I love a project that turns something headed for the recycling bin into patio décor that looks boutique, and this crochet candle hurricane does exactly that. The base is just a clear plastic pretzel tub with the bottom removed, but once you work cotton lace thread through it, the whole thing takes on that airy, summery texture that looks right at home on an outdoor table.
This is a great DIY if you already know basic crochet stitches and want a quick weekend make that feels a little special without costing much. As someone who is usually squeezing creative projects in between work and figuring out dinner, I really appreciate that this one uses simple materials, works up in stages, and gives you a finished piece you can actually use the same night on the deck or porch.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the pretzel tub thoroughly, remove any label residue, and let it dry completely so the thread stays clean and the stitches sit flat.
2. Use the marker and ruler to draw a cutting line around the very bottom edge of the tub, then carefully cut the bottom out with the craft knife or scissors to create an open-ended cylinder.
3. Smooth the cut edge with fine-grit sandpaper until it feels even and no sharp spots remain, because this makes the finished lantern safer to handle and easier to crochet around.
4. Mark a row of evenly spaced dots about 1/4 inch below the top rim and another row about 1/4 inch above the cut bottom edge, spacing the dots roughly 3/8 inch apart all the way around.
5. Create holes at each marked dot using a hole punch or a carefully heated skewer, making them just large enough for the crochet hook and thread to pass through without cracking the plastic.
6. Attach the crochet thread through one top hole and work 1 single crochet through each hole around the top edge, joining with a slip stitch to form a clean anchored round.
7. Chain 5, skip the space to the next hole, and single crochet into the next top-hole stitch; repeat this all the way around to create a simple lacy mesh round, adjusting to chain 4 or 6 if needed so the loops lie evenly.
8. Continue building the body by slip stitching into the center of the first loop, then working chain-5 loops into each loop around for as many rounds as needed to reach the lower row of holes.
9. When the lace reaches the bottom row, single crochet through each bottom hole, gently pulling the mesh snug so it hugs the container without warping it, then join with a slip stitch.
10. Work 1 decorative round along the bottom edge using chain 3 and slip stitch in every other bottom stitch, or use a tiny picot edging if you want a dressier finish.
11. Fasten off the thread, weave in the end securely through nearby stitches, and add a tiny dot of clear-drying glue if you want extra hold for outdoor use.
12. Place the finished hurricane over a flameless LED pillar candle on a patio table, tray, or outdoor dining centerpiece, and make sure the plastic never comes into contact with a real flame.
Variations & Tips
Use ecru or soft color thread: White looks crisp and summery, but ecru, pale sage, or light blue can make this blend beautifully with outdoor dinnerware and porch décor.
Try a different stitch pattern: If you crochet often, you can swap the chain-5 mesh for pineapple motifs, arches, or filet-style sections, as long as the pattern can be adjusted to fit the hole count.
Match the tub size to the candle: I like leaving at least 1 inch of clearance around the LED candle so the finished piece looks balanced and the lace pattern stays visible from every angle.
Keep it outdoor-friendly: Cotton thread gives the nicest texture, but I bring mine inside after using it since summer dew and heavy rain can make the lace look limp by the next evening.
Make a set for entertaining: These look especially pretty grouped in threes at different heights, which is exactly the kind of low-effort centerpiece I rely on when I want the patio to look pulled together without spending all afternoon decorating.
Safety first: Because the base is plastic, only use flameless candles inside this hurricane and keep it away from high heat, grilling areas, and direct contact with open flame.