A Perler bead butterfly is the perfect low-mess craft that’s both fun and relaxing to make! These colourful melty bead butterflies are super satisfying to create, and they turn out beautifully every single time. With just a few basic supplies, kids can design their own dazzling butterfly creations — no glue or paint required!
This craft is a great way to explore colour patterns, encourage creativity, and strengthen fine motor skills. Plus, we’ve included free printable butterfly Perler bead patterns to make crafting even easier! Display your finished butterflies as room decor, turn them into magnets, or transform them into adorable backpack charms. However you use them, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face!
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How to Make a Perler Bead Butterfly
Materials:
Equipment:
- Tweezers (optional)
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Prepare your pegboard
- Print our free butterfly Perler bead patterns, or follow along with the template on your device’s screen.Find the link to one of the patterns in the materials list above. The others can be found below this tutorial.
- To make the larger Perler bead butterfly you’ll need a large square pegboard. The smaller butterflies require a small square board.If you have a clear pegboard you can place it on top of the printed pattern to make it easier to follow along. We also find it helpful to sort the Perler bead colours we need and divide them into small bowls.
Step 3: Follow the pattern
- Begin placing the beads according to the pattern.Optional: Use tweezers to place the Perler beads. It makes it easier to add a bead to a specific peg, especially for larger (adult) fingers. Any type of tweezer will do, or you can buy specific plastic crafting tweezers that are great for kids.
- Work your way across the pattern. You can add the beads colour by colour, working outside in, or go from one side to another – whatever is easiest for you.
Step 4: Iron the butterfly
- Place the pegboard on an ironing board or wooden cutting board. Cover the Perler bead design with a piece of parchment paper.
- Heat your iron to medium temperature, no steam. Place the iron on the parchment paper and move it around in circular motions for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
- Check the beads to see if they’re melted together. Continue to iron for another 10 to 20 seconds, if necessary.The beads are melted correctly when the parchment paper sticks to the beads and needs to be peeled away from them.
Step 5: Let the melted beads cool
- Leave your butterfly Perler bead design on the pegboard until it’s cool to the touch.When you remove it, place it under a stack of heavy books to stop it from warping as it cools completely.
- Your Perler bead butterfly is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Ironing too long can over-melt the beads, causing them to lose detail. Start with shorter intervals and heat more as needed.
- Use parchment paper, not wax paper. Wax paper can stick and melt onto your design. Parchment paper works best for a clean release.
Get our free printable Perler bead butterfly patterns:
The links and pictures below will take you to our free, printable Perler bead butterfly templates! The PDF files will open in a new window.
Then simply follow along with the pattern on your device’s screen, or print the patterns in colour on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper.
The first two patterns (#1 and #2) require a large square pegboard, while #3 and #4 can be made on a small square board.
>>> Perler Bead Butterfly Pattern #1 <<<
>>> Perler Bead Butterfly Pattern #2 <<<
>>> Perler Bead Butterfly Pattern #3 <<<
>>> Perler Bead Butterfly Pattern #4 <<<
I’m new to Perler beads. What do I need to start making this Perler bead butterfly?
To make this Perler bead butterfly pattern, you’ll need a few basic supplies: Perler beads, a pegboard, parchment paper, and an iron.
You can buy Perler beads in assorted tubs or themed colour packs, and we recommend starting with a clear large square pegboard, as it works perfectly with our printable patterns.
You can also buy Perler bead starter kits that come with most of these items! Crafting tweezers also help place beads more easily, especially for small fingers!
How can I display my Perler beads butterfly?
These easy Perler bead butterflies look adorable just as they are, but they’re also super versatile!
Try adding a magnet to the back and sticking it on the fridge or your locker. You can attach one to a hair clip or headband for a DIY hair accessory. Or use fishing line or twine to hang them in the window as suncatchers. You can even turn your Perler bead butterflies into ornaments for a spring or summer garland!
What’s the best way to store leftover Perler beads and keep them organized?
Perler beads are tiny, and keeping them sorted can save a lot of time when you’re crafting. We recommend using a divided storage container or bead organizer box with individual compartments for each colour. This makes it easier to find the exact shades you need without digging through a big mixed bin.
A bead sorting tray and silicone bead scoop can also help kids (and adults!) pick up and move beads with less mess.
Grab your beads and let your creativity take flight! Perler bead butterflies are a colourful and calming craft that’s fun for all ages. Whether you’re making them for fun, for decoration, or as sweet little gifts, they’re sure to bring a flutter of joy to your day.
Here’s even more Perler bead pattern ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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