I’m thrilled to share my latest handmade creation—a chic crochet top that’s equal parts cozy and whimsical! The front panel is worked in the C2C (corner-to-corner) technique, giving it a gorgeous textured flow, while the back panel features a delicate butterfly motif that makes this piece truly unique. Light, airy, and perfect for layering, this top is designed to feel effortless yet eye-catching—ideal for summer wear or as a statement handmade piece in your wardrobe.
🎥 Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Ready to make your own crochet top? In this video, I’ll guide you through the entire process—from working up the C2C front panel to creating the butterfly back panel and joining it all together.
👉 Watch along, pause as needed, and crochet at your own pace. By the end, you’ll have a beautiful handmade top that’s perfect for layering or summer wear.
If you enjoy this tutorial, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment—it really helps support my crochet channel! 💖
Why You’ll Love This Project
Beginner-Friendly Techniques – Combines C2C for the front and simple mesh stitches for the back.
Unique Butterfly Design – The openwork motif creates a lightweight, breezy feel.
Customizable Colors – Use bold gradients, soft pastels, or stash yarn scraps.
Charted in Stitch Fiddle Pro – Designed from scratch, giving it a one-of-a-kind touch.
Wearable & Stylish – Works beautifully as a summer top or layered over a tank.
Conversation Starter – The butterfly detail is sure to get noticed.
Inspiration Behind the Design
I wanted to create a crochet top that felt both playful and elegant—something lightweight enough for but with a special detail that makes it stand out. The idea of combining a C2C front panel with a butterfly motif on the back came from my love of textured stitches paired with airy, open designs.
The butterfly was the perfect choice because it symbolizes freedom, transformation, and creativity, and it adds a whimsical touch that balances the structured look of the C2C front. To bring the vision to life, I designed both panels in Stitch Fiddle Pro, which gave me the freedom to chart every detail exactly how I imagined it.
Tip: Try experimenting with gradient yarns for the front panel to make the color flow naturally, or add a contrasting border around the butterfly to make it pop even more.
Materials You’ll Need
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Yarn Bee Sugarwheel Cotton Sparkle (Gradient Yarn, #3 Light) – Perfect for lightweight summer tops with a soft shimmer
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⚡ Rechargeable Electric Yarn Winder – Makes winding cakes quick, easy, and tangle-free
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Yarn Holder / Spinner🧵 Stitch Abbreviations (US & UK)
| Abbreviation | US Term | UK Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | Chain | Foundation or turning stitch |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | Slip Stitch | Join or move without height |
| sc | Single Crochet | Double Crochet | Short, tight stitch |
| dc | Double Crochet | Treble Crochet | Taller stitch with one yarn over |
| tr | Treble Crochet | Double Treble Crochet | Very tall stitch with two yarn overs |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet | Half Treble Crochet | Mid-height stitch with one yarn over |
| inc | Increase | Increase | Two stitches in one stitch |
| dec | Decrease | Decrease | Two stitches worked together |
| FO | Fasten Off | Fasten Off | Cut and secure yarn |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) | Stitch(es) | General stitch reference |
| BLO | Back Loop Only | Back Loop Only | Work into back loop for texture |
| STACKED SC | Stacked Single Crochet | Stacked Double Crochet (UK) | Used in place of a turning chain |
✂️ Tip: You can screenshot or print this Stitch Abbreviations Chart to keep next to your workspace. It’s especially handy if you’re switching between US and UK terms or learning new stitch names!
Skill Level
Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate
This project is approachable for crocheters who already know the basics of crochet like chains and double crochet to work on corner-to-corner (C2C) and feel comfortable working from a simple chart or diagram. The shaping is minimal, and you’ll practice combining solid C2C stitches with open mesh stitches for the butterfly design.
Techniques Used:
Corner-to-Corner (C2C) Stitch
Double Crochet (DC)
Chain Stitch (CH)
Mesh Stitch (DC + CH combinations)
Joining Panels (side + shoulder seams)
Optional Border/Edging
Play with gradient yarns for the front panel and a contrasting solid for the butterfly back to make the design pop.
If you’re comfortable with basic stitches and reading a chart, you’ll love this project—and it’s a great confidence booster if you’re moving from beginner into intermediate crochet.
C2C Butterfly Crochet Top – Free Pattern Instructions
Yarn: Yarn Bee Sugarwheel Cotton Sparkle, #3 Light (or any lightweight gradient cotton blend)
Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6)
Finished Size: Customizable – my sample fits a women’s medium (approx. 18” wide front panel × 18” wide back panel before assembly)
Note: The front panel is worked in C2C rows; the back panel is a mesh chart with butterfly motif. Panels are then joined at sides and shoulders, with optional edging around neckline and hem.
🧩 Pattern Instructions
🟦 Front Panel (C2C)
Work the entire front panel using the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique. Follow the chart or written row-by-row instructions until the panel reaches your desired width/height.
Row-by-Row Instructions
Work the entire front panel using the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique. Follow either the chart or these written row-by-row instructions until the panel reaches your desired width/height.
⚪ Note on White Squares:
The white squares in the chart represent empty space — these are not stitches. Simply skip them and continue with the teal (worked squares) as shown. This creates the neckline shape without extra bulk.
🔽 Use the written rows below as a step-by-step guide. Each section is grouped for clarity.
Rows 1–20
Rows 21–38
Rows 39–62
Row 63 + Totals
🦋 Back Panel (Butterfly Motif)
Crochet the back panel in mesh stitches, following the butterfly chart. Keep edges straight and consistent to match the front panel size.
Butterfly Motif – Part 1
Work the back panel in mesh stitches. Begin the butterfly motif by following the chart. Each empty square represents a chain space, and each filled symbol represents a double crochet.
Butterfly Motif – Part 2
Continue the butterfly motif on page 2. Keep edges straight and consistent to match the front panel’s size. The motif is completed at the end of Row 26.
🦋 Right Shoulder
Attach to Back Panel – Right Side:
Work this shoulder extension following the chart. Once complete, this section will be attached to the right side of the butterfly back panel after blocking. Keep stitch counts consistent so the neckline and shoulders align evenly.
🦋 Left Shoulder
Attach to Back Panel – Left Side:
Follow this chart to create the left shoulder extension. After blocking the back panel, attach this piece to the left side of the butterfly motif, ensuring symmetry with the right side.
🧺 Blocking the Back Panel (After Shoulder Extensions)
Once both shoulder extensions have been attached to the butterfly back panel, block the entire piece to set its final dimensions and open up the lace.
Method Used: Steam Blocking
Lay the back panel (with extensions attached) flat on a blocking mat or clean towel.
Pin edges straight, making sure the butterfly motif and shoulder sections align symmetrically.
Using a steam iron or garment steamer, hover above the fabric (do not press). Allow the steam to relax the stitches.
Let the piece cool and dry completely before unpinning.
👉 Blocking at this stage ensures the butterfly motif is crisp, the edges are smooth, and the shoulders match evenly for joining later.
Joining the Panels
After blocking the back panel with shoulder extensions, you’re ready to join the front and back panels together.
Use a seamless join on the wrong side so the right side shows a smooth finish.
Lay the panels with right sides facing each other (so the “good” sides are touching inside).
The wrong sides are facing outward — that’s where you’ll work with your tapestry needle.
Join at the shoulders first (following the shoulder extension joins).
Then, seam down both side edges (as shown in the photo) using your chosen joining method (mattress stitch, whip stitch through back loops/edges, or slip stitch join).
Once you finish, open it up — the seams will be hidden neatly on the inside, and the right side shows a clean, polished look.
Seaming the side edges of the front and back panels with a tapestry needle. Work on the wrong side so the seam is hidden and the right side stays neat and polished.
✨ Think of it like sewing a garment inside out — you work on the “ugly” side so the pretty side stays perfect.
Joining Method Options:
Mattress Stitch – creates an invisible seam, perfect if you want the join to disappear.
Whip Stitch (through back loops/edges) – quicker and easier, leaves a subtle ridge on the inside.
Slip Stitch Join – adds a bit of firmness and structure along the seam.
📌 Pattern Terms of Use & License
✅ You are welcome to sell finished tops made from this pattern — handmade garments made with love are always appreciated!
❌ You may not sell, reproduce, or redistribute this pattern itself in any form, whether digital or printed.
📄 For workshops, kits, or mass production, please contact me directly to request permission.
😄 If you make and share your finished Butterfly Back Panel Top, I’d love to see it!
Please credit:
👉 YarnCreationIdeas.com
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💬 Comments & Questions
Have a question about this crochet top pattern? Need help with a stitch or one of the charts?
I’m here to help!
🧶 Feel free to leave a comment below — I love hearing from you. Whether it’s a question, showing off your finished top, or just saying hello, your messages mean so much! 💕
📸 If you made this C2C Crochet Top, be sure to tag me on social media or share it using the hashtag #YarnCreationIdeas so I can celebrate your creativity!
Let’s keep stitching and growing together! 🌟