Celebrate the lunar new year with this set of knitted lantern ornaments.

Pattern includes instructions for two different shaped lanterns - a round, flat lantern, and a larger square lantern on which designs can be included. Both patterns are knit seamlessly.

The shapes of the lanterns are inspired by the lanterns hung in homes, streets, and temples during Lunar New Year celebrations. Lanterns, typically created in auspicious red and gold are symbols of light, guidance, and good fortune, hung in abundance to welcome prosperity and new beginnings for the year ahead.

Colorwork charts included, to be added to the square lantern if desired:

• 春 -chun, the Chinese character for Spring (Lunar New Year is called Spring Festival in Chinese)
• 福 -fu, the Chinese character for good fortune, a ubiquitous wish on all manner of Lunar New Year decorations
• 馬 and 马 - ma, Traditional and Simplified versions of the character for horse
• Horse graphic - incoming Chinese Zodiac year
• 2026

Techniques used: knitting in the round on double pointed needles, basic shaping, stranded colorwork, i-cords, bobbles, and simple embellishments.