Are you looking to add that personal touch? Something quick, simple and really cute? Then I have just the thing for you. My step by step knitted butterfly tutorial including knitting pattern and photos, will have you making these cuties in no time at all. They are the perfect finishing touch to bags, hats, gloves, garments, shoes, you get the idea. Why not make them into hair clips or brooches?
Need more reasons to make butterflies and use the Step by Step Knitted Butterfly Tutorial?
They are perfect for using up the leftover yarn you have sitting in your stash. Great last minute gifts, (or homemade touch for that last minute gift). Make them for fun!
You can use any weight yarn you desire, just remember to adjust your needle size accordingly. The examples shown are worked in 4ply sock yarn (3.25mm needles) and DK yarn (4mm needles). Note, the heavier the yarn, the bigger the butterfly. If you are looking for an excellent resource to help you match your needle size to your yarn, check out Standard Yarn Weight System here… https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system
Variegated yarn makes really pretty butterflies. my top tip wind off the yarn so that you are starting at a point where the yarn is gradually changing colour. Then use a contrasting colour for the body of the butterfly.
Knit Kit:
- Yarn of your choice
- Needles according to yarn choice
- Sewing needle
- Small buttons (optional)
For antennae
- Thin gauge silver craft wire
- Wire cutters
- Small buttons
- Brooch bar
- Hair clip
Tension: not critical 🙂
Finished size:
4ply yarn – approx. 4cm wide
DK yarn – approx. 6cm wide
Step by Step Knitted Butterfly Pattern
Butterfly Body
Cast on 15 sts in yarn and needles of your choice.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: Sl1, k1, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. [13 sts]
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: Sl1, k1, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. [11sts]
Row 8: Purl.
Row 9: Sl1, k1, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. [9 sts]
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: Knit.
Row 12: Purl.
Row 13: Sl1, k1, m1, knit to last 2 sts, m1, k2. [11 sts]
Row 14: Purl.
Row 15: Sl1, k1, m1, knit to last 2 sts, m1, k2 . [13 sts]
Row 16: Purl.
Cast off, darn in ends.
Looking for a list of Abbreviations used in my knitting patterns?
You can download a copy of my Abbreviations guide here for free
To Form the Body
The cast on edge forms the top of the butterfly, the cast off edge, the bottom.
Gently gather the middle of the butterfly bring the cast off, cast on edges together.
Wrap a contrasting yarn around the centre and gather to form a ‘body’.
Continue to wrap yarn around until you are happy with the size of the body and secure on the wrong side of the butterfly. Reshape the body as you go until you get that perfect butterfly.
Now you can add some personality to your butterfly.
Small buttons in contrasting colours are a great way to add a touch of personality to your butterfly.
Why not add some antennae to your quick and easy knitted butterflies?
To Make Antennae
I have used quite a heavy gauge wire for the purpose of making the instruction clearer. I would recommend a fine but sturdy wire which will hold its shape well.
Cut a length of wire approx 15cm long, use pliers to fold end over and thread through button holes.
Twist wire around antenna to secure.
Fold antennae in half.
Once again fold end over and thread through buttons holes, making both antennae same length, trim any excess wire and wrap around antennae to secure.
Thread through body at back of butterfly and secure with stitches.
Why not sew the butterfly directly onto the project and embroider on some antennae using contrasting yarn and buttons.
Use a hot glue gun (or sew) your quick and easy knitted butterflies to hair clips or brooch bars.
If you are looking for some crochet embellishments, check out my crochet flowers free patterns here: https://blog.janeburns.co.uk/viola-free-crochet-flower-pattern-to-bling-your-trainers/
Please post pictures of your finished creations on my Facebook page, I would love to see them.
