How to Crochet: Butterfly Stitch

By Candace – 13 Comments

The butterfly stitch is a simple technique that creates a lace-like accent. It’s worked between other stitches, usually double crochet or taller. The butterfly stitch is worked over four rows and uses long chain spaces. In this tutorial, the chain spaces are 8 chains long.

Hovering over the pictures will give you a left-handed view.

Start by beginning your row as usual. You’ll need at least one stitch on each end of the butterfly stitch to anchor it to. Make the required number of chains and finish your first three rows.



On the fourth row, start the row and make half the number chains.

Insert your hook into the chain space of the first row of your butterfly stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Yarn over and pull up two loops (You will be making a single crochet stitch).

Make the other half of the chain stitches

Finish the row.

If you need help, feel free to leave a comment.

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13 Comments

  1. Terri says:

    I’ve used this stitch on a hat. Love it.

  2. Hind says:

    A very clear tutorial .Thank you.

  3. janet c says:

    Love the stitch but how do i work the next row

  4. Darlene says:

    How do you do the next row?

  5. Pam says:

    Hi, What a wonderful stitch! What kind of pattern would you use this and are there patterns available?

  6. FleurBelge says:

    Thank you very much for the explenation about the butterfly stich.
    Will use it on day, I must think about what I shall create.
    FleurBelge

  7. ruby gray says:

    man thats neat and look simple enoght too… will have to give it a try…thanks.. ruby

  8. Varsha suraiya says:

    I would be glad to know in what project can this stitch be used and how does one continue after doing the fourth row of the butterfly shape?It seems very interesting for a belt or a stole but I ain’t!t too sure so please help to clarify.Tks.

  9. Sandy L says:

    this would be a cute edging on a shawl, valance, or bedspread and it is very simple to do Thanks

  10. Claudia says:

    Please provide some patterns and projects where this butterfly stitch can be used. I would like to use it.

  11. Andrea says:

    This reminds me of an antique pattern called spider crochet: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa051802.htm
    Makes a great looking blanket! 🙂

  12. wineplz says:

    I just finished a hat using this, except instead of a sc to gather, the pattern called for a tc. It gave the look of the body of the butterfly, or of a dragonfly. But I do like the look w/the sc, it makes it look like a bow, too. That would be a great design element for a blanket. 🙂

    (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suzies-butterfly-garden-cap)

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