Free crochet lantern patterns come in more shapes than you might expect: soft hanging lampshades, lacy covers for mason jars, tiny lantern ornaments for the tree and even lantern-style blanket tiles. We opened 16 free patterns one by one on the designers’ own pages and sorted them by what you want to make, with the size, hook, yarn and extra supplies for each. (And yes, a lantern list on a site called Crochet Lantern was always going to happen.)
Images are original AI-created editorial illustrations. Follow designer links to see the actual pattern designs.
Quick answer: For a first lantern, cover a jam jar with Hobbii’s Summertime Lantern (beginner, cotton yarn). For a real hanging light, make Strings and Cuddles’ My Blooming Lantern on a 14-inch hoop. For the Christmas tree, choose Ollie + Holly’s Vintage Camping Lantern (3 in, easy). Looking for the famous Mystical Lanterns blanket? That one is a paid pattern, and we explain it below.
All links checked: November 4, 2026. Each pattern below has a pattern card with its level, time, sewing, yarn, hook, size and what is free.
Looking for something specific? Try our Pattern Finder to filter every pattern by skill level, time, sewing and hook size.
A quick note: we curate, we don’t copy. Every pattern belongs to its designer, so the full instructions are on their page. Times marked “approx.” are our estimates; “per designer” means the time comes from the pattern itself.
Jump to: Compare all 16 · Hanging lanterns · Jar lanterns · Christmas · Lunar New Year · Blanket tiles · Mystical Lanterns · Safety · FAQ
Compare all 16 free crochet lantern patterns at a glance
| # | Pattern | Designer | Size | Level | Yarn / hook | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | My Blooming Lantern | Strings and Cuddles | 10 in tall | Intermediate | Worsted cotton / 5.5 mm | Hanging lamp |
| 2 | Venice Lantern | Hanne Piirainen | 40 cm ring | Not listed | Worsted / 4 mm | Hanging lamp |
| 3 | Boho Lantern with Optional Shelf | Jill Ross | Not listed | Not listed | Fingering / 3.25 mm | Hanging lamp |
| 4 | Fiesta Lantern | Virklust | 15 cm ring | Easy | See PDF | Hanging lantern |
| 5 | Lacy Japanese Lantern | Designs by Diligence | Not listed | Not listed | Thread / 1.65 mm | Lace swag lamp |
| 6 | Scraptastic Jellyfish Lantern | The Burgundy Basket | Fits your lantern | Not listed | Scraps x2 / 10 mm | Paper lantern cover |
| 7 | Crochet Mason Jar Lantern | Celtic Knot Crochet | 3¾–7¼ in jars | Intermediate | Thread / 2.75 mm | Jar cover |
| 8 | Springtime Magic Lantern | Hverdagsmagi | Small jar | Not listed | Sport cotton / 3 mm | Hanging jar |
| 9 | Summertime Lantern | Tine Sommer Hansen | Jam jar | Beginner | Sport cotton / see PDF | Jar cover |
| 10 | Crochet Christmas Lantern | Nicki’s Homemade Crafts | 4 × 9.5 in | Not listed | Worsted / 4 mm | Standing decor |
| 11 | Vintage Camping Lantern Ornament | Ollie + Holly | 3 in | Easy | Sport / 2.75 mm | Ornament |
| 12 | Chinese Lantern Ornament | Ollie + Holly | 3.25 in | Easy | Aran cotton / 3.25 mm | Ornament |
| 13 | Chinese Lantern Amigurumi | HOOKED | 3 in | Easy | Sport cotton / 3 mm | Ornament |
| 14 | Lunar New Year Lantern | Little World of Whimsy | Not listed | Not listed | Sport / 2.5 mm | Ornament |
| 15 | Jumbo Lunar New Year Lantern | Little World of Whimsy | Not listed | Not listed | Jumbo chenille / 5 mm | Soft decor |
| 16 | Moroccan Garden Tiles | Projectarian | 14.5 cm tile | Not listed | DK / 4.5 mm | Blanket motif |
Hanging crochet lantern patterns
These are the “real” lanterns: shades that hang from the ceiling, a hook or a branch, usually built on one or two metal hoops. They take more yarn and time than a jar cover, but they change the feel of a whole room. Most need a light kit, an LED candle or a battery string inside, so check the supplies list before you start.
1. My Blooming Lantern by Strings and Cuddles (on the Clover blog)
A soft, lacy lampshade worked straight onto a 14-inch metal hoop, finished with three tassels. The designer used worsted cotton and turned it into a hanging light with a lamp cord kit.
| Skill level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | About 4–6 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | 0/3 · tassels tied on |
| Yarn | Worsted cotton (#4), ~500 yd |
| Hook | 5.5 mm (I) |
| Finished size | 10 in tall, 14 in hoop |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | A soft light over a table or reading chair |
| Watch out | Needs a 14 in metal hoop and a lamp cord kit |
Get the free pattern at Strings and Cuddles
2. Venice Lantern by Hanne Piirainen
A big Finnish lantern built on two metal rings (24 cm and 40 cm). Put lights inside and it glows like a little café lamp on dark evenings. The pattern comes in English and Finnish.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | A weekend or more (approx.) |
| Sewing | Not listed |
| Yarn | Worsted (#4), about 590 m / 645 yd |
| Hook | 4 mm (G) |
| Finished size | Two rings, 24 cm and 40 cm |
| Access | Free Ravelry download |
| Best for | A statement lantern for a porch or corner |
| Watch out | Uses a lot of yarn: the one-color version takes about 700 g |
Get the free pattern at Hanne Piirainen
3. Boho Lantern with Optional Shelf by Jill Ross
A V-stitch hanging lamp worked between a 6-inch and an 8-inch hoop. Leave the shelf out and use a paper-lantern light kit, or add the little shelf to hold an LED candle.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 1–2 evenings (approx.) |
| Sewing | Not listed |
| Yarn | Fingering cotton blend (#1), 450–550 yd |
| Hook | 3.25 mm (D) |
| Finished size | Not listed (6 in and 8 in hoops) |
| Access | Free Ravelry download |
| Best for | LED candles or a paper-lantern light kit |
| Watch out | Needs beads or another weight at the bottom to hang straight |
Get the free pattern at Jill Ross
4. Fiesta Lantern by Virklust
A cheerful little hanging lantern from a Swedish designer, built on a 15 cm metal ring. She says it isn’t hard to make and is easy to adapt. The free PDF comes in Swedish and English (US terms).
| Skill level | Easy (per designer) |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 2–3 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | Not listed |
| Yarn | Listed in the PDF |
| Hook | Listed in the PDF |
| Finished size | 15 cm (6 in) ring |
| Access | Free PDF download |
| Best for | A balcony or patio |
| Watch out | Yarn and hook are only in the PDF, not on the page |
Get the free pattern at Virklust
5. Lacy Japanese Lantern by Designs by Diligence
Fine thread motifs are joined into a globe, starched over a punch ball and turned into a lacy swag lamp. It’s delicate and slow, but the result looks like real lace in the light.
| Skill level | Not listed (fine thread lace) |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | Several evenings (approx.) |
| Sewing | 0/3 · motifs joined as you go |
| Yarn | Size 10 crochet thread |
| Hook | Steel hook US 7 (about 1.65 mm) |
| Finished size | Not listed |
| Access | Free on the blog ($3 PDF optional) |
| Best for | Lace lovers who enjoy a slow project |
| Watch out | Starching takes time; the designer says never use a bulb over 15 W |
Get the free pattern at Designs by Diligence
6. Scraptastic Jellyfish Lantern by The Burgundy Basket
A funny, cheerful cover for a paper lantern with long crochet tentacles. It’s made with scrap yarn held double, so it’s perfect for using up leftovers.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 2–3 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | 0/3 · tentacles tied on |
| Yarn | Scrap yarn held double (two strands of #4) |
| Hook | 10 mm + 6 mm (J) |
| Finished size | Fits your paper lantern |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | A kids’ room or using up scraps |
| Watch out | Needs a paper lantern with a battery LED inside |
Get the free pattern at The Burgundy Basket
Crochet jar lantern patterns (mason jars and jam jars)
A jar lantern is the easiest way to start. You crochet a cover, slip it over a clean jar and drop in a battery tea light. They’re quick, they use small amounts of cotton, and a set of three looks lovely on a table or along a garden path.
7. Crochet Mason Jar Lantern by Celtic Knot Crochet
A lacy cover in cotton thread that slips over a 16 oz or 32 oz mason jar. Add a battery tea light and a little sand, and you have a pretty table light for a wedding or a dinner party.
| Skill level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 2–3 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | 0/3 · none |
| Yarn | Size 3 cotton thread, 1 ball |
| Hook | 2.75 mm |
| Finished size | Jars from 3¾ in to 7¼ in tall |
| Access | Free on the blog |
| Best for | Wedding tables and dinner parties |
| Watch out | Jars with an indent below the lid work best |
Get the free pattern at Celtic Knot Crochet
8. Springtime Magic Lantern by Hverdagsmagi
A tiny hanging jar lantern with a tassel, from a Norwegian designer who writes this pattern in English. It fits a small jar about 7.5–8 cm across.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | About 1 hour (approx.) |
| Sewing | 0/3 · tassel tied on |
| Yarn | Sport cotton (8/4), #2 |
| Hook | 3 mm |
| Finished size | Small jar, 7.5–8 cm across, 4.5 cm tall |
| Access | Free on the blog (English) |
| Best for | A row of little lights in a window or garden |
| Watch out | You may need to adjust stitches to fit your jar |
Get the free pattern at Hverdagsmagi
9. Summertime Lantern by Tine Sommer Hansen for Hobbii
A simple net cover for old jam jars in cotton yarn. Hobbii rates it beginner, and it’s a great way to use small leftovers in summer colors.
| Skill level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 1–2 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | 0/3 · none |
| Yarn | Cotton 8/4 (sport, #2) |
| Hook | Listed in the PDF |
| Finished size | Fits a jam jar |
| Access | Free download from Hobbii |
| Best for | A first jar lantern |
| Watch out | Hook size is only in the download |
Get the free pattern at Tine Sommer Hansen
Christmas crochet lantern patterns
Lanterns make cozy Christmas decorations. Here you’ll find a standing mantel lantern and two small ornaments that hang easily on the tree. The ornaments are also nice little gifts to tie onto a present.
10. Crochet Christmas Lantern by Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
A festive standing lantern with candy-striped pillars and a flameless candle inside, from the designer’s Christmas crochet-along. It looks like a little Christmas house on the mantel.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | An evening or two (approx.) |
| Sewing | Not listed |
| Yarn | Worsted (#4), 1 skein white + 1 wine |
| Hook | 4 mm |
| Finished size | 4 × 9.5 in |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | A Christmas mantel or table |
| Watch out | Also needs dowels, plastic canvas and a 2×3 in flameless candle |
Get the free pattern at Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
11. Vintage Camping Lantern Ornament by Ollie + Holly
A tiny amigurumi camping lantern for the tree, with a wire handle. The designer rates it easy and notes that thicker yarn makes a bigger lantern.
| Skill level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 1–2 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | 1/3 · small details |
| Yarn | Sport (#2), about 8 g |
| Hook | 2.75 mm |
| Finished size | 3 in (7.5 cm), without handle |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | Tree ornaments and small gifts |
| Watch out | Needs back-loop work and the seamless join |
Get the free pattern at Ollie + Holly
12. Chinese Lantern Ornament by Ollie + Holly
A round red lantern ornament in Aran cotton, rated easy by the designer. It works for Lunar New Year and looks just as good on a Christmas tree.
| Skill level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | About 1 hour (approx.) |
| Sewing | 1/3 · small parts |
| Yarn | Aran cotton (#4) |
| Hook | 3.25 mm (D) |
| Finished size | 3.25 in (8.25 cm), without hanger |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | A quick red ornament |
| Watch out | Gauge note: go up a hook if you use the x-stitch |
Get the free pattern at Ollie + Holly
Lunar New Year lantern patterns
Round red lanterns are a symbol of Lunar New Year, and these amigurumi versions are quick, soft and safe to hang anywhere. Make a few in different sizes for a garland.
13. Chinese Lantern Amigurumi by Amy of HOOKED on Craft Passion
Two little lanterns, one round and one long, in red and black cotton. The designer lists about one hour each, so they’re good for making a batch.
| Skill level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | About 1 hour (per designer) |
| Sewing | 2/3 · lines and rim sewn |
| Yarn | 5-ply cotton (sport) |
| Hook | 3 mm |
| Finished size | 3 in tall, without tassel |
| Access | Free on the blog |
| Best for | A batch of small decorations |
| Watch out | The black lines are sewn on by hand |
Get the free pattern at Craft Passion
14. Lunar New Year Lantern by Little World of Whimsy (on the Clover blog)
A cute lantern with a tiny face, made as one ball with two caps and a tassel. It’s a sweet gift for Lunar New Year.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 1–2 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | 1/3 · two caps sewn on |
| Yarn | Sport (#2) |
| Hook | 2.5 mm (C) |
| Finished size | Not listed |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | A Lunar New Year gift |
| Watch out | Uses 4 mm safety eyes: embroider them for small children |
Get the free pattern at Little World of Whimsy
15. Jumbo Lunar New Year Lantern by Little World of Whimsy (on the Clover blog)
The same idea in jumbo chenille yarn: soft, squishy and quick. The designer calls it a good last-minute craft.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | 1–2 hours (approx.) |
| Sewing | Not listed |
| Yarn | Jumbo chenille (#7), 2 skeins + a little yellow |
| Hook | 5 mm (H) |
| Finished size | Not listed |
| Access | Free on the blog (paid PDF optional) |
| Best for | A big, soft decoration |
| Watch out | Chenille hides stitches, so count carefully |
Get the free pattern at Little World of Whimsy
Lantern-style blanket tiles (free)
Many people searching for crochet lanterns are really looking for lantern-shaped motifs for a blanket. These curved tiles fit together like a row of lanterns or Moroccan tiles.
16. Moroccan Garden Tiles by Projectarian
Floral, Moroccan-style tiles that fit together like lanterns. The pattern includes full, half and quarter tiles, so you get straight edges for a blanket or a runner.
| Skill level | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Time (approx.) | About 20–30 min per tile (approx.) |
| Sewing | 2/3 · tiles joined |
| Yarn | DK (#3) |
| Hook | 4.5 mm (7) |
| Finished size | Tile about 14.5 × 11.5 cm |
| Access | Free on the blog |
| Best for | A lantern-look blanket without buying a pattern |
| Watch out | A blanket needs many tiles: plan your colors first |
Get the free pattern at Projectarian
About the Mystical Lanterns blanket (a paid pattern)
The Mystical Lanterns blanket by Jane Crowfoot of Janie Crow is one of the most searched lantern patterns. It’s a paid pattern, not a free one: on the designer’s site the pattern costs £6.95, and a full yarn kit is £69.95. It’s worked in DK yarn with 4 mm and 4.5 mm hooks, and the finished blanket is about 39 × 61 inches.
You’ll often see posts on social media offering a “free Mystical Lanterns pattern”. Those links usually lead to copied versions on sites that aren’t the designer’s. If you love this design, buy it from Janie Crow. If you’d rather stay free, the Moroccan Garden tiles above give a similar lantern look.
Which crochet lantern should you make?
- Never crocheted a lantern before? Start with a jar: the Summertime Lantern (#9) is rated beginner and fits an old jam jar.
- Want light over your dining table? My Blooming Lantern (#1) or the Boho Lantern (#3) are made to hang as lampshades.
- Need Christmas gifts? Make a few Camping Lantern ornaments (#11). Each one uses only about 8 g of yarn.
- Planning a wedding or party? A row of Mason Jar Lanterns (#7) in your colors makes simple, matching centerpieces.
- Have a bag of leftover yarn? The Jellyfish Lantern (#6) is made with scraps held double.
Easy on the hands: lanterns with bigger hooks
Fine thread and tiny hooks can be tiring after an hour. If that’s you, choose a lantern made with a 5 mm hook or bigger:
- Scraptastic Jellyfish Lantern (#6): 10 mm and 6 mm hooks
- My Blooming Lantern (#1): 5.5 mm hook
- Jumbo Lunar New Year Lantern (#15): 5 mm hook and soft chenille
A hook with a soft, ergonomic handle and a short break every 20–30 minutes help, too. Our hook size chart shows which hook goes with each yarn weight.
Crochet lantern safety: light them the safe way
Yarn and real flames don’t mix. Every lantern on this list is meant for an LED tea light, a battery candle or a low-heat bulb. Never put a real candle inside a crochet cover, and keep cords and bulbs away from the yarn. The Lacy Japanese Lantern’s designer recommends a bulb of no more than 15 W and not leaving it on for long periods.
European crafters: lanterns from Nordic designers
Several patterns here come from European designers: the Venice Lantern (#2) from Finland, the Fiesta Lantern (#4) from Sweden, the Springtime Magic Lantern (#8) from Norway and the Summertime Lantern (#9) from Hobbii in Denmark. Their sizes are in centimeters, and “8/4 cotton” is a common sport-weight cotton in Scandinavia. Check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start: the Venice Lantern lists both, and the Fiesta Lantern PDF is written in US terms.
Shopping list: what you need for most lanterns
- Cotton yarn or thread: it holds its shape and doesn’t stretch over time.
- Metal hoops or rings for hanging lanterns (check the size in each card).
- Clean jars for jar lanterns: mason jars, jam jars or recycled glass jars.
- LED tea lights or battery candles, or a lamp cord kit for hanging shades.
- Fabric stiffener or starch for lace lanterns that need to keep a round shape.
- Stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Free crochet lantern patterns FAQ
What is the easiest crochet lantern for beginners?
A jar cover is the easiest. You only crochet a simple cover and slip it over a jar. The Summertime Lantern (#9) is rated beginner, and the Springtime Magic Lantern (#8) is a small, quick project.
Is the Mystical Lanterns crochet pattern free?
No. The original Mystical Lanterns blanket by Jane Crowfoot is a paid pattern sold by Janie Crow (£6.95 for the pattern at the time we checked). Free tiles with a similar look, like Moroccan Garden (#16), are a good alternative.
Can I put a real candle in a crochet lantern?
No, use an LED tea light or a battery candle instead. Yarn can catch fire, and even a jar can get hot. For hanging lamps, use a low-heat bulb and follow the designer’s advice.
What yarn is best for crochet lanterns?
Cotton yarn or cotton thread is best, because it keeps its shape and looks crisp when light shines through. Lace lanterns use fine thread and starch, while bigger hanging lanterns use worsted or fingering cotton.
How do I make a crochet lantern hold its shape?
Build it on a metal hoop or ring, work it snugly over a jar, or stiffen it with starch or fabric stiffener. For hanging shades, a small weight at the bottom helps them hang straight.
More Christmas crochet ideas
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