FREE PATTERN: Crochet Butterfly Top

If you’ve been searching for a crochet top that feels like summer, looks effortlessly boho, and shows off your skill without demanding weeks of your life, you’ve just found it. This Crochet Butterfly Top is one of those rare patterns that photographs beautifully, fits a wide range of body types, and genuinely gets better the more you make it. Whether you’re a confident beginner ready to level up or an experienced crocheter looking for a fun weekend project, this free pattern has everything you need to create a wearable piece you’ll reach for all season long.

Let’s dive into every detail — from materials to sizing, stitch explanations, and row-by-row instructions — so you can cast on with complete confidence.

What Is a Crochet Butterfly Top?

The butterfly top silhouette is defined by its wide, flowing sleeves or side panels that drape like wings when you hold your arms out. The body of the top typically fits snugly or semi-loosely through the torso, creating a beautiful contrast between the structured center and the flowy, airy “wings” on either side. This style has exploded in popularity over the past few years because it flatters virtually every body shape, moves gracefully, and translates perfectly into crochet fabric.

The version in this free pattern uses a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn, a simple combination of single crochet and mesh stitches, and a construction method that starts with two rectangular panels sewn together — making it one of the most beginner-friendly wearable garments you can tackle.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather everything on this list so your project flows smoothly from start to finish.

Yarn: Approximately 400–600 yards of DK weight or light worsted cotton yarn, depending on your size. Great choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, We Are Knitters The Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, or any smooth, machine-washable cotton blend. Cotton is ideal for summer tops because it breathes well and holds stitch definition beautifully.

Hook: US Size G/4.0mm or H/5.0mm crochet hook. The size you choose will depend on your tension and your yarn weight. Always check your gauge swatch before beginning.

Notions: Scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, measuring tape, and rust-proof pins if you plan to block your finished pieces.

Optional: A coordinating ribbon or thin cord for a tie closure at the front or back neckline, which adds a lovely finishing touch.

Sizing Information

This pattern is written for sizes XS through 3XL. Use the finished measurements below to choose your size. Crochet garments generally benefit from 1–2 inches of positive ease, meaning you should choose the size that is 1–2 inches larger than your actual bust measurement for a comfortable, flattering fit.

XS: Bust 30–32 inches, finished top measures approximately 32 inches
S: Bust 34–36 inches, finished top measures approximately 36 inches
M: Bust 38–40 inches, finished top measures approximately 40 inches
L: Bust 42–44 inches, finished top measures approximately 44 inches
XL: Bust 46–48 inches, finished top measures approximately 48 inches
2XL: Bust 50–52 inches, finished top measures approximately 52 inches
3XL: Bust 54–56 inches, finished top measures approximately 56 inches

The body length from underarm to hem is approximately 14–15 inches across all sizes. If you need to adjust the length, simply add or remove rows before the hem edging.

Gauge

Gauge matters enormously in garment making, so please do not skip this step. Even a small difference in gauge will significantly affect the finished dimensions of your top.

Gauge: 16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet using a 4.0mm hook and DK weight cotton yarn.

If your swatch is too large (meaning your stitches are bigger than gauge), try going down a hook size. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. Block your swatch before measuring for the most accurate results.

Abbreviations and Stitch Guide

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
ch-sp — chain space
rep — repeat
sk — skip
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

Mesh Stitch (used in the wing panels): Ch 3, sk 2 sts, sc in next st. Repeat across. This creates the airy, open look that gives the butterfly top its signature drape.

Shell Stitch (used in the hem edging): 5 dc in the same stitch, sk 2 sts, sl st or sc in next st. Repeat across.

Pattern Notes

This top is constructed in pieces and seamed. You will make two body panels (front and back) and two wing panels. The body panels are identical, which keeps things delightfully simple. The wings are worked separately and attached along the side seams, draping down from the underarm area.

Read through the entire pattern before beginning so you have a clear picture of how the pieces come together.

If you prefer a seamless construction, you can work the body in the round and attach the wing panels after the fact — both approaches produce a beautiful finished garment.

The mesh stitch used in the wings grows quickly and has an open, lacy appearance that pairs beautifully with the denser single crochet used in the body panels.

The Pattern

Body Panel (Make 2)

The body panel forms the front and back of the top. Both panels are identical.

Foundation: Chain 73 (83, 93, 103, 113, 123, 133) for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). The chain should measure approximately half your desired finished bust measurement plus 1 inch of ease.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — 72 (82, 92, 102, 112, 122, 132) sc.

Rows 2–6: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. These rows create a solid band at the bottom hem.

Row 7 (Begin Mesh Pattern): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), sk 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st; rep from across. Turn.

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in first dc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from across to turning ch, sc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn.

Rows 9–10: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Rows 11–12: Repeat Rows 7–8.

Rows 13 onward: Continue alternating 2 rows of mesh pattern with 2 rows of solid single crochet until your panel measures 13.5 inches from the foundation chain, ending on a RS row.

Last 4 rows: Ch 1, sc in each st across for 4 rows to create a solid band at the top (neckline/shoulder area). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat the entire body panel for the second piece.

Neckline Shaping (Optional but Recommended)

If you would like a scooped neckline at the front panel, work as follows after completing your front body panel.

Lay the panel flat with the RS facing up. Identify the center 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) stitches at the top edge. With your hook and a new length of yarn, join with a sl st at the left shoulder edge, ch 1, and sc across until you reach the first stitch of the center section. Leave the center stitches unworked and continue sc across to the right shoulder edge. Turn and work 2 more rows of sc across only the right shoulder stitches. Fasten off.

Rejoin yarn at the left shoulder edge with the WS facing and repeat the same process for the left shoulder. This creates a simple U-shaped scoop neckline. Fasten off and weave in ends.

The back panel can be left with a straight neckline or given a very shallow scoop using the same method with a narrower center section of 10–12 stitches.

Wing Panels (Make 2)

The wing panels are what give this top its butterfly magic. They are worked as long rectangles in mesh stitch, which creates a lightweight, flowy fabric that moves beautifully.

Foundation: Chain 91 (91, 97, 97, 103, 103, 109).

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — 90 (90, 96, 96, 102, 102, 108) sc.

Row 2 (Begin Mesh): Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), sk 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 3, sk 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from to last 3 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in last st. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, 3 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc; rep from to last ch-sp, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Continue repeating Rows 2–3 until your wing panel measures 12 inches from the foundation chain, or your desired wingspan length. A longer wing creates a more dramatic butterfly effect, so feel free to add rows.

Last Row: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat for the second wing panel.

Assembly

Lay your two body panels flat with the wrong sides facing each other so the right sides face outward. Using your yarn needle and a length of matching yarn, whipstitch or mattress stitch the shoulder seams together, leaving the neckline open.

Next, fold each body panel in half lengthwise and use a stitch marker to identify the underarm point — this is typically about 7–8 inches down from the shoulder seam. Mark this point on both side edges of both panels.

Seam the side edges from the bottom hem up to the underarm marker, leaving the section above the marker completely open on each side. These open sections are where your wings will attach and where your arms will come through.

Now take your wing panels and fold each one in half lengthwise to find the center point. Pin the center of each wing panel to the open side seam edge of the body, aligning it with the underarm marker. Sew the wing panel to the body along this open edge, working from the underarm down toward the hem. The upper portion of the wing (above the attachment point) will hang freely and drape beautifully when worn.

Hem Edging

Join your yarn at the bottom edge of one body panel at a side seam. Work a row of sc evenly around the entire bottom hem, joining at the end with a sl st.

For a decorative shell edging: Sl st in first st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts; rep from around, join with sl st. Fasten off.

This shell edging adds a beautiful, finished look that echoes the butterfly theme of the top beautifully.

Neckline Edging

Join your yarn at a shoulder seam and work a row of sc evenly around the entire neckline opening. For the scooped neckline front, work 3 sc in each corner stitch at the bottom of the scoop to prevent pulling. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

If you’d like to add a ribbon tie to the neckline, leave a small gap in the edging at the center front and thread a coordinating ribbon through the neckline stitches for a sweet lace-up or bow effect.

Blocking Your Finished Top

Blocking is a transformative step for crochet garments, especially those made with cotton yarn. Wet blocking is recommended for this project.

Soak your finished top in cool water for 15–20 minutes, then gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay the top flat on a blocking mat or clean towel and use rust-proof pins to shape it to your desired dimensions. Pay special attention to the wing panels — spread them out fully and pin them flat so the mesh opens up beautifully. Allow to dry completely, which may take up to 24 hours.

After blocking, the mesh stitch will open up dramatically, the fabric will soften, and the whole top will take on a gorgeous, polished appearance that looks professionally made.

Styling Your Crochet Butterfly Top

The butterfly top is incredibly versatile, which is part of why it’s such a wardrobe staple once you have one in your closet. Here are some easy ways to wear it throughout the season.

For a casual beach or festival look, pair your butterfly top with high-waisted denim shorts and sandals. The flowing wings move with you as you walk, creating an effortlessly boho vibe that photographs beautifully.

For a slightly more polished warm-weather outfit, tuck the front of the top into a flowy midi skirt and add a pair of block-heeled sandals. The structure of the skirt balances the airy quality of the crochet fabric perfectly.

Layer your butterfly top over a fitted tank or bandeau for a little extra coverage while still letting the crochet detail shine. This is a great option if you’ve made your top in a more open mesh weight and want a bit more opacity.

In the fall, try layering a fitted long-sleeve shirt underneath your butterfly top and pairing it with jeans and ankle boots. Crochet garments are remarkably versatile across seasons when you approach them as layering pieces.

Yarn Substitution Tips

This pattern is very yarn-friendly and works beautifully with a wide range of fiber choices beyond cotton. Here are a few things to keep in mind when substituting yarn.

Linen and linen-cotton blends produce a beautiful, slightly crisp fabric that softens with wear and washing. They drape even more elegantly than pure cotton and give the top a luxurious, artisan feel.

Bamboo yarns are incredibly soft and have a lovely natural sheen that elevates the finished look of the mesh stitch sections. They tend to run a little slippery on the hook, so work at a slightly slower pace until you get used to the feel.

Avoid acrylic yarns for summer tops, as they don’t breathe as well as natural fibers. However, if you live in a cooler climate or plan to wear your butterfly top as a layer, a soft, fine-weight acrylic or acrylic blend will give you a warmer top with a beautiful drape.

Always check that your yarn substitute matches the gauge of the original yarn before beginning the project, and swatch generously if you’re uncertain.

Common Questions About This Pattern

Can I make this top in one piece instead of seaming? Absolutely. If you prefer seamless construction, work your body in the round using the same stitch pattern and add the wing panels afterward. The finished look is essentially identical.

What if I want longer sleeves or wings? Simply add more rows to your wing panels before fastening off. Each additional inch of wing length adds roughly 4–5 rows using DK weight yarn. You can extend the wings to nearly elbow length for a dramatic effect that’s still practical for everyday wear.

Can I add a lining? Yes, and it’s a great idea if your mesh sections feel too open for your comfort. A simple camisole worn underneath does the same job without the extra sewing. If you do want to sew in a fabric lining, use a soft, breathable jersey or cotton voile cut to match the body panels.

How do I wash my finished top? Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or machine wash on the delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry to preserve the shape. Avoid the dryer, which can shrink cotton yarn and distort the stitches.

A Few Final Thoughts

This Crochet Butterfly Top is the kind of project that reminds you exactly why you fell in love