Girls’ Butterfly Mandala Crochet Vest
Have you made a mandala crochet vest before? If you haven’t, it’s high time you did so because these are lightweight, colorful makes that are perfect for wearing all-year round and add so much personality to any outfit.
Crocheted up in a circle with armholes, this particular mandala vest has beautiful butterflies worked into the rows, making them secure in their stitching. The lacy design allows for plenty of ventilation when your child wears it outside to play and you can choose to style it with a tank top or full-sleeved shirt, depending on the weather.
You’ll find the free girls’ crochet mandala vest in the post below, or you can find an ad-free printable PDF (that includes all photo tutorials), on Ravelry, or Etsy (aff).
I know kids love to be unrestricted in their play and having a nice flowing piece like this makes it easier for them to use their hands. This vest was designed to capture the beautifully carefree spirit of little girls and with the colorful yarn as well as the butterflies, I think it does so nicely!
You can also choose to make this in a solid color, if there’s a favorite one of the intended wearer. That makes this piece uniquely theirs and they’ll love to frolic about in it.
Related: If you want to use this in warmer weather when the sun’s out, pair it with the Makin’ Lemonade Sunhat to complete the outfit.
How to Crochet a Mandala Vest
A mandala crochet vest is a pretty simple make because you just work around in a circle. You’ll start with a magic ring and complete the rounds to add both length and width to the piece.
In between, as indicated in the written pattern, you’ll leave gaps for the armholes and then continue on with the rest of the vest. There’s not much to this construction-wise but you have to be careful when the butterflies come in to ensure they’re made securely.
How To Get The
Girls’ Butterfly Mandala Crochet Vest Pattern
Option 1: Scroll down for the free mandala crochet vest pattern right here in this blog post.
Option 2: Purchase the ad-free printable PDF from one of my shops:
Best Yarn for Crochet Mandala Vests
For mandala crochet vests, while there are many options to choose from with cakes that have all sorts of variegations, I used an acrylic yarn. Because of the acrylic, it holds its shape well and has good stitch definition, which is especially great for patterns that have unique combinations and lacework such as this one.
This yarn is also readily available and comes in a variety of self-striping patterns which allows you to choose just the right one for whoever is receiving this mandala crochet vest. You also have the option of going for a solid-colored yarn which looks great too!
Choosing Which Size to Crochet
There are four different sizes to choose from for this crochet mandala vest.
- To find your child’s ‘Across Back Measurement’, measure straight across their back at the armpit (make sure not to include the arms). Choose size based on this measurement.
Size & Yardage Chart
The notes above refer to this size chart.
Yarn
This mandala crochet vest was designed with a DK weight yarn to make sure it would be light enough to be worn on warmer days. I chose not to use a bulky yarn for fear it would then be too thick to be worn in the transitioning months of autumn and spring (we want to get the most wear out of this everyday piece) and it wouldn’t have that beautiful drape to it.
Lion Brand Mandala® Yarn is an excellent choice for this girls crochet vest pattern. Because of the design within the first 8 rounds, I decided to cut my yarn to get the color changes where I wanted them. I did not waste yarn by doing this. Then, beginning with round 8, I used the yarn in the order shown on the yarn label and allowed the color changes to happen naturally.
The photos below show how I took apart my cake of yarn. Not all cakes come with the same color progression so your cake may begin with a color other than pink. Use the color swatch on the yarn label for reference if you forget which color comes next in the cake.
I first cut yellow, then orange, then hot pink, then purple. I then began round 8 with the bright green (shown in the middle pic on the bottom) and worked until I ran out of that ball. Looking at my yarn label, hot pink came next so I joined the hot pink, then orange, then back to yellow.
Color Suggestion: I suggest using a lighter color for Rnds 5 & 8 as this will become the background for your butterflies and a dark color for Rnds 6 & 7 as these rounds are your butterflies.
Girls’ Butterfly Mandala Crochet Vest – Free Pattern
The girls crochet vest is free below, but if you love to work offline, I’ve got a couple other great options for you.
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF, (that includes all photo tutorials), on Ravelry, or on Etsy (aff).
This post contains affiliate links.
Materials
- Yarn: DK Weight / 3 / Yarn, Lion Brand Mandala® Yarn [100% acrylic (590 yds / 540 m / 150 g / 5.3 oz)].
- Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00mm or size needed to obtain gauge (My favorite crochet hooks are the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching).
- Measuring Tape
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp(s): space(s)
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- fpdc: front post double crochet
- fptr: front post treble crochet
- dc2tog: double crochet 2 together
- yo: yarn over
- Rep: repeat
- Rnd: round
- FLO: front loop only
- BLO: back loop only
- MR: magic ring
Experience Level
- Easy / Intermediate
Gauge
- Dimensions given after certain rounds of the pattern.
Sizes
- Child: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large
- See Size & Yardage Chart above.
Special Stitches
- Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog): Yo, insert your hook into the next st (or ch sp), yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert your hook into the next st (or ch sp), yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru remaining loops.
- Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yo, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the designated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru remaining 2 loops.
- Front Post Treble Crochet (fptr): Yo 2 twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the designated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, (yo, pull thru 2 loops) 3 times.
Pattern Notes
- I tend to crochet on the tighter side. You may need to go down a hook size (or two) to meet gauge if you crochet on the looser side.
- Yarn Notes: Lion Brand Mandala® Yarn [100% acrylic (590 yds / 540 m / 150 g / 5.3 oz)] was used for the sample in the pictures. Another comparable #3 DK weight yarn may be used as long as gauge is met.
- Yardage & Color: The following sizes use less than 1 cake of Mandala: XS, S, M. The Large size will use approximately 1-1/6 cakes, or 670 yards.
- Gnome [525-209Y]
- Construction Notes: The mandala crochet vest is worked in the round starting with a magic circle. The butterflies are worked into the vest and the armholes are shaped in between in the rounds indicated.
Butterfly Girls’ Mandala Crochet Vest – Written Pattern
X-Small
Rnd 1 (Yellow): Begin w/ a magic ring, sl st in MR then ch 1, work 8 sc in MR. Join w/ sl st to 1st st. (8 sts)
Rnd 2 (Yellow): Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st and each st around. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (16 dc + 8 ch-1)
Rnd 3 (Yellow): Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 8 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 5 ) work from ( to ) 7 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (8 dc2tog + 8 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 4 (Yellow): Ch 1, ( 7 sc in ch-5 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 8 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (64 sts)
Rnd 5 (Orange): Sl st over to next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (56 dc + 24 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 6 (Pink): ch 1, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, [ sl st in the BLO of the next fpdc, ch 8, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, (3 tr, dc) in same BLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in FLO of same fpdc, ch 4, (tr, dc) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 4, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, 3 tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, ch 5, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 1, working behind upper left butterfly wing, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, fpdc around next fpdc*, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps ] work from [ to ] around, ending last rep at *. Join w/ a sl st to 1st sc. (76 sts + 4 butterflies) See below for photo tutorials & tips for the butterflies.
Rnd 7 (Purple): Ch 1, [ sc in the next 9 sts, sl st in the center opening of the next butterfly, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, fptr around the fpdc from Rnd 4 (yellow, working down the front of the butterfly for its’ belly), sl st in the center of the butterfly again, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, working behind the butterfly, sc in the next 9 sts, fpdc around the next fpdc ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (80 sts + butterfly belly and antennae)
This is where I began using the yarn as it came in the cake. Beginning with bright green. I will not refer to colors after this point. Check out the Yarn instructions above to see how I took apart my cake. Refer to the yarn label for the color progression.
Rnd 8 (Green): Sl st over to the next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (72 sts + 32 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 9: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 31 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 6. (32 dc2tog +32 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 32 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (128 sts) ***Diameter approx. 8″
Rnd 11: (count each ch-1 sp as a st) Ch 1, sc in each of the next 12 sts, ch 20, skip the next 16 sts, sc in the next 20 sts, ch 20, skip the next 16 sts, sc in the next 64 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (96 sts + 40 chs)
Rnd 12: Ch 1, sc in each st & ch around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (136 sts)
Rnd 13: Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st ] rep from [ to ] around to the last 6 sts, then [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts ] twice. Join w/ a sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (162 sts) ***Diameter approx. 11-3/4”
Rnd 14: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 53 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (54 dc2tog +54 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 15: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 54 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (216 sts)
Rnd 16: Sl st over to the next st, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (162 sts + 54 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 17: Sl st into next ch-2 sp, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, fptr around next fptr, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next ch-2 sp, fptr around next fptr ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (162 sts + 54 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around to last 2 sts, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (272 sts)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (68 sts + 68 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 20: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 16 times ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (72 sts +72 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 21: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (72 sts +72 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 22: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 16 times ] work from [ to ] around to the last 3 ch-5 sps, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) 4 times . Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (76 sts +76 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 23: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, [ sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (76 sts +76 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 24: Ch 1, fpdc around the same sc as ch-1, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp, [ fpdc around the next sc, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (456 sts)
Rnd 25: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (114 sts + 114 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 26: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, *(sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in the next ch-5 sp, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (684 sts)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Small
Rnd 1 (Yellow): Begin w/ a magic ring, sl st in MR then ch 1, work 8 sc in MR. Join w/ sl st to 1st st. (8 sts)
Rnd 2 (Yellow): Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st and each st around. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (16 dc + 8 ch-1)
Rnd 3 (Yellow): Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 8 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 5 ) work from ( to ) 7 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (8 dc2tog + 8 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 4 (Yellow): Ch 1, ( 7 sc in ch-5 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 8 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (64 sts)
Rnd 5 (Orange): Sl st over to next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (56 dc + 24 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 6 (Pink): ch 1, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, [ sl st in the BLO of the next fpdc, ch 8, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, (3 tr, dc) in same BLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in FLO of same fpdc, ch 4, (tr, dc) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 4, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, 3 tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, ch 5, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 1, working behind upper left butterfly wing, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, fpdc around next fpdc*, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps ] work from [ to ] around, ending last rep at *. Join w/ a sl st to 1st sc. (76 sts + 4 butterflies) See below for photo tutorials & tips for the butterflies.
Rnd 7 (Purple): Ch 1, [ sc in the next 9 sts, sl st in the center opening of the next butterfly, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, fptr around the fpdc from Rnd 4 (yellow, working down the front of the butterfly for its’ belly), sl st in the center of the butterfly again, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, working behind the butterfly, sc in the next 9 sts, fpdc around the next fpdc ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (80 sts + butterfly belly and antennae)
This is where I began using the yarn as it came in the cake. Beginning with bright green. I will not refer to colors after this point. Check out the Yarn instructions above to see how I took apart my cake. Refer to the yarn label for the color progression.
Rnd 8 (Green): Sl st over to the next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (72 sts + 32 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 9: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 31 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 6. (32 dc2tog +32 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 32 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (128 sts) ***Diameter approx. 8″
Rnd 11: Sl st over to the next st, ch 5 (counts as 1st tr + ch-1), tr in same st as ch-5, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 1, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 5. (96 sts + 32 ch-1 sps) ***Diameter approx. 9-1/2”
Rnd 12: (count each ch-1 sp as a st) Sl st in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-1 sp, sc in next 2 sts, ch 22, skip the next 18 sts, sc in the next 22 sts, ch 22, skip the next 18 sts, sc in the next 67 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (136 sts)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in each st & ch around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (136 sts)
Rnd 14: Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st ] rep from [ to ] around to the last 6 sts, then [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts ] twice. Join w/ a sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (162 sts) ***Diameter approx. 11-3/4”
Rnd 15: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 53 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (54 dc2tog +54 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 54 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (216 sts)
Rnd 17: Sl st over to the next st, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (162 sts + 54 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 18: Sl st into next ch-2 sp, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, fptr around next fptr, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next ch-2 sp, fptr around next fptr ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (162 sts + 54 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around to last 2 sts, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (272 sts)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (68 sts + 68 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 21: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 16 times ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (72 sts +72 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 22: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (72 sts +72 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 23: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 16 times ] work from [ to ] around to the last 3 ch-5 sps, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) 4 times . Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (76 sts +76 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 24: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (76 sts +76 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 25: Ch 1, fpdc around the same sc as ch-1, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp, [ fpdc around the next sc, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (456 sts)
Rnd 26: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (114 sts + 114 ch-5 sps)
Rnds 27 – 30: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (114 sts +114 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 31: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, *(sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in the next ch-5 sp, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (684 sts)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Medium
Rnd 1 (Yellow): Begin w/ a magic ring, sl st in MR then ch 1, work 8 sc in MR. Join w/ sl st to 1st st. (8 sts)
Rnd 2 (Yellow): Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st and each st around. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (16 dc + 8 ch-1)
Rnd 3 (Yellow): Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 8 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 5 ) work from ( to ) 7 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (8 dc2tog + 8 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 4 (Yellow): Ch 1, ( 7 sc in ch-5 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 8 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (64 sts)
Rnd 5 (Orange): Sl st over to next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (56 dc + 24 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 6 (Pink): ch 1, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, [ sl st in the BLO of the next fpdc, ch 8, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, (3 tr, dc) in same BLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in FLO of same fpdc, ch 4, (tr, dc) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 4, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, 3 tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, ch 5, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 1, working behind upper left butterfly wing, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, fpdc around next fpdc*, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps ] work from [ to ] around, ending last rep at *. Join w/ a sl st to 1st sc. (76 sts + 4 butterflies) See below for photo tutorials & tips for the butterflies.
Rnd 7 (Purple): Ch 1, [ sc in the next 9 sts, sl st in the center opening of the next butterfly, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, fptr around the fpdc from Rnd 4 (yellow, working down the front of the butterfly for its’ belly), sl st in the center of the butterfly again, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, working behind the butterfly, sc in the next 9 sts, fpdc around the next fpdc ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (80 sts + butterfly belly and antennae)
This is where I began using the yarn as it came in the cake. Beginning with bright green. I will not refer to colors after this point. Check out the Yarn instructions above to see how I took apart my cake. Refer to the yarn label for the color progression.
Rnd 8 (Green): Sl st over to the next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (72 sts + 32 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 9: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 31 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 6. (32 dc2tog +32 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 32 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (128 sts) ***Diameter approx. 8″
Rnd 11: Sl st over to the next st, ch 5 (counts as 1st tr + ch-1), tr in same st as ch-5, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 1, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 5. (96 sts + 32 ch-1 sps) ***Diameter approx. 9-1/2”
Rnd 12: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 5 (counts as 1st tr + ch-1), tr in same st as ch-5, fptr around next fptr, [ (tr, ch 1, tr) in next ch-1 sp, fptr around next fptr ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 5. (96 sts + 32 ch-1 sps) ***Diameter approx. 10-3/4”
Rnd 13: (count each ch-1 sp as a st) Ch 24, skip the next 20 sts, sc in the next 24 sts, ch 24, skip the next 20 sts, sc in the next 64 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (88 sts + 48 chs)
Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc in each st & ch around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (136 sts)
Rnd 15: Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st ] rep from [ to ] around to the last 6 sts, then [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts ] twice. Join w/ a sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (162 sts) ***Diameter approx. 11-3/4”
Rnd 16: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 53 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (54 dc2tog +54 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 17: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 54 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (216 sts)
Rnd 18: Sl st over to the next st, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (162 sts + 54 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 19: Sl st into next ch-2 sp, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, fptr around next fptr, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next ch-2 sp, fptr around next fptr ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (162 sts + 54 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around to last 2 sts, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (272 sts)
Rnd 21: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (68 sts + 68 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 22: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 16 times ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (72 sts +72 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 23: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, [ sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (72 sts +72 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 24: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 16 times ] work from [ to ] around to the last 3 ch-5 sps, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) 4 times . Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (76 sts +76 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 25: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (76 sts +76 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 26: Ch 1, fpdc around the same sc as ch-1, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp, [ fpdc around the next sc, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (456 sts)
Rnd 27: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (114 sts + 114 ch-5 sps)
Rnds 28 – 31: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (114 sts +114 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 32: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, *(sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in the next ch-5 sp, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (684 sts)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Large
Rnd 1 (Yellow): Begin w/ a magic ring, sl st in MR then ch 1, work 8 sc in MR. Join w/ sl st to 1st st. (8 sts)
Rnd 2 (Yellow): Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st and each st around. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (16 dc + 8 ch-1)
Rnd 3 (Yellow): Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 8 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 5 ) work from ( to ) 7 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (8 dc2tog + 8 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 4 (Yellow): Ch 1, ( 7 sc in ch-5 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 8 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (64 sts)
Rnd 5 (Orange): Sl st over to next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (56 dc + 24 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 6 (Pink): ch 1, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, [ sl st in the BLO of the next fpdc, ch 8, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, (3 tr, dc) in same BLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in FLO of same fpdc, ch 4, (tr, dc) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 4, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, (dc, 3 tr) in same FLO of fpdc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from your hook, ch 5, sl st in same FLO of fpdc, ch 1, working behind upper left butterfly wing, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps, fpdc around next fpdc*, sc in the next 9 dc & ch-1 sps ] work from [ to ] around, ending last rep at *. Join w/ a sl st to 1st sc. (76 sts + 4 butterflies) See below for photo tutorials & tips for the butterflies.
Rnd 7 (Purple): Ch 1, [ sc in the next 9 sts, sl st in the center opening of the next butterfly, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, fptr around the fpdc from Rnd 4 (yellow, working down the front of the butterfly for its’ belly), sl st in the center of the butterfly again, ch 5, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook and in the next 3 chs, sl st in the center of the butterfly again, working behind the butterfly, sc in the next 9 sts, fpdc around the next fpdc ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (80 sts + butterfly belly and antennae)
This is where I began using the yarn as it came in the cake. Beginning with bright green. I will not refer to colors after this point. Check out the Yarn instructions above to see how I took apart my cake. Refer to the yarn label for the color progression.
Rnd 8 (Green): Sl st over to the next st, ch 4 (counts as 1st dc + ch-1), dc in same st as ch-4, skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] twice, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, *skip next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, then dc2tog in the next 2 sc (skipping behind butterfly), [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (72 sts + 32 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 9: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 31 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 6. (32 dc2tog +32 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 32 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (128 sts) ***Diameter approx. 8″
Rnd 11: Sl st over to the next st, ch 5 (counts as 1st tr + ch-1), tr in same st as ch-5, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 1, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 5. (96 sts + 32 ch-1 sps) ***Diameter approx. 9-1/2”
Rnd 12: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 5 (counts as 1st tr + ch-1), tr in same st as ch-5, fptr around next fptr, [ (tr, ch 1, tr) in next ch-1 sp, fptr around next fptr ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 5. (96 sts + 32 ch-1 sps) ***Diameter approx. 10-3/4”
Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in each st & ch around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (128 sts)
Rnd 14: Ch 1, ( 2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 15 sts ) work from ( to ) around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (136 sts)
Rnd 15: Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st ] rep from [ to ] around to the last 6 sts, then [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts ] twice. Join w/ a sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (162 sts) ***Diameter approx. 11-3/4”
Rnd 16: (count each ch-1 sp as a st) Sl st in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-1 sp, sc in next 5 sts, ch 26, skip the next 22 sts, sc in the next 28 sts, ch 26, skip the next 22 sts, sc in the next 84 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (170 sts)
Rnd 17: Ch 4 (counts as 1st dc and 1 ch), dc in same st as ch 4, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st, [ (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, skip the next st ] rep from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. (204 sts)
Rnd 18: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 6 (1st 3 chs do not count as 1st dc), ( dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp, ch 3 ) work from ( to ) 67 times, then dc2tog in same ch-1 sp and next ch-1 sp. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 8. (68 dc2tog +68 ch-3 sps)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, ( 3 sc in ch-3 sp, fpdc around next dc2tog ) work from ( to ) 68 times. Join w/ sl st to 1st sc. (272 sts)
Rnd 20: Sl st over to the next st, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next st, skip next st, fptr around next fpdc, skip next st ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (204 sts + 68 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 21: Sl st into next ch-2 sp, ch 6 (counts as 1st tr + ch-2), tr in same st as ch-6, fptr around next fptr, [ (tr, ch 2, tr) in next ch-2 sp, fptr around next fptr ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch 6. (204 sts +68 ch-2 sps)
Rnd 22: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around to last 2 sts. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (340 sts)
Rnd 23: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (85 sts + 85 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 24: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 20 times ] work from [ to ] around to last ch-5 sp, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) in last ch-5 sp. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (89 sts +89 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 25: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (89 sts +89 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 26: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [ (sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5) twice, (sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5) 21 times ] work from [ to ] around to the last ch-5 sp, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) in last ch-5 sp . Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (93 sts +93 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 27: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (93 sts +93 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 28: Ch 1, fpdc around the same sc as ch-1, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp, [ fpdc around the next sc, 5 dc in the next ch-5 sp ] work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st st. (558 sts)
Rnd 29: Ch 1, sc in the same st as ch-1, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts, [ sc in the next st, ch 5, skip the next 3 sts ] work from [ to ] around to last 2 sts, sc in the next st, ch 5, skip last st. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (140 sts + 140 ch-5 sps)
Rnds 30 – 35: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in the same ch-5 sp, ch 5, ( sc in the next ch-5 sp, ch 5 ) work from [ to ] around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (140 sts + 140 ch-5 sps)
Rnd 36: Sl st into the next ch-5 sp, ch 1, *(sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in the next ch-5 sp, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. (840 sts)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Progression Photos & Butterfly Tutorial
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