Hanging Embroidery Hoop “Lanterns”

Crafting a Colorful Home

Posted by Roost Books

About

For many years, I had brightly colored Chinese paper lanterns hanging over the porch table to create a festive atmosphere. They finally shredded and disintegrated, so I replaced them with homemade “lanterns” made out of my cherished ethnic fabric remnants. These hanging lanterns would also make great outdoor decorations. Use little Christmas tree lights to illuminate them if you have electricity handy.

Share

You Will Need (5 things)

  • 2 Wood Embroidery Hoop s of the same size (each hoop consists of two nested hoops)
  • Fabric remnants
  • Sewing machine or Needle And Thread
  • Craft Glue
  • Small craft Paintbrush for glue

Steps (8 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    Measure the outside circumference of the inner ring of the embroidery hoop.

  2. 2

    Cut a piece of fabric with one edge the same size as the circumference plus 1 inch and the other edge as long as you want the lantern. I made many lengths from 8 to 12 inches long.

  3. 3

    Fold the fabric in half with the wrong side out, aligning the lengthwise edges. Sew a seam ½ inch from the edge to make a fabric tube. Turn the fabric tube right side out and press.

  4. 4

    Using craft glue and brush, paint some glue around the outer edge of the inner hoop.

  5. 5

    Stretch the seamed fabric tube around the hoop, lining it up so that the fabric edge is flush with one edge of the hoop. Place the outer piece of the hoop over the fabric and tighten it.

  6. 6

    Repeat for the bottom hoop, rotating the screw fastener 180 degrees opposite the top one so that it will balance the weight.

  7. 7

    Make a “handle” for the lantern. Thread a needle with a 36-inch length of thread. Double the thread and knot it. Stitch the thread to one side of the top of the lantern, then to the opposite side.

  8. 8

    Hang and enjoy.