Crochet Butterfly Lovey Pattern (Free Baby Security Blanket Pattern)

My crochet butterfly lovey pattern combines the comfort of a baby security blanket with the charm of a colorful butterfly. This free crochet butterfly pattern creates a soft lovey with decorative wings, gentle textures, and an easy-to-hold shape that works beautifully for baby showers, spring baby gifts, and butterfly-themed nurseries. The finished butterfly lovey is lightweight, cuddly, and designed to become a favorite companion during naps, stroller rides, and quiet cuddle time.

By Jan Bay

Crochet Butterfly Lovey Pattern

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Quick note: This is an advanced beginner crochet butterfly lovey pattern, not a first-time crochet project.

This crochet butterfly lovey pattern makes a soft butterfly lovey with a textured blanket body, rounded butterfly head, curved antennae, small arms, and large layered wings. The finished crochet butterfly lovey is designed to match the sample photos, with the head sitting over the wing joins and the blanket hanging below like a soft baby security blanket.

Finished Measurements

• Overall height: approximately 16 inches
• Overall width from wing tip to wing tip: approximately 14 1/2 inches
• Blanket before border: approximately 12 x 12 inches
• Head diameter: approximately 4 to 4 1/4 inches
• Upper wings: approximately 5 1/2 inches tall
• Lower wings: approximately 4 inches tall
• Antennae length: approximately 2 inches
• Arms length: approximately 3 inches

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this butterfly lovey pattern, but your pieces should stay close in size so the finished lovey matches the sample image.

• Blanket gauge: approximately 4 moss stitch repeats across 2 inches
• Head gauge: approximately 5 sc across 1 inch
• If your head is much larger than 4 1/4 inches across, go down a hook size for the amigurumi pieces.
• If your blanket is stiff instead of drapey, go up a hook size for the blanket only.

Yarn Requirements

• Lavender worsted weight yarn: approximately 130 yards
• Cream worsted weight yarn: approximately 75 yards
• Pink worsted weight yarn: approximately 60 yards
• Black embroidery thread: less than 1 yard

Materials

• Worsted weight #4 yarn
• 4 mm crochet hook
• Polyester fiberfill
• Yarn needle
• Embroidery needle
• Stitch markers
• Straight pins for assembly
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• st = stitch
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec = invisible single crochet decrease

Pattern Notes

• This butterfly lovey pattern uses US crochet terms.
• The blanket is worked flat in rows.
• The head, antennae, and arms are worked in continuous rounds.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of every amigurumi round.
• Do not use safety eyes for a baby butterfly crochet pattern. Embroider the face instead.
• The wing panels, wing spots, blocking, and full assembly map are included below.

Textured Butterfly Lovey Blanket

The blanket forms the lower body of this crochet butterfly lovey. The moss stitch gives the fabric a soft, lightly textured surface that looks close to the blanket texture in the sample photo.

Use lavender yarn.

Foundation: Ch 49.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.* Repeat from * to * across. Turn.

Row 1 count: 24 sc and 23 ch-1 spaces.

Row 2: Ch 1. Sc in first sc. *Ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, sc in next sc.* Repeat from * to * across. Turn.

Row 2 count: 24 sc and 23 ch-1 spaces.

Moss Stitch Note: Every row should contain 24 single crochet stitches from edge to edge. The chain spaces create the texture, but they are not counted as stitches. If you lose or gain stitches, count only the single crochet stitches to get back on track.

Rows 3-23: Repeat Row 2.

Row 24: Repeat Row 2.

Row 24 checkpoint: The blanket should measure approximately 6 inches tall and remain square. Lay it flat on a table. The edges should be straight, and the fabric should not pull inward.

Rows 25-35: Repeat Row 2.

Row 36: Repeat Row 2.

Row 36 checkpoint: The blanket should measure approximately 9 inches tall. The moss stitch texture should appear even across the entire piece with no obvious loose or tight sections.

Rows 37-48: Repeat Row 2.

Each row count: 24 sc and 23 ch-1 spaces.

Row 48 checkpoint: The blanket should measure approximately 11 1/2 to 12 inches square. The fabric should drape softly when lifted from one corner. If the blanket feels stiff, use a larger hook for future projects. If it appears narrow, your chain spaces may be too tight.

Blanket Border

The border adds the soft scalloped edge shown in the finished crochet butterfly blanket.

Border Round 1: Join cream yarn in the top right corner.

Ch 1. Work 48 sc evenly across the top edge. In the corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc). Work 48 sc evenly down the first side, placing 1 sc into the end of each row. In the corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc). Work 48 sc across the bottom edge. In the corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc). Work 48 sc evenly up the last side. In the final corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc). Join with sl st to first sc.

Border Round 1 count: 200 sc total, plus 4 corner ch-2 spaces.

Border Round 2: Change to pink. Sl st into first corner ch-2 space. Ch 1. Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner.

Across each side, work: *Skip 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc.* Repeat 12 times across the side. Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space. Repeat for all 4 sides. Join and fasten off.

Border Round 2 count: 12 shells per side, 48 shells total.

Shell Checkpoint: Count 12 shell groups on each side before moving to the next corner. If you find 11 or 13 shells on a side, recheck your side stitch count before continuing. Correcting the count now is much easier than fixing the border later.

Border checkpoint: The edge should look softly scalloped. A slight wave is fine. Heavy ruffling means the shells are too crowded. Curling inward means your double crochets are too tight.

Mark the Blanket Center

Fold the blanket in half from side to side, then fold it in half from top to bottom. Place a stitch marker at the exact center. This center marker will be used in Part 2 to place the butterfly wings and head correctly.

Image-lock note: In the sample, the head sits slightly above the blanket center, and the wings spread behind it. Do not skip this center marker.

Butterfly Head

The head gives this crochet butterfly lovey pattern its baby-safe character. It is sewn over the center wing joins during final assembly, so the bottom should stay slightly flat instead of being pulled into a hard point.

Use cream yarn.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. 6

Round 2: Inc in each st around. 12

Round 3: *Sc 1, inc.* Repeat 6 times. 18

Round 4: *Sc 2, inc.* Repeat 6 times. 24

Round 5: *Sc 3, inc.* Repeat 6 times. 30

Round 6: *Sc 4, inc.* Repeat 6 times. 36

Round 7: *Sc 5, inc.* Repeat 6 times. 42

Rounds 8-9: Sc in each st around. 42 each round

Round 10: Sc in each st around. 42

Round 10 checkpoint: The head should measure approximately 2 1/2 inches across. It should resemble a shallow bowl with smooth sides and no visible corners.

Rounds 11-14: Sc in each st around. 42 each round

Round 14 checkpoint: The head should measure approximately 4 to 4 1/4 inches across. Viewed from above, it should appear nearly round. If the shape looks hexagonal, your increases may not be distributed correctly.

Round 15: *Sc 5, dec.* Repeat 6 times. 36

Round 16: *Sc 4, dec.* Repeat 6 times. 30

Round 17: *Sc 3, dec.* Repeat 6 times. 24

Round 18: *Sc 2, dec.* Repeat 6 times. 18

Add stuffing after Round 18. Use several small pieces of stuffing rather than one large handful. Continue shaping the head with your fingers as you stuff. The finished head should feel firm but still slightly squeezable, with a smooth front and a slightly flattened bottom that will sit securely against the blanket during assembly.

Round 19: *Sc 1, dec.* Repeat 6 times. 12

Fasten off, leaving a 24-inch sewing tail. Do not pull the bottom completely closed. Leave the base slightly flattened so the head sits neatly on the butterfly lovey blanket.

Face Placement Guide

Before assembling the butterfly lovey, mark the future eye locations.

Place one stitch marker between Rounds 10 and 11.

Count 7 stitches across the front of the head and place a second marker between Rounds 10 and 11.

These markers indicate the eye positions used in Part 2.

Do not embroider the eyes yet. The face is completed after the wings and head have been assembled so the butterfly is facing straight forward.

Butterfly Antennae

The curved antennae help turn the finished project from a simple crochet butterfly blanket into a recognizable butterfly lovey.

Make 2 with lavender yarn.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. 6

Round 2: Sc in each st around. 6

Do not stuff the antenna ball.

Stem: Ch 10. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining chain back toward the small ball. Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Antenna checkpoint: Each antenna should measure approximately 2 inches from the base to the tip. The small ball should sit softly at the end without looking heavy.

Butterfly Arms

These small arms help the finished baby butterfly crochet pattern match the sample design more closely. The hands are lightly stuffed, while the lavender arms stay soft and flexible.

Make 2. Start with cream yarn.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. 6

Round 2: Inc in each st around. 12

Rounds 3-4: Sc in each st around. 12 each round

Lightly stuff the cream hand only.

Change to lavender yarn.

Rounds 5-10: Sc in each st around. 12 each round

Flatten the opening. Sc through both layers to close.

Closure count: 6 sc across.

Fasten off, leaving a 16-inch sewing tail.

Arm checkpoint: Each arm should measure approximately 3 inches long. The cream hand should be softly rounded, and the lavender arm should bend easily.

Before Beginning Part 2

Check that all pieces are complete before beginning the butterfly wings and assembly.

• 1 blanket
• 1 butterfly head
• 2 antennae
• 2 arms

Lightly shape the stuffed head with your hands.

Verify that the blanket center marker is still in place.

The center marker will be used for all wing and head placement measurements in Part 2.

If your measurements are close to the checkpoints throughout Part 1, the finished butterfly lovey should assemble correctly and match the proportions shown in the sample photos.

Butterfly Wing and Assembly Instructions

The next sections continue this crochet butterfly lovey pattern with one-piece wing panels, decorative wing spots, blocking instructions, face embroidery, exact assembly measurements from the blanket center, troubleshooting help, and baby safety notes.

Designer Note: The wing panel below was created to closely match the butterfly lovey shown in the sample photos. Because the original construction method is not available, the wing shaping is an original design intended to recreate the same overall butterfly silhouette.

Butterfly Wing Panels

Unlike many butterfly lovey patterns that use separate upper and lower wings, this design uses a single wing panel on each side. The upper lobe, waist, and lower lobe are worked as one piece to create a smooth butterfly silhouette that closely resembles the sample photos.

Make 2 wing panels.

Use cream yarn.

Wing Foundation

Ch 18.

Round 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook. Sc in next 15 chains. Work 3 sc in final chain. Rotate and work along the opposite side of the foundation chain. Sc in next 15 stitches. Work 2 sc in final stitch. Join with sl st.

Round 1 count: 36 sts.

Round 2: Inc in first stitch. Sc 15. Inc in each of next 3 stitches. Sc 15. Inc in each of last 2 stitches. Join.

Round 2 count: 42 sts.

Round 3: Sc 1, inc. Sc 15. (Sc 1, inc) 3 times. Sc 15. (Sc 1, inc) 2 times. Join.

Round 3 count: 48 sts.

Round 4: Sc in each stitch around.

Round 4 count: 48 sts.

Checkpoint: The wing should measure approximately 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide. It should resemble a rounded oval.

Upper Lobe Expansion

Place stitch markers in Stitch 12 and Stitch 36. These markers identify the upper half of the wing.

Round 5: Between the stitch markers work (Sc 4, inc) 4 times. Work all remaining stitches as sc. Join.

Round 5 count: 52 sts.

Round 6: Sc around.

Round 6 count: 52 sts.

Round 7: Between the stitch markers work (Sc 5, inc) 4 times. Work all remaining stitches as sc. Join.

Round 7 count: 56 sts.

Checkpoint: The upper portion of the wing should now be noticeably wider than the lower portion.

Waist Shaping

This section creates the inward curve between the upper and lower butterfly lobes.

Round 8: At both side edges work Dec, Sc 8, Dec. Work all remaining stitches as sc.

Round 8 count: 52 sts.

Round 9: Repeat Round 8.

Round 9 count: 48 sts.

Checkpoint: The wing should now show a visible inward curve at the center.

Lower Lobe Expansion

Round 10: Work 4 evenly spaced increases around the lower half of the wing. Work all remaining stitches as sc.

Round 10 count: 52 sts.

Round 11: Sc around.

Round 11 count: 52 sts.

Round 12: Work 4 evenly spaced increases around the lower half of the wing. Work all remaining stitches as sc.

Round 12 count: 56 sts.

Wing Checkpoint: The finished wing should measure approximately 7 1/2 to 8 inches tall and 4 1/2 to 5 inches wide. The upper lobe should be larger than the lower lobe, with a noticeable waist between them.

Pink Accent Round

Join pink yarn.

Work 1 round of single crochet evenly around the entire wing.

Join and fasten off.

Lavender Border

Join lavender yarn.

Round 1: Hdc evenly around the entire wing.

Join.

Round 2: Sl st in every stitch around the wing.

Join and fasten off.

Border Checkpoint: The lavender edging should create the bold outline visible in the sample photos.

Butterfly Wing Spots

Large Spots (Make 2)

Use lavender yarn.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)

Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail.

Small Spots (Make 4)

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail.

Spot Placement

Sew all three spots on the vertical centerline of the wing.

Top Spot: Center approximately 1 1/4 inches below the top edge.

Middle Spot: Center in the widest section of the upper lobe.

Bottom Spot: Center in the lower lobe approximately 1 1/4 inches above the bottom edge.

Repeat for the second wing.

Wing Fit Check

Before adding the border, compare the wing to the finished measurements listed at the beginning of the pattern.

The wing should have:

• A slightly larger upper lobe
• A gentle inward curve at the waist
• A smaller rounded lower lobe
• A finished height of approximately 7 1/2 to 8 inches

If your tension runs unusually tight or loose, minor differences in size are normal. The overall butterfly silhouette is more important than matching the exact measurements.

If desired, lightly reshape the upper and lower lobes during blocking before attaching the wings to the lovey.

Blocking

Before assembly, lightly mist the wings with water.

Pin each wing flat to a blocking board or towel.

Shape the upper and lower lobes so both wings match.

Allow to dry completely before sewing.

Final Wing Checkpoint: Lay both wings side by side before assembly. The upper lobes should match each other closely, the lower lobes should match each other closely, and both wings should have a similar inward curve at the waist. Small differences are normal and can usually be corrected during blocking.

Do not skip this step. The finished butterfly shape depends on symmetrical wings.

Assembly, Embroidery and Finishing

This section brings all of the pieces together and creates the finished butterfly lovey shown in the sample photos. Take your time during assembly. The placement of the wings, head, antennae, and arms has a bigger effect on the finished appearance than any individual crochet stitch.

Assembly Order

1. Block both wings.
2. Sew the wing spots onto each wing.
3. Position and pin the wings to the blanket.
4. Sew the wings securely in place.
5. Sew the head over the wing joins.
6. Sew on the antennae.
7. Sew on the arms.
8. Embroider the face.
9. Weave in all ends.
10. Perform the final safety check.

Wing Placement

Lay the blanket flat with the center marker visible.

The center marker placed in Part 1 is the reference point for all measurements below.

Left Wing Placement

• Position the inner edge of the wing directly beside the blanket center marker.
• The inner edge should meet the inner edge of the opposite wing at the center of the blanket.
• The upper lobe should extend approximately 3 inches above the center marker.
• The lower lobe should end approximately 1 inch above the top edge of the blanket body.

Right Wing Placement

• Position the inner edge of the wing directly beside the blanket center marker.
• The inner edge should meet the inner edge of the opposite wing at the center of the blanket.
• Match the height of the left wing before pinning.
• Check that both upper lobes rise to the same height.

Pinning Checkpoint

Before sewing, stand several feet back and look at the butterfly.

The wings should appear symmetrical from left to right.

If one wing looks larger, adjust the position slightly before sewing.

Sewing the Wings

Thread a yarn needle with the long wing tail.

Use whip stitch through both loops of the wing edge and the blanket stitches beneath.

Sew around the entire inner edge of each wing.

Do not sew the outer portions of the wings to the blanket. Leaving the outer edges free allows the butterfly wings to remain soft and dimensional.

Head Placement

The head should cover all wing attachment seams.

• Center the head directly over the blanket center marker.
• The bottom of the head should sit approximately 1 inch above the blanket center marker.
• The head should overlap both wings equally.

Pin the head in place before sewing.

Placement Checkpoint: Before sewing, confirm that the head covers all wing joins and that the blanket hangs straight beneath the head. If the blanket appears tilted, reposition the head before sewing.

Check that no wing joins are visible from the front.

Use whip stitch through both loops around the entire head opening.

Pull each stitch snugly, but not so tightly that the head becomes distorted.

Head Checkpoint

Gently shake the lovey.

If the head shifts or wobbles, add another round of sewing before continuing.

Antennae Placement

Position the antennae at the top center of the head.

• Place the bases approximately 4 stitches apart.
• Sew the antennae between Rounds 2 and 3 of the head.
• Angle each antenna slightly outward.
• Check both sides from the front before sewing.

Sew securely using several passes through the base of each antenna.

Arm Placement

The arms should sit just below the widest part of the head.

• Position one arm low on each side, in the neck area where the head meets the blanket body.
• Attach each arm so the top of the arm disappears slightly under the lower edge of the head.
• The hands should rest over the upper blanket body.
• Angle the arms slightly downward.

Pin both arms before sewing.

Check that they match when viewed from the front.

Face Embroidery

Use black embroidery thread.

The eye markers placed in Part 1 should still be visible.

Eyes

• Embroider a small vertical eye at each marker.
• Each eye should be approximately 2 stitches tall.
• The eyes should sit between Rounds 10 and 11.

Smile

• Center the smile between the eyes.
• Place it approximately 2 rounds below the eyes.
• Use a shallow curved stitch.

Optional Cheeks

• Add a small pink stitch below each eye.
• Keep the cheeks subtle.

Final Measurements

Your finished crochet butterfly lovey should measure approximately:

• Approximately 15 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches tall
• Approximately 14 to 15 inches wide

Minor variations caused by yarn choice and tension are normal.

Troubleshooting

My Wings Curl

Lightly mist and re-block the wings. Pin the upper and lower lobes into shape and allow them to dry completely.

My Wings Look Uneven

Check that both wings are positioned the same distance from the center marker before sewing.

My Head Wobbles

Add another round of whip stitching around the head attachment area.

One Wing Sits Higher Than the Other

Remove the sewing stitches from the higher wing and reposition it before reattaching.

The Butterfly Looks Narrow

Gently stretch the wings outward during blocking before assembly.

FAQ About This Crochet Butterfly Lovey Pattern

Is this crochet butterfly lovey pattern beginner friendly?

This pattern is best for an advanced beginner. You should already know how to make single crochet, double crochet, increases, decreases, simple color changes, and basic sewing joins.

Can I use safety eyes on this butterfly lovey?

No. For a baby lovey, embroidered eyes are the better choice. Buttons, beads, and plastic safety eyes can become choking hazards if they loosen over time.

Can I change the colors?

Yes. Keep enough contrast between the wing border, wing center, and spots so the butterfly shape stays clear.

Why are the wings made as one-piece panels?

The one-piece wing panel keeps the butterfly shape cleaner and reduces extra seams. It also helps the head cover the center join more neatly during assembly.

Baby Safety Notes

This crochet butterfly lovey pattern is intended for a handmade lovey or supervised comfort item, not for unsupervised infant sleep. For current safe-sleep guidance, review the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Safe Sleep information, which explains why soft objects should stay out of an infant sleep space.

• Use embroidered eyes only for this crochet butterfly lovey pattern.
• Secure all sewn pieces firmly.
• Weave in every yarn end twice.
• Inspect regularly for loose stitches or damage.
• Keep any lovey, blanket, or soft handmade item out of a baby’s crib during unsupervised sleep.

Before gifting this crochet butterfly lovey pattern, tug-test the head, wings, arms, antennae, and wing spots. A finished crochet butterfly lovey pattern should feel soft, secure, and free of loose ends.

Before Calling It Finished

• Head centered
• Wing joins hidden
• Both wings symmetrical
• Spots securely attached
• Face centered
• Antennae secure
• Arms evenly positioned
• All ends woven in
• No gaps in sewing seams

Once everything passes the final checklist, your crochet butterfly lovey is ready to gift, display, or enjoy as part of a butterfly-themed nursery.

For a complete room plan to match the finished lovey, these butterfly nursery theme ideas show how to coordinate butterfly bedding, wall decor, colors and handmade accents.