Crochet lace shawls are timeless pieces that combine elegance and craftsmanship, and this Butterfly Lace Shawl is no exception. Each delicate butterfly motif adds a sense of grace and lightness, transforming simple yarn into a truly enchanting accessory. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful handmade gift or a charming addition to your wardrobe, this shawl will bring beauty to every occasion.
The butterfly motif symbolizes transformation and renewal, making this project especially meaningful. Its open lace design captures light beautifully, and when made in gradient yarns — like the soft shades of green in the photo — it creates a stunning ombré effect that flows naturally across the fabric.
This pattern is also a wonderful meditative crochet project. Each butterfly is worked individually, then joined together to form a soft, airy shawl. It’s perfect for intermediate crocheters who love motifs and lacework, but even adventurous beginners can enjoy this design with a little patience and attention to detail.
✨ Materials
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Fine cotton or lace-weight yarn (e.g., Alize Diva, Aunt Lydia’s Fashion 3, or any #1 weight thread)
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Crochet hook 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm (adjust to your yarn)
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Scissors
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Tapestry needle for finishing
🧶 Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms)
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ch – chain
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sl st – slip stitch
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sc – single crochet
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dc – double crochet
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tr – treble crochet
🦋 Butterfly Motif Pattern
Each butterfly motif is made up of two mirrored wings, creating a symmetrical lace pattern when joined together.
1️⃣ Start – Butterfly Body
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Ch 10, join with a sl st to form a ring.
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Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 11 dc inside the ring. Join with a sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc total)
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Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each dc around. Join with sl st.
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Row 3: Ch 10, skip 2 sc, sl st in next st — repeat around to create 4 base loops for the wings.
2️⃣ Upper Wings
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In the first loop: ch 3, work 7 dc, ch 3, sl st in the same loop.
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Move to next loop: ch 3, work 7 dc, ch 3, sl st in the same loop.
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Repeat on the opposite side for two mirrored wings.
3️⃣ Lower Wings
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In the bottom loops: ch 2, work 3 dc in first loop, ch 2, sl st in next loop.
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Repeat for both sides to complete the lower wings.
4️⃣ Finishing the Butterfly
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Ch 1 and sl st into the center ring.
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Fasten off and weave in ends.
🧩 Joining the Motifs
Crochet multiple butterflies and join them by the tips of their wings (the chain-3 spaces). You can use the join-as-you-go method or sew them neatly after completing all motifs.
For a delicate finishing touch, add a border of single crochets or picots around the entire shawl.
🌸 Color Suggestions
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Gradient yarns (like light to dark green or pink to purple) highlight the lace texture.
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For a more romantic look, try cream, beige, or lavender.
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To make it vibrant, use multicolor threads for each butterfly.
🧵 Adjusting the Size
Add more motifs to enlarge your shawl, or make fewer for a smaller scarf. Each butterfly measures about 3.5” × 4.5” (9 × 11 cm) depending on yarn thickness and hook size.
💡 Helpful Tips
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Block the finished shawl to open the lace and define each butterfly.
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Use a light starch spray if you want the motifs to hold shape better.
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Consider adding a few beads or sequins to the center of each butterfly for a subtle sparkle.
💚 Conclusion
The Butterfly Lace Shawl captures the lightness of nature and the beauty of handmade art. Every stitch tells a story of patience and creativity, and the result is a truly unique piece you’ll cherish for years. Whether in soft pastels or bold shades, this shawl will bring elegance and warmth wherever you go.
