Crochet Butterfly Pattern

The photo shows a 3D lace butterfly appliqué with two large upper wings, two smaller lower wings, a textured center body, and delicate picot edging. Because the photo does not show every stitch, the pattern below is a reconstructed pattern based on the visible design, rather than a guaranteed exact original pattern. Similar butterfly motifs commonly use chains, double/triple crochet, picots and open lacework. (Ravelry)

Materials

• Fine cotton crochet thread or light fingering yarn
• Crochet hook 1.5–2.5 mm, depending on yarn
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Optional: blocking pins and starch

Abbreviations — US Terms

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• picot = ch 3, sl st into the first chain
• sp = space
• st = stitch

1. Center Body

With blue yarn:

Row 1: Ch 10.
Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sl st across 9 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc across. Turn.

Rows 3–6: Sc across, working through the back loops to create a slightly raised ribbed texture.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Roll the small strip tightly from one end to the other and sew through the base to form the rounded butterfly body.

For the head, make a small loop or tight circle at the top.

2. Upper Wings — Make 2

Attach yarn to the side of the body.

Row 1:
Ch 5, 3 dc in the same attachment point, ch 4, sl st back into the body.

Row 2:
Ch 5, turn.
Work 2 dc into the first ch-4 space.
Ch 2, 3 dc into the next space.
Ch 3, sl st to the body.

Row 3:
Ch 5, turn.
In the first space work:

(2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr)

Ch 2, sc into the next space.

In the following space work:

(2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr)

Ch 5, sl st to the body.

This creates the large open upper wing.

Upper-wing decorative round

Work around the outer edge:

• sc along the first section
• hdc in the wider section
• dc around the large curve
• (dc, ch 2, dc) at the wing point
• add a 3-chain picot
• continue with sc around the remaining edge

At the inner point, sl st firmly to the butterfly body.

Repeat for the opposite wing, keeping both wings symmetrical.

3. Lower Wings — Make 2

Attach yarn below the upper wing.

Row 1:
Ch 4, 2 dc into the body, ch 4, sl st into the body.

Row 2:
Ch 4, turn.
3 dc into the first chain space, ch 3, 3 dc into the next space.

Row 3:
Ch 5, turn.
Work 5 tr into the first space, ch 2, sc into the center, ch 2, 5 tr into the second space.

Row 4 — Lace edging:
Ch 1, then work sc, hdc and dc around the outside of the wing.

At the outer points:

sc, ch 3, sl st into first ch, sc

Repeat small picots along the lower curved edge.

Join the inner part of the wing to the body with a sl st.

Repeat for the second lower wing.

4. Decorative Wing Texture

To reproduce the floral/lacy appearance visible in the photo, add small open shells inside each wing.

In selected chain spaces work:

(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc)

Then ch 2 and continue to the next space.

For the larger upper section, use:

(sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc)

This gives the wings their scalloped, flower-like structure.

5. Antennae

Attach yarn at the top of the body.

For the first antenna:

Ch 9–12, then sl st back along several chains.

Fasten off.

Repeat on the other side.

For a curled appearance, lightly wrap the chain around your finger before securing it.

6. Finishing

1. Carefully weave in all loose ends.
2. Spread the four wings into a symmetrical butterfly shape.
3. Lightly dampen the motif.
4. Pin the wing points and scalloped edges.
5. Allow it to dry completely.
6. Remove the pins and gently lift the wings so they remain slightly dimensional.

Tip: For a butterfly like the one in the photo, fine cotton thread gives the best lace definition. A contrasting or darker blue thread for the body can make the center stand out.

The raised, open-lace construction and picot details are consistent with established crochet butterfly motifs, although the exact photographed design cannot be determined from the single image alone. (Ravelry)