Bubblegum Butterfly Crochet Cat Toy Free Pattern
Bubblegum Butterfly Crochet Cat Toy Free Pattern
Introduction
This little butterfly is the perfect quick win for any crocheter who wants to make something playful for their cat. It is built from four simple single-crochet circles joined at the center, so it only uses the most basic stitches and works up in under an hour. The bubblegum pink and sky blue color combo gives it a fun Y2K vibe that looks adorable in any cat's toy basket. It is flat, lightweight, and easy for cats to bat, carry, and chase, and you can add a hidden catnip pouch for extra excitement.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn in two colors: A = bubblegum pink (~10 yds), B = sky blue (~10 yds)
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, small amount of catnip (optional, for the pouch)
- Finished size: Approximately 4" (10 cm) wide and 3" (7.5 cm) tall
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- sl st – slip stitch
- MR – magic ring (adjustable ring)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- Fo – fasten off
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this toy, but each circle should measure about 1.5" (4 cm) in diameter after round 3. To check, work one wing and measure across the circle; if it is much larger or smaller, adjust your hook size slightly.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension even and fairly tight so the wings stay flat and the catnip does not poke through.
- Leave a 6" tail on every piece; you will use these tails to sew the butterfly together, so no separate joining yarn is needed.
- Use acrylic yarn rather than cotton, since it is durable, washable, and holds up well to claws.
- If you add catnip, use a small amount and sew the pouch closed securely so it cannot spill out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Wings (make 4: 2 in A, 2 in B)
Rnd 1: With A or B, MR 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Fo, leaving a 6" tail for sewing. Make 2 wings in A (top wings) and 2 wings in B (bottom wings).
Body (A)
Rnd 1: MR 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnds 2–8: sc in each st around (6 sts)
Fo, leaving a 6" tail. The body is a short narrow tube; leave both ends open.
Catnip Pouch (optional, A)
Rnd 1: MR 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnds 3–4: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Fo, leaving a 6" tail. Do not close the top yet; you will fill it with catnip during assembly.
Edging (optional, B)
Join B at any wing edge with a sl st, then sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the butterfly. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fo and weave in ends.
Antennae (optional, B, make 2)
Row 1: Ch 10, sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (9 sl sts)
Fo, leaving a short tail. Make 2 antennae.
Assembly and Finishing
Arrange the wings so the two A (pink) circles sit on top and the two B (blue) circles sit below, with their inner edges overlapping at the center point. Using the yarn tails, sew the four wings together at the center join. Next, sew the body tube vertically over the center join, leaving the top and bottom of the tube open. If you are using the catnip pouch, fill it with a small amount of catnip, then sew it to the back of the body. Sew the antennae to the top of the body. Weave in all ends securely, tugging each tail through a few stitches so it cannot work loose. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat; let dry completely before giving it to your cat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the colors for a classic monarch look using orange and black, or make a pastel set in lavender and mint.
- Add a small bell or crinkle material inside the body tube before sewing it closed for extra sound appeal.
- Make a garland by crocheting several butterflies and joining them with a long chain, or attach one to a wand for an interactive toy.
