purlJam

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# 🦋 Mariposa — A Knitted Butterfly Amigurumi

**A beginner-friendly knitted soft toy**

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## AT A GLANCE

| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| **Skill Level** | Beginner |
| **Finished Size** | Approx. 7 inches (18 cm) wide × 5 inches (13 cm) tall (assembled) |
| **Technique** | Knitting in the round; flat knitting; seamed assembly |
| **Yarn Weight** | Worsted |

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn A (Body):** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 30 yards (27 m) — shown in golden yellow
- **Yarn B (Upper Wings):** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 60 yards (55 m) — shown in deep orange
- **Yarn C (Lower Wings):** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 35 yards (32 m) — shown in burnt orange or contrasting color
- **Yarn D (Wing Markings, optional):** Small amount of black worsted weight yarn for embroidered spots/markings
- **Needles:** US 8 / 5 mm double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5), OR 32–40 inch (80–100 cm) circular needle for Magic Loop
- **Notions:**
  - Stitch markers (4)
  - Tapestry needle
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  - Two 9 mm black safety eyes (or black embroidery floss for a child-safe alternative)
  - Scissors
  - Straight pins (for assembly)
  - Optional: Two small black pom-poms or beads for antenna tips (use only for adult/display toys)

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## GAUGE

**18 sts × 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch on US 8 / 5 mm needles

*Gauge is not critical for this toy, but matching gauge will produce the stated finished dimensions. A tighter gauge will produce a smaller butterfly; a looser gauge will produce a larger one.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| kfb | Knit into the front and back of stitch (increase 1 st) |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (decrease 1 st, leans right) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (decrease 1 st, leans left) |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| rep | Repeat |
| rem | Remaining |
| approx | Approximately |

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

### Working in the Round (DPNs or Magic Loop)
This pattern uses the round for the body only. All wing pieces are worked flat (back and forth in rows). If you are new to DPNs or Magic Loop, see the Beginner Notes below.

### I-Cord (for Antennae)
Cast on the specified number of stitches onto one DPN. **Do not turn your work.** Slide the stitches to the opposite end of the needle. Bring the working yarn firmly across the back and knit all stitches again. Repeat this action for every row. A tube will form naturally.

### Kfb Increase
Insert the right needle into the front of the stitch and knit as normal, but **do not slip the stitch off the left needle.** Instead, insert the right needle into the **back** of the same stitch and knit again. Now slip the stitch off. You have made 2 stitches from 1. *(+1 st)*

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## BEGINNER NOTES

- Read through the entire pattern before starting.
- The body is worked in stockinette stitch **in the round** (knit every round).
- The wings are worked **flat** in garter stitch (knit every row on both RS and WS). Garter stitch lies flat and is ideal for wing shapes.
- Each piece is made separately and then sewn together at the end.
- Stuff the body firmly but not so tightly that the fabric distorts.
- Use locking stitch markers or safety pins to hold wing positions before sewing.

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## PATTERN

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### PIECE 1: BODY
*Worked in stockinette stitch in the round. Makes 1.*
*Yarn A.*

The body is an elongated oval — wider in the middle and tapered at both ends. It works just like a classic amigurumi shape.

**Set-Up:**
Using Yarn A and DPNs (or Magic Loop), CO 6 sts. Distribute evenly across needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker (pm) for beginning of round.

**Increase Section:**
- **Rnd 1:** [kfb] 6 times. *(12 sts)*
- **Rnds 2–4:** Knit all sts. *(12 sts)*

> 📐 *Math check: 6 sts × 2 [kfb] = 12 sts. ✅*

**Body Section:**
- **Rnds 5–18:** Knit all sts. *(12 sts — work 14 rounds even)*

> 📐 *14 rounds at 24 rows/4 inches = approx. 2.3 inches (6 cm) of body length. ✅*

**Decrease Section:**
Before beginning decreases, insert safety eyes between Rnds 2 and 3 (at the top/head end of the body), spacing them approximately 4 sts apart. If making for a child under 3, skip safety eyes and embroider eyes later with black floss.

Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill now, adding a little at a time.

- **Rnd 19:** [k2tog] 6 times. *(6 sts)*

> 📐 *12 sts ÷ 2 = 6 sts. ✅*

**Finishing the Body:**
Cut yarn, leaving a 6 inch (15 cm) tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle. Pass the needle through all 6 remaining sts as if to purl, slipping them off the knitting needle. Pull tight to close the opening. Weave in end securely on the inside.

**Finished Body Dimensions:** Approx. 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide × 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall ✅

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### PIECE 2: UPPER WINGS
*Worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row). Makes 2 — one Left Wing, one Right Wing.*
*Yarn B.*

The upper wings are the large, rounded wings at the top of the butterfly. Each wing is made separately. The shaping is **identical** for both wings because garter stitch is reversible — simply flip the finished piece when assembling to create a mirror pair.

**Set-Up:**
Using Yarn B and two DPNs (or straight needles), CO 3 sts. Do not join. You will work back and forth in rows.

**Increase Section:**
- **Row 1 (RS):** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Knit all sts. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 3:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 4:** Knit all sts. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 5:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 6:** Knit all sts. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 7:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 8:** Knit all sts. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 9:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(13 sts)*
- **Row 10:** Knit all sts. *(13 sts)*
- **Row 11:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(15 sts)*
- **Row 12:** Knit all sts. *(15 sts)*
- **Row 13:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(17 sts)*
- **Row 14:** Knit all sts. *(17 sts)*
- **Row 15:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(19 sts)*
- **Row 16:** Knit all sts. *(19 sts)*

> 📐 *Math check: CO 3 + (1 kfb each end × 8 RS rows) = 3 + 16 = 19 sts. ✅*
> 📐 *Width at 19 sts: 19 ÷ 4.5 sts/inch = approx. 4.2 inches (10.7 cm). ✅*

**Even Section:**
- **Rows 17–22:** Knit all sts. *(19 sts — 6 rows even)*

> 📐 *6 rows at 24 rows/4 inches = approx. 1 inch (2.5 cm) of even section. ✅*

**Decrease Section:**
- **Row 23:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(17 sts)*
- **Row 24:** Knit all sts. *(17 sts)*
- **Row 25:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(15 sts)*
- **Row 26:** Knit all sts. *(15 sts)*
- **Row 27:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(13 sts)*
- **Row 28:** Knit all sts. *(13 sts)*
- **Row 29:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 30:** Knit all sts. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 31:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 32:** Knit all sts. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 33:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 34:** Knit all sts. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 35:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 36:** Knit all sts. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 37:** Ssk, k1, k2tog. *(3 sts)*
- **Row 38:** Knit all sts. *(3 sts)*

> 📐 *Math check: 19 sts − (2 sts × 8 decrease rows) = 19 − 16 = 3 sts. ✅*

BO all 3 sts. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

**Make a second upper wing identically.** When assembling, flip one wing to create a mirror image.

**Finished Upper Wing Dimensions:** Approx. 4.2 inches (10.7 cm) wide × 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall ✅

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### PIECE 3: LOWER WINGS
*Worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row). Makes 2 — one Left Wing, one Right Wing.*
*Yarn C.*

The lower wings are smaller and rounder, sitting below the upper wings. The shaping follows the same principle as the upper wings but on a smaller scale.

**Set-Up:**
Using Yarn C and two DPNs (or straight needles), CO 3 sts. Do not join. Work back and forth in rows.

**Increase Section:**
- **Row 1 (RS):** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** Knit all sts. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 3:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 4:** Knit all sts. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 5:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 6:** Knit all sts. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 7:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 8:** Knit all sts. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 9:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. *(13 sts)*
- **Row 10:** Knit all sts. *(13 sts)*

> 📐 *Math check: CO 3 + (1 kfb each end × 5 RS rows) = 3 + 10 = 13 sts. ✅*
> 📐 *Width at 13 sts: 13 ÷ 4.5 sts/inch = approx. 2.9 inches (7.4 cm). ✅*

**Even Section:**
- **Rows 11–14:** Knit all sts. *(13 sts — 4 rows even)*

**Decrease Section:**
- **Row 15:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 16:** Knit all sts. *(11 sts)*
- **Row 17:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 18:** Knit all sts. *(9 sts)*
- **Row 19:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 20:** Knit all sts. *(7 sts)*
- **Row 21:** Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 22:** Knit all sts. *(5 sts)*
- **Row 23:** Ssk, k1, k2tog. *(3 sts)*
- **Row 24:** Knit all sts. *(3 sts)*

> 📐 *Math check: 13 sts − (2 sts × 5 decrease rows) = 13 − 10 = 3 sts. ✅*

BO all 3 sts. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

**Make a second lower wing identically.** When assembling, flip one wing to create a mirror image.

**Finished Lower Wing Dimensions:** Approx. 2.9 inches (7.4 cm) wide × 2.3 inches (5.8 cm) tall ✅

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### PIECE 4: ANTENNAE
*Worked as I-Cord. Makes 2.*
*Yarn A (or Yarn D/black).*

**Set-Up:**
Using Yarn A (or black yarn), CO 3 sts onto one DPN.

**Work I-Cord:**
- Work I-cord (see Special Techniques) for 18 rows — approx. 3 inches (7.5 cm).

> 📐 *18 rows at 24 rows/4 inches = 3 inches (7.5 cm). ✅*

**Antenna Tip:**
At the end of the I-cord, work the tip as follows:
- **Last Row:** Kfb, k1, kfb. *(5 sts)*
- Slide sts to end of DPN, bring yarn across back, k all 5 sts (1 final I-cord row).
- BO all 5 sts.

This creates a small flare or "club" at the tip of the antenna, mimicking a real butterfly antenna.

Cut yarn, leaving a 4 inch (10 cm) tail. Weave in the tip-end tail. Leave the cast-on tail long for attaching to the body.

**Make 2 antennae.**

**Finished Antenna Length:** Approx. 3 inches (7.5 cm) ✅

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## ASSEMBLY

*Lay out all finished pieces before you begin sewing. Use the diagram description below as a guide.*

**🦋 Butterfly Layout Guide:**
- The **body** runs vertically in the center.
- The **upper wings** attach to the upper half of the body, one on each side, angled slightly upward (approximately 10–20° above horizontal).
- The **lower wings** attach to the lower half of the body, one on each side, angled slightly downward (approximately 10–20° below horizontal).
- The **antennae** attach to the very top of the body, angling outward and upward in a gentle V-shape.

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### Step 1: Attach the Upper Wings

1. Hold the body with the safety eyes facing you (this is the front). The head/top end is at the top.
2. Take one upper wing. Position it so the **widest part** (middle of the wing) aligns with approximately **Rnd 8** of the body (just below the halfway point of the increase section, toward the upper body).
3. The straight side (cast-on/bind-off edge) of the wing runs along the side of the body.
4. Pin in place. Using Yarn B and a tapestry needle, sew the straight edge of the wing to the body using **whip stitch** or **mattress stitch**. Sew along approximately 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of the wing edge.
5. Flip the second upper wing (so it mirrors the first) and attach it to the opposite side of the body in the same position.

> 💡 *Tip: Hold the assembled piece up and look at it from the front to check symmetry before sewing the final stitches.*

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### Step 2: Attach the Lower Wings

1. Take one lower wing. Position it so the **widest part** aligns with approximately **Rnd 14** of the body (lower body section), just below where the upper wing ends.
2. The lower wings should overlap the upper wings slightly at the body center — this is correct and gives a realistic butterfly silhouette.
3. Angle the lower wings slightly downward.
4. Pin in place. Using Yarn C and a tapestry needle, sew the straight edge of the wing to the body using whip stitch, sewing along approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the wing edge.
5. Flip the second lower wing and attach it to the opposite side.

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### Step 3: Attach the Antennae

1. Thread the cast-on tail of one antenna onto a tapestry needle.
2. Insert the needle into the very top of the body (at the closed tip), pushing through to the inside of the body.
3. Pull the tail through and secure with several small stitches inside the body. Weave in the tail.
4. The antenna should angle slightly outward.
5. Repeat for the second antenna, positioning it about 3–4 sts apart from the first so they form a V-shape.

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## FINISHING

### Face

**If using safety eyes:** Eyes were inserted during body construction (before closing). ✅

**If embroidering eyes (child-safe alternative):**
Using black embroidery floss or Yarn D, embroider two small French knots or satin-stitch circles between Rnds 2–3 of the body, spaced approximately 4 sts apart.

### Smile (Optional)
Using black embroidery floss, embroider a small curved line just below the eyes using backstitch to create a friendly smile.

### Wing Markings (Optional — Recommended for Mariposa Style)
Using Yarn D (black) and a tapestry needle threaded with a long tail:
- Embroider small **oval or teardrop shapes** near the tips of the upper wings using satin stitch to create the classic butterfly eye-spot markings.
- Add a few small **dots** scattered across the upper wings.
- Optionally, use a small amount of white yarn to add a tiny highlight dot inside each embroidered eye-spot.

> 💡 *For a monarch butterfly look: Use orange for Yarn B and C, black for Yarn A and D, and add small white or cream dots along the wing edges using duplicate stitch or a small crochet hook.*

### Weave In All Ends
Go through the finished butterfly and ensure all yarn tails are woven in securely, especially where wings join the body.

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (Assembled)

| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Total wingspan | ~7 inches | ~18 cm |
| Total height | ~5 inches | ~13 cm |
| Body length | ~3.5 inches | ~9 cm |
| Upper wing width (each) | ~4.2 inches | ~10.7 cm |
| Lower wing width (each) | ~2.9 inches | ~7.4 cm |
| Antenna length | ~3 inches | ~7.5 cm |

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## YARN USAGE SUMMARY

| Yarn | Color Role | Approx. Yardage |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn A | Body + Antennae | ~35 yards (32 m) |
| Yarn B | Upper Wings | ~60 yards (55 m) |
| Yarn C | Lower Wings | ~35 yards (32 m) |
| Yarn D | Markings (optional) | ~5 yards (5 m) |
| **Total** | | **~135 yards (123 m)** |

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. Store away from direct sunlight to preserve color.

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## SAFETY NOTE

⚠️ **This toy contains small parts (safety eyes) and is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.** For gifts intended for young children, use embroidered eyes only and omit any bead or pom-pom antenna tips.

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*Happy knitting! 🦋 Share your Mariposa butterfly using #MariposaKnit*

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