Holla lantern/ lampshade

Holla Crochet Lantern by Lumen Mandala

What is Being Made

The Holla Crochet Lantern is a decorative crocheted lampshade or lantern designed by Lumen Mandala. This project combines handmade crocheted fabric with a natural wood frame to create a functional home decoration piece. The lantern features a granny square construction method, making it an accessible project for crafters of various skill levels.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a crochet project classified as beginner difficulty, making it suitable for those new to crochet or looking for a straightforward decorative piece. The design emphasizes the combination of textile craftsmanship with natural materials, encouraging makers to source wood or sticks from local trees and shrubs for the structural frame.

Crochet Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches that form the foundation of this lantern design:

• Chain (Ch) - Creates the foundation and base rows
• Single Crochet (Sc) - Provides dense, tight fabric structure
• Double Crochet (Dc) - Adds height and texture variation
• 3dc-cluster - A specialty stitch created by working three double crochet stitches in the same stitch, then pulling through all loops together to create dimensional clusters
• Slip Stitch (Slst) - Joins rounds and secures stitches

Construction Method

The lantern is constructed using granny squares, with each completed square measuring 9x9 centimeters. This modular approach allows for flexibility in the final size and shape of the lantern. Multiple squares are likely joined together to form the crocheted body that will be attached to the wooden frame.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: Sport weight or fine yarn is used for this project. The pattern requires approximately 70 grams of yarn with a yardage of 255 meters. Sport weight yarn creates a fabric with good drape and definition for the decorative clusters and stitches.

Tools: A 3mm crochet hook is required for working with the sport weight yarn. A needle for weaving in yarn ends is also necessary to finish the piece neatly.

Frame Materials: The lantern requires 4 sticks or wooden branches to create the structural frame. The pattern encourages makers to source these materials sustainably from local trees or shrubs, with the designer's example using elder wood and suggesting learning about the botanical properties of the plant being harvested.

Gauge Information

The pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this design, offering flexibility for different hook sizes or yarn variations. For reference, the standard gauge is 27 single crochet stitches by 38 rows equals 10x10 centimeters, though variations will not significantly impact the final appearance or functionality of the lantern.

Pattern Notes

The pattern is written in standard US crochet terminology. The design encourages a mindful, sustainable approach to crafting by promoting the use of natural materials sourced thoughtfully from the environment.