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.