Crochet Lantern Motif Wreath Free Pattern

Crochet Lantern Motif Wreath Free Pattern

Introduction

This bohemian wreath is a little celebration of spice market color: a spiced gold ring hung with eight tiny crocheted lanterns in paprika, cinnamon, saffron and cardamom. It is written for the advanced beginner who is comfortable with single crochet, increases and decreases, and wants a project that looks far more intricate than it is. Each lantern is a simple closed cylinder with a chain hanging loop, so the only real challenge is sewing them on evenly. The finished wreath is about 12 inches across, soft but structured, and light enough to hang on a door, a wall hook or above a mantel.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn. Spiced gold (A): 150 yd; paprika (B): 50 yd; cinnamon (C): 50 yd; saffron (D): 50 yd; cardamom (E): 50 yd. A smooth acrylic or cotton-blend worsted works well and holds the lantern shape.
• Hooks: 5.0 mm (H/8) for the ring base and edging; 3.5 mm (E/4) for the lantern motifs and hanging loops.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, measuring tape.
• Finished size: Approx. 12 inches (30.5 cm) diameter.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc — increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dec — decrease: work 2 sc together into one stitch.
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into, then pull closed.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• rnd(s) — round(s).
• [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated.

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) with the 5.0 mm hook in single crochet. Work a small swatch in the round and measure the middle of it; if you have more stitches than 16 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep the ring base flat: after joining the chain into a ring, check that the chain is not twisted before working Round 1.
• The lanterns are worked tightly on the smaller hook so they hold their cylinder shape — do not switch to the 5.0 mm hook for them.
• Plan your colors before you start: divide the eight lanterns among B, C, D and E however you like (two of each gives an even, balanced look).
• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each lantern round so your increases and decreases stay lined up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ring Base (make 1, with A and 5.0 mm hook)

Set-up: Ch 60, join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.

Rnd 1: Sc in each ch around (60 sts).

Rnds 2–6: Sc in each st around (60 sts).

Fasten off. This gives a narrow, flat circular band rather than a thick tube.

Lantern Motif (make 8, with 3.5 mm hook, in B, C, D or E)

Work each lantern in a single solid color.

Set-up: With chosen color, make a MR.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into the ring, pull the ring closed (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] around (18 sts).

Rnds 4–7: Sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 8: [Sc, dec] around (12 sts).

Rnd 9: Dec around (6 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Each lantern bulges slightly in the middle and tapers at the top and bottom.

Hanging Loop (make 1 per lantern, in the same color as that lantern)

Loop: Ch 10, then sl st to the top of the lantern to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Assembly

Using A and the tapestry needle, sew the eight lanterns evenly around the ring base, spacing them at equal intervals. Sew through the top of each lantern so the hanging loop sits above the ring.

Edging

Edging: With A and the 5.0 mm hook, sc around the outer edge of the ring base. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the lanterns on with the spiced gold (A) yarn, checking the spacing as you go so the wreath stays balanced. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then block lightly: mist the ring base and lanterns, shape them with your fingers, and let them dry flat so the ring stays circular and the lanterns keep their cylinder shape.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make a second wreath in cool tones — indigo, teal and silver — for a different season.
• Add a small bead or a tiny crocheted tassel to the bottom of each lantern for extra movement.
• Hang the wreath with a simple ribbon loop or a small metal ring slipped through the top of the ring base.