How to Crochet a Hanging Crochet Lantern (Free Pattern)
Crochet lanterns are a beautiful way to bring handmade warmth and a touch of whimsy into your home.
This hanging crochet lantern pattern is beginner-friendly, decorative, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a creative project for your sunroom, a unique gift idea, or just something different to crochet, this lantern is a perfect choice.
Crochet Lantern Pattern
This free hanging crochet lantern pattern is a beginner-friendly project that’s fun, decorative, and customizable. Using DK yarn and a 4 mm hook, you’ll crochet 6 panels, sew them together, and finish with a tassel and hanging chains to create a stylish DIY crochet lantern. Adjust the size with different yarns or hooks for a unique handmade decoration that fits your space.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Why You’ll Love This Hanging Crochet Lantern
This crochet lantern pattern is one of those projects that instantly adds character to your space without being complicated. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, you’ll enjoy making this because:
- It’s a quick project — no weeks of commitment.
- You only need basic stitches (sc, dc, ch, sl st).
- It looks impressive but is easy to customize.
- Works in any yarn and color combo.
- Makes a unique handmade gift or home accent.
Materials Needed
To make your own DIY crochet lantern, you’ll need:
- Yarn: Double Knit (DK) yarn (or cotton DK held double for smaller size).
- Hook: 4.00 mm hook (or 3.5 mm if holding cotton double).
- Optional: Macramé cord for a sturdier lantern look.
- Yarn needle & scissors for finishing.
- Optional tassel for the bottom.
Finished Size: Using DK and a 4 mm hook → about 7.5″ x 7.5″ before tassel and ties.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- ch – chain
- V st = (dc, ch 1, dc) in same space
- 2V st = (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same space
- 3V st = (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same space
- 4V st = (4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc) in same space
How the Lantern is Made
The construction is simple and fun:
- Crochet 6 matching panels.
- Sew them together into a tube.
- Close the bottom with single crochet.
- Add edging at the top.
- Create 3 equal hanging chains.
- Finish with a tassel if desired.
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How to Crochet a Hanging Lantern
- Step 1: Make Six Panels
Round 1: Ch 4, work 12 dc into the first chain. Sl st to join. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch 4, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (24 sts)
Round 3: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 1), dc in same st. Skip 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st. Repeat around. Sl st to join. (12 V sts)
➡️ From now on, start each round by slip stitching into the first ch-1 space.
Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same space, ch 1, 2 dc in same space (first 2V st). (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (12 2V sts)
Round 5: Ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in same space (first 3V st). (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (12 3V sts)
Round 6: Ch 3, 3 dc in same space, ch 1, 4 dc in same space. Ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of previous round, ch 2, (4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc) in next ch-1 space. Repeat 4 times. Ch 2, sc in next ch-1 space, ch 2. (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space. Repeat to end. Join with sl st. (10 x 4V sts, 2 x ch-2, sc, ch-2 spaces)
Make 6 panels total.
- Sew the Panels Together
Place 2 panels wrong sides together.
Sew from ch-2 space to ch-2 space, joining 5 shell edges.
Leave the (ch-2, sc, ch-2) spaces unsewn.
- Create a TUBE
Continue until all 6 panels are joined into a tube shape.
- Close the Bottom
Flatten lantern. Join yarn at bottom edge.
Sc in each (ch-2, sc, ch-2) space around. (30 sts)
Next round: sc2tog around until ~5 sts remain.
Fasten off and weave in ends. - Add the Top Edge
Join yarn at top. Sc in each (ch-2, sc, ch-2) space. (30 sts)
Work 4 rounds of sc in back loops only (BLO).
Sl st to join, fasten off.
- Create Hanging Chains
Join yarn behind any sc post at the top.
Ch 50, sl st to sc post on the opposite side.
Repeat twice more, spacing evenly so the lantern hangs balanced. - Add a Tassel (Optional)
create a simple tassel and attach it to the bottom center of your lantern.
Weave in all ends neatly.
This crochet lantern pattern is a quick, creative way to make something unique for your home. With only a few simple stitches, you can create a decorative lantern that looks far more intricate than it really is.
Try it in different yarns, play with colors, or add seasonal touches — every version will have its own charm.
If you enjoyed this project, be sure to pin it, share it, and tag me with your finished lanterns. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
ALL crochet patterns on this website are written by LisaAuch Crochet.
Lisa is an experienced crochet designer who specializes in creating free, beginner-friendly patterns for babies, gifts, toys, and home décor. Her patterns have been loved and shared, and she’s passionate about helping crocheters of all levels succeed.
Read more about Lisa and explore her full library of free crochet patterns.
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From bright spinners that twirl in the garden to small ornaments that catch the light in a window, these projects bring joy wherever they hang.
Excelente son diseños hermosos 😍 gracias por compartir.
Hi, I started making these but I’m a bit confuse how to join the panels together to make the tube. Any other guidance you can provide please? 🥺
I am currently making a video of how to put the sides together to make the tube