Crochet Butterfly Tops: 15 Patterns for Crocheted Butterfly Tops

Crochet tops are a wonderful way to express your style and love for the craft, but if you’re looking to create a truly eye-catching piece that beautifully highlights your figure, the butterfly top is THE one. That’s why, in addition to the previous post 50 Free Crochet Crop Top Patterns, Crochet Top Patterns and Easy Crochet Tutorials, here I present one focused only on the most stylish project of them all – the butterfly crochet tops.

So, enter the butterfly crop top: a trendy, whimsical garment that’s part top, part artwork. Shaped like a real butterfly or featuring fluttery wings and open backs, these tops have taken the DIY fashion world by storm. 

What is a Crochet Butterfly Top?

A butterfly top is a lightweight crochet top that’s often backless or made in a halter-style. The name stems from the fact that it  mimics the shape or fluttery aesthetic of butterfly wings. Some feature detailed lacework resembling actual butterflies, while others simply use the term to describe its elegant, wing-like drape.
These tops are popular for their unique boho aesthetic and are ideal for summer events due to their lightweight and breathable fabric.

What Do you Need to Crochet a Butterfly Top?

1. yarn – a butterfly top is a summer outfit, so natural materials will be the most comfortable to wear. A cotton yarn is lightweight and breathable, so it will be a perfect fit for your crochet summer halter top. 
2. crochet hook –  follow the size recommendation on your yarn label
3. yarn needle (tapestry needle) to finish yarn ends or sew parts together
4. measuring tape
5.  stitch markers
6. scissors

My Butterfly Crochet Top Patterns 🦋 Free and Paid

Whether you’re getting ready for a summer music festival or want to show off your crochet skills, a butterfly top is the perfect project. Let’s connect the early 2000s vibe, when butterflies were present in almost every outfit, with more modern patterns in a Y2K style. 

There are a variety of levels of patterns available for a butterfly crochet top, both for beginners and advanced crocheters. Most of examples are free crochet patterns. Below, each pattern will be annotated whether it’s free or paid. Here are my favorites:

1. Butterfly Shelly Top – By Sheila Mutaawe

Our first project is a stunning butterfly-shaped shell stitch top— perfect for anyone looking to stand out from the crowd! A butterfly shell top is a strong fashion statement, so go wild and pick any colors you like, even the strongest, most eye-popping color combos.

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Yarn Type: Sport Yarn, eg. Schachenmayr Catania Solids
Free Pattern: Youtube

2. Butterfly Shelly Top – By Sheila Mutaawe

Here is a variation of the Butterfly Shelly Top pattern, but in a calmer earth tone color palette. The lower photo is a great example of how the same pattern looks in monochrome and with a color gradient in the wings. There are paid and free version of this crochet pattern. The free pattern is in a form of an easy to follow youtube video tutorial and paid pattern you can download from Ravelry.

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Yarn Type: Schachenmayr Catania Solids
Free Pattern: Youtube Paid Pattern: Ravelry

3. Butterfly Crochet Top – By Shyler Crochets

Up next, is a gorgeous butterfly halterneck top with more pointed wings. The edges are slightly scalloped, adding a delicate touch and nice finish. You can find a step-by-step tutorial for this project on YouTube; a written crochet butterfly top pattern is also available to buy on Etsy.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Yarn Type: Cotton-linen blend
Free Pattern: Youtube

4. Mae’s Butterfly Top by Hunter Scanlan

If you are looking for a beginner-friendly written tutorial, you have to try Mae’s  Butterfly Top. Made with cotton yarn, the top showcases visible double crochet stitches and slight scalloped edges. Also it is available in a wide range of sizes , from XS up to 5X.

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Yarn Type: Weight 4 Cotton Yarn, Lion Brand Pima Cotton recommended
Free Pattern: Crochet butterfly top

5. Bow Crop Top by Sulaimon Toyyibah

Here is a different top design. By making a rectangle and tying it in the middle you are getting the easiest bow or butterfly-shaped top possible. It’s a perfect pattern for beginners and those who prefer to unhide the belly button line.

Skill Level: Easy/Beginner-friendly
Yarn Type: DK
Free Tutorial: Crochet bow top

6. Butterfly Top Bollero by 小师妹手作

Here is a Crop Crochet Bolero in a boho style. Both front and back mimic the shape of butterfly wings which are wide enough to give short sleeves and cover the top of your arms.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Yarn Type: DK
Free Tutorial: Youtube

7. Butterfly Crop Top by TCDDIY

Here is a vibrant and playful piece that mimics the shape and colors of real Monarch Butterfly.

You work each “wing” in rounded sections to form the butterfly’s top and bottom halves. Using thoughtful increases, you will then build the piece’s dimensional and sculptural form.

Skill Level: Easy
Yarn Type: Red Heart Super Saver
Free Tutorial: Youtube

8. Alpine Butterfly Top – Sheila Mutaawe

The next pattern is a very universal design. This Butterfly Top is lined with fabric for additional coverage, making it suitable for a wider group of wearers and occasions. What makes this design truly unique is the light mesh lining underneath, which adds both modesty and contrast, yet highlighting the intricate butterfly pattern. The pointed hem gives the top a handkerchief silhouette, elongating the torso for a flattering look.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type: DK
Free Tutorial: Youtube

9. Butterfly Top – Sheila Mutaawe

Here is a more classy design whose butterfly shape is the result of its tie-front closure. The top combines solid stitches on the bust with an airy, butterfly-inspired lace design below, giving it a breezy, feminine look. Great to pair with a long or midi length skirt.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type: Sport
Free Tutorial: Youtube

10. Butterfly Top with Sleeves – By Shyler Crochets

Bold, breezy, and beautiful, the Shelly Butterfly Crochet Top with Sleeves is a head-turning piece that blends a classic butterfly top with soft, flowy sleeves for added elegance and coverage. It’s especially good for those of us not comfortable with strap shoulders. The focal point of the top is the stunning, butterfly-shaped front panel, carefully crocheted to contour the bust and tie at the front for an adjustable fit.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Yarn Type: Sport ,Schachenmayr Catania Solids recommended
Pattern: Shyler Crochets

11. Butterfly Top – By Kaye Estefanio

This butterfly crochet top features a vibrant design with pink and purple “wings” bordered in bright yellow, creating a striking butterfly shape across the chest. The upper wings form the bust area, while the lower wings extend downward, joined at the center with a crocheted band that mimics the butterfly’s body.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type: Fingering
Pattern: Ravelry

12. Butterfly Top  Sleeve Blouse – By Ashlynn Duncan

Here is a butterfly Top/ Blouse for any age and cooler weather. It’s in a 70s style, with shell stitch expanding sleeves. You can finish it as a crop top, in regular length or expand the rows at the bottom to make it even more boho.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type: Aran
Pattern: Ravelry

13. Butterfly Top  – By TheEasyDesign

This butterfly halter top from Etsy is a vibrant, handmade garment, with two upper “wings” forming the bust and two lower “wings” extending downward. What differs him from other patterns , is the middle part which is created by a twist, giving the bralette an interesting look. Also, the lower wings are not free-falling but are tightened on the back which give a more classic and simple crop top look.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type: Aran
Pattern: Etsy

14. Butterfly Dress  – By Shyler Crochets

The butterfly crochet dress by ShylerCrochets is a striking handmade garment designed to resemble a butterfly with a fitted bodice and wing-like panels extending from the bust and waist. Its adjustable straps or ties secure the dress at the shoulders and back, allowing for a secure custom fit. The overall silhouette can be made as a mini or a longer dress depending on your preference. The design is both playful and elegant, making it ideal for summer.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type: Worsted
Pattern: Ravelry

15. Full Sleeve Butterfly Top by CBR Crochet

Skill Level: Advance Beginner
Yarn Type:
Pattern: Youtube, Tik Tok

---

Tips for Crocheting the Perfect Butterfly Crop Top

• Use breathable and lightweight yarn: Cotton yarn is your best bet – it’s soft, holds its shape through wear and washing, and keeps you cool.
  
• Check your gauge: Fit is everything with tops, all the more so with intricate ones. Do a quick swatch before diving in.
  
• Customize your ties: Many patterns include an adjustable back or neck ties. You can use chain stitches or attach ribbons for a softer finish.
  
• Try variegated yarns: Yarn with multiple colors adds a beautiful dimension to butterfly wings.
• Experiment with colors: Real butterflies have bold and surprising color combinations, so don’t be afraid to experiment with unique color combos that nobody has seen before. 
  

---

Final Thoughts

Butterfly tops are not just cute—they’re a symbol of transformation and creativity. Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned maker, these free patterns offer endless possibilities for personal expression.

So pick your yarn, grab your hook, and let your hands take flight. 🦋

---

Save & Share

Love these patterns? Share this post with your crochet community or save it to Pinterest for later! And if you make one of these tops, tag the designer and use #ButterflyTopCrochet so we can all admire your beautiful creation.