Free Pattern – Filet Crochet Butterfly Motif Chart
***NEW*** Check out how I used this chart to make a coaster!
Last week, I bought a new swimsuit, with butterflies all over it. I need a cover up of some sort, and have very little time to get it done.
I decided I wanted an oversized, white, cotton, mesh shirt that would work up quickly, but wanted to incorporate a butterfly into the design. The obvious answer was filet crochet!
The shirt is still very much a work in progress, but here’s a picture of the back:
I promise to write up the pattern for the whole shirt eventually. Meanwhile, here is the filet crochet chart for the butterfly motif.
***update – I didn’t particularly love the actual shirt when it was done – the filet butterfly turned out great, but the shaping/fit of the shirt I used it on was just OK. So I won’t be publishing the shirt pattern after all. ***
The version I used has lacy wings, but I’ve also included a version with more solid wings. Depending on the yarn or thread you use, this motif could also be used for a pillow, bag, doily, or even as wall decor.
If you’ve never done filet crochet before or aren’t sure how to read the charts, don’t worry – it’s easy! Just check out my Filet Crochet Tutorial to get started.
This pattern is protected by copyright. Please do not distribute or share this pattern in any way other than by sharing a link to this page or to the pattern page on Ravelry. Click here for copyright information.
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31 Comments
craftmanicmommy
Ahh! Love it! I did a blanket with butterflies in this style of crochet and had no idea there was a name for it. Loved how easy it was. Can’t wait to see the end shirt!
Pia Thadani
me either! lol it’s changed a couple of times and I think there’s going to be hairpin lace bust darts…maybe…heheh we’ll have to see how it ends up.
Maryann
Great directions
Pia Thadani
thanks! 🙂
Pat Lisenbee
can’t wait to try this, learning another new way to crochet!
Alicia
The instructions do not download.
Pia Thadani
Are you trying to download one of the charts? They are jpg image files – if you zoom in by clicking on it, you should then be able to right click and “save image as”…
Pamela
Hello – these are very pretty. Approxinately, what size is the finished “square”? . I want to frame it. Your tutorial will be most helpful as I have never dobe filet crochet before. Thank you.
Pia Thadani
It depends entirely on the yarn and hook you choose – in worsted cotton I think it was about 24 inches or so. In thread it might be a coaster size….
Jina
Okay, I am lazy so I need to know how many to chain?
Pia Thadani
Did you take a look at the filet crochet tutorial? It will help you with how to read the chart. The chart is 33 squares wide, 33 x 3 + 1 is 100. You need 100 stitches on your foundation row. Your starting chain will depend on whether you plan to do single, half double, or double as a foundation row, or if you plan to start working filet into the chains right away with no foundation row.
Evelyn Bailey
Could you send me written directions for the butterfly pattern?
Pia Thadani
I’m sorry but that one is available in chart format only. There is a tutorial on how to read the chart though!
Becky
I did one for the first time, sewed on a sofa pillow and it is beautifu
Pia Thadani
Cool! I’d love to see a pic, do you have it up on Ravelry or anywhere?
Kathy Schikora
Are there printed instructions for the Butterfly filet crochet pattern? Especially for how many chains I would need for a beginning? From there I can follow the picture.
Pia Thadani
I’m sorry but this one is available in chart format only. THere is a tutorial on how to read the chart though! As far as starting chains, each square on a filet crochet chart represents 3 stitches, and then you add 1 for the edge, so both these charts would be 100 stitches across. You can make your first row in sc, dc, hdc, whatever you like. So for sc you would ch 101, then sc in 2nd ch and each ch across for the 100 stitches. I used foundation sc, so I just did 100 foundation sc. Whatever you choose to start with, you’ll need to have 100 stitches to start the chart. Please see the tutorial for more details: https://stitchesnscraps.com/tutorial-basic-filet-crochet/
Mary
Is there a written out pattern somewhere? I don’t understand the charts. If there isn’t a written pattern can someone please explain to me how to use the graph chart? I really like the look of this and can see it used over pillows I already have.
Pia Thadani
There isn’t a written pattern (filet tends to work better as a chart), but I did post a tutorial! Here’s the link: https://stitchesnscraps.com/tutorial-basic-filet-crochet/ I can’t wait to see your pillow!
Naty
I adore your butterfly fillet design; it is very exquisite. I always love butterflies. I hope, you will have designs for curtains with butterflies on filet too.
Pia Thadani
thanks! I’ll keep that in mind as a pattern idea 🙂
Virginia Kasselman
Just read your tutorial and can’t wait to get started! Already charted out a cross for a practice piece and it went fine so now I’m rearing to go! Oh – the only thing I did wrong on my chart- is over an open space when I went to make a solid block I put my second dc in the ch st instead of the space after reading your tutorial I realized my mistake however after wetting and blocking my piece it turned out great! Thanks for your clear instruction
Pia Thadani
I’m so glad you found it helpful! You actually CAN work into the chains instead of the spaces, as long as you are consistent about it. It changes the look slightly, but mostly it’s just more difficult 🙂
Dottie
Thank you for your pattern. My granddaughter asked me to sew lace into the back of a favorite tee shirt. It had a tear and she still wanted the front of shirt. It came out pretty good and she still wears it.
Pia Thadani
oooh I’d love to see that! Do you have a project picture up anywhere?
Countess Gamble
Thank you for the pattern. Both are beautiful and I will make a couple of shawls using each design. I also signed up for your newsletter.
Pia Thadani
Thanks! I’d love to see the shawls when you finish them 🙂
Cheri
I love this design! Could you let me know what size hook to use? I don’t see it anywhere…….also what size yarn or thread?
Pia Thadani
It would depend on the yarn you use. You can use this design with any yarn and an appropriate size hook for your yarn
Diane Sanders
Hi, I think your butterfly is so dainty and beautiful. Years ago I took a class that used netting by the yard and we used a threaded yarn needle to create the design from a chart onto the netting. The netting looked like very thin crochet yarn. I cannot remember the name of the netting or the name of the craft. We all made solid color ivory placemats. At first glance I thought that was how you made the butterfly. After watching the tutorial, I see that it is entirely crocheted. If you know the name of the netting and/or the craft, please post it. Thanks for sharing.
Pia Thadani
it sounds like a form of embroidery, though I don’t know a specific name for it.