What do you need?
a piece of red felt
a small piece of black felt
2 other colours felt
matching yarn and a needle
gold coloured yarn
a red or gold ribbon
This year - for Chinese New Year - we make a Hong Bao (a red envelope to give money in as a present) out of felt. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, so we make an envelope with a cute little dog on it. The Chinese people give only paper money in the envelopes, no coins. But we Dutchies do not take it so seriously ;)) We put in some real money in coins, paper or some chocolate coins, all good fun!
To make the Hong Bao
download the pattern, print it then cut out all parts
Pin the cut out patterns on the felt then cut them out.
Remove the patterns and pins, pin the two lantern parts.
Sew the round sides of the lantern to the rectangle closed.
Sew the round sides of the lantern closed using the blanket stitch, sew the rectangle closed using the lockstitch.
We sew blanketstich, lockstitch then blanketstitch again.
Leave the top open, so you can put the money in.
Sew with gold yarn 2 stitches, the same on the opposite side.
Give small snips on the underside, in the rectangle.
Sew the head and tail on the lantern.
Stick on the ears and paws.
Stick on the eyes, nose and cheeks.
Sew on a ribbon between the lantern halves, to hang it on.
Now you can fill the Hong Bao!
Xin Nian Kwai Le! Happy Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year in Amsterdam is celebrated on 16 February
Chinese New Year in The Hague is celebrated on 17 February
Chinese New Year in Rotterdam is celebrated from February 12 till February 18