Free Crochet Butterfly Patterns — 4 Sizes to Crochet a Butterfly
Butterflies are one of the most-shared crochet patterns on Pinterest, and for good reason — the symmetry of filet crochet captures wing shapes beautifully. We just published three new free butterfly charts alongside our existing detailed butterfly pattern, so there's now one for every project size.
All four are filet crochet, the simplest 2-stitch technique (chain + double crochet), and all four come with row-by-row written instructions plus an interactive chart.
1. Detailed Butterfly Small (24 × 21)
The smallest of the bunch — compact stained-glass detail with wing cutouts. Perfect as a bookmark, name tag, or accent on a granny-square blanket. Beginner-friendly. Open the small detailed butterfly chart →
2. Detailed Butterfly (38 × 33)
The headline detailed butterfly — finishes as a cushion-front panel, table runner, or framed wall art. Stained-glass wing structure with antennae. Open the detailed butterfly chart →
3. Detailed Butterfly XL (46 × 40)
The largest detailed butterfly — for a table-runner centerpiece, curtain panel, or heirloom wall hanging. Most elaborate wing structure; advanced project. Open the XL detailed butterfly chart →
4. Original Detailed Butterfly (49 × 31)
Our original butterfly — the most photographed, the most pinned. A detailed silhouette with antennae and body articulation, sized for a wall hanging, table runner, or large cushion. Intermediate skill. Open the detailed butterfly chart →
Which One Should You Pick?
| Pattern | Size | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 10 × 8 | ~30 min | Bookmark, name tag, motif |
| Small | 16 × 12 | ~1 hour | Coaster, pocket appliqué |
| Monarch | 24 × 16 | ~2 hours | Cushion front, framed art |
| Detailed | 49 × 31 | ~6 hours | Wall hanging, runner |
Skills Required
All four use the same two stitches — chain (ch) and double crochet (dc). If you can do those, you can read a filet chart, and you can make any of these. The only learning curve is the chart-reading habit:
- Filled square: 3 dc into the row below = a "block"
- Open square: ch 2 + skip 2 sts + 1 dc = a "mesh"
- Read the chart: bottom row first, working upward; right-side rows go right-to-left, wrong-side rows go left-to-right
Yarn and Hook Recommendations
- Tiny / small applique: cotton thread (size 10 or 20) + 1.5 mm – 2.0 mm hook for a clean, crisp look
- Monarch / detailed wall hanging: sport or DK cotton + 3.0 mm – 3.5 mm hook
- For appliques on garments / blankets: match the yarn weight of the host project
Customize Your Butterfly
If none of the four ready-made patterns match what you're picturing, you can edit any of them in our Design Studio: load the chart, paint cells on or off, and the row-by-row instructions update instantly. Free, runs in your browser, no signup.
Related Free Patterns
- Filet Heart — beginner-friendly, 15 rows
- Filet Flower — single bloom with stem
- Filet Cat — symmetrical cat silhouette
- What is Filet Crochet? — full beginner walkthrough