish. You will love the detailed step-by-step photo instructions and charted symbols included.

Intermediate 12+ Hours

Materials Needed for Butterfly Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    DMC Babylo 20 crochet cotton thread (size 20) - main material (use required length for wings)
  • 02
    Optional contrast threads for visual samples (blue and white shown in photos)
  • 03
    4-thread cord for internal wing shaping, minimum 65 cm (per big wing)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 0.6 mm
  • 02
    4-thread cord (minimum 65 cm for big right wing; adjust as needed)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Tapestry/yarn needle for hiding ends and sewing
  • 05
    Blocking pins and blocking board for shaping lace
  • 06
    Measuring tape or ruler
  • 07
    Stitch markers (optional)
  • 08
    Small embroidery needle for attaching motifs

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Small wing :

Round 1 :

10 ch, join into the ring.

Round 2 :

Work 21 sc, 1 slst into the 1st sc to join

Round 3 :

Then work around different crochets, and always make 1 ch between: 2 ch, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 4 tc, 3 dc, 4 tc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc

Round 4 :

Work another round: *make 2 sc into the arch, 1 sc into the loop of PR* - rep till the end. Total 56 sc

Round 5 :

1 ch, turn And work 56 sc in back loops

Round 6 :

1 ch, turn And work 56 sc in back loops

Round 7 :

Turn. 3 ch, 3 dc in the same loop, then work: *1 ch, skip 2 loops, 4 dc in the next same loop* - rep till the end. 1 slst in the 3rd ch Total 19 rapport

Round 8 :

Then make arches: *1 sc in the 1ch of the PR, 5 ch* - rep till the end. 1 slst in the 1st arch

Round 9 :

Work 6 sc in each arch

Round 10 :

Work: *1 sc, 3 ch, 2 sc, 3 ch* - rep till the end

Round 11 :

Small wing is ready Cut the yarn, hide the 1st tail into the middle of motif, and leave the 2nd one to sew to the butterfly body.

— Big right wing :

Round 1 :

Work over the 4thread cord 43 sc (Cord has to be minimum 65 cm or longer)

Round 2 :

Turn and work without the cord in back loops only: 1 sc 1 hdc 1 dc 15 tc 5 dc 1 hdc 4 sc

Round 3 :

Turn and work: 1 ch 3 sc 2 hdc 17 dc 2 hdc 3 sc 1 sc over the cord

Round 4 :

Turn, attach the cord, and work together in back loop 21 sc (attaching the cord to the row) 1 sc over the cord only Pull the cord, straight the cord, make the wing align.

Round 5 :

(Later the waviness can NOT be correct) Turn and work 12 sc with the cord (attaching the cord to wing) on front loops Then work 8 sc over the cord only

Round 6 :

Turn and work without the cord in back loops only: 1 ch 1 sc 1 hdc 1 dc 10 tc 5 dc 1 hdc 1 sc

Round 7 :

Turn and work: 1 ch 2 sc 3 hdc 4 dc 7 tc 1 dc 1 hdc 2 sc 1 sc over the cord only

Round 8 :

Turn and work 16 sc on back loops attaching the cord to the wing. Then leave the cord and make arches on the side of the wing. Try to measure even spaces between arches in every 3rd loop: 1 sc, 2 ch, 1 hdc, 2 ch *1 sc, 2 ch* - rep 2 times 1 hdc, 2 ch 1 sc into the 3rd loop of the lower cord. Has to be 6 arches in total

Round 9 :

Turn and work 3 sc in each arch. Then 1 sc into the 1st loop of the wing Then grab the cord and work 11 sc on front loops and over the cord together (attaching the cord to the wing); and then work 13 sc over the cord only

Round 10 :

Turn and work without the cord on back loops only: 1 ch 1 sc 1 hdc 1 dc 13 tc 4 dc 1 hdc 1 sc

Round 11 :

Turn: 1 ch 2 sc 1 hdc 4 dc 10 tc 1 dc 1 hdc 3 sc 1 sc over the cord only

Round 12 :

Turn and work 14 sc on back loops attaching the cord to the wing. Then leave the cord and work without it: 1 sc, 2 ch *1 hdc, 2 ch* - rep 1 time *1 dc, 2 ch* - rep 7 times 1 hdc, 2 ch 1 sc into the 3rd loop of the lower cord (Make crochet on even distance from each other. Total 11 arches)

Round 13 :

Turn and work 3 sc in each arch. Then 1 sc into the 1st loop of the wing Then grab the cord and work 8 sc on front loops and over the cord together (attaching the cord to the wing); and then work 15 sc over the cord only

Round 14 :

Turn and work without the cord on back loops only: 1 ch 1 sc 1 hdc 1 dc 17 tc 7 dc 2 hdc 2 sc

Round 15 :

Turn: 1 ch 4 sc 3 hdc 4 dc 15 tc 2 dc 1 hdc 2 sc 1 sc over the cord only

Round 16 :

Turn and work 21 sc on back loops attaching the cord to the wing. Then leave the cord and work without it. Make arches: 1 sc, 2 ch *1 hdc, 2 ch* - rep 2 times *1 dc, 2 ch* - rep 9 times *1 hdc, 2 ch* - rep 1 time 1 sc into the last loop of the lower cord (Make crochet on even distance from each other. Total 15 arches)

Round 17 :

Turn and work 3 sc in each arch. Then 1 sc into the 1st loop of the wing Then grab the cord and work 16 sc on front loops and over the cord together (attaching the cord to the wing); and then work 11 sc over the cord only

Round 18 :

Turn and work without the cord on back loops only: 1 ch 1 sc 1 hdc 1 dc 16 tc 3 dc 4 hdc 1 sc

Round 19 :

Turn: 1 ch 2 sc 3 hdc 5 dc 13 tc 1 dc 1 hdc 2 sc 1 sc over the cord only

Round 20 :

Turn and work 26 sc on back loops attaching the cord to the wing. Then leave the cord and work without it. Make arches: 1 sc, 2 ch *1 dc, 2 ch* - rep 11 times In the end make 1 dc and 1 sc. (Total 13 arches)

Round 21 :

Turn and work 3 sc in each arch. Then 1 sc into the 1st loop of the wing Then grab the cord and work 24 sc on front loops and over the cord together (attaching the cord to the wing); and then work 1 sc over the cord only

Round 22 :

Turn and work sc till the end on back loops attaching the cord to the wing. Leave the cord and make 1 sc into the last loop The cord is NOT needed anymore

Round 23 :

Turn and work 1 slst into the 2nd loop, then work sc till the lower end of the wing on front loops. Note. On wing tops make additional 2 or 3 sc (on top edges we have made 1 sc over the cord only) On lower edges of the wing insert the hook between the vertical threads of cord loops

Round 24 :

Turn *3 ch, 1 dc into the 2nd loop, 3ch-picot, 3 ch, 1 dc into the 2nd loop* - rep all around the wing. Note. You can correct some waviness by skipping the more loops or working in each loop. Finish last arch approximately 0.5 cm till the end and work slst.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew each small wing to the butterfly body using the second tail left from the small wing; hide the first tail into the middle of the motif before sewing.
  • Attach the big right wing by aligning the cord and sewing through the inner edge, then secure by stitching along the base where the cord was attached so the wing holds its shape.
  • Pin wings in position on the body and adjust cord tension so both wings mirror each other before securing with whipstitch or mattress stitch.
  • Weave in all ends neatly on the underside and block the assembled butterfly with pins to achieve the final lace shape and crisp arches.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work consistently with the recommended fine hook and thread to preserve lace proportions and avoid bulky edges.
  • 💡Follow front loop and back loop instructions exactly; these create the layered texture and are critical for correct shaping.
  • 💡Secure and pull the cord gently when instructed to align and shape wings; incorrect cord tension will alter the final silhouette.
  • 💡Block the motifs after assembly to open the lace arches and stabilize the finished shape for display.

This delicate lace Butterfly Pattern uses fine thread and corded shaping to produce elegant wings you can display or gift. The pattern includes clear photos and symbol references to guide your work step by step. Make one for a framed wall piece, a special gift, or as a unique embellishment for home decor. 🧶🦋

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished butterfly size will vary depending on your tension, but using DMC Babylo 20 and a 0.6 mm hook will produce a decorative butterfly approximately the size shown in the photographs (large wingspan depends on blocking and cord tension).

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different thread or yarn weights, but this will change the scale and texture; use a proportionally larger hook for thicker yarn and expect a larger, less delicate result.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it requires working with very fine thread, using front/back loops intentionally, and attaching a cord for shaping; basic familiarity with these techniques is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project over multiple sessions; expect a multi-day timeline (12+ hours) depending on your pace and how many motifs you make.

What is the purpose of the cord and how long should it be?

The cord strengthens and shapes the wing edges; the pattern specifies a 4-thread cord minimum 65 cm for the big wing to ensure proper shaping and attachment.