You will need:
DMC Cordonnet 40 in white
2mm double-pointed knitting needles
Lower Wing:
Cast on 3 sts
k3
*yo, k to end
rep from * until there are 10sts
**yo, k3, sk2p (adding bead), k4
yo, skp, k to last 2sts, k2tog
yo, k2, sk2p (adding bead), k3
yo, skp, k to last 2sts, k2tog
yo, k1, sk2p (adding bead), k2
yo, skp, k1 k2tog
skp, k2tog
k2tog
Upper Wing
k2 into st
k1, k2 into next st (3sts)
rep from * of lower wing until there are 12sts
yo, k4, sk2p (adding bead), k5
yo, skp, k to last 2sts, k2tog
rep from ** of lower wing
Knit two upper / lower wing sets
Body
The body is a 4st i-cord
Using dp needles cast on 4sts
k to end
swap needles but, without turning the work, push the
4sts back to the RH end of the L needle
take the thread from behind the work and continue knitting,
thus forming a tube
knit to length
Making up butterfly
Sew in the end thread of the top wings; leave the end
thread of the lower wings loose.
Sew the starting thread of the body up through the tube
to form a second antenna.
Block by pinning out the yo loops at the edges of the
wings (I use cut-down cocktail sticks to ensure the loops remain rounded).
Dye with fabric paint to required colours.
Leave to dry and then spray starch to stiffen.
Sew the wings to the body.