How to Make a Crochet Graduation Lei in School Colors (Beginner-Friendly)

A crochet graduation lei is a meaningful, handmade gift that graduates can actually wear - no wilting flowers, no heavy loads to carry around after the ceremony. Just a beautiful crocheted lei in school colors that becomes a real keepsake.

I made my granddaughter's lei by combining two different tutorials - one for rosebud details and one for textured strand work. The result is a fuller, more dimensional lei that looks impressive but is totally doable for an advanced beginner. Here's exactly how I did it, step by step.

What You'll Need to Make This Lei

• Faux Suede Cord, 2.6mm in royal blue

• Eyelash Fun Fur Yarn in yellow

• Size G crochet hook

• Scissors

Project Details at a Glance

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

• Finished Size: Child-sized lei (approximately 20–22 inches), easily adjustable to adult size

• Yarn/Materials: Faux suede cord (2.6 mm) + eyelash fun fur yarn, plus embellishments as desired

• Hook Size: G (4.0 mm)

• Time Required: 3–4 hours (depending on experience and how many strands you make)

• Best For: Graduation gifts, sports leis, special occasion gifts

• Customizable: Yes - make in any school colors, team colors, or color combination

Why a Crochet Graduation Lei Makes the Perfect Gift

Making a handmade gift for your graduate is a wonderful keepsake that they will treasure. It won't wilt, it won't have to be carried around after the ceremony, and it won't be dropped since it's worn around their neck. It can be made in their school colors, their favorite colors, or any combination you can think of. And it doesn't stop at graduations, these make amazing sports leis too! Make one in your favorite team's colors and it's easy to wear and carry to any game. And did I mention that this project may look fancy, but it's actually an advanced beginner project, totally doable if you've made a few basic pieces.

The Tutorials I Used

I based this lei on two YouTube tutorials, and I'll link both of them below so you can follow along:

• How To Make Crochet Rosebud Lei

• DIY Crocheted Rattail Lei

Step-By-Step: How I Made This Lei

Step 1: Make the Blue Rosebud Strand
For the blue strand, I followed the Rosebud Lei tutorial and crocheted 45 rosebuds using the faux suede cord. I went down one hook size to a G (instead of the H she recommends) which gave me a slightly tighter, neater rosebud. I made 45 instead of the full amount since I wanted a smaller lei sized for a child rather than an adult.

Step 2: Make the Yellow Textured Strand
For the yellow strand, I took my cue from the Rattail Lei tutorial and worked the eyelash yarn into the hole spaces, using single crochet stitches to secure it and 4 chain stitches in between. The fluffy yellow yarn adds so much texture and really makes the blue rosebuds pop.

Step 3: Twist and Finish
I actually made two of each strand, so four strands total, then twisted them all together and finished with a knot and a bow. That's what gives it that full, layered look!

How to Customize Your Lei

Change the size: Made 45 rosebuds for a child's lei; an adult-sized lei typically needs 60–70 rosebuds depending on how full you want it. Count as you go and adjust based on the size you're aiming for.

Try different color combinations:

• School colors

• Team colors for sports fans

• Sunset colors (orange, pink, red)

• Ombre effect (light to dark shades of one color)

Add embellishments: You don't have to stick with just two strands. Consider adding:

• A third color strand

• Beads or charms strung on the cord

• A larger decorative bow at the top

• Ribbon woven through the strands

Different yarn textures: The eyelash yarn adds fluff and dimension. Other options:

• Feather boa yarn for extra drama

• Thin metallic yarn for a shimmery effect

• Regular worsted weight yarn for a more refined look

Ready to Start Crocheting?

If this project has you excited to pick up your hook, I'd love to help you get started! Grab my Free Beginner Crochet Mini Round Face Scrubby Pattern - it covers the fundamental stitches you'll need for leis, coasters, face scrubbies, and more. Just click on the button and drop your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a crochet lei take to make?
Expect 3–4 hours for the full project, including making the strands and assembling them. If you're just doing one or two strands (a simpler version), it takes closer to 1–2 hours.

Can I use different yarn for this project?
Yes - the tutorials use faux suede cord and eyelash yarn, but you can adapt using other materials. Cotton rope, satin cord, embroidery floss, or even thin acrylic yarn can work. Just test a sample rosebud first to make sure the texture works with your chosen material.

What hook size should I use?
The tutorials call for an H hook, but I went down to a G for tighter rosebuds. If you want fuller, looser rosebuds, stick with an H. The tighter stitches hold their shape better.

How many strands do I need?
Two strands (one blue, one yellow in my example) make a nice lei. Four strands (two of each color, twisted together) gives a fuller, more dimensional look. Start with two and add more if you want extra volume.

Can I make this in any colors?
Absolutely - this works in any color combination. School colors, team colors, favorite colors - pick any two (or more!) that complement each other.

Is this waterproof?
The materials are durable and won't wilt like fresh flowers, but they're not waterproof. If your graduate will be wearing this during water activities, avoid delicate materials like eyelash yarn.

Can I wear this lei after the graduation?
Yes - that's one of the best parts! Unlike traditional leis that fade or wilt, a crochet lei is a permanent keepsake that can be worn again and again or displayed.

More Beginner Crochet Patterns You'll Love

If you enjoyed this project, here are a couple of more beginner-friendly patterns from The Cozy Earth Studio:

• Puff Stitch Crochet Coasters with Matching Basket - a satisfying textured project for your home

• Beginner Crochet Face Scrubbies – 3 Easy Designs - quick, practical, and a great eco swap

• Easy Spring Chick Crochet Pattern - cute little amigurumi crochet pattern

• 10 Practical Uses for Crochet Face Scrubbies - simple, reusable swaps for everyday routines you'll love!

Sandy is the designer behind The Cozy Earth Studio, a pattern shop and blog for beginner and intermediate crocheters who love practical, wearable makes and a slower, more handmade life. You can find her patterns on Etsy and follow her projects on Pinterest.

Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this site may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.

🌿 Want a free pattern?

Grab it here.

© 2026 The Cozy Earth Studio. All rights reserved.