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Filet crochet butterfly – a free pattern

filet crochet butterfly - a beautiful free crochet pattern

Add delicate elegance to your stitch collection with this free filet crochet butterfly square.
Butterflies have always held a special place in my heart. They represent transformation, hope, and the promise of new beginnings, ideas that feel so meaningful in our lives. When I designed this square, I wanted to capture that graceful sense of change and growth, creating a simple yet elegant butterfly silhouette using only chains and double crochets. No complex stitches are needed, just an easy, flowing design that lets the beauty of the butterfly shine through with every stitch.

This versatile square is perfect for so many projects: whether you’re adding it to a cozy blanket that wraps you in warmth or gifting it as a thoughtful surprise at a baby shower. To me, a butterfly represents more than just a beautiful insect; it’s a symbol of life’s transformations. It’s a reminder that even in the most delicate of moments, there is a quiet strength and endless potential.

Whether you’re creating something for a little one or someone embarking on a fresh chapter in life, this butterfly square is a heartfelt keepsake that embodies those very feelings of growth, renewal, and the magic of new beginnings. It’s a piece that carries a bit of hope and beauty with it, stitched into every thread.

There are more free filet crochet patterns available, each with its own unique charm and meaning.

Supplies

For this project, you’ll need DK (double knit) #3 yarn. Stylecraft Special DK is a great option. Light or pastel colors tend to work best, as they help the filet crochet design stand out clearly. You’ll also need a 4.0mm crochet hook, along with a tapestry needle and scissors for finishing and weaving in ends.

Abbreviations

This pattern is written in US terms.

  • ch = chain
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • sc = single crochet
  • dc =double crochet
  • Chain 3 at beginning of a round counts as first dc stitch.
  • Stitches between {} need to be done in the same stitch/space.

Finished size

The square is approximately 15 x 15cm (5.9 x 5.9 inches).

Disclaimer: This pattern is for your personal use only and cannot be sold, copied, or reproduced in any way without permission from the designers. You may sell finished objects made from this pattern in small quantities but please provide pattern credit back to crazycrochetstudio.com as the pattern designer when posting online. Do not use my photos when selling your finished items.


FREE CROCHET PATTERN: FILET CROCHET BUTTERFLY

Pattern instructions

Start with a CH29

Row 1:
DC in the fourth CH from the hook, 26DC. Turn. (27)

Row 2:
CH3, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 13DC. Turn. 

Row 3:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn. 

Row 4:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 2 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn. 

Row 5:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.

Row 6:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn. 

Row 7:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn. 

Row 8:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn. 

Row 9:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn. 

Row 10:
CH3, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC. Turn. 

Row 11:
CH3, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC. Turn. 

Row 12:
CH3, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC. Turn. 

Row 13:
CH3, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 2 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC. Turn. 

Row 14:
CH3, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC. Turn. 

Row 15:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn. 

Row 16:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn. 

Row 17:
CH3, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 11DC. Turn. 

Row 18:
CH3, 26DC. Turn
Do NOT fasten off but continue with the border.


Border instruction

NOTE: stitches between {} need to be done in the same stitch/space.

CH1, 27SC, {1SC. CH2, 2SC} for first corner, 27SC down the left side – alternate {2SC} in the CH3 space and 1SC in the double crochet.
{1SC. CH2, 1SC} for second corner, 27SC at the bottom
{1SC. CH2, 2SC} for third corner, 27SC up the right side of the square – alternate {2SC} in the CH3 space and 1SC in the double crochet.
CH2 and SLST into first stitch (fourth corner). Fasten off and weave in ends.


—— More filet crochet patterns ——

Bring a touch of fantasy to your stitches with this free filet crochet pattern featuring a majestic unicorn silhouette!

Add a spark of magic to your crochet with this free filet unicorn pattern! Using only chains and double crochets, you’ll build an open-mesh panel that reveals a proud unicorn silhouette, mane flowing and horn aloft. Ideal for framing as wall art, combining into blanket squares or pillows.

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