Prep and divide a C8 mari, about 2 3/4 to 3 inches. The background wrap will show under the "bodies" of the butterflies, so choose your wrap color accordingly. If you make it the same as your background stitching color, it will "disappear". If you choose a contrasting color it will become a major player in your butterflies. Mark the mari with the same color thread as your background color (invisible marking). The above example  by Tina(on the left) shows using one background color and one butterfly color, with a contrasting color used to embroider the butterfly bodies. In the basic version the butterflies will all be the same color or pattern of colors; advanced versions of the pattern will set up  butterflies that can each be different colors all over the ball. The pattern can be adjusted to make the butterflies different colors.

The red diamonds in the diagram form the background on the ball;  the green squares in the diagram form the butterflies.  The corners of the squares progress towards each other as you stitch and the points converge to form the butterfly image. The pattern is stitched using double strands of #5 pearl cotton; it could be done in single thread (which will take more time) but give a smoother edge to the butterflies. See the diagram and hints on stitching with double thread on TalkTemari to make it easier to not have the threads twist as you stitch - they need to remain flat. *Locate the diamonds on the C8 - shown in red on the diagram. With double strand of the background color, stitch from points 1 to 4, back to 1. Your first round should be placed half way between the marking intersections as shown. Stitch one round in each diamond shape on the C8. Locate the six squares on the C8, shown in green on the diagram. With your butterfly color in double strand, stitch the square from points A to D, back to A. Stitch one round in each square on the C8. * These steps complete one layer of the pattern. Repeat between the *'s to complete the pattern; the spaces will fill and the butterfly shapes will appear as shown in the completed photos above. Fill in any open spaces on the background as needed with the background color (it's rare that all-over patterns don't need some filling in).

When you have completed stitching the layers that build up the butterfly pattern and filled in any open spaces between the diamonds, use a contrasting thread to stitch the butterfly bodies; two long stitches crossed where the square points meet, with two French knots at the top of the antennae work well, or you can use your imagination.

If needed, you can remove any marking threads that are peeking out.

To advance this pattern to different color combinations and placements, continue to StitchAlong Pattern Temari 0501b