Blush Butterfly Cardigan Crochet Pattern

If you’ve been searching for a cardigan pattern that feels both delicate and statement-making, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list. The Blush Butterfly Cardigan stands out from typical lace cardigans with its clever combination of dense mesh at the shoulders and an open lattice body, plus those gorgeous burgundy butterfly appliques that add unexpected charm.

This design hits a sweet spot between feminine and wearable. The dusty blush color keeps it soft and versatile, while the butterfly details give it personality without overwhelming the piece. It’s the kind of layering piece that elevates a simple white dress or adds polish to jeans and a tank top.

Whether you’re drawn to the pretty picot edging, the flutter sleeves, or simply love the idea of crocheting your own custom cardigan, this pattern walks you through every step. Let’s get into the details.

What Makes This Cardigan Special

This isn’t your grandmother’s granny square cardigan. The Blush Butterfly Cardigan uses a top-down construction method, which means you’ll work three separate panels from the shoulders down, then join them together before adding sleeves and finishing details.

The design features two distinct stitch patterns that create visual interest:

• Small mesh in the upper body for structure and coverage
• Large lattice in the lower body for an airy, romantic look

The transition between these two textures happens seamlessly, giving the cardigan that lovely gradient effect from solid to lacy. And those butterfly appliques? They’re worked separately and sewn on, so you have complete control over placement.

The finished cardigan provides approximately 102 cm of body coverage, designed to fit an 88-94 cm bust with about 8-14 cm of ease. Body length measures approximately 50 cm, with sleeves around 18 cm. This creates a waist-length silhouette that pairs beautifully with high-waisted bottoms or flowy dresses.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these supplies:

Yarn:

• Main color (dusty blush): 500 g / 1100 m of smooth DK cotton blend, approximately 220 m per 100 g
• Contrast color (burgundy): 100 g / 220 m total for butterflies

Hooks:

• 4 mm hook for main fabric
• 3.5 mm hook for cuffs and trim
• Adjust sizes as needed to meet gauge

Notions:

• Tapestry needle
• 8 stitch markers
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Optional: 12 sew-on imitation pearls and strong thread for pearl version

Gauge Information

Getting gauge right matters for garments. Take time to swatch before diving into the full project.

Small mesh gauge: 16 stitch positions (8 cells) x 10 rows = 10 cm

Large lattice gauge: 4 arches x 10 rows = 10 cm, lightly blocked

Target panel widths:

• Back small mesh = 40 cells / approximately 51 cm
• Each front = 20 cells / approximately 26 cm

How to check gauge: Make a swatch at least 15 x 15 cm. Wash and dry it exactly as you plan to treat the finished cardigan. Measure the central 10 cm without stretching. If your swatch is too big, go down a hook size. If it’s too small, go up a hook size. Record both width and height measurements.

All dimensions in this pattern are blocked targets. Keep in mind that cotton lace can lengthen while worn, so blocking to the correct width is especially important.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Here’s what you need to know:

Abbreviation	Full Term	Definition
ch	chain	Basic foundation stitch
st(s)	stitch(es)	Individual stitch or multiple stitches
sp	space	Gap between stitches
sl st	slip stitch	Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops
sc	single crochet	Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
hdc	half double crochet	Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops
dc	double crochet	Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops twice
tr	treble crochet	Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops three times
BLO	back loop only	Work into back loop instead of both loops
RS/WS	right side/wrong side	Front and back of fabric
rep	repeat	Work the instruction again
inc	increase	Add stitches to make fabric wider
sc2tog	single crochet 2 together	Decrease by working two stitches as one

Special Stitch: Small Mesh (Flat)

Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), then work [ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next dc] to end of row. Work the dc into the post stitch, not the gap.

Understanding mesh cells: A mesh cell is one ch-1 space bounded by dc posts. When working flat with C cells, you’ll have C+1 dc posts and C chains. Total positions = 2C+1.

Special Stitch: Shell Trim

On a prepared sc edge with a multiple of 6 stitches: [skip 2 sc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc, sl st in next sc]. Repeat across.

Special Stitch: Picot Trim

[Sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st into third ch from hook]. Repeat across.

Special Stitch: Bobble (BO)

[Yarn over, insert hook in indicated anchor, yarn over and draw up loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops] 5 times, then yarn over, pull through all 6 loops on hook.

Pattern Notes Before You Begin

Read through these important details:

• Turning ch 3 counts as a dc
• Ch 1 does NOT count as a sc
• Join rounds with sl st unless stated otherwise
• Flat rows turn after each row
• Joined dress rounds do not turn
• Brackets [ ] enclose a repeat
• Do not count joining sl sts in your stitch totals
• Sew pieces with RS (right sides) together unless directed otherwise
• Work main fabric in dusty blush; use burgundy for butterflies

Important sizing note: This pattern provides one adult sample size only. Check all measurements against your body before committing yarn. Altering stitch counts requires recalculating motif placement and shaping.

Construction Overview

Here’s the roadmap for building your cardigan:

1. Crochet the back panel from shoulder down
2. Crochet two front panels from shoulder down (with neck shaping)
3. Change to decorative lattice mesh below the upper body on all panels
4. Sew shoulders and side seams
5. Attach flat-worked sleeves
6. Gather sleeves to cuffs (if desired)
7. Add continuous front edging
8. Sew on butterfly appliques

Finished measurements:

• Back: approximately 51 cm wide
• Each front: approximately 26 cm wide
• Bust coverage: approximately 102 cm total
• Body length: approximately 50 cm
• Sleeves: approximately 18 cm

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel

Row 1: Ch 84. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 39 times. Turn. 40 cells; 41 dc + 40 ch-1 spaces

Rows 2-30: Work small mesh across. Turn. 40 cells

Repeat this instruction on every listed row. You’re building the solid upper portion of the back.

Row 31: Work large-lattice foundation: ch 1, sc in first dc; [ch 5, skip next mesh cell and its following cell, sc in their ending dc post] across. Each arch spans 4 old stitch positions, ending on every second old dc post. Turn. 20 arch equivalents (two edge halves count as one)

Rows 32-50: Alternate between offset lattice rows and return lattice rows with plain sc anchors. Turn after each row. 20 arch equivalents

Here’s the continuing row technique that preserves your arch count:

Offset row: Ch 5 (counts as edge dc + ch 2), sc in first old arch; [ch 5, sc in next old arch] to last arch; ch 2, dc in last edge sc (or third chain of prior turning ch-5). Turn.

Return row: Ch 1, sc in first dc; [ch 5, sc in next full arch] across, then ch 5, sc in last edge dc.

Count the two edge half-arches together as one arch.

Checkpoint: Back length should measure approximately 50 cm; width approximately 51 cm. Do not block lower lace wider than upper grid.

Left Front Panel

Row 1: Ch 28. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 11 times. Turn. 12 cells; 13 dc + 12 ch-1 spaces

Mark the neck edge. For the left front, the neck edge is at the start of Row 2. Keep the opposite armhole edge straight throughout.

How to increase at row start: Ch 3, then (ch 1, dc) in the first dc.

How to increase at row end: Add (ch 1, dc) again in the last dc.

Row 2: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 13 cells

Row 3: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 14 cells

Row 4: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 15 cells

Row 5: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 16 cells

Row 6: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 17 cells

Row 7: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 18 cells

Row 8: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 19 cells

Row 9: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only. Turn. 20 cells

Rows 10-30: Work small mesh across. Turn. 20 cells

Row 31: Work large-lattice foundation. Turn. 10 arch equivalents

Rows 32-50: Alternate between offset lattice rows and return lattice rows with plain sc anchors. Turn after each row. 10 arch equivalents

Checkpoint: Left front length approximately 50 cm; width approximately 26 cm.

Right Front Panel

Row 1: Ch 28. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 11 times. Turn. 12 cells; 13 dc + 12 ch-1 spaces

Mark the neck edge. For the right front, the neck edge is at the END of Row 2. Keep the opposite armhole edge straight throughout.

Rows 2-9: Work small mesh, increasing one cell at the marked neck edge only on each row. Turn.

• Row 2: 13 cells
• Row 3: 14 cells
• Row 4: 15 cells
• Row 5: 16 cells
• Row 6: 17 cells
• Row 7: 18 cells
• Row 8: 19 cells
• Row 9: 20 cells

Rows 10-30: Work small mesh across. Turn. 20 cells

Row 31: Work large-lattice foundation. Turn. 10 arch equivalents

Rows 32-50: Alternate between offset lattice rows and return lattice rows with plain sc anchors. Turn after each row. 10 arch equivalents

Checkpoint: Right front length approximately 50 cm; width approximately 26 cm.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Work from upper arm down.

Row 1: Ch 68. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 31 times. Turn. 32 cells

Row 2: Work large-lattice foundation. Turn. 16 arches

Rows 3-18: Alternate between offset lattice rows and return lattice rows. Turn after each row. 16 arch equivalents

The sleeves are worked entirely in the open lattice pattern, creating those beautiful flutter sleeves visible in the finished cardigan.

Butterfly Appliques (Make 8)

These charming butterflies are what make this cardigan truly special.

Round 1: Into an adjustable ring, work [(ch 3, 3 tr, ch 3, sl st), (ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st)] twice. Pull ring snug. Fasten off. 4 wings; 6 tr + 6 dc

Finishing the butterfly: Wrap the yarn tail around the center four times to divide the wings and create the body effect. Knot at the back and retain tails for sewing. Do not add wire antennae.

Assembly Instructions

Grab your tapestry needle and main color yarn. You’ll also need your 4 mm hook, both sleeves, and optional cuffs if you’re adding them.

Seam Pass 1: Shoulder Seams

At each side, join outer 12 front mesh cells to outer 12 back mesh cells along the foundation edge. Leave centre 16 back cells unseamed. The front neck shaping remains open. 2 shoulder seams, 12 cells each

Seam Pass 2: Side Seams

Mark 20 cm down from shoulder on back and corresponding front. Sew body sides from hem to markers. 2 armholes, approximately 40 cm circumference each

Seam Pass 3: Attach Sleeves

Sew each sleeve lengthwise first. Place sleeve seam at underarm, match sleeve-top midpoint to shoulder seam, and sew top edge evenly into armhole. 2 sleeves attached

Seam Pass 4: Cuffs (Optional)

If using cuffs, join cuff first and last rows into a ring. Quarter-mark both cuff and sleeve opening, then whipstitch while gathering sleeve evenly. Do not stretch cuff beyond comfortable hand circumference. 2 cuffs attached, or skip for bell/uncuffed versions

Checkpoint: Shoulders should sit evenly. Sleeves should move comfortably. Front edges remain open. Upper back width approximately 51 cm; each front approximately 26 cm. Adjust seam tension before trimming yarn tails.

Edgings and Details

Switch to your 3.5 mm hook and main or contrast color as desired.

Border Round 1

Join at one lower front corner. Sc evenly around entire open-front/neck/hem outline using these guidelines:

• 2 sc per dc row end
• 1 sc per foundation position
• 4 sc per complete lower-lattice arch (2 per edge half-arch)
• 3 sc at each outward corner

Record your total (B) and mark the middle corner stitches. B sc

Border Round 2

Sc in each st, placing 3 sc in each marked corner st. Move markers to middle corner stitches. If K corners were marked, total is B + 2K. B + 2K sc

Border Round 3 (Optional)

For broad-band versions only, repeat Round 2. Otherwise, skip this round. B + 4K sc if worked

Adding Decorative Trim

For shell-edged versions: Add shell trim along lower hem and sleeve openings. Use complete 6-st repeats and finish any remainder in sc.

For picot versions: Add picot trim along hem. Keep front/neck edge plain to avoid curling.

For contrast-band versions: Use the named lighter color for all border and cuff rows.

Attaching Butterflies

Sew 8 butterfly appliques with matching yarn. Distribute them evenly:

• Half on the fronts (near shoulders and lower corners work beautifully)
• Half across back and sleeves

Avoid placing butterflies at underarms where they might be uncomfortable. Secure each butterfly at the center and at outer wing points.

Checkpoint: Front bands should lie flat. Hem should not flare unintentionally. Cuffs (if present) should pass over hands and recover their shape. Check that no loose decoration threads are visible.

Finishing Your Cardigan

Weaving in Ends

Weave every yarn end through at least 5 cm of fabric, reverse direction, and trim. 0 loose tails remaining

Blocking

Wet-block the cardigan flat, aligning side seams and matching sleeve lengths. Pin lace sections to the upper-panel width rather than stretching them wider.

Final measurements to verify:

• Body length: approximately 50 cm
• Sleeves: approximately 18 cm (including cuffs when present)
• Total body coverage: approximately 102 cm

Recheck measurements after drying and again after a short wear, as cotton lace may relax over time.

Care Instructions

Follow your yarn label for specific guidance. For most DK cotton blends:

• Hand-wash cool with mild detergent
• Support the wet fabric to prevent stretching
• Dry flat away from direct heat
• Do not wring, tumble dry, or iron acrylic components

Safety notes: This is an adult item. The butterfly appliques are small parts and potential snagging hazards. Attach them securely and inspect before each wear. Keep away from babies and young children. Open mesh does not provide sun protection or opaque coverage.

Tips for Success

Take your time with gauge. This is a garment, and fit matters. Those few extra minutes swatching will save you from a cardigan that’s too tight across the shoulders or too loose to drape properly.

Mark your neck edges clearly. The left and right fronts mirror each other, and it’s easy to lose track of which edge gets the increases. A simple stitch marker or scrap of contrasting yarn makes all the difference.

Block before seaming if possible. Lightly blocking your panels before assembly helps everything line up more smoothly.

Don’t rush the butterfly placement. Lay your finished cardigan flat and arrange the butterflies before sewing anything down. Take a photo to reference while you attach them.

Styling Your Finished Cardigan

The Blush Butterfly Cardigan works beautifully as a layering piece for multiple occasions:

• Over a white sundress for garden parties or brunches
• With high-waisted jeans and a simple camisole for casual elegance
• As a beach cover-up over a swimsuit
• Layered over a slip dress for a romantic evening look

The dusty blush color pairs well with neutrals, whites, creams, and soft pastels. The burgundy butterflies add just enough contrast to make the piece interesting without limiting your wardrobe options.

You’re Ready to Begin

This cardigan combines classic crochet techniques with thoughtful design details that make the finished piece feel special. The mesh-to-lattice transition creates beautiful visual movement, and those butterfly appliques transform a pretty cardigan into something truly memorable.

Whether you’re making this for yourself or as a gift for someone who appreciates handmade beauty, the Blush Butterfly Cardigan is worth every stitch.

Happy crocheting! If you make this cardigan, I’d love to see your version. Share your finished project on Instagram or Facebook and tag your photos so fellow crocheters can admire your work.

If this pattern caught your eye, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you’re ready to cast on. And if you do make this cardigan, drop a comment below. I always love hearing which color combinations you choose and seeing how these designs come to life in your hands.

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