Lacy Lantern was designed to cover up ugly naked ceiling bulbs. You know the ones where we can’t quite afford to buy expensive light fixtures but don’t want to settle for anything cheap and ugly so we leave them bare for “someday” to arrive. Kwim? In my case that “someday” is usually very long in coming so I decided to design my own lanterns that would “Ooo and Ahhh” my guests while being light on my pocketbook as well!

It works the same way a Japanese paper lantern does but is much prettier! The lantern is worked in two pieces which are joined together with a three needle bind-off. A balloon is used to give the knitting its form and a sugar or cornstarch stiffener is used to make the lantern rigid. It’s easier than it looks and really fun to knit!

Here are the measurements of my lantern :
@100cm circumference (39.5 inches) and @ 28cm (11 inches) in height.

I would compare it to a medium sized punching ball. (balloons made for kids with elastics attached to one end that they can hold on to and “punch” the balloon)

Measurements could vary depending on the size and shape of your balloon.

Note: I recommend using cotton or a cotton blend (heavy on the cotton) for this piece rather than wool or silk.