BUTTERFLY dishcloth knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2020. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
The butterfly is one of my favourite designs; it took quite some time to perfect the delicate shape of the wings, but I am so pleased with the result! Whether you are looking for a beautiful dishcloth pattern or a textured blanket block, this design adds a lovely touch of nature to any project.
Part of the Oh La Lana! Animal Collection, this pattern is specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. By using only knit and purl stitches, you can create a detailed “monarch” silhouette that stands out beautifully against the smooth background.
If you have any doubt or question, please leave your comment below.
Enjoy the 🦋 pattern!
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 to casting on and binding off sts) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
If you prefer to knit off-line, you can purchase the PDF pattern in Oh La Lana!, in Etsy and in my Ravelry store.
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
- Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
- Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.
Butterfly Knitted Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, BUTTERFLY knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Butterfly knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
BUTTERFLY Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p7, k5, p11, k5, p7
Row 8) p5, k9, p7, k9, p5
Row 10) p5, k4, p1, k5, p5, k5, p1, k4, p5
Row 12) p5, k3, p3, k4, p5, k4, p3, k3, p5
Row 14) p5, k4, p3, k3, p5, k3, p3, k4, p5
Row 16) p5, k6, p1, k3, p5, k3, p1, k6, p5
Row 18) p7, k8, p2, k1, p2, k8, p7
Row 20) p10, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p10
Row 22) p12, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p12
Row 24) p7, k9, p1, k1, p1, k9, p7
Row 26) p5, k11, p1, k1, p1, k11, p5
Row 28) p3, k13, p1, k1, p1, k13, p3
Row 30) p2, k13, p2, k1, p2, k13, p2
Row 32) p2, k13, p2, k1, p2, k13, p2
Row 34) p2, k12, p2, k1, p1, k1, p2, k12, p2
Row 36) p2, k12, p2, k1, p1, k1, p2, k12, p2
Row 38) p2, k5, p1, k6, p7, k6, p1, k5, p2
Row 40) p2, k4, p3, k5, p7, k5, p3, k4, p2
Row 42) p2, k3, p3, k5, p9, k5, p3, k3, p2
Row 44) p2, k4, p1, k6, p9, k6, p1, k4, p2
Row 46) p3, k9, p11, k9, p3
Row 48) p3, k8, p13, k8, p3
Row 50) p5, k4, p17, k4, p5
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
BUTTERFLY Knitting Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
New to charts? I have updated this pattern with my new high-contrast chart. If you need a hand learning how to follow the grid, visit our How to Read a Knitting Chart guide in the Oh La Lana! Knitting Academy.
Love this pattern?
Flutter over to our Animal Patterns Page to find the Lion, Bunny, Squirrel, and the rest of the collection!
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🦋 Do you want to see this pattern in Ravelry to add your project? Click HERE.
