Butterfly Tank Top in Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton - Downloadable PDF

Butterfly Tank Top in Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton – Free Crochet Pattern Summary

This free downloadable crochet pattern from Lion Brand Yarn guides crafters through creating a charming Butterfly Tank Top (Pattern Number M23143 TC). Rated Easy skill level, this project is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate crocheters looking to build confidence while producing a wearable, fashion-forward garment. The design features a playful butterfly motif worked in contrasting accent colors, making it a standout warm-weather top suitable for a wide range of body sizes.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a crocheted tank top with decorative straps, designed to be worn as a casual or layered summer garment. It is available in an impressive range of nine sizes: XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X, with finished chest measurements ranging from approximately 30 inches (XS) up to 62 inches (5X). Finished body length ranges from about 12½ inches to 16½ inches, not including the straps, making it a cropped to mid-torso style depending on the size chosen. The butterfly detail adds a decorative, feminine touch that elevates this piece beyond a basic tank.

Materials Used

The pattern calls exclusively for Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton® (Art. #761), a worsted weight, 100% cotton yarn beloved for its smooth texture, stitch definition, and machine-washable convenience — ideal qualities for a summer garment. Three colors are used:

• #098 Ecru – the primary color (A), used for the main body of the top; quantity ranges from 3 balls (XS–M) up to 6 balls (4X–5X)
• #102 Aqua – accent color (B), 1 ball required for all sizes
• #144 Magenta – accent color (C), 1 ball required for all sizes

Additional materials include a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in ends and seaming, as well as a crochet hook (size specified within the full pattern). The use of cotton yarn makes this top breathable and comfortable against the skin during warmer months, and the worsted weight ensures the fabric works up quickly even for newer crocheters.

Techniques and Construction

As a beginner-friendly crochet pattern, the Butterfly Tank Top relies on fundamental crochet construction techniques that are accessible to those who have mastered basic stitches. The garment is worked in flat panels that are later seamed together, a straightforward approach that avoids the complexity of working in the round for the full body. Color changes are incorporated to create the butterfly motif, introducing crafters to simple colorwork techniques using the three designated yarn colors. Straps are added separately, allowing for length customization and a clean finish at the neckline and armholes.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is detailed within the complete downloadable PDF, patterns of this style and skill level from Lion Brand typically incorporate the following core crochet stitches and methods:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation chains and turning chains
• Single crochet (sc) – commonly used for borders, straps, and edging details
• Double crochet (dc) – a primary structural stitch for building the body fabric quickly at worsted weight
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining and finishing edges
• Color change technique – worked at the end of stitches to switch between Ecru, Aqua, and Magenta for the butterfly design

The Easy skill level designation means the stitch pattern remains largely repetitive and predictable, making it simple to follow even for those relatively new to garment construction in crochet.

Pattern Format and Sizing Notes

This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from Lion Brand Yarn. It is written for the smallest size first, with all larger size adjustments noted in parentheses throughout —