Butterfly Tank Top Crochet Pattern

Butterfly Tank Top in Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton

What is Being Made

This is a beginner-friendly crochet tank top featuring decorative butterfly appliqués. The Butterfly Tank Top (Pattern #M23143 TC) is designed as a sleeveless summer garment available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5X, with finished chest measurements from 30 inches (76 cm) to 62 inches (157.5 cm). The finished length varies from approximately 12.5 inches (32 cm) for the smallest size to 16.5 inches (42 cm) for the largest size, not including the straps. This lightweight, breathable tank top is ideal for warm-weather wear and is perfect for crocheters looking to create a simple yet visually interesting garment.

Crochet Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method uses half double crochet stitches (hdc), which create a fabric with moderate drape and structure. The pattern incorporates the Magic Ring technique for starting the butterfly motifs in the round, which involves wrapping yarn around the index finger, inserting the hook into the ring, and working stitches into the center before carefully slipping the ring from the finger. This technique provides a neat, closed center for the decorative elements.

Stitches Used

• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – The primary stitch used throughout the tank top construction, worked at a gauge of 15 stitches over approximately 4 inches (10 cm) using the larger crochet hook
• hdc2tog (Half Double Crochet 2 Together) – A decrease stitch created by yarning over and inserting the hook in the next stitch to draw up a loop, repeated twice, then yarning over and drawing through all 5 loops on the hook to decrease by 1 stitch
• Picot – A decorative stitch element made by chaining 4 stitches and slip stitching into the 4th chain from the hook, likely used to add detail to the butterfly motifs
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used in the picot stitch definition and for joining rounds when working the butterflies with the Magic Ring technique
• Chain Stitch (ch) – The foundation stitch used throughout the pattern for creating the base of rows and the picot embellishments

Materials and Yarn

This pattern is designed specifically for Lion Brand® 24/7 Cotton® (Art. #761), a lightweight cotton yarn ideal for summer garments. The main body of the tank top is worked in #098 Ecru, requiring 3 to 6 balls depending on the size selected (3 balls for XS, S, and M; 4 balls for L and 1X; 5 balls for 2X and 3X; and 6 balls for 4X and 5X). The decorative butterfly appliqués use small quantities of contrasting colors: #102 Aqua and #144 Magenta, with only 1 ball of each color needed for the entire project. The pattern notes that only small quantities of the accent yarns are required, making this an economical choice for adding colorful details.

Tools and Equipment

Two different crochet hook sizes are used in this pattern. The larger size G-6 (4.25 mm) crochet hook is used for the main tank top construction, while a smaller size F-5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook is used exclusively for creating the butterfly motifs. This size variation allows for tighter, more defined butterfly details that contrast with the main garment fabric. A Lion Brand® large-eyed blunt needle is also required for finishing and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 half double crochet stitches over approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in width and 12 rows over approximately 4.25 inches (11 cm) in height, measured using the larger G-6 hook. Checking gauge before beginning is emphasized as essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended dimensions. The pattern is written for the smallest size (XS) with size variations provided in parentheses for all larger sizes, allowing crocheters to easily identify the correct numbers for their chosen size by circling them before starting the project.