When I first saw Joji Locatelli’s Chubby Butterflies Hat, I knew it would be the perfect knit for my daughter. It’s a sweet, cozy design with playful texture and colorwork that feels both whimsical and wearable.
I originally cast this on during Joji’s Fall Knit-Along last year. It was part of her September “mini challenge” to finish a WIP (work in progress). The hat was almost done—but then I played a dangerous game of yarn chicken and lost. The project sat tucked away for months, unfinished.
This year, I finally ordered another skein in the color Rosalinda, paired it with the English Rose I already had, and I absolutely love how the two shades came together. Sometimes projects take the long route to get finished, but the wait was worth it.
About the Pattern
Joji Locatelli’s Chubby Butterflies Hat has a stitch pattern that creates small “butterfly” motifs across the fabric, which pop beautifully in contrasting or tonal yarns. The design is beginner-friendly in the sense that the butterflies look intricate but are achieved with simple stitches and slips.
Why I Loved Knitting This Hat
Quick Knit: Using bulky yarn like Malabrigo Mecha means this project knits up fast - perfect for gift knitting or when you need a cozy accessory in a hurry.
Kid-Friendly Appeal: The playful butterfly motifs add a touch of magic, making it a hit with little ones.
Soft & Warm: Mecha is a single-ply superwash merino, so it’s squishy, warm, and soft enough for sensitive skin.
Full Circle Finish: Completing a WIP from Joji’s Fall KAL made this project even more satisfying.
Yarn & Color Choices
For the main color, I went with Rosalinda, which has a soft watercolor effect. For the contrast, I chose English Rose to give the butterflies a distinct pop. The two shades complemented each other beautifully, balancing softness and vibrancy.
If you’d like to try this project, here are some yarns and tools I recommend:
Malabrigo Mecha in English Rose
Pattern: Chubby Butterflies Hat by Joji Locatelli
Final Thoughts
This hat was such a joy to knit, and seeing it on my daughter makes it even more special. It reminded me that it’s okay when projects take longer than expected-sometimes finishing a WIP feels like its own little victory. If you’re looking for a quick, cozy project that feels whimsical but still practical, I highly recommend giving the Chubby Butterflies Hat a try.
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