Butterfly Stitch Knitting Pattern
This beautiful Butterfly Stitch knitting pattern is a vintage summer classic. Strategically placed slipped stitches help create the fluttering butterfly wings design into your knitted work.
I recently shared the Caterpillar Knit Stitch Pattern, so now it’s time for butterflies! I hope you enjoy my Step-by-Step video tutorial and free printable written knitting instructions of the Butterfly Stitch Pattern below.
Knitting Techniques
Need to brush up or learn a new technique? Check out my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help you along as you knit up this project.
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Slip Stitch WYIB
- Bind Off
- Weave In Ends
Watch Video Tutorial
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
This beautiful Butterfly Stitch Knitting Pattern is a vintage summer classic! Strategically placed slipped stitches help create the butterfly wings design into your knitted work.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
CAST ON: Multiples of 10, plus 7 Stitches
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STEP ONE: Knit all stitches along the first row
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STEP TWO: Knit the following Butterfly Stitch pattern.
- Row 1 (wrong side): K1, P5, * with yarn in back (wyib) slip 5, P5 *, K1
- Row 2 (right side): Knit All
- Row 3: K1, P5, * wyib slip 5, P5 *, K1
- Row 4: Knit All
- Row 5: K1, P5, * wyib slip 5, P5 *, K1
- Row 6: K1, * K7, Lift 3 Strands, K1, Release 3 Strands, K2 *, K6
(watching video tutorial above is helpful to see Lift and Release techniques) - Row 7: K1, wyib slip 5, * P5, wyib slip 5 *, K1
- Row 8: Knit All
- Row 9: K1, wyib slip 5, * P5, wyib slip 5 *, K1
- Row 10: Knit All
- Row 11: K1, wyib slip 5, * P5, wyib slip 5 *, K1
- Row 12: K3, Lift 3 Strands, K1, Release 3 Strands, K2, * K7, Lift 3 Strands, K1, Release 3 Strands, K2 *, K1
Repeat Rows 1 – 12 until your piece is the length you desire.
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STEP THREE: Finish with Stockinette Stitch
Row 13: Purl All
Row 14: Knit All
Bind Off
Notes
Not a Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern.
KNITTING TECHNIQUES
Kristen McDonnell
Author • Designer • Teacher
Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.