Crafting Crochet Chinese Lanterns: A Whimsical Guide

Crochet Chinese lanterns are a delightful and colorful addition to any space, bringing a touch of whimsy and charm. Crafting these lanterns involves intricate patterns and vibrant yarn, allowing for endless creativity. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a new project, making a crochet Chinese lantern is a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor.

Materials

• DK or 8ply yarn in red and yellow (I like to use Ricorumi DK or Paintbox cotton DK*)
• 3.5 mm crochet hook*
• Stitch marker, tapestry needle and scissors
• Polyfill*

Abbreviations Used (U.S. Terms)

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
*…*: repeat
FLO: front loop only
BLO: back loop only
inc: 2 single crochet in the same stitch
dec: single crochet 2 stitches together through the front loop only (invisible decrease)

Finished Size

Approx. 8 cm

All pieces are worked through both loops of the stitches and in the round without joining unless stated otherwise in the pattern. It is recommended to use a stitch marker to mark the end of each round.

Lantern – In Red Make 1

Work in rounds

1. Round 1. sc 6 in a magic ring
2. Round 2. inc x6
3. Round 3. *sc 1, inc* x6
4. Round 4. *sc 2, inc* x6
5. Round 5. in BLO, *sc 3, inc* x6
6. Round 6. *sc 4, inc* x6
7. Round 7. *sc 5, inc* x6
8. Round 8. *sc 6, inc* x6
9. Rounds 9-11. sc in each st around
10. Round 12. *sc 6, dec* x6
11. Round 13. *sc 5, dec* x6
12. Round 14. *sc 4, dec* x6
13. Round 15. *sc 3, dec* x6
14. Round 16. in BLO, *sc 2, dec* x6

Start stuffing the lantern now.

1. Round 17. *sc 1, dec* x6
2. Round 18. dec x6

Fasten off and weave in ends by passing your thread in the front loop only of the remaining stitches.

Lantern Top – In Yellow Make 1

Work in rounds

1. Round 1. Attach yellow yarn to the FLO of round 4, in FLO, sc around (24 stitches)
2. Round 2. sc in each st around
3. Round 3. in BLO, *sc 2, dec* x6

Start stuffing the lantern top lightly.

1. Round 4. *sc 1, dec* x6
2. Round 5. dec x6
3. Round 6. ch 10, skip 2 sc, sl st in the 3rd sc (this creates the loop to hang your lantern)

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Lantern Bottom – In Yellow Make 1

Work in rounds

Turn the lantern upside down.

1. Round 1. Attach yellow yarn to the FLO of round 15, in FLO, sc around (24 stitches)
2. Round 2. sc in each st around
3. Round 3. in FLO, *sc 1, ch 4, sl st 3 down the ch, sl st at the base of the ch, sc 1* x 12
4. Round 4. in BLO from round 2, *sc 2, dec* x6

Start stuffing the lantern bottom lightly.

1. Round 5. *sc 1, dec* x6
2. Round 6. dec x6

Fasten off and weave in ends by passing your thread in the front loop only of the remaining stitches.

Finishing Touches

1. You can embroider your lantern if you wish; I added Chinese symbols that represent luck and good fortune to mine.