Easy pattern that folds over to make 2 layers of wings
Easy to resize - instructions for making larger are in pattern below
Photo above shows butterfly in several different sizes. Pattern as written below makes small size butterfly - see To Make Larger section for how to make adjustments.
NOTE: You may want to refer to the crochet diagram at the bottom of this pattern - it's a bit easier to see where your stitches go by looking at the diagram. In Row 3, you'll start your first row of rounded clusters. In Row 4, you'll be making a second row of rounded clusters that sit right above the first cluster row. You can see this easily in the diagram.
START
Chain 3; do not join into ring.
ROW 1
In 1st chain (serves as ring), ch 3 and then make 16 dc. Join to top of ch3.
ROW 2
Ch 1 and 1sc in same stitch. *In next dc, [1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc]. 1sc in next dc**. Repeat * to ** around. Slip st in first ch1 to join.
ROW 3
Ch1 and 1sc in same stitch. *In next ch space, [ch1, 3dc, ch 1, 3dc]. Ch 1, skip one sc, sc in the next sc**. Repeat around to make 8 rounded motifs. Join to ch1.
NOTE: If your stitch count is a bit off, try to fudge a bit but make sure you have 8 motifs. You'll be folding over your butterfly so you need to have 4 motifs on each side.
ROW 4
Ch1 and 1sc in same stitch. *In next ch space, [ch1, 3dc, ch 1, 3dc]. Ch 2, skip one sc, sc in the next sc**. Repeat around to make 8 rounded motifs. Join to ch1.
Fasten off.
NOTE: Your 8 clusters may look a bit crowded but this will straighten out when you fold your butterfly in half below.
FINISHING
Weave in any loose threads.
Fold your circle in half (make sure right side is out) and line up/even out the 4 motifs.
You'll now use some extra yarn to make the body of your butterfly. Cut about 6-8 10" pieces of yarn. Wrap around body of the butterfly and snug up a bit, then make an overhand knot to form the head. Cut off threads but leave length for antenna (see photos).
TO MAKE LARGER
IN ROWS 3 AND 4: Make treble crochet stitches instead of double crochet in your round clusters. In between the clusters, make a half double crochet instead of single crochet.
EDGING: Work a simple sc edging around your last row. At the top of each cluster, work 3 scs in the top chain space. At the bottom of the clusters, eliminate a few stitches. You want your edging to lay fairly flat.
DIAGRAM
This shows clearly where your stitch placement is. You can do an internet search for 'How to Read a Crochet Diagram' to understand the stitch symbols, but here's the symbols used:
oval circle = chain
X = single crochet
T with slash = double crochet
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