Lunar New Year Lantern Dog by Nora Xu

Lunar New Year Lantern Dog

by Nora Xu
Crochet
December 2025
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
5 stitches and 5 rows = 1 inch
3.5 mm (E)
80 - 100 yards (73 - 91 m)
One Size
US
English
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD buy it now

Celebrate Lunar New Year by crocheting this adorable dog and its red lantern basket. The finished set makes a great hanging ornament that adds a touch of joy to your celebration, and it’s a festive gift for yourself or a loved one who was born in the Year of the Dog.

The crochet pattern PDF comes with easy-to-follow instructions along with many clear guiding images. In the “References” section, you can find tips and introductions for the crochet techniques used in the pattern.

Difficulty level: Adventurous Beginner – Intermediate

Crochet Stitches used in the pattern:

  • Magic Circle
  • Slip Stitch
  • Chain Stitch
  • Single Crochet Stitch
  • Half Double Crochet Stitch
  • Double Crochet Stitch
  • Increase
  • Decrease
  • Crochet into the back loop only
  • Crochet into the front loop only

The PDF is written in English, and it includes:

  • A list of recommended materials and tools
  • A written pattern (in US terms)
  • Guiding images
  • References:
    • How to make an invisible single crochet decrease
    • How to change colors in single crochet
    • How to close the top
    • How to sew crocheted pieces to the main body

Materials you will need:

  • Crochet hook size: 3.5 mm
  • Yarn: Size 4 medium weight (approx. 30 yds of red, 20 yds of yellow, 5 yds of beige, 20 yds of brown, a few inches of black)
  • Yarn needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Pins
  • 6 mm safety eyes
  • Stuffing
  • Scissors

The size depends on the yarn weight and the crochet hook size. As a reference, using size 4 medium yarn with a 3.5 mm hook, the size of the dog will be approximately 4.00” tall and 1.75” wide (not including the basket). The lantern basket is approximately 2.75” in diameter.