How to DIY A Handkerchief Butterfly Plushie for Kids

Reference Images: MAKE DIY via YouTube

Author: Talha

Learn how to fold a CUTE and simple butterfly softie from a square towel or handkerchief with this method. It does not need any needle sewing or cutting, as we shall use basic folds and the ruffing-up method to make it, and rubber bands to secure the wings and the body.

This way, you can also reverse this butterfly plushie back to a functional towel, just like the towel octopus plushie, for emergency use during travel. You can either make it with faux plastic antennae, or I will also show you how to make one from pipe cleaners.

While writing instructions for it, I felt like I was teaching an origami butterfly, as the folds are regular and simple. So, you can easily end up with the same shape of the butterfly, and there are little chances of messing it up.

Note: I am sharing the best tutorials to make the summer plushies. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

Difficulty: None

Time: 10 Minutes

Materials Needed

• A square handkerchief or towel (a bright teal or baby pink towel). You can use Microfabric Towels as they are soft, plush, and come in a wide range of colors.
• One black pipe cleaner (or pre-made faux antennae)
• One clear or color-matching rubber band

Uses of this Butterfly Plushie

• Travel Comfort: Because it is made of a towel and two elastic bands, a great travel “toy” for kids that can be easily disassembled if a towel is needed in an emergency.
• Desk Buddy: Hang over your desk as a fidget toy.

DIY Butterfly Plushie: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make an butterfly plushie:

Step 1: The First Half Fold

Let your square towel lie flat on the table and fold it in half to make a rectangle.

Step 2: The Quarter Square

Fold the rectangle in half once more to make a smaller, quarter-square. Rotate your square in diamond position!

Step 3: Diagonal Triangle Folds

Lift the top layer flap of your square and fold it diagonally in half to make a triangle.

Turn the towel over and fold the remaining square flap diagonally to match the opposite side.

This leaves you with a layered triangle structure, very similar to folding the flaps of an origami square base. Be sure to fold both flaps in the same direction.

Step 4: Forming the Ruffle-Up

Orient the folded towel so the top point of the triangle is now on the left side.

Take the two bottom corners of the topmost layer and fold them straight up so they meet exactly at the top center peak.

Starting from the bottom corner, make zig-zag layering straight towards the top corner, just like you would do with dough.

Step 5: Secure

Wrap a rubber around the middle part of the layered diamond and make two wraps so you have secured it strongly.

Step 6: Upper Wings

Rotate the towel sideways 90 degrees. Insert your finger in the two inner flaps that are currently touching at the top.

Fold them outward and downward at an angle.

Let the tips extend past the diagonal edges of the base to form the large upper wings of the butterfly.

Step 7: Lower Wings

Similar to the upper wings, unfold the bottom flaps and spread them outward. You will have a middle tube left to be folded.

Step 8: Body

Fold the middle layer down and around the centre, leave a small tip, and secure it with a rubber band. You can also glue the ends, similar to what we did in the origami bow.

Feels Difficult?

Step 9: Adding the Antennae

• Fold a black pipe cleaner in half to create a “V” shape.
• Slide the bottom of the “V” under the rubber band at the front of the butterfly (the side with the diamond folds).
• Twist the pipe cleaner once at the base to lock it against the rubber band.

• Use your fingers to curl the two ends of the pipe cleaner outward to create the signature butterfly antennae.

And that’s it!

Was this Plushie Tutorial Helpful? Tell us in the Comments.

Your feedback is a great way for us to improve the tutorials. Did you find the tutorial helpful? Be sure to subscribe to the creator’s channel!