Introduction
This butterfly lace crochet bedspread and curtain set brings a whimsical touch of elegance to any bedroom. The delicate pastel lavender color immediately draws the eye, casting a tranquil and dreamy ambiance throughout the room. Intricately worked butterfly motifs dominate both the bedspread and curtain, seamlessly joined together by lacy connections. Occasional pearl beads further enhance the opulent look, creating a textured interplay of softness and light that elevates the entire space.
What makes this project especially delightful is the sense of serenity it embodies, with repeated butterfly motifs symbolizing transformation and grace. When finished, the set provides a cohesive decorative statement—completely handmade—encompassing the bedspread, pillows, and coordinating curtain with matching tie-back. This project is ideal for those seeking to adorn their bedroom, guest room, or even a child’s room with a sophisticated, handcrafted allure. Not only does it provide warmth and comfort, but it doubles as an enchanting focal point that celebrates the art of crochet with every stitch.
Whether you wish to create a gift for a loved one or bring a sense of luxury and tranquility to your own home, this butterfly lace crochet set is a rewarding and impressive adventure for any passionate crocheter.
Project Overview
The butterfly lace set is constructed from multiple large butterfly motifs crocheted individually and then interconnected with delicate lace joins to form the bedspread and curtain panels. The main pieces include the bedspread, matching pillows, and a curtain with a coordinated tie-back. Each butterfly is adorned at its joining points with pearl beads for a touch of glamour. Assembly involves joining motifs as-you-go or by sewing them together later, depending on your preferred method. The result is a modular project where sizing is easily adjusted by adding or removing motifs, giving you full control over the final composition.
Skill Level
This project is rated Intermediate. The butterfly motifs involve shaping, several varieties of stitches, and consistent tension for neat, dimensional wings. Familiarity with motif joining and bead incorporation is helpful, though clear instructions are provided for each step. Ambitious advanced beginners comfortable with reading patterns and working in rounds may also enjoy the challenge.
Materials
- Yarn: DK weight/size 3 light worsted cotton or a cotton-blend yarn. For a queen bedspread and matching curtain: approx. 3,000–3,500 grams (yards/meters may vary by yarn choice). For accent pillows and curtain tie-back, have at least 200g extra.
- Color: Main color—lavender (or any color of choice), all motifs and joins use the same shade for a cohesive look.
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) hook (adjust hook to match your preferred motif size and yarn type).
- Beads: Large plastic or pearl beads, 12–18 mm diameter, roughly 200–300 beads (optional, based on motif count and placement).
- Tapestry needle for sewing in ends and joining motifs if preferred.
- Sharp small scissors.
- Stitch markers—especially helpful for marking the centers and wings.
- Beading needle/fine hook for adding beads, if using small bead holes and thicker yarn.
Finished Size
The approximate finished size for a queen bedspread is 210 cm x 240 cm (83 in x 94 in), with each butterfly motif measuring about 20 cm wide by 16 cm tall (8 x 6.5 in) when using a DK yarn and 4.0mm hook. For a curtain panel, plan on 100 cm x 200 cm (39 x 79 in), but easily adjust by changing the number of motifs in width or height. Sizing can be tailored by adapting motif size (by changing hook/yarn) or adding/removing motifs for custom bed or window dimensions.
Gauge
1 butterfly motif = approx. 20 cm wide x 16 cm tall (8 x 6.5 in) using DK yarn and 4.0 mm hook. Exact gauge is not strictly crucial but maintaining similar motif size ensures a good fit and smooth joins. Adjust your hook if your motifs turn out considerably smaller or larger. A small difference across many motifs can add up to significant size variances—always check your first motif before making more.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (2 stitches in one space/stitch)
- dec – decrease (work 2 stitches together)
Pattern Notes
Chains at the start of rounds count as a stitch unless otherwise stated. Rounds are mostly joined with a slip stitch unless specified to be worked continuously. Motif assembly relies on either the join-as-you-go method (connecting final rounds to neighboring motifs during the last round) or joining with a tapestry needle after all motifs are made.
Work with the right side facing up for all butterfly motifs. If using beads, add them during the join rounds by pulling them up to the hook at the appropriate stitch or attaching afterward with needle and thread for secure placement. A stitch marker is useful for marking the body center and wing separation rows, ensuring symmetry across motifs. Block each motif after finishing for crisp wings and smooth lacework.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
A. Butterfly Motif
- Body Center
With MC (main color), make a MR.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into MR, sl st to top of ch-2 to join. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same, 2 dc in each stitch around, sl st to top of ch-2 to join. (24 dc)
Fasten off center if preferred, or continue seamlessly to the head/antennae. - Head and Antennae
(Optional for more detail)
Attach yarn at any stitch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st in same st (first antenna). Repeat for the second antenna into next st. Secure and weave in end. - Upper Wings (Make 2 on each side)
Rejoin yarn at a stitch on side of body.
Row 1: Ch 3, dc in same, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (3 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (3 dc)
Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next st, 2 dc in last dc. (5 dc)
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (5 dc)
Row 5: Ch 3, [dc, tr] in first dc, hdc in next st, sc in each to last 2 sts, hdc, [tr, dc] in last dc. (Mirror for symmetry).
Fasten off, sew to secure under body if gaps form. Repeat on opposite side for the matching upper wing. - Lower Wings (Make 2 on each side)
Attach yarn at a lower side stitch (count 2 sts down from upper wing).
Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in same, hdc in next st, ch 1, turn. (2 hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each, ch 1, turn. (2 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, [hdc, dc] in first hdc, hdc in next, ch 1, turn. (3 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in each st, ch 1, turn. (3 hdc)
Row 5: Ch 2, [hdc, dc] in first hdc, hdc in next, [dc, hdc] in last hdc. (5 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, sc evenly along outer edge for definition; sl st to body and fasten off.
B. Butterfly Wing Details (Optional Openwork)
- For lacy details inside wings: After finishing the solid wing edges, use ch-5 spaces or mesh (ch-5, sl st in next st, repeat) inside each wing to mimic the delicate holes seen in the image.
Work small clusters (sc, ch 2, sc) in appropriate places to look like the ‘veins’ of butterfly wings.
Repeat for all wings, using the photo as inspiration for open sections and where to create filled versus open parts.
C. Assembling Motifs (Bedspread & Curtain Panels)
- Make as many butterfly motifs as needed. For a queen bedspread (approx. 210cm x 240cm) with motifs about 20cm wide: you will need 11 motifs wide by 12 motifs long (about 132 butterflies). Plan your motifs based on your bed’s dimensions.
- Lay all butterflies out in the planned configuration. Option 1: Connect as-you-go by working a final round of sc or ch spaces around each butterfly, joining to adjacent motifs by slip stitching into neighboring butterfly’s edge at matching points. Option 2: Sew motifs together with a tapestry needle using whip stitch or slip stitch for clean, almost invisible seams.
D. Lace Join Motifs & Beads
- With MC, join motifs with small lace connectors in a flower or star pattern at points where 4 butterfly corners meet. For example, work ch-5, sc in adjacent motifs’ corner space, ch-5, join to next motif. Continue around bedspread.
At each major join, pull a bead onto the yarn (using a beading needle if necessary), then secure with a ch-1 or sl st so that the bead sits neatly between motifs at their intersection. Repeat for each join where a pearl accent is desired.
E. Decorative Elements (Pillows and Curtain Tie-Back)
- Pillows: Work the same butterfly motifs (use 2–3 per pillow, or cover the front completely). Either seam two large motif panels together for each pillowcase, or sew motifs onto a plain fabric base for durability.
- Curtain & Tie-Back: Create vertical strips of butterfly motifs joined in the same way as for the bedspread. For the tie-back, crochet a butterfly band (several motifs worked in a line) and join ends with a decorative flower motif, finishing with a bead at the center if desired.
Assembly and Finishing
Arrange all completed butterfly motifs in your planned layout for the bedspread, curtain panel, and pillows. Carefully join motifs using whip stitch, slip stitch, or a join-as-you-go method, aligning butterflies for even coverage and neat lines. At each connecting point, add a pearl bead as described for decorative effect.
Once assembled, weave in all loose yarn ends securely on the wrong side of the work. Lightly block the finished panels by pinning them to shape and spraying with water (for cotton yarn), allowing them to dry flat for crisp motif definition and an even drape.
For pillows, sew finished motif panels to fabric pillow casings or create an envelope closure with matching crochet strips. For the curtain tie-back, ensure fastenings are secure and able to hold the weight of the curtain. Take care to secure beads by sewing through them a second time with matching thread if needed, especially if the blanket will be handled often.
Customization Ideas
This elegant design can be adapted to a wide range of color schemes—for example, use cream or white for a bridal or nursery setting, or a multi-purple ombre effect for modern chic. You can opt for a metallic thread for extra shimmer, or a lightweight sport weight yarn for a more delicate, lacy effect. Skip the beads for a subtler look, or use colorful beads to match your room decor.
For alternative uses, the butterfly lace motifs can be worked into a table runner, wall hanging, baby blanket, or throw, simply by changing the number and arrangement of motifs. If you’re feeling adventurous, combine different motif shapes (such as flowers or hearts) with butterflies for a one-of-a-kind project.
Troubleshooting
Edges Curling: Check your stitch tension—motifs worked too tightly may curl; try using a larger hook.
Uneven Edges/Joining: Be sure motifs are well-blocked before joining. If joins pucker, your connecting round may be too tight—use longer ch spaces between motifs.
Too Large/Too Small: If your panel is much bigger or smaller than intended, adjust hook size, yarn weight, or reduce/increase the motif round count. Always measure the first motif and recalculate before making more.
Loose Color Changes: As this pattern is single-color, this is rarely a problem, but if you switch shades, carefully secure each transition on the motif’s wrong side.
Uneven Tension: Inconsistent stitches lead to motifs of varying size; pause periodically to gently stretch and loosen hands. Practice wings on a scrap swatch if needed before diving in.
Care Instructions
Hand wash or gentle machine wash the finished set in cool water using mild detergent. Dry flat whenever possible to maintain shape, especially with beaded sections. Avoid vigorous twisting or wringing. If ironing, use a pressing cloth and only the lowest setting. Store flat or folded lightly to prevent beads from indenting the fabric.
Final Notes
Always count stitches at the end of rounds to ensure motif symmetry. Adjust tension if working too tightly or loosely. Use the provided photo as a visual guide for motif layout and butterfly details, remembering that small creative differences only enhance your unique project. Enjoy the meditative process and craft a showpiece that will be treasured for years to come.
