Are you looking to add that personal touch? Something quick, simple and really cute? Then I have just the thing for you. These super cute little butterflies are the perfect finishing touch to bags, hats, gloves, garments, shoes, you get the idea. Why not make them into hair clips or brooches?
Need more reasons to make these little pretties? They are perfect for using up the leftover yarn you have sitting in your stash. Great last minute gifts, (or homemade touch for that last minute gift). Make them for fun!
You can use any weight yarn you desire, just remember to adjust your needle size accordingly. The examples shown are worked in 4ply sock yarn (3.25mm needles) and DK yarn (4mm needles). Note; the heavier the yarn, the bigger the butterfly.
Variegated yarn makes really pretty butterflies, wind off the yarn so that you are starting at a point where the yarn is gradually changing colour. Use a contrasting colour for the body of the butterfly.
Knit Kit:
- Yarn of your choice
- Needles according to yarn choice
- Sewing needle
- Small buttons (optional)
For antennae
- Thin gauge silver craft wire
- Wire cutters
- Small buttons
- Brooch bar
- Hair clip
Tension: not critical :)
Finished size:
4ply yarn – approx. 4cm wide
DK yarn – approx. 6cm wide
The knitted butterfly body:
Cast on 15sts in yarn of your choice
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl
Row 3: knit
Row 4: purl
Row 5: sl1, k1, ssk, knit to last 4sts, k2tog, k2 [13sts]
Row 6: purl
Row 7: sl1, k1, ssk, knit to last 4sts, k2tog, k2 [11sts]
Row 8: purl
Row 9: sl1, k1, ssk, knit to last 4sts, k2tog, k2 [9sts]
Row 10: purl
Row 11: knit
Row 12: purl
Row 13: sl1, k1, m1, knit to last 2sts, m1, k2 [11sts]
Row 14: purl
Row 15: sl1, k1, m1, knit to last 2sts, m1, k2 [13sts]
Row 16: purl
Cast off, darn in ends.
To form the body
The cast on edge forms the top of the butterfly, the cast off edge, the bottom.
Gently gather the middle of the butterfly bring the cast off, cast on edges together.
Wrap a contrasting yarn around the centre and gather to form a ‘body’.
Continue to wrap yarn around until you are happy with the size of the body and secure on the wrong side of the butterfly. Reshape the body as you go until you get that perfect butterfly.
Now you can add some personality to your butterfly.
Small buttons in contrasting colours are a great way to add a touch of personality to your butterfly.
Why not add some antennae?
To make antennae
I have used quite a heavy gauge wire for the purpose of making the instruction clearer. I would recommend a fine but sturdy wire which will hold its shape well.
Cut a length of wire approx 15cm long, use pliers to fold end over and thread through button holes.
Twist wire around antenna to secure.
Fold antennae in half
Once again fold end over and thread through buttons holes, making both antennae same length, trim any excess wire and wrap around antennae to secure.
Thread through body at back of butterfly and secure with stitches
Why not sew the butterfly directly onto the project and stitch on some antennae using contrasting yarn and buttons.
Use a hot glue gun (or sew) your butterflies to hair clips or brooch bars.
Please post pictures of your finished creations on my Facebook page, I would love to see them.
Jane Burns 
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