One of the first things I ever crocheted for my first home was a butterfly. I put a magnet on the back and it graced my refrigerator for a long time. It is long gone now, probably lost among some odds and ends misplaced during a move. Fast forward a few decades and here I am crocheting butterflies again. This free crochet butterfly pattern is so fun to crochet and very fast to put together. Any scraps will do. It is like a ruffled granny square with what seems to be way too many stitches, but at the end, when it is folded back upon itself…it’s magic..and a butterfly appears. I added some simple chain for the body and antennae. It would be great as an embellishment on a wreath or a wallhanging. In fact, if you already own one of my crochet wallhanging patterns, this would be a great variation to the pattern. And, of course this crochet butterfly would be lovely as a magnet for your refrigerator.
Free Crochet Butterfly Pattern
Here is what you will need:
- worsted weight yarn, scraps will work great
- US H8/5 mm crochet hook, or another comfortable sized hook
- tapestry needle, scissors.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern: Crochet Abbreviations, US to UK Crochet Conversion Chart. Find links to stitches on the “Tutorial” menu: Getting Started will show basic stitches used in many patterns and Crochet Stitch Dictionary shows our growing collection of crochet stitch tutorials.
Butterfly:
With color 1, chain 6 and join to form a ring.
Row 1: Work the following in the loop: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), 2dc, ch 2, *3 dc, ch 2*, repeat * to * 6 more times (8 clusters). Join with sl st to top of starting ch 3. Fasten off color 1.
Row 2: Attach color 2 in any space. [ Ch 3, 2dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in same space as joining, *in next space work [3dc, ch 2, 3 dc]*, repeat * to * 6 more times. Join with sl st to top of starting ch 3. Fasten off color 2.
Row 3: Attach color 3 in any ch-2 space. In same space as joining, work [ch3, 5 dc, ch 3, sl st to 1st ch (picot formed), 6 dc], sl st in next space, *in next ch-2 space, work [6dc, ch 3, sl st to 1st ch (picot formed), 6 dc], sl st in next space*, repeat * to * 6 more times. Join with sl st to top of starting ch 3. Do NOT finish off.
Carefully fold butterfly in half. Chain 15 or enough chain stitches to wrap around the fold for a firm fit. Do sew down just yet. Fasten off, leaving a long strand for sewing.
Antennae:
Chain 14. Fasten off and tie a knot on each end of chain. Pull yarn tight and cut close to the knot.
Assembly:
Wrap body chain up and around the body, catching the antennae under the chain at the top. Sew down firmly.
And it is done! A crochet butterfly pattern that is fast and free. What could be better than that?!
I used a small hook and attached some hair ties for my granddaughter to wear in her hair. She loves butterflies! Thank you!
Do you have any project you use these for? I love the but don’t know what to use them for, besides sewing on a pillow?
I put a stick on magnet on the back of mine and it can go on the fridge! You could also sew them on a little one’s dress or skirt. Or hang them from a window.
Thank you for a quick and easy butterfly pattern. I am making theses for bingo prizes for the nursing home where my mother lives.
You have great patterns
What s great idea Debbie!
Thank you for not only your pretty little butterfly pattern, but for all your wonderful patterns available in the “vault”. I’m so excited to have found you, and can’t wait to start receiving your newsletter. You’re also a very sweet person for sharing your work for free. God Bless!
Thank you for this pattern. I made a butterfly body amigurumi style. But couldn’t figure out wings. Your butterfly pattern made perfect wings. Again, thank you for sharing this pattern. When I put a pic of the finished butterfly I will be sure to let everyone know that the wings came from you.
We used to make these back in the 70s and 80s. Everybody I knew had some butterflies on their fridge because I loved doing them. 🙂
How fun! I love making these butterflies too!
This was so easy. I made a butterfly embellishment for the strap of a bag I crocheted. So cute.
That sounds adorable! Glad you liked it!