Crochet Butterfly Top – Easy Summer Crochet Pattern

This breezy butterfly top is made from two diamond-shaped panels that resemble wings, joined together with simple ties. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly summer project made with basic increasing and decreasing stitches.

What You Need

Worsted or DK weight yarn (in your main color, plus an optional contrast color for stripes)
Crochet hook (Suggested: 4–5 mm, matched to your yarn)
Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
Measuring tape
Scissors
Stitch marker

How to Make It

Step 1: Start the First Wing Panel

Start with a small foundation chain and work a row of double crochet stitches into it. At the start and end of each row, add one or two extra stitches (an increase) so the panel gets wider as you go. This begins shaping the top half of one diamond-shaped “wing.”

Step 2: Widen the Panel to Its Fullest Point

Continue working rows with increases at both edges until the panel reaches your desired width across the chest (Suggested: check by holding it against your body or a similar top you own). This is the widest point of the diamond shape.

Step 3: Narrow the Panel Back Down

Once you reach the widest point, switch from increasing to decreasing: remove one or two stitches at the start and end of each row instead of adding them. Continue decreasing until the panel comes to a point at the bottom, completing the diamond “wing” shape.

Step 4: Repeat for the Second Wing Panel

Make a second panel exactly the same way as the first, using the same number of rows and the same increase and decrease pattern, so both wings match in size and shape.

Step 5: Add Stripes (Optional)

If you’d like a striped butterfly-wing effect, switch to a contrast color every few rows while working Steps 1–3, then switch back to your main color. Keep the color changes even on both panels so they match.

Finishing

Lay both diamond panels flat with the points facing down, positioning them like the two front pieces of a top with a gap in the middle for the chest.
Attach yarn at the top corners of each panel and crochet a long chain, or braid several strands of yarn together, to create neck ties that go up and over the shoulders.
Attach a second set of ties at the side points of each diamond to wrap around the back and tie at the center back, closing the sides of the top.
Weave in all loose ends with the yarn needle.
Try the top on and adjust how tightly the ties are knotted for the fit you want.

Helpful Tips

Keep your increase and decrease counts consistent row by row on the first panel, then repeat the exact same pattern on the second panel so both wings come out the same size.
Use a stretchy or lightweight yarn for a more comfortable, breathable fit against the skin in summer.
Try the panels against your body every few rows as you work, so you can adjust the width before committing to the full diamond shape.