I woke up one morning and decided I needed a Monarch Butterfly. So, I started. It didn’t look right. The day next I tried again… nope. Rows, rounds, nothing actually worked. Fast forward to day five – a Sunday – and by then I was obsessed. By the end of the day I had a realistic looking Monarch Butterfly.
I had to do some interesting things to make it work, and I made meticulous notes, but no matter what, every time I tried to follow my own notes, I ended up with a butterfly that looked slightly different from the last.
Freeform crochet is probably my favorite form of crochet. And I know there are so many cute patterns for butterflies out there, but I really wanted one that looked like the real thing, and the only way to do that was to bend standard crochet “rules.”
I love what I’ve done! After a month, using stitch markers as milestones throughout each wing, I have a pattern that produces a gorgeous appliqué that can be applied to jackets and purses. I even framed the first one because I like insect art, but I don’t like the idea of actual insects being framed.
I will probably improve upon this as time goes by. I’m going to make a small one with size 3 yarn – two sided – and hang it from the rearview mirror in my car. I’ll post pictures of every incarnation!
My Supply List:
You can purchase the materials at the links below. They are affiliate links, and there is no extra cost to you.
LHD Crochet Monarch Butterfly Appliqué: https://lydiahawk.com/product/pattern-lhd-freeform-crochet-monarch-butterfly-applique/
Caron Simply Soft Yarn: https://amzn.to/4erIX6o
Size US 8 (5mm) Crochet Hook: https://amzn.to/4eb5gMs
Stitch Markers: https://amzn.to/4dX2dXS
Tapestry Needles: https://amzn.to/4uUOgBi
Doll Stuffing (for body): https://amzn.to/4e2kN0R
Black Chenille Stem (optional): https://amzn.to/4vskL9G
Watch the Top Left Wing for free to see if it’s the right pattern for you!
3 Responses
Would love a video tutorial, I purchased the pattern but it won’t let me open the link to the video
Hi Clara! Did you get my email response? I just need your permission to start a subscription – at no extra cost. If you didn’t get it, I also sent a message through Etsy. Let me know if that’s okay. You’ll get a membership to those videos on the site. Buying through my website automatically creates it and sends links with instructions, but I have to jump through a few extra hoops when the pattern is bought through Etsy or Ravelry. lol
You should have an email with a link so you can choose your password for the site. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or go to:
My Account (top menu) and enter your email. You can change your password from there. After that the link to the videos are under:
My Account > Memberships