Celebrate Lunar New Year with a Handmade Crochet Lantern! 🎋✨

 


As Lunar New Year approaches, it's the perfect time to bring festive traditions into your crafting. What better way to celebrate than with this easy and delightful crochet project—a Lunar New Year Lantern! This pattern is quick to make, requires minimal materials, and is a great way to brighten your space with handmade decor.


🌟 The Significance of Lanterns in Lunar New Year

Lanterns have long been an iconic symbol of the Lunar New Year. Representing hope, prosperity, and a bright future, they are often displayed during celebrations to light the way for the new year ahead. In many cultures, red lanterns are particularly significant, symbolizing good luck and joy. They are also associated with family reunions and the Lantern Festival, which marks the final day of the New Year celebrations. By crafting your own lanterns, you’re not only embracing tradition but adding a personal touch to the festive spirit.



🌟 Skill Level: Intermediate

🧶 Materials Needed

  • Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK (or similar) in the following colors:
    • Lipstick (Color A) – for the lantern body
    • Gold (Color B) – for the ends and details
  • Hook: 3mm (or size needed for your gauge)
  • Other Supplies:
    • Two hair ties
    • Scissors
    • Darning needle
    • Stuffing
    • Optional: Yarn for a hanging loop and tassel


đź“ť Pattern Highlights

  • Construction: The lantern is worked in rounds, starting with the body and finishing with the ends. Hair ties add structure and a neat finish to the edges.
  • Stitch Details: The pattern uses basic stitches such as single crochet (sc) and simple increases and decreases. It’s written in US terms
  • Personal Touches: The gold detailing and tassel give the lantern its festive charm. You can customize the colors or add extra embellishments to make it uniquely yours.

The pattern is detailed for free below but if you prefer a printer friendly version available offline I do have this pattern available for a small fee on Ravelry you can download here 


The Pattern:

Lantern Body
Round 1: With A sc 36 around one hair tie, sl st into the first sc (36)
Round 2: ch 1, sc around, sl st into the first sc (36)
Round 3: ch 1, [5 sc, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (42)
Round 4: ch 1, sc around, sl st into the first sc (42)
Round 5: ch 1, [6 sc, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (48)
Round 6-7: ch 1, sc around, sl st into the first sc (48)
Round 8: ch 1, [6 sc, sc2tog] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (42)
Round 9: ch 1, sc around, sl st into the first sc (42)
Round 10: ch 1, [5 sc, sc2tog] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (36)
Round 11: ch 1, sc around, sl st into the first sc (36)
Round 12: ch1, sc around the second hair tie (36)
FO

Lantern Ends (make 2)
With B make a magic circle
Round 1: 6 sc into the magic circle, sl st into the first sc (6)
Round 2: ch1, 2 sc in every sc, sl st into the first sc (12)
Round 3: ch 1, [1 sc, 2sc in the next st] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (18)
Round 4: ch 1, [2 sc, 2sc in the next st] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (24)
Round 5: ch 1, [3 sc, 2sc in the next st] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (30)
The next round is worked around one end of the lantern body
Round 6: ch 1, [4 sc, 2sc in the next st] 6 times, sl st into the first sc (36)

- You should now have one closed end of the lantern body and one open, stuff the lantern.

- Again with B, repeat the lantern end again and attach to the open end of the Lantern body

- With B, use a darning needle to add the line detail

- Also with B, make a tassel and attach to the bottom of the Lantern

- With A, attach a length of yarn for hanging if desired


🎨 Ideas for Using Your Lanterns

  • Decorate Your Space: String several lanterns together to create a garland or hang them individually for a festive touch.
  • Gift Them: These lanterns make lovely handmade gifts to share the joy of the Lunar New Year with friends and family.
  • Use as Party Decor: Perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere for your celebrations.


✂️ Tips for Success

  • Gauge Matters: Ensure you’re using the correct hook size to avoid a lantern that’s too stiff or too loose.
  • Stuffing: Don’t overstuff the lantern—just enough to hold its shape while staying soft and lightweight.
  • Secure Ends: Use a darning needle to weave in ends securely to maintain a clean finish.



Crafting these Lunar New Year Lanterns is a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday’s themes of light, hope, and togetherness. Whether you hang them around your home, gift them to loved ones, or make them a part of your New Year traditions, these crochet lanterns are sure to bring joy and a festive spirit.


If you’d like to share your finished lanterns, feel free to tag me on Instagram @craftycovmom
so I can see your wonderful creations! Let’s light up this Lunar New Year with creativity and handmade beauty.


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Happy crocheting!


This pattern and photography is property of CraftyCovMom and may not be copied, altered, resold, or shared.  I do consent to items made using this pattern to be sold

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