Introduction
Welcome to this delightful amigurumi pattern for a Butterfly Wing Panda! This whimsical creation combines the adorable charms of a classic panda bear with the magical touch of colorful butterfly wings. I designed this pattern after noticing how children were drawn to fantasy creatures that merge familiar animals with unexpected elements. The contrast between the panda's monochrome body and the vibrant wings creates a visual delight that's perfect for gifting or displaying in a nursery or craft room.
This project is ideal for beginners looking to expand their amigurumi skills or experienced crocheters wanting a quick, satisfying project. With basic stitches and simple construction techniques, you'll be able to create this unique handcrafted toy in just a few evenings.
Special Features:
- Removable butterfly wings (optional)
- Embroidered facial details
- Poseable sitting position
- Approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall when completed
Materials
Finding the right yarn for amigurumi projects makes all the difference in the final appearance. For this butterfly wing panda, I recommend using cotton yarn for the body as it creates crisp stitch definition for the panda's features and holds its shape beautifully for amigurumi animals.
Yarn Requirements:
- Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn in:
- Black (approximately 30g)
- White (approximately 60g)
- Wing colors of choice (small amounts in 3-4 colors for butterfly wings)
I've found that cotton yarn works best for detailed amigurumi projects like this one. The stiffness helps maintain the panda's round shape while still being soft enough for cuddling.
Other Materials:
- Crochet hook: 3.5mm (E-4) for the panda body
- 3.0mm (D-3) hook for more detailed wing work
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing (safe for children's toys)
- Black embroidery floss for facial details
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Safety eyes (9mm) or embroidery thread for eyes
- Scissors
- Optional: Pipe cleaners for poseable wings
Recommended Supplies for Your Project
Finding the right materials for crochet amigurumi projects can sometimes be challenging. Here's a yarn pack I often recommend for beginners working on their first animal amigurumi:
Amigurumi Cotton Yarn Collection - Perfect for Detailed Crochet Animals This set includes 8 skeins (20g each) of 100% cotton yarn in black, white, and assorted bright colors ideal for creating the butterfly wing panda. The yarn has excellent stitch definition which is essential when working small amigurumi details.
I appreciate the consistent quality of this yarn pack for all my amigurumi projects - the colors are vibrant and the yarn doesn't split easily when working tight stitches.
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Skill Level & Techniques
Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
This amigurumi pattern requires knowing how to:
- Make a magic ring (adjustable ring)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Increase (inc)
- Decrease (invisible decrease for neater finish)
- Working in continuous rounds
- Basic embroidery for facial features
- Whip stitch technique for joining parts
You'll learn valuable techniques like creating uniform stuffing for rounded shapes and crafting delicate butterfly wings using simple stitches. I developed this pattern to help beginners practice invisible decrease technique, which creates much smoother edges than standard decreases in amigurumi work.
Time Estimate: 5-8 hours total, perfect for a weekend crochet project
Abbreviations & Terms
This pattern uses US crochet terms:
- sc - single crochet
- inc - increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec - invisible decrease (decrease 2 stitches together invisibly)
- st(s) - stitch(es)
- rnd - round
- ( ) - repeat instructions inside parentheses the number of times indicated
- [ ] - number of stitches at end of round
- MR - magic ring (adjustable ring)
Pattern Instructions
Head and Body (worked as one piece)
Start with WHITE yarn:
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) 6 times [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) 6 times [42]
Round 8: (6 sc, inc) 6 times [48]
Rounds 9-12: sc in each st around [48]
Now we'll start creating the panda face pattern:
Round 13: Change to BLACK yarn. sc in each st around [48]
Round 14: sc in each st around [48]
Round 15: Change to WHITE yarn. sc in each st around [48]
Rounds 16-22: sc in each st around [48]
Start decreasing to form the neck:
Round 23: (6 sc, dec) 6 times [42]
Round 24: (5 sc, dec) 6 times [36]
Round 25: (4 sc, dec) 6 times [30]
Begin stuffing the head firmly at this point, adding more as you go.
Round 26: (3 sc, dec) 6 times [24]
Continue with the body in WHITE yarn:
Round 27: sc in each st around [24]
Round 28: (3 sc, inc) 6 times [30]
Round 29: sc in each st around [30]
Round 30: (4 sc, inc) 6 times [36]
Rounds 31-37: sc in each st around [36]
Round 38: (4 sc, dec) 6 times [30]
Round 39: (3 sc, dec) 6 times [24]
Round 40: (2 sc, dec) 6 times [18]
Stuff the body firmly but not too tightly.
Round 41: (1 sc, dec) 6 times [12]
Round 42: dec 6 times [6]
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close and weave in the end.
Arms (make 2)
Start with WHITE yarn:
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: sc in each st around [12]
Round 4: (1 sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Rounds 5-6: sc in each st around [18]
Round 7: (Change to BLACK for paws) sc in each st around [18]
Round 8: sc in each st around [18] Round 9: (1 sc, dec) 6 times [12]
Stuff lightly.
Round 10: dec 6 times [6]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close as for the body.
Legs (make 2)
Start with WHITE yarn:
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Round 4: sc in each st around [18]
Round 5: (Change to BLACK for paws) sc in each st around [18]
Round 6: sc in each st around [18]
Round 7: (1 sc, dec) 6 times [12]
Stuff lightly.
Round 8: dec 6 times [6]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close as for the body.
Ears (make 2)
Start with BLACK yarn:
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Round 2: inc in each st around [12]
Round 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times [18]
Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around [18]
Do not stuff. Flatten and fold in half.
Round 6: sc 9 through both layers to close [9]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Butterfly Wings
For the butterfly wings, choose 3-4 colors you love. I've used bright colors that contrast beautifully with the panda's black and white body.
Start with your main wing color:
Row 1: Chain 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn. [14]
Row 2: Inc, 12 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. [16]
Row 3: Inc, 14 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. [18]
Row 4: Inc, 16 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. [20]
Row 5: Inc, 18 sc, inc. Ch 1, turn. [22]
Row 6: Inc, 20 sc, inc. [24]
Fasten off. This forms one wing section. Make a total of 4 identical sections (2 for each wing).
For wing decoration, use contrasting colors to create small flower motifs or spots on each wing section:
Flower motif (make 3-5 per wing): In contrast color, make 5 sc in magic ring. Join with slip stitch to first sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Attach the flowers to the wing sections using the yarn tails.
Join two wing sections together using whip stitch to create one complete butterfly wing. Repeat for the second wing.
Assembly Instructions
Face Details:- Attach safety eyes between rounds 13-14, approximately 8-10 stitches apart. If using embroidery instead, use black thread to create simple, round eyes.
- Using black embroidery floss, create a small nose by stitching a triangle shape between the eyes.
- Add a simple mouth by stitching a small curved line below the nose.
- Sew the ears to the top of the head between rounds 8-10, about 6-8 stitches apart.
- Attach the arms to the sides of the body between rounds 28-30.
- Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, positioning them so the panda can sit.
- For the butterfly wings, either sew them permanently to the back of the panda between rounds 31-33, or create a small strap that goes around the panda's body to make the wings removable.
- Add any additional embellishments to the wings like small beads or embroidered details.
- Check that all parts are securely attached and all yarn ends are hidden.
Technical Tips from Patricia
💡 Tip: For perfect amigurumi stuffing, use small amounts at a time and push it into place with a chopstick or pencil. This helps reach tight corners and creates an even, firm shape.
💡 Tip: When working the invisible decrease technique for amigurumi projects, insert your hook through the front loops only of the next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both loops, then complete the stitch. This creates a much neater finish than regular decreases.
💡 Tip: For removable butterfly wings, create a small strap using chain stitches that can be buttoned or tied around the panda's body. This allows children to transform their toy from regular panda to butterfly panda!
Simple Customization Ideas:
- Change the butterfly wing colors to match your favorite butterfly species
- Add small antennae using pipe cleaners or yarn
- Create different facial expressions by changing the embroidery pattern
Conclusion & Care Instructions
Your Butterfly Wing Panda measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall when seated. To care for your handmade amigurumi toy, spot clean with mild soap and water. If you used cotton yarn as recommended, you can hand wash gently if needed, but always air dry to maintain the panda's shape.
This whimsical creature makes a delightful handmade baby shower gift or a special present for nature lovers. Display it on a shelf, use it as a creative photography prop, or give it to a child who loves both pandas and butterflies!
I'd love to see your completed Butterfly Wing Panda! Share your creation using #TrendyDecosButterlfyPanda or tag @trendydecos on social media. If you have any questions about the pattern, feel free to ask in the comments below!
Happy Crocheting!
- Patricia Poltera, trendydecos.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is amigurumi? A: Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed yarn creatures. The word is a combination of "ami" (crocheted or knitted) and "nuigurumi" (stuffed doll). This butterfly wing panda follows traditional amigurumi techniques using single crochet worked in continuous rounds.
Q: Can I use a different weight yarn for this pattern? A: Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but keep in mind this will change the size of your finished panda. If using lighter weight yarn, you may need to use a smaller hook and adjust stitch counts. For heavier yarns, use a larger hook and expect a bigger finished toy.
Q: How do I make the invisible decrease for amigurumi? A: The invisible decrease creates a smoother finish than regular decreases. Insert your hook through the front loops only of the next two stitches, yarn over and pull through both loops, then complete the stitch as normal. This technique is especially important for the panda's face where we want clean, defined edges.
Q: Can beginners make this amigurumi pattern? A: Yes! This pattern uses basic crochet stitches and is suitable for beginners who know how to make a magic ring, single crochet, increase, and decrease. The butterfly wings add a fun challenge but can be simplified or even made from felt if preferred.
Q: How do I attach safety eyes for my amigurumi? A: Position the safety eyes where indicated in the pattern. Push the posts through the fabric from front to back, then secure with the washers on the inside of the work. Always attach eyes before closing and stuffing your amigurumi completely, as you need access to the inside.
Q: What's the best stuffing for amigurumi toys? A: Polyester fiberfill is ideal for amigurumi projects as it's washable, hypoallergenic, and holds its shape well. When stuffing the panda, add small amounts at a time and use a tool to push it into corners for an even finish.
Q: Can I sell items made from this pattern? A: Yes, you may sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities. Credit to "Pattern by Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com" must be included in your listing. Mass production or selling the pattern itself is not permitted.
Copyright Notice
© Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com. Pattern for personal use only. You may make and sell finished items in small quantities, but please credit the design to "Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com". This pattern may not be reproduced, distributed, or sold without permission. Thank you for respecting my work!
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