Chinese New Year Lion Amigurumi | Crochet Pattern Review
We are in the midst of Chinese New Year. This is always a time of celebration with family and food. This year I crocheted a Chinese New Year Lion amigurumi.
The first day was last Friday and it lasts for two weeks. Last year, I highlighted a number of yarn crafts in this blog post found here. There you will find various amigurumi, as well as a pillow. 2018 marks the year of the dog. People born in this year are known to be honest, loyal and trustworthy. Family and friends are important to people born in the year of the dog.
Part of Chinese New Year Celebrations is a traditional lion dance. Here on the west coast, you can see lion dances in a variety of places, including China Town and most of the shopping malls. The lion dances to loud drums and goes from store to store. Stores hang up offerings of lettuce and lucky money to attract the lion. When the lion visits the store and takes the offerings, it is said that the store will have good business for the year and the lion has chased all the bad business away.
Chinese New Year Lion Amigurumi
I came across this crochet pattern for a Chinese New Year lion amigurumi in one of my crochet groups and love how authentic it looks. You can find this pattern here. This is the first time I’ve made something from a pattern by LittleBambooHandmade. It looks like this crochet designer has a number of really nice patterns.
First off, this is not your typical amigurumi. I am used to making figures that are only a few inches tall. This lion is big….it measures 12.5 high! The pattern is well written and easy to follow. However, there are a couple of places where additional guidance and detail would be helpful. I will write about those suggestions here.
The Chinese New Year lion amigurumi is broken down into a number of manageable pieces. I used a 2.5mm hook for this pattern but was still surprised how big it was. After making the head, I thought to myself – how big is this going to be??? I also used worsted weight (category 5 yarn). Quite a bit of red and white yarn are used – keep that in mind. I typically use odds and ends for amigurumi as it doesn’t use up a lot of yarn. However, due to the size of this piece, I used quite a bit of white and almost an entire skein of red.
Assembly is quite the task – as mentioned, there are a number of parts, especially on the head. Sewing and gluing are involved. You will need a good glue to attach everything. I used Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue.
Safety eyes are recommended for this project, but the head is fully completed prior to the instructions for the eyes and so I’m not sure how you are supposed to attach them. I had to remove some of the stuffing and awkwardly reach inside in order to attach the safety eyes. Personally, I like to attach the safety eyes in the midst of making the head – I do this with all my amigurumi. I find it easier to do when I can easily access the inside and prior to the stuffing being added. I would not recommend it after the head is completely done and stuffed. However, I find a number of amigurumi designers wait until the end.
Also, keep in mind that the safety eyes need to go through 3 layers of felt, as well as the head. Make sure the shank on the eye is long enough. My 12mm eyes were fine, but it was a bit tight.
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There is no guidance as to how to do the beard. I cut lengths of white yarn, 11 inches long and used 3 at a time. I folded the 3 pieces of yarn in half and used a larger hook (a 4mm) to pull the halfway point (the folded part) through just enough to put the ends through. Three pieces of yarn at a time yield a fuller-looking beard. After the head was assembled, I trimmed the beard.
I am quite pleased with the final product. The Chinese New Year lion amigurumi is quite bigger than I expected but it is very majestic and authentic looking.
Amigurumi Projects
Looking for other amigurumi crochet ideas? Check these out.
Hi,
I am so glad to have found the lion dance pattern. I would love to have some Chinese New Year decorations crochet patterns. it is so hard to find. my skill level between beginner and intermediate. visual tutorials would help very much.
Hello! Yes, it’s hard to find Chinese New Year items. I’m always on the lookout for them. I’ve made this lion a couple of times now. It’s big! It’s definitely beautiful though. I love how authentic it looks. Happy crocheting!
Hi, can I have the pattern. It’s soooo cute! Thanks. Su
Hello! The pattern can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/261305893/pattern-lion-dance-crochet-pattern-pdf?transaction_id=1391136233