Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are some of the most conspicuous and colorful creatures found in nature. If you ever considered memorizing all butterfly species, you’ve got your work cut out for you, as there are over 20.000 species!

Three of these you can get to know a bit better through this pattern, wherein you’ll encounter the tawny scarce copper, ivory-gold pale clouded yellow and the sunshiny royal cleopatra.
And – to give even more gaudy glow to your knit – try your hand at the precious poppy!

These 5 to 7 cm butterflies were an easy, fast and fun knit with some color work and knitting of stripes, on 1.25 mm double pointed needles in a lace-gauged yarn (but can also be done in heavier yarn, then they turn out slightly larger).

Only small amounts of yarns are needed, so a butterfly is a great project to use up any scraps you have lying around. For the antennae you’ll need some threads of sewing yarn and a little hair spray or hair gel.

These butterflies can be attached to just about anything, as an embellishment. Or, start your own butterfly collection - lepidopterarium with a fancy word – because there will be more patterns coming up!

!! No butterflies were harmed or pestered in any way for the creation of this lovely lepidopterarium !!
Have a (moth)ball! Viv