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Butterfly Pattern

Butterfly Pattern
4.9★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
1.8K Made This
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Advanced Level

Designed for experienced crocheters, these patterns involve intricate designs and complex techniques to challenge and inspire.

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Multi-Day Project

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

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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 an elegant lace butterfly made from fine cotton thread with detailed wing motifs and a textured body. It combines circular motif work for the small wings and cord-reinforced sculpted wings for the larger pair. Techniques include working in front/back loops, attaching a multi-thread cord, creating arches and picot edging for a crisp finish.

Butterfly Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Youll need a very fine hook and patience for the tiny stitches; the result is a delicate statement piece. Detailed step-by-step photos and row-by-row instructions are included for both small and large wings.

Why You'll Love This Butterfly Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple thread into a stunning lace butterfly that looks like delicate filigree. I enjoy the rhythm of working tiny stitches and watching the wing shapes emerge as you attach the cord and form arches. The design is rewarding because small adjustments change the final waviness and silhouette, making each finished butterfly unique. I feel proud when the picot-edged border and neat arches come together — it always feels like creating a little piece of wearable art.

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 this pattern adapts to different looks by changing thread color; try white or cream for vintage lace or bright colors for a modern statement.

I sometimes use a slightly thicker thread and a larger hook to make a bold wall-hanging butterfly that shows off the shaped wings more dramatically.

You can add metallic thread alongside the main color for subtle shimmer on the wing edges or use a contrasting color for the cord to create a defined spine.

I often experiment with fewer or more arches to change the silhouette; reducing arches gives a sleeker wing while more arches make it lacy and full.

For a three-dimensional effect I add light padding under the body or use wired antennae for a poseable decoration that stands up on display.

If you want a tiny version, use thinner thread and a smaller hook to create a pocket-sized embellishment for gifts or accessories.

I recommend trying embroidery or beads on the wing surfaces for extra detail — a few well-placed beads can mimic markings and add sparkle.

Consider mounting your finished butterfly in a small frame or shadow box for a gallery-quality display and added protection.

If your wings become wavy, I sometimes re-block with slightly different spacing or skip some loops as suggested to smooth the edges and achieve the desired curve.

I also like to combine this butterfly with crocheted flowers or leaves to make a small bouquet that can be used as a brooch or decor accent.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch count when forming the initial ring leads to uneven motifs; count and recount your stitches in the early rounds to keep the motif circular. ✗ Attaching the cord incorrectly makes the wing warp or not hold shape; always align and pull the cord straight before securing and check front/back loop placement as stated. ✗ Working into wrong loops (front vs back) will change texture and shape; mark the row and follow 'work in back loops only' or 'front loops' instructions exactly. ✗ Not blocking or stretching the wing after finishing causes poor shaping; block gently and use pins to shape arches and edges before final finishing. ✗ Tension that is too tight prevents arches from forming neatly; work with a slightly loosish tension for picots and arches so they lie flat after blocking.

Butterfly Pattern

Make a delicate lace butterfly using fine cotton thread and a tiny hook. This pattern guides you through small motif wings and the larger sculpted wings with cord supports so you can create a dramatic decorative piece. Youll learn attaching a cord, working in front/back loops, arches and picot edging for a professional finish. Perfect for home decor, framed art, or as a special gift.

Advanced 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Butterfly Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    DMC Babylo 20 - fine cotton thread (use per pattern; amount depends on desired size, estimate 50-150g total for wings and body depending on scale)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 0.6mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing ends
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Measuring tape or ruler
  • 05
    Pins and blocking board
  • 06
    Four-thread cord (cord has to be minimum 65 cm or longer for big wing)
  • 07
    Stitch markers (optional)
  • 08
    Optional stiffener or fabric glue for shaping

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Small wing :

Row 1 :

10 ch, join into the ring.

Row 2 :

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

Row 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

Row 4 :

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

Row 5 :

1 ch, turn And work 56 sc in back loops

Row 6 :

1 ch, turn And work 56 sc in back loops

Row 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

Row 8 :

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

Row 9 :

Work 6 sc in each arch

Row 10 :

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

Row 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 :

Row 1 :

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

Row 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

Row 3 :

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

Row 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.

Row 5 :

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

Row 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

Row 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

Row 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 *1sc, 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

Row 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

Row 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

Row 11 :

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

Row 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)

Row 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

Row 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

Row 15 :

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

Row 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)

Row 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

Row 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

Row 19 :

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

Row 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)

Row 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

Row 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

Row 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

Row 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.

— Big left wing :

Info :

The left wing is worked as a mirror of the right wing, repeating the right wing instructions in reverse order and reversing increases and attachments as needed to create a symmetrical pair.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew each small circular wing to the butterfly body using the second tail left from the motif; hide the first tail into the middle of the motif before attaching.
  • Position the big wings on either side of the body and stitch securely along the inner edge where the cord was attached, using matching thread and small whipstitches.
  • Block the wings flat and pin into shape with blocking pins to set arches and picot edges before final sewing and trimming of tails.
  • Trim and weave in all remaining tails neatly into the wing fabric, then reinforce any delicate points with tiny stitches or fabric glue for durability.
  • If desired, attach antennae or a padded body by sewing a narrow rolled body under the center of the wings and hiding joins with a few stitches.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use a 0.6mm hook and consistent tension for the finest lace detail; any change affects finished size and shape.
  • 💡Attach and pull the cord straight before securing it in place; misaligned cords cause undesirable waviness.
  • 💡Work in front loops or back loops exactly where indicated to achieve the correct texture and folded shapes.
  • 💡Block and shape the wings while damp for a crisp finish; pin arches evenly to maintain symmetry.

This elegant lace butterfly is a labor of love, transforming fine cotton thread into artful wings full of texture and movement. Its detailed arches, cord-supported shapes, and picot edging create a heirloom-quality decoration you can proudly display. Enjoy making and gifting this delicate piece — happy crocheting! 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Size depends on thread tension and hook; using DMC Babylo 20 and a 0.6mm hook the finished butterfly in the instructions measures approximately medium wall-decor size (estimate depends on blocking).

Can I use a different yarn or thread?

Yes, you can use different weights but this will affect the final size and detail; switch hook size appropriately and make a test motif to check scale.

Do I need experience with working over a cord?

This pattern is advanced and assumes comfort with attaching a cord and working front/back loops; practice on a scrap cord before beginning the wing to ensure correct attachment technique.

How long does this project typically take?

Expect 12-15 hours for the full butterfly depending on experience and how many practice or finishing steps you perform.