Paper lanterns have a long history that spans many cultures. Originating in China as symbols of good luck for celebrations and festivals, they're now found across the globe in countless shapes and sizes. If you've been searching for "How do you make a DIY paper lantern?" — this guide has you covered with step-by-step instructions, supply recommendations, and decorating tips.
Supplies You Will Need
The right supplies make all the difference — light cardstock, a strong adhesive, and the right cutting tools keep your lantern looking crisp and hanging straight.
Your supply list depends on the style and intricacy of your design. Embellishments like glitter, heat transfer vinyl, and ribbon can be added without much weight — too much weight can cause the lantern to hang lopsided if you choose to hang it. Here's what you'll need for today's project.
Cardstock
I chose a patterned light cardstock for the inside layer of my lantern and a solid color for the outside. Light cardstock bends easily for the outer layer and rolls smoothly for the inner piece without creasing.
Adhesive
With so many adhesive options, it comes down to personal preference. For paper projects, pay attention to drying time and longevity. I use hot glue with Gorilla Glue hot glue sticks — the hold is phenomenal and it dries quickly.
Cutting Machine
I'm using a vinyl cutter for precision, but this project is easily done by hand too. Measure the strips and cut the slits manually with a craft knife. You can also use decorative hole punches on the inner piece to let light shine through.
Design Software
Since I'm using a digital cutting machine, I design and cut everything in the companion software. Some crafters prefer to design in a separate program and import, but programs like Photoshop or Canva can't create the necessary cut lines and paths. I keep everything in one place by designing and cutting directly through the cutting machine's software.
Steps for Making a Paper Lantern
Follow these two photo-illustrated steps — design first, then glue — to create a beautiful paper lantern, with alternative hand-cutting instructions throughout.
Now that we've covered the supplies, let's get started. No cutting machine? No problem — alternative hand-cutting instructions are included at every step.
Step 1: Create Your Design
In design software, create three rectangles: 11.4 × 0.5 inches for the strap, 11.14 × 7 inches for the inner piece, and 11.4 × 10 inches for the outside piece. Hand-cutting? Cut the same sizes with a craft knife and ruler.
On the large rectangle, add a score line 1 inch from the top and another 1 inch from the bottom. Hand-cutting? Fold the rectangle down 1 inch from the top and up 1 inch from the bottom.
Create an 8-inch cutting line about ¼ inch from the left side, between the two score lines. Duplicate the line evenly across the rectangle, spacing cuts roughly every ½ inch. Attach all elements and let the machine do the work.
Hand-cutting? Open the folds from the previous step. Starting ¼ inch from the left, use a craft knife and ruler to cut from the top fold to the bottom fold. Make additional cuts about every ½ inch to the end of the paper.
Important: Do NOT fold the outer piece in half to cut slits — folding creates a crease that ruins the rounded lantern shape.
For the insert piece, create a design, leaving about ½ inch on both left and right sides for gluing. Select all elements and rectangle, click Combine in the layers panel, then Subtract to cut the design from the rectangle. Send to cut.
Hand-cutting? Use hole punches or decorative tools to cut designs in the insert, keeping ½ inch clear on both sides for gluing.
Step 2: Glue Together
Take the large rectangle and fold the top and bottom pieces upward, as shown below.
Take the inner piece and overlap the ends. Use clips to hold the top and bottom in place while gluing. Press and spread hot glue as you move down the seam.
Next, take the outer piece. Beginning at the seam, glue the top all the way around, overlapping at the end. Repeat for the bottom.
Finally, glue the strap to the inside top of the lantern. Keep the seam at the back and center each end of the strap on the sides.
Pro Tip: For the handle, use cardstock at least as heavy as the rest of the lantern. Lighter paper may tear. Centering the handle on the sides ensures even weight when lifting your lantern.
✓ Paper Lantern Quick Checklist
□ Gather light cardstock, adhesive, cutting tools, and design software
□ Score lines 1" from top and bottom of the outer piece
□ Cut slits every ½" between the score lines — never fold in half
□ Cut design from the insert, leaving ½" on each side for gluing
□ Glue the insert into a cylinder
□ Attach the outer piece at the top and bottom
□ Glue the handle centered on the sides for even weight
Fun Ways to Decorate Paper Lanterns
Patterned paper is just the start — coloring, hole punches, glitter, washi tape, and paint can all add personality without weighing your lantern down.
Here are a few more ways to decorate your paper lantern before gluing it all together:
Use patterned paper for either the insert or the outside piece.
Before cutting slits, have your child color a picture on the blank outer paper.
Use a solid color for the insert and hand-draw a design.
Use hole punches to add decorations to the top and bottom flat pieces.
Before gluing, make designs with glue, sprinkle glitter over it, and let it dry completely.
Use washi tape, sequins, glitter pens, or paint on one or both elements.
Be mindful not to add so many embellishments that the lantern becomes too heavy for the strap to support — especially if you plan to hang it. The lantern we created today makes a fantastic centerpiece for your holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about making DIY paper lanterns.
What kind of paper is best for paper lanterns?
Light cardstock is ideal — it's sturdy enough to hold its shape but flexible enough to bend around the lantern's curve without creasing. Avoid regular copy paper, which is too thin and tears easily.
Can I make a paper lantern without a cutting machine?
Absolutely! Use a craft knife and ruler to cut the rectangles and slits by hand. For the insert, use decorative hole punches instead of digital cutting. Just remember to never fold the outer piece in half — it creates a crease that ruins the round shape.
What glue works best for paper lanterns?
Hot glue is excellent for paper lanterns — it dries quickly and creates a strong bond. Alternatively, white glue or double-sided tape work well too. Avoid glues that need long drying times or cause the paper to warp.
How do I keep my paper lantern from tearing at the handle?
Use cardstock for the handle that's at least the same weight as the rest of the lantern. Center the handle on the sides so weight distributes evenly. Lighter paper tends to tear, especially if the lantern gets bumped or lifted frequently.
Can I put a light inside a paper lantern?
Yes, but only use battery-operated LED lights. Never use real candles or hot bulbs — paper lanterns are flammable and the heat can be dangerous. LED tea lights or string lights are safe, cool options.
How do I keep embellishments from weighing down my lantern?
Choose lightweight decorations like glitter, washi tape, paint, or thin ribbon. If you add heavier items like sequins or large stickers, place them near the bottom so the lantern hangs evenly. Always test the balance by lifting the lantern before hanging it.
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