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Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a butterfly-shaped bag by making two butterfly panels and joining them with a strap and border. The design uses medium weight yarn and multiple colors for gradient wing details. You will learn color changing, shaping with various stitches, and finishing techniques for a polished bag.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Clear row-by-row instructions and stitch graphs are included to guide you through each wing and the border. The finished bag is a fashionable accessory that makes a unique handmade gift.

Why You'll Love This Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines playful, wearable art with practical construction—crocheting a bag that looks like a butterfly is so satisfying. The color-changing sections let me experiment with gradients and contrast, which keeps the process creative and fun. I also enjoy the balance of shaping techniques and straightforward rows that make each wing come together predictably. Sewing the pieces and adding the border is one of my favorite parts because you can instantly see the bag transform from flat motifs to a three-dimensional accessory.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this butterfly bag by changing the color palette—try soft pastels for a sweet look or high-contrast brights for a bold statement.

If you want a larger or smaller bag, simply change yarn weight and hook size; bulky yarn with a larger hook makes a chunky version while finer yarn gives a mini bag perfect for a keychain.

I often add embroidery or beads to the wings after crocheting to create extra texture and sparkle—small seeded beads along the wing edges look great.

Consider adding a fabric lining to the bag for extra stability and to protect from stretching; choose a coordinating fabric for a polished interior finish.

To change the strap style, crochet a wider strap by making more foundation chains or work a strap in ribbed single crochet for a comfy shoulder fit.

I like to experiment with ombre yarns so the wing gradients change naturally without switching yarns at every row.

Try different border stitches to change the look—shell stitch or picot edges give a decorative finish compared to a simple sc border.

Make a set of small matching accessories—like a coin pouch using one wing motif—to turn this into a gift set.

If you want the bag to be more rigid, add interfacing or a thin plastic canvas inside the border before sewing it closed.

I often personalize mine by adding a small zipper or magnetic snap at the top of the joined butterflies for extra security when wearing the bag.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not checking stitch counts at the end of each row can cause misalignment in the wing shape; count stitches after each row and correct discrepancies immediately. ✗ Changing colors without securing tails can lead to loose ends and gaps; carry yarn neatly or fasten off and weave in ends as you go to keep edges tidy. ✗ Skipping the note about starting dc rows from the 2nd stitch will make row heights inconsistent; always start dc rows from the 2nd stitch when stated. ✗ Overstuffing or pulling the strap too tight when joining can distort the bag shape; sew and join with moderate tension and check placement as you go.

Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

Create a striking butterfly-shaped crochet bag that blends playful design with practical function. This pattern walks you through making two detailed butterfly panels, a sturdy strap, and a neat border to assemble a unique statement bag. You will enjoy color-changing tips, stitch graphs, and clear row-by-row instructions to make your bag come to life.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Butterfly Bag Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Acrylic/Cotton yarn, medium weight (size 4) - main recommended yarn
  • 02
    Pictured bag: mix of acrylic yarn (approximately 166 g) for wings and cotton yarn for border & strap (approximately 330 g)
  • 03
    Example sample: Red Heart acrylic, weight 4, about 310 g used (sample used size 3.5 mm hook)
  • 04
    Tester example: All acrylic weight 4 (black - Big Twist; greens - Loops and Threads Impeccable) approximately 406 g

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5 mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm (used for some sample bags)
  • 03
    Yarn needle and scissors

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— General Notes :

Info :

Crochet with your right side out for all parts, meaning the tail from the foundation row is on the left. Ch 1 counts as turning chain and Ch 3 counts as 1 dc. Ch 3 = 1 dc = 1 stitch. Ch 3 at the end of the row = 1st stitch for the dc row. In all dc rows, start from the 2nd stitch. Weave in the loose ends as work progresses. You can add a lining if using soft yarn so it does not stretch too much.

— Color Changing :

Info :

Stop crocheting before pulling through the last 2 loops on the hook. Drop the old color of yarn. Lay the new yarn over the hook, and pull the new color through the last 2 loops to complete the stitch. Then continue crocheting with the new yarn. If you are done with the old yarn, fasten off. This works for all stitches.

— Abdomen :

Info :

Crochet in rounds.

Foundation row :

Ch 17

Row 1 :

sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, sc 14, sc 3 into the next stitch, sc 14, sc inc, sl st and ch 1. (34)

Row 2 :

sc 16, sc inc, sc 16, sc inc, sl st and fasten off. (36)

Info :

Size: 3.5 cm x 12.5 cm

— Forewings (Left) :

Info :

Graph of the butterfly shown in the pattern images. Colors: Light purple-1, medium purple-2, dark purple-3, blue-4 and white-5. Attach your yarn-2 to the 3rd stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and make a chain, sc in the same stitch (change to yarn-1), then dc 3, sc 1, ch 3 and TO. (5)

Row 2 :

2 dc inc (change to yarn-2), dc 1, dc inc, ch 3 and TO. (8)

Row 3 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc inc (change to yarn-1), tr 2, dc 4 (change to yarn-2), ch 1 and TO. (10)

Row 4 :

Sc 1 (change to yarn-1), sc 5 (change to yarn-2), sc 1, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-3), ch 3 and TO. (11)

Row 5 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2 (change to yarn-2), dc inc, dc 2, 2 tr inc, dc 1 (change to yarn-3), dc 2, ch 1 and TO. (15)

Row 6 :

Sc 3 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 4, sc inc, ch 3 and TO. (16)

Row 7 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2, tr 4, dc 4, sc 5 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

Row 8 :

Sc across the row, ch 3 and TO. (17)

Row 9 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 4, ch 1 and TO. (18)

Row 10 :

Sc 4 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 3, sc inc, ch 3 and TO. (19)

Row 11 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 4, tr 2, ch 4, sl st to the 2nd tr, tr 2, dc 4, hdc 2, sc 3, sl st and fasten off. (20)

Info :

You have finished the the left forewing. Let's work on the right forewing.

— Forewings (Right) :

Info :

Attach yarn-1 to the 28th stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and ch 1, sc in the same stitch, dc 3 (change to yarn-2), sc 1, ch 3 and TO. (5)

Row 2 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 1 (change to yarn-1), 2 dc inc, dc 1, ch 3 and TO. (8)

Row 3 :

Dc 3, tr 2 (change to yarn-2), 2 dc inc, ch 3 and TO. (10)

Row 4 :

Dc in the same stitch, dc 2, sc 1 (change to yarn-1), sc 5 (change to yarn-2), sc 1 (change to yarn-3), ch 3 and TO. (11)

Row 5 :

Dc 1 (change to yarn-2), dc 1, 2 tr inc, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-3), dc 2, dc inc, ch 1 and TO. (15)

Row 6 :

Sc inc, sc 4 (change to yarn-2), sc 7 (change to yarn-3), sc 3, ch 1 and TO. (16)

Row 7 :

Sc 5, dc 4, tr 4, dc 2, dc inc (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (17)

Row 8 :

Sc across the row, ch 3 and TO. (17)

Row 9 :

Dc 3 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2, dc inc, ch 1 and TO. (18)

Row 10 :

Sc inc, dc 3 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), sc 4, ch 1 and TO. (19)

Row 11 :

Sl st, sc 3, hdc 2, dc 4, tr 2, ch 4, sl st to the 2nd tr, tr 2, dc 4, dc inc and fasten off. (20)

Info :

You have finished the right forewing.

— Hindwings (Left) :

Info :

Attach your yarn-1 to the 10th stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and ch 3, dc in the next stitch, tr 3 in one stitch, dc inc, sc inc, ch 1 and TO. (9)

Row 2 :

Sc inc, hdc 3, dc 1, dc inc, dc 1, tr 2 (change to yarn-2), ch 1 and TO. (11)

Row 3 :

Sc 1, hdc 2, dc inc, tr 2, dc 2, hdc 2, sc 1 (change to yarn-3), ch 1 and TO. (12)

Row 4 :

Sc 5, hdc inc, dc 2, tr inc, dc 1, hdc 1, sc 1 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (14)

Row 5 :

Sc 3, sc inc, sc 5, sc inc, sc 4, ch 1 and TO. (16)

Row 6 :

Sc 9, hdc inc, dc inc, dc 2 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), sc 1, ch 3 and TO. (18)

Row 7 :

Sl st 2, sc 4, ch 4, sl st to the 4th sc, dc 3, 3 dc inc, dc 6 and fasten off. (21)

— Hindwings (Right) :

Info :

Attach your yarn-1 to the 21st stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up.

Row 1 :

Insert your hook and ch 1, sc inc in the same stitch, dc inc, tr 3 in the same stitch, dc 2, ch 4 and TO. (9)

Row 2 :

Tr 1, dc 1, dc inc, dc 1, hdc 3, sc inc (change to yarn-2), ch 1 and TO. (11)

Row 3 :

Sc 1, hdc 2, dc 2, tr 2, dc inc, hdc 2, sc 1 (change to yarn-3), ch 1 and TO. (12)

Row 4 :

Sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, tr inc, dc 2, hdc inc, sc 5 (change to yarn-4), ch 1 and TO. (14)

Row 5 :

Sc 4, sc inc, sc 5, sc inc, sc 3, ch 1 and TO. (16)

Row 6 :

Sc 1 (change to yarn-5), dc 2 (change to yarn-4), dc 2, dc inc, hdc inc, sc 9, ch 1 and TO. (18)

Row 7 :

Sl st 2, sc 4, ch 4, sl st to the last sc, dc 3, 3 dc inc, dc 6 and fasten off. (21)

— Border :

Info :

Here is the graph of the border. Row 1 is graphed in black. Row 2 is in purple and yellow. Attach your yarn to the last stitch of the abdomen with the right side facing up. Then fold the butterflies into half, right sides in, and connect the lower part of the forewing and the top of the hindwing together by sc 11 and fasten it off. (Yellow part of the graph)

Row 1 (left forewing to the abdomen) :

Ch 1, sc 17, hdc 2, dc 2, ch 3, sl st to the 2nd dc, dc in the same stitch, dc 1, tr 2, dc 4, sc 16, ch 3, sl st to last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 16

Row 1 (left hindwing to the bottom of the abdomen) :

sc 10, ch 2, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 3, hdc 2, dc 4, hdc 2, sc 13, ch 3, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 3, hdc 2, dc 2, sc 4, dc 1

Row 1 (right hindwing to the abdomen) :

dc 1, hdc 2, sc 4, ch 3, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 12, hdc 2, dc 4, hdc 2, sc 4, ch 2, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 11

Row 1 (right forewing) :

sc 15, ch 3, sl st to the last sc, sc in the same stitch, sc 15, dc 4, tr 2, dc 2, ch 3, sl st to the last dc, dc in the same stitch, dc 1, hdc 2, sc 17, sl st and ch 1. (214)

Row 2 :

Sc 1, sc3tog, sc 8, hdc 5, dc 4, tr 3, dc 3, tr 5, dc 4, hdc 5, sc 14, (continued along border graph as shown) and finish as per graph counts. (208)

Info :

Attach the yarn to the 2nd ch of the top left corner of the left hindwing. ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 4, hdc 2, 2 dc inc, dc 9, hdc 9, hdc inc, hdc 7, hdc3tog, sl st 2, hdc3tog, hdc 7, hdc inc, hdc 9, dc 9, 2 dc inc, hdc 2, sc 5. Again, connect 2 wings together by sc 11 and fasten off.

Info :

Attach the yarn to the 4th stitch counting from the right, after the ch 3, from the bottom of the right forewing. ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 13, hdc 5, dc 4, tr 5, dc 3, tr 3, dc 4, hdc 5, sc 8, sc3tog, sc 1, sl st and fasten off. (208) You have now finished 1 butterfly. Make 2 in total. Iron the butterflies if necessary.

— Strap :

Info :

After finishing 2 butterflies, ch 8 (or till the desired width of the strap), sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, *sc across, ch 1 and TO*, repeat till you reach the desired length, including the border of the butterfly.

Info :

Then you may sc/ sl st/ sew the ends of the strap together, with wrong sides facing up. Length of the strap should include part of the butterfly bag and the strap itself.

— Assembly :

Info :

Connect the strap and the butterflies by sc from the bottom centre of the abdomen, with right sides facing up. After sc across the left side of the butterfly, continue to sc along the edge of the strap, then connect back to the top of the right wing, sc across till you reach the bottom of the abdomen again, sl st and fasten off. Repeat to connect both butterflies to the strap.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the strap to the butterflies by starting at the bottom centre of the abdomen and working single crochet stitches with right sides facing up, sewing strap edge to wing edges.
  • After working single crochet across the left side of the butterfly, continue with single crochet along the edge of the strap, then connect back to the top of the right wing and work down to the bottom of the abdomen, sl st and fasten off.
  • Fold each butterfly in half (right sides in) when joining lower forewing to top of hindwing; connect lower forewing and top hindwing together by sc 11 and fasten off as indicated in the border graph.
  • When finishing the strap, join the strap ends (sc/sl st/sew) with wrong sides facing up and include part of the butterfly border so the strap becomes continuous with the bag edge.

Important Notes

  • 💡Crochet with the right side out for all parts so color placement and seams align correctly.
  • 💡Ch 1 counts as turning chain and Ch 3 counts as 1 dc; in all dc rows start from the 2nd stitch as noted.
  • 💡Weave in ends as you go to avoid bulky joins and to keep color changes tidy.
  • 💡You can add a lining if using soft yarn so the bag does not stretch too much and to protect seams.

This Butterfly Bag pattern is a playful and stylish project that brings imagination into a wearable accessory. Create two detailed butterfly panels, add a durable strap, and finish with a bold border to make a unique bag you will love. Whether for yourself or a handmade gift, this bag makes a memorable statement. 🧶🦋

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Size will vary with yarn and hook, but sample wings measure approx 9.5-10.5 inches width and length varies; abdomen measures about 3.5 cm x 12.5 cm. Strap length is adjustable to your desired fit.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the finished size; if you use bulky yarn, switch to a larger hook and expect a chunkier bag, while lighter yarn will give a smaller, more delicate bag.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of single crochet, double crochet, trebles, increases, decreases and color-changing is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary depending on experience, color changes, and finishing details like the border and assembly.

How many butterflies do I need to make?

Make two identical butterflies (left and right) as instructed; then join them together and attach the strap to complete the bag.