Project introduction
This page is a pattern overview, not a full tutorial: it introduces the Butterfly Pillow crochet project and summarizes what you will make, the supplies you will need, and how the pieces come together. Designed by Julie and shared as a free crochet pattern on the Clover blog, this cheerful project turns a few simple shapes into a butterfly that works as a pillow, a soft toy for little hands, or a handmade gift.
Whether you want a bright accent for a chair or bed, a cuddly companion for a child, or a quick gift, this project fits the bill. It uses basic stitches and a playful wing shape, so confident beginners can enjoy it. You can find the complete step-by-step instructions at the Original designer’s pattern and instructions.
Materials
Gather your supplies before you start, and keep everything within reach once you begin. The design calls for a Clover Amour hook in size I (5.5mm), small amounts of worsted weight yarn in five colors, plus notions for stuffing and finishing. Keep the color key handy as you work, since the wings change colors several times and the body uses one of the same shades.
- Clover Amour crochet hook, size I (5.5mm)
- Worsted weight yarn, a small amount in each of five colors: Color A (multicolor), Color B (blue), Color C (mint green), Color D (burgundy), Color E (yellow)
- Patchwork scissors
- Gold Eye Chenille Needles for seaming
- Polyfil stuffing
- Safety eyes
- Black yarn or thread for the mouth
- Pipe cleaner for the antennae
- Stitch markers for tracking rounds
Construction Overview
SMALL WING (make 4)
You will make four small wing pieces, worked flat in turned rows after a round base. Each wing begins with a magic circle in Color A, the multicolor yarn, followed by rounds of double crochet that form the foundation. Color B (blue) then adds a shaped row mixing single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble stitches to build height toward the wing tip.
Color C (mint green) continues the shaping with another mixed-stitch row, leaving part of the previous row unworked so the wing takes on its curved outline. The piece is finished with Color D (burgundy) in a final round that adds a small chain space at the tip and works into the back loops only along the straight inner edge, giving the wing a tidy, defined border.
ASSEMBLY (small wings)
Pair the four small wing pieces into two matching sets. Place each pair right sides together and whip stitch around, leaving about 2 inches open. Turn right side out, fill with polyfil, and sew the opening closed. Repeat for the second pair so both small wings are plump and ready to attach.
LARGE WING (make 4)
The large wings share the small wings’ foundation: four pieces, each starting with a magic circle in Color A and built up with rounds of double crochet. Color B (blue) and Color C (mint green) add the same style of shaped, mixed-stitch rows, growing the piece outward while keeping the curved wing outline.
What sets the large wings apart is an extra row in Color E (yellow), worked before the final edging. This row introduces a treble decrease at the tip to shape the larger wing’s point. The last round in Color D (burgundy) then frames the piece, placing a small chain space at the decrease and working into the back loops only along the inner edge, just like the small wings.
ASSEMBLY (large wings)
Assemble the large wings the same way. Pair the four pieces into two sets, place each pair right sides together, and whip stitch around, leaving about 2 inches open for turning. Turn right side out, stuff firmly with polyfil, and sew the opening closed. Repeat for the second pair.
Body of butterfly
The body is worked in Color E (yellow), starting with a magic circle and rounds of single crochet that spiral upward without joining. The head takes shape first through decreases, and this is the moment to set the safety eyes and begin adding polyfil. The piece then widens into the torso with gentle increases before narrowing again with decreases until the bottom is sewn shut.
Finishing brings the butterfly to life. Stitch a simple mouth with the black yarn or thread, then sew the wings onto the back of the body with the smaller wings on the bottom and the larger ones on top. Thread a pipe cleaner through the top of the head for antennae, and your butterfly is ready for display or cuddles.
If you enjoy making crochet pillows, PatternCrochet has more overviews to browse when you finish this one: Autumn Rhapsody Stitch Sampler Pillow: Pattern Overview and Harvest Crochet Pillow Cover: Pattern Overview. Each summary covers a different pillow project, so you can compare styles and choose your next favorite.
