How to Make Paper Lanterns — Simple DIY Lanterns for Any Occasion

Paper lanterns are one of the most versatile, quick, and rewarding paper crafts you can make. From simple cylinder lanterns that any child can assemble in ten minutes to more elaborate accordion-fold designs, paper lanterns add instant festive atmosphere to any space. They are used across cultures worldwide — from Chinese New Year celebrations to Japanese Obon festivals, from Diwali to Christmas markets — making them a genuinely universal craft form. In this tutorial you will learn three different lantern styles, ranging from a five-minute beginner version to a more involved pleated design. For more quick paper projects, explore our Paper Crafts category.

A Note on Paper Choice

If you plan to use real candles or fairy lights inside your lanterns, always use non-flammable or fire-retardant materials, or choose battery-operated LED tea lights — these are the safe choice for any enclosed paper lantern. Standard copy paper and cardstock are appropriate for LED lighting only. For decorative lanterns that will not contain any light source, any paper works perfectly.

Project Info

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Time: 15–25 minutes per lantern
• Cost: Under $1 per lantern
• Makes: Unlimited — the technique scales to any size

Style 1: Classic Slit Lantern

This is the simplest paper lantern and takes under ten minutes to make. It is ideal for making in quantity for party garlands.

You will need: One sheet of A4 or Letter-size paper, scissors, glue stick or stapler, a strip of paper for the handle.

1. Fold your sheet of paper in half lengthwise (the long way).
2. Starting from the folded edge, cut a series of parallel slits across the folded paper, each about 1 cm apart, stopping about 2.5 cm from the open edges — do not cut all the way through.
3. Unfold the paper. Apply glue along both short edges on the wrong side.
4. Roll the paper into a cylinder and press the short edges together to form the lantern body. The slits will bow outward to form the decorative openings.
5. Cut a strip of paper approximately 2 cm wide and 20 cm long for the handle. Glue or staple both ends inside the top of the lantern.

Vary the width and spacing of the slits for different visual effects — wide slits create a more open, airy lantern; narrow slits create a denser, more cylinder-like form.

Style 2: Accordion Fold Lantern

The accordion lantern has a softer, more organic look and diffuses light beautifully.

You will need: 2–3 sheets of A4 paper, scissors, glue stick.

1. Fold each sheet of paper accordion-style (like a fan), with folds every 1.5 cm. You should get approximately 13–14 folds per A4 sheet.
2. If using multiple sheets, glue the end of one accordion strip to the beginning of the next to create a long folded strip.
3. Bring the two ends of the accordion strip together and glue them to form a circle — this is your lantern body. The accordion pleats radiate outward from the centre.
4. Cut two circles of cardstock slightly smaller than the diameter of your lantern and glue one to each flat face of the accordion body, closing the top and bottom. Leave the top circle slightly loose, or attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
5. To allow light through, cut a decorative pattern from the cardstock circles before attaching, or simply leave the top open.

These accordion lanterns look beautiful hanging in clusters at different heights — use thread or fishing line for nearly invisible hanging wire.

Style 3: Luminary Bag

A luminary is a simple open-topped paper bag that sits on a flat surface with a battery tea light inside, casting a warm glow through the bag walls.

1. Take a standard lunch bag or make a simple flat-bottomed paper bag using our Paper Gift Bags tutorial (a small, wide, shallow bag works best).
2. Use a hole punch, craft knife, or decorative paper punches to cut a pattern of holes through all layers of the bag — stars, dots, hearts, or geometric shapes all work beautifully.
3. Fold the top of the bag down twice to form a cuff, which also reinforces the bag and prevents it from collapsing.
4. Half-fill the bag with clean sand, decorative stones, or rice to weight it down and provide stability. Place a battery-operated LED tea light on top of the filler.

Luminary bags are particularly magical lining a pathway, a windowsill, or a mantelpiece. They are a classic element of Diwali, Christmas, and Halloween decor.

Decorating Your Lanterns

Plain white lanterns become extraordinary with a little decoration:

• Paint the outside of a slit lantern with watercolour washes before assembling.
• Use metallic or neon paper for festive party versions.
• Stamp patterns onto the paper before folding using rubber stamps and ink.
• Add a handmade paper flower to the top of a hanging lantern as a decorative accent.
• Write names or messages in gold gel pen on individual lanterns for a personalised table setting.

Making Lanterns in Quantity

If you are making lanterns for a party, wedding, or event, use our free Craft Project Planner to create a production schedule and materials list. Our Craft Cost Calculator can help you estimate the total paper and supply costs for large quantities. For more decoration ideas to complement your paper lanterns, visit the Home Decor category and the full DIY Crafts section.