How I Made a Crochet Graduation Lei: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

My granddaughter is going to be graduating from the 5th grade in about a week and I wanted to make her something special. Store-bought gifts can feel generic, but a handmade lei that she could wear and not have to carry around? That's a keepsake she'll actually remember. I searched for tutorials and found two that I loved, and took parts of each of them to make her lei in her school colors with lots of flair! If you want to create a meaningful handmade gift for the graduates in your life, this lei is perfect. It looks complicated, but it's really not. It's more of an advanced beginner crochet project, and I'll break it down for you, step by step.

What You'll Need

• Faux Suede Cord, 2.6mm in royal blue

• Eyelash Fun Fur Yarn in yellow

• Size G crochet hook

• Scissors

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

How I Put It Together

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.

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.

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

Why I Love This Project

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.

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 pattern and start building the skills you'll need to tackle projects just like this one. Just click on the button and drop your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox!

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

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.

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