Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), 100% acrylic, about 250 yards total from 2 skeins
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- One clean, dry gallon milk jug
- One battery-operated LED tea light
- White cotton cheesecloth, about 1 yard (0.9 m)
- Red fabric paint, optional
- Black felt, about one small sheet
- Black worsted weight yarn, about 10 yards
- Yarn needle with blunt tip
- Sharp scissors
- Tape measure
- Two stitch markers, optional
- One small plastic skeleton charm, optional
- Clear craft glue, optional
Instructions
- With the H-8 (5.0 mm) hook, make a foundation chain of 30 chains (ch).
- For the first row, work one half double crochet (hdc) in the third chain from the hook and work 1 hdc in each chain across for a total of 28 hdc.
- Chain 2 to make the turning chain, turn the work, and make 1 hdc in each stitch across, placing the first hdc in the first stitch. Repeat this row until you have 28 rows total.
- Hold the rectangle around the milk jug to check the fit; it should meet or nearly meet at the short edges.
- Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail about 18 inches long. Fold the rectangle so the first and last rows meet and sew the short edges together using a yarn needle and a mattress stitch.
- Turn the tube right side out and slide it over the clean milk jug.
- Cut a 12-inch strand of black yarn for the hanging loop and tie it securely inside the cover.
- Cut two oval eyes and one uneven mouth from black felt and attach them to the front of the covered jug with clear craft glue, letting it dry.
- Cut cheesecloth into strips and loosely wrap it around the lantern, tying it at the top with black yarn.
- For the blood effect, use a brush or cotton swab to place red fabric paint along the upper edge of the cheesecloth and let it dry.
- Add a small plastic skeleton charm or lightweight bones with black yarn ties, ensuring they are secure.
- Weave in the ends by threading each tail through stitches on the wrong side, changing direction once, and trimming the extra yarn.
Notes
Avoid using a real candle inside the plastic jug. Ensure that the decorations are secure and avoid small loose pieces that can pose a choking hazard to young children. Store the lanterns in a cool, dry place away from sharp decorations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
