Friday, 19 September 2025

Crochet Pattern: Butterfly and Branch

Butterfly and Branch

 Butterfly and Branch Crochet Pattern

This pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful crochet butterfly and branch motif perfect for a shirt.

Abbreviations

  • ch: chain
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • inc: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
  • dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
  • dc: double crochet
  • tr: treble crochet
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • FO: fasten off

Individual Design Count Stitches

Butterfly Body (black yarn)

  • Row 1: Ch 6, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each of the next 4 chs. (5 sts)
  • Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, inc in the last st. (7 sts)
  • Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (7 sts)
  • Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 3 sts, dec. (5 sts)
  • Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5 sts)
  • Row 6: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next st, dec. (3 sts)
  • Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (3 sts)
  • Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (3 sts)
  • FO. Weave in ends.

Upper Wings (orange and yellow yarn)

  • Using orange yarn, make 2.
  • Row 1: Ch 10, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (9 sts)
  • Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (9 sts)
  • Row 3: Ch 1, turn, inc in the first st, sc in the next 7 sts, inc in the last st. (11 sts)
  • Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (11 sts)
  • Row 5: Ch 1, turn, inc in the first st, sc in the next 9 sts, inc in the last st. (13 sts)
  • Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (13 sts)
  • Row 7: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 9 sts, dec. (11 sts)
  • Row 8: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 7 sts, dec. (9 sts)
  • Row 9: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 5 sts, dec. (7 sts)
  • Row 10: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 3 sts, dec. (5 sts)
  • Row 11: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next st, dec. (3 sts)
  • FO. Weave in ends.

Lower Wings (orange and yellow yarn)

  • Using orange yarn, make 2.
  • Row 1: Ch 7, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (6 sts)
  • Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, inc in the last st. (8 sts)
  • Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (8 sts)
  • Row 4: Ch 1, turn, inc in the first st, sc in the next 6 sts, inc in the last st. (10 sts)
  • Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (10 sts)
  • Row 6: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 6 sts, dec. (8 sts)
  • Row 7: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 4 sts, dec. (6 sts)
  • Row 8: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in the next 2 sts, dec. (4 sts)
  • FO. Weave in ends.

Branch (brown yarn)

  • Ch 25, sl st into the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across. (24 sl sts)
  • FO. Weave in ends.
  • The length and number of chains can be adjusted to fit your design.

Leaves (green yarn)

  • Make as many as you need.
  • Row 1: Ch 5, sc in the 2nd ch from hook, hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, hdc in the last st. (4 sts)
  • Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (4 sts)
  • FO. Weave in ends.

Finishing Instructions and Tips

  • Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle to ensure they are secure and hidden.
  • Blocking: For a professional finish, wet your crochet pieces and pin them to a foam mat or towel in the desired shape. Allow them to dry completely. This will help them lay flat and hold their form.
  • Assembly: Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to sew the butterfly's body, upper wings, and lower wings together. Overlap the pieces slightly to create a layered effect.
  • Attaching to the shirt: Pin the finished butterfly and branch motif onto your shirt. Use a tapestry needle and matching thread (or a finer weight yarn) to sew the motif securely to the fabric. Use small, neat stitches to make the attachment as invisible as possible.
  • Yarn Tips: Use a yarn weight that matches the fabric of your shirt. A DK (double knit) or worsted weight yarn works well for most t-shirt fabrics. Choose colours that contrast with your shirt to make the design stand out.
  • Embellishments: You can add antennae to your butterfly using a small piece of black yarn or embroidery thread.

Crochet Pattern: Butterfly and Branch

  Butterfly and Branch Crochet Pattern This pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful crochet butterfly and branch motif perfect ...