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Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern
4.5★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.7K 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 playful butterfly-shaped bag by crocheting two butterfly panels, attaching hindwings and a central abdomen, then joining them with a decorative border. It uses medium weight yarn and color changes to achieve gradient wing panels and eye-catching details. The design is adaptable — change colors or yarn weight for different sizes and textures.

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

You will crochet the abdomen, forewings and hindwings separately, then assemble and add a strap. Techniques include color changes, basic increases and decreases, and neat joining with single crochet.

Why You'll Love This Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a wearable, whimsical accessory that always draws compliments. I enjoy how the color changes let you play with gradients and contrast to personalize each bag. The construction is satisfying — making two mirror butterflies and joining them feels like building a little piece of art. Sharing this pattern lets me see so many creative variations from makers around the world, which is very rewarding.

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 how versatile this pattern is — experiment with color palettes for different moods, such as pastels for a soft look or neon brights for playful street style.

Try changing yarn weight and hook size to make a smaller mini keychain version or a large statement tote; bulky yarn and a larger hook give a chunky bag while fine yarn makes a delicate mini.

I often swap the strap for a chain or woven leather strap for a mixed-media look; simply sew attachments where the strap would join the wings.

You can add a fabric lining for durability and to keep smaller items secure; sew the lining separately and whipstitch it inside before finishing the border.

I like to embroider simple motifs or add beads to the wing centers for extra texture and personality — a few embroidered veins change the feel dramatically.

Consider using ombre gradients or self-striping yarns for the wing panels so the color shift happens without many changes, saving time on ends to weave in.

If you want a more structured bag, add a layer of interfacing between the wrong sides before sewing the border, or use thicker yarn for the border to stiffen the edges.

For a festival-ready version, attach tassels or charms to the strap ends or wing tips for movement and additional flair.

I sometimes make matching accessories like coin purses or key fobs using a single wing motif from the pattern to make a set that coordinates beautifully.

Don't be afraid to flip the color order or swap blues and purples for autumn tones — this pattern rewards creative color swapping and personalization.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not reading the color instructions carefully; plan and label your yarns to avoid accidental colour changes during the work. For example, write down yarn-1 through yarn-5 and follow the graph carefully. ✗ Skipping stitch counts at the end of rows leads to mismatched wings; count stitches after every row and check the parenthetical totals to ensure correct shaping. ✗ Changing yarn tension between colors causes uneven edges; keep consistent tension when switching yarns and use the color change method described to avoid tight joins. ✗ Joining wings without pinning can create asymmetry; pin both butterflies and the strap before sewing, and check the placement visually before stitching to ensure symmetry.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

Make a charming butterfly-shaped shoulder bag with this detailed crochet pattern. You will create two matching butterfly panels, add a sturdy strap and join everything with a neat border for a wearable statement piece. The pattern uses medium weight yarn and clear row-by-row instructions so you can customize colors and size as you go. Perfect for makers who enjoy playful accessories with a mix of colorwork and shaping.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Acrylic/Cotton yarn medium weight (size 4) - main material
  • 02
    Mix sample: acrylic yarn for 166g (main panels) and cotton yarn for border & strap 330g (sample shown)
  • 03
    Red Heart acrylic weight 4 used in sample, approx 310g (alternative sample used 3.5 mm hook)
  • 04
    All acrylic weight 4 examples: black 'big twist' and green yarns from 'loops and threads' or 'impeccable' yarns totaling around 406g
  • 05
    Colors used in diagrams: Light purple (yarn-1), Medium purple (yarn-2), Dark purple (yarn-3), Blue (yarn-4), White (yarn-5)
  • 06
    Optional lining fabric if you want the bag to not stretch (not included in yarn totals)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5 mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm (used in some sample notes)
  • 03
    Yarn needle / tapestry needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Stitch markers (recommended for placement)
  • 06
    Pins for assembly (optional, for holding pieces)
  • 07
    Small iron for blocking / ironing butterflies if necessary
  • 08
    Measuring tape

Progress Tracker

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— Description :

Info :

Skilled level: Intermediate. This pattern starts with making two butterflies, then crocheting the strap, and connecting all parts together. Crochet with your right side out for all parts, meaning the tail from the foundation row is on the left. Ch 1 counts as turning chain and Ch 3 counts as 1 dc. Ch 3 = 1 dc = 1 stitch. Ch 3 at the end of the row = 1st stitch for the dc row. In all dc rows, start from the 2nd stitch. Weave in the loose ends as work progresses. You can add a lining if using soft yarn so it does not stretch too much.

— Materials :

Info :

Crochet hook 4.5 mm. Yarn needle and scissors. Acrylic/ Cotton yarn in Medium weight (size 4). The pictured bag was made in a mix of acrylic yarn for 166g and cotton yarn for the border & strap for 330g.

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

Ch - chain. Sc - single crochet stitch. Dc - double crochet stitch. Tr - treble crochet. Inc - 2 stitches in one stitch. Sc3tog - single crochet 3 together. Hdc3tog - half double crochet 3 together. Sl st - slip stitch. St(s) - stitch(es). TO - turn over.

— Color Changing :

Info :

Stop crocheting before pulling through the last 2 loops on the hook. Drop the old color of yarn. Lay the new yarn over the hook, and pull the new color through the last 2 loops to complete the stitch. Then continue crocheting with the new yarn. If you're done with the old yarn, fasten off. This works for all stitches.

— Abdomen :

Round 1 :

Foundation row: Ch 17.

Round 2 :

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)

Round 3 :

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 provided in pattern. 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.

Round 4 :

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)

Round 5 :

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

Round 6 :

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)

Round 7 :

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)

Round 8 :

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)

Round 9 :

Row 6: Sc 3 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 4, sc inc, ch 3 and TO. (16)

Round 10 :

Row 7: Dc in the same stitch, dc 2, tr 4, dc 4, sc 5 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

Round 11 :

Row 8: Sc across the row, ch 3 and TO. (17)

Round 12 :

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)

Round 13 :

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)

Round 14 :

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

— Forewings (Right) :

Info :

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

Round 15 :

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)

Round 16 :

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

Round 17 :

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

Round 18 :

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)

Round 19 :

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)

Round 20 :

Row 6: Sc inc, sc 4 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 3, ch 1 and TO. (16)

Round 21 :

Row 7: Sc 5, dc 4, tr 4, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

Round 22 :

Row 8: Sc across the row, ch 3 and TO. (17)

Round 23 :

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)

Round 24 :

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)

Round 25 :

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)

Info :

You have finished the right forewing. Mirror shaping was used so make sure both forewings are symmetrical.

— Forewings (L) Detailed Rows :

Round 26 :

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)

Round 27 :

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)

Round 28 :

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)

Round 29 :

Row 6: Sc 3 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 4, sc inc, ch 3 and TO. (16)

Round 30 :

Row 7: Dc in the same stitch, dc 2, tr 4, dc 4, sc 5 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

— Forewings (L) Rows 9-11 Continued :

Round 31 :

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)

Round 32 :

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)

Round 33 :

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)

— Hindwings (Left) :

Info :

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

Round 34 :

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)

Round 35 :

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

Round 36 :

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)

Round 37 :

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)

Round 38 :

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

Round 39 :

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)

Round 40 :

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)

— Hindwings (Right) :

Info :

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

Round 41 :

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)

Round 42 :

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

Round 43 :

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)

Round 44 :

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)

Round 45 :

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

Round 46 :

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)

Round 47 :

Row 7: Sl st 2, sc 4, ch 4, sl st to the last dc, sc 4, sl st 2 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. 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)

Round 48 :

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.

Round 49 :

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.

Round 50 :

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.

Round 51 :

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)

Round 52 :

Row 2: Sc 1, sc3tog, sc 8, hdc 5, dc 4, tr 3, dc 3, tr 5, dc 4, hdc 5, sc 14, ... (continue pattern as graphed). The written border follows the graph and connects all edges; follow the graph colors for exact placement.

Info :

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. Attach the yarn to the 2nd ch of the top left corner of the left hindwing: 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. Again, connect 2 wings together by sc 11 and fasten off.

— 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. 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 for the strap. 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. 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. Repeat to connect both butterflies to the strap.

Info :

Attach the yarn to the 4th stitch counting from the right, after the ch 3, from the bottom of the right forewing: 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. You have now finished 1 butterfly. Make 2 in total. Iron the butterflies if necessary.

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold each butterfly with right sides in and join the lower part of the forewing to the top of the hindwing by single crocheting through both layers (sc 11) to secure the wings together.
  • Attach the strap to the butterflies by single crocheting from the bottom centre of the abdomen, continue along the left side of the butterfly, then sc along the edge of the strap and connect back to the top of the right wing, finishing where you started and sl st to fasten off.
  • Pin the two butterfly panels in place on the strap and check symmetry before sewing; sew with a yarn needle using matching yarn and whipstitch or single crochet joins for strength.
  • When attaching border pieces, follow the provided graph rows and colors; attach the border to the last stitch of the abdomen and work around both wings to create a unified edge and strap connection.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of the 3rd stitch attachment points and to ensure symmetrical placement between left and right wings.
  • 💡Weave in loose ends as you go rather than at the end to keep color changes tidy and avoid long tails to manage later.
  • 💡Work the color changes as described: stop before the final two loops and pull through the new color to keep joins neat and prevent tension issues.
  • 💡Pin and check placement of wings and strap before stitching to ensure your bag sits straight and both butterflies match visually.

This playful Butterfly Bag pattern turns crochet into wearable art, perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. The two mirrored butterflies and bold border make a striking accessory that stands out from ordinary bags. Enjoy customizing colors, adding a lining, and making it truly yours. 🦋🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Size varies by yarn and tension; sample abdomen measures about 3.5 cm x 12.5 cm and assembled bag samples note widths of approximately 9-10.5 inches depending on yarn and hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size; adjust hook size accordingly and consider making a gauge sample to estimate finished dimensions.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so familiarity with dc, tr, hdc, increases and changing colors is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most makers complete the butterflies, strap and assembly in about 5-7 hours, though time varies with experience, color changes and finishing choices.