Butterfly Granny Square Free Pattern: 4 Easy Steps
This butterfly granny square uses just 4 rounds to set a butterfly motif inside a classic granny square. The butterfly is shaped with treble and double-treble stitches, and chain arches form its wings. Pick two high-contrast colors so the butterfly pops against the background.
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Tip: go a hook size smaller than usual (2.50 mm instead of 3.00 mm) to sharpen the butterfly shape and crisp up the stitches.
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It’s a nice way to add a bit of whimsy, a butterfly blanket, a tote, a decorative pillow. The butterfly is built from treble and double-treble crochet with chain-3 picots, and delicate chain arches make the wings.
The trick is a smaller hook than usual. Most granny squares want a 3.00 mm; this one looks best on a 2.50 mm or even 2.00 mm. The tighter stitches sharpen the body and wings so the motif stands out from the background.
Materials for Your Butterfly Granny Square Free Pattern
Before you start, gather your supplies, just two yarn colors, a small hook, and the basics.
- Yarn: 2 colors of DK sport weight yarn (the sample uses a green background with a pink butterfly)
- Crochet hook: 2.50mm (or 2.00mm for even tighter stitches)
- Darning needle: for weaving in loose ends
- Scissors: for cutting yarn between color changes
It finishes about 2.95 inches square in DK sport yarn on a 3.00 mm hook; with the recommended 2.50 mm hook, expect a slightly smaller, more defined square around 2.5 inches.
Butterfly Granny Square Abbreviations (US Terms)
It uses standard US terms. New to taller stitches like double treble (dtr) and triple treble (trtr)? Our abbreviations guide explains them.
- ch: chain stitch
- dc: double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sc: single crochet
- ch-sp: chain space
- Sl St: slip stitch
- dtr: double treble crochet
- trtr: triple treble crochet
- BLO: back loop only
- pic: picot stitch (ch3, sl st in 3rd loop of first ch)
- inc: increase (2 stitches in same stitch)
Butterfly Granny Square Free Pattern Instructions
Four rounds, each building on the last, foundation first, classic granny border last.
Round 1: The Foundation
Start with a slipknot. Chain 5, then work a single crochet in the back loop only (BLO) of each chain from the 4th chain back to the 1st chain. This creates a small chain base with visible front loops that we will use later.
ch5, BLO sc in each ch from 4th to 1st ch.
Round 2: The Body of the Butterfly
Flip to the wrong side. This round shapes the body and wings with tall stitches and chain arches; the ch-3 picots at the top of each wing make the antennae.
Wrong side: ch4, dtr inc, ch4, sl st to next st, ch4, dtr+2trtr, ch3 (insert hook in 3rd loop of first ch, sl st to complete picot), ch6, sl st to next st, ch6, ch3 picot, 2trtr+dtr, ch4, sl st to next st, ch4, dtr inc, ch4, sl st to next st, fasten off.
Take your time with the picots, they define the shape. For help with tension, see our tension guide.
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Round 3: First Granny Square Layer
Join new yarn in the top of the 3rd ch-4 from Round 2. Work in back loop only across the butterfly, stepping the stitch heights up (sc, hdc, dc, tr) along the wings, with chain-3 spaces at the corners.
BLO. New yarn in top of 3rd ch4, ch2 (count as hdc), 2sc, ch3, sk pic, sc, hdc, dc, sk3, tr+ch1+tr, sk3, dc, hdc, sc, ch3, sk pic, 2sc, hdc, ch1, sk3, dtr, ch1, sk4, dc, hdc, dc+ch3+dc, hdc, dc, sk2, tr+ch1+tr, sk2, dc, hdc, dc+ch3+dc, hdc, dc, ch1, sk3, dtr, ch1, sl st to top of first ch2.
Round 4: Border Round
The last round adds a classic granny border, double crochet with chain-2 corners, which frames the butterfly and gives clean edges for joining.
ch3 (count as dc), 2dc, 2dc+ch2+2dc in next corner, 6dc. [3dc, 2dc+ch2+2dc in corner, 6dc] repeat 3 times, sl st to top of first ch3, fasten off.
Tips for Your Butterfly Granny Square Free Pattern
For the best look, pick two strongly contrasting colors. A light background with a dark butterfly (or the reverse) keeps the motif clear. Pastel pink on green, navy on cream, or orange on teal all work.
If the classic granny square is new to you, make a basic one first. The tall stitches (dtr, trtr) need confident tension, so a few regular squares under your belt makes this much easier.
This butterfly is part of a little series of insect-themed squares. If you like it, our solid granny square is a good beginner one for mastering the basics first.
For more information about crochet hook sizes and yarn weight standards, the Craft Yarn Council provides an excellent reference guide that helps you match the right hook to any yarn weight. You can also explore free granny square patterns at LoveCrafts for additional inspiration.
Displaying and Gifting Your Butterfly Granny Squares
A single butterfly square makes a nice standalone piece, frame one in an embroidery hoop or shadow box for instant wall art. They also work as appliqués: stitch one onto a plain tote, cushion, or denim jacket. The symmetrical shape is naturally eye-catching.
Gifting one? Add a handwritten note with basic care instructions, handmade things mean more when people know how to look after them. A little sachet of lavender in the box is a nice touch. Butterfly projects go over especially well as spring and summer birthday gifts.
For standalone butterfly projects, check out our crochet butterfly pattern. The granny square mosaic crochet guide teaches another technique for creating picture motifs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you crochet a butterfly granny square?
You crochet a center motif shaped like butterfly wings from chain loops and clusters. It usually starts with a magic ring, then rounds of double crochet and chain spaces build the butterfly shape, working outward until it squares off, with a border round to finish.
What yarn is best for a butterfly granny square?
Worsted (size 4) cotton or acrylic works best. Cotton holds its shape and shows stitches clearly, good for decorative motifs; acrylic blends are softer and cheaper for big projects. A 5.0 mm (H/8) hook gives a standard 4-inch square.
Can beginners make a butterfly granny square?
Yes, it suits confident beginners who know chain, double crochet, and slip stitch. The motif uses simple combinations and the instructions go row by row. Try a solid-color version before a multi-color one to build confidence.
What can you make with butterfly granny squares?
Very versatile. Join them into blankets, throws, and afghans, or use single squares for pillow covers, totes, and wall hangings. They also work as motifs on cardigans and vests, or on table runners and placemats.
How do you join butterfly granny squares together?
A few popular joins: whip stitch, single crochet, flat braid, and join-as-you-go. The flat braid is especially nice for butterfly squares, it leaves a decorative lattice between motifs. Use the same yarn as the squares to keep it consistent.
