
Chinese New Year is a 15-day festival with folkloric origins and is widely celebrated worldwide. Legend has it, years ago, a monster named Nian would attack villages at the beginning of each year. However, to defeat Nian, villagers needed to make him fearful with loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. Hence the use of big crowds, fireworks, and big colored envelopes during the celebration.
When I was a kid, I would visit Chinatown in Chicago with my parents every Chinese New Year. It was presented like a multicultural festival, there were foods from different cultures, beautiful dances, and colorful lights. To this day, I love to celebrate Chinese New Year with my friends, enjoying a reunion dinner with dumplings and Nian Gao (sticky rice cake).
This year, I want to crochet cute Lunar New Year patterns to give to my friends as a gift. I thought you might also want to, so here are some designs I liked! I hope you’ll join me and make them.
Essentials
Patterns
Chinese New Year Zodiac Amigurumi Bundle
by All About Ami
PLEASE MAKE THESE! I’m on my knees begging you! My inner child is screaming right now! I think my life will finally be complete once I finish these patterns. WARNING: each one is cuter than the next, be careful not to spend two hours staring at them (like me).
12 Zodiac Animals Pattern Combo
by TokkiCrochet
This adorable amigurumi collection makes such a fun handmade gift idea because you can personalize each little animal for friends and family based on their zodiac sign. Honestly, I’d end up making the whole set just to keep them in a tiny yarn astrology club.
Fortune Cookies
by EmiCreationsByChloe
I’m no fortune cookie but I can tell you your fortune: Somewhere in the near future, you will be making Lunar Year Crochet Patterns. Especially after seeing those cute cookie-cutter faces (pun intended).
Chinese Lantern
by Craft Passion
It is said that red lanterns bring vitality and good luck! Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard the new Taylor Swift album but this is easily giving RED TV vibes. Taylor, if you see this, I love you, and I hope you make this design. Also, Taylor, thank you for making the perfect music to crochet to.
The Zodiac Series
by EmiCreationsByChloe
Why get one when you can get the whole series? The Chinese zodiac comprises different animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. A meaningful gift for your loved ones and definitely a fun crochet project!
Tiger Plush
by Ollie+Holly
OH MY TIGER! This is absolutely beautiful. I remember being a kid and seeing people sell these on the streets of ChinaTown, now I can make it! I hope you make it too, it is a little difficult but I have a feeling that you’re never one to back down from a challenge.
Lucky Lunar Lantern
by Sweet Softies
This one is super cute and easy! I love these because if you celebrate multiple cultures like me, these crochet patterns can easily turn into Christmas ornaments or Day of the Dead decorations. It’s an easy way to be sustainable and reuse your yarn!
Pineapple Tart (Kueh Tair)
by The Little World of Yotsuba & Clan
Welcome the New Lunar Year with this adorable pineapple tart pattern. This bite-size pastry is very popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, born from the cultural mix between natives, Portuguese and Dutch. This small pastry tells the story of the region's local traditions, history, and heritage.
Dragon Lantern
by XYCraftStudio
Crochet your way into the Year of the Dragon with our adorable lantern dragon pattern! Instantly download the PDF for a festive dragon and lantern combo, ready to add a touch of magic to your 2024 Lunar New Year celebrations. Hang it up and let the crochet vibes illuminate your home!
The Prosperity Rabbit and Firecracker Ornament
by LittleBambooHandmade
In Chinese culture, the rabbit is a symbol of intellect and cautiousness. People born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to perform well in teams and tend to be friendly and gentle in nature. Do you know anybody with those qualities?
Year Of The Dragon
by EmiCreationsByChloe
Meet your new cuddly companion for the Year of the Dragon! Crochet this adorable little green dragon, bursting with charm and personality. This tiny yarn friend is ready to bring a sprinkle of mythical joy to your crochet adventures in 2024. Download the pattern, craft your dragon, and let the cuteness roar!
CaiShen The Fortune Doll
by LittleBambooHandmade
It is said that if you keep this CaiShen figurine in your house, you'll have a great and prosperous year ahead! I don't know if this might be true, but it doesn't hurt trying it, just in case. Plus, it's incredibly cute and will surely bring a smile to your face.
Min The Chinese Rabbit
by Madelenon
Here we have a delightful pattern of a rabbit dressed in traditional Chinese clothes and carrying a "jin yuan bao", which symbolizes prosperity, wealth and luck. Jin yuan bao is an ancient form of currency and is often used as decoration during the Chinese Lunar Year.
Reversible Tiger Amigurumi Pattern
by Chibiscraft
In my three years of crocheting, I never thought reversible patterns existed. Have I been living in a bubble????? This is the most adorable thing ever! Tiger to Girl, Girl to Tiger, Tiger to Girl… I’m fascinated and obsessed at the same time. If you make these, please send me a picture!
Lunar Year Tiger Couple
by crochetdelina
This is such a cute date night idea. Your significant other can make you and you can make them! Even more fun, make it a challenge! Whoever does it better doesn’t have to cook for a week. Or you can just give it to them as a gift or something. (Make it fun!)
Dragon Long
by Dinegurumi
Brace yourselves for a captivating crochet adventure with this stunning traditional Chinese dragon pattern. This beauty is not just a showstopper; it's also a lucky charm that will guard your home with style. Don't worry about the complexity; the detailed instructions make it easy to follow. Unleash your creativity and craft your way to Chinese dragon magic!
Lucky Cat
by EmiCreationsByChloe
This adorable Lucky Cat is ready to bring a little extra fortune your way. Inspired by Lunar New Year traditions, it comes with cute little details like coins and a tiny pouch for that full lucky vibe. It’s a fun, feel-good make that works beautifully as a decoration or a thoughtful handmade gift.
Peek-a-boo Zodiac Animals Bundle
by Chibiscraft
This adorable bundle is full of tiny Lunar New Year friends, each tucked into their own little lucky pouch. With 12 different patterns included, you can mix and match animals, colors, and details to create your own festive set. It’s a fun, feel-good project that’s perfect for gifting or decorating your space with a touch of handmade luck.
Little Lion Dancers
by MedaamiPatterns
These little lion dancers are bursting with personality. Inspired by traditional Lunar New Year performances, they bring color, movement, and a playful spirit to your makes. Such a fun project if you love tiny details, and they look adorable as a pair or displayed as part of a festive setup.
Year of the Horse
by Ollie+Holly
Full of charm and ready to celebrate in style, this little horse brings such a warm, festive feel. Dressed in a traditional outfit, he’s a fun project with just enough detail to keep things interesting. The finished result makes the sweetest decoration or a thoughtful handmade gift.

Hi, I'm Adriana.
Curiosity is kind of my personality trait. If there's something new to learn, make, test, or take apart just to see how it works, I'm in.
I'm a mom of two, a lover of art in all forms, and a firm believer that handmade things carry extra soul. This is my little corner of the internet where ideas turn into stitches.
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