Lunar New Year embroidery designs
Lunar New Year embroidery designs with red paper lanterns, zodiac animals and lucky symbols in the red and gold of the festival. Download free or premium files in PES, JEF, DST, EXP or VP3.
Red satin and brocade are slippery, so hoop them with a cut-away stabilizer and a fine sharp needle, and test the gold thread on a scrap first.
1 design
- Free
Red is the color of good luck and gold stands for prosperity, so most Lunar New Year projects use red fabric, red thread or both, with gold accents. A lantern is a simple shape that stitches quickly, which helps when you sew a batch of gifts.
Each year belongs to one of twelve zodiac animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. A zodiac animal makes a personal gift for a baby born that year or for anyone whose sign returns (in Vietnam, the cat takes the rabbit's place). The animal designs include several of these animals in the same cute style.
Typical projects for these Lunar New Year embroidery designs are fabric red envelopes, drawstring gift pouches, cushion covers and table runners. On a small fabric envelope the 70 mm lantern fits best, while a cushion front can take 125 mm. For fireworks on January 1, see the New Year designs.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lunar New Year?
The date follows a lunisolar calendar and changes every year, usually falling between late January and mid-February. Celebrations often continue for days, traditionally until the Lantern Festival about two weeks later. Check the exact date each year so your gifts are ready in time.
Is Lunar New Year the same as Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is one name for it. The same festival is celebrated as the Spring Festival in China, Tết in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea, and by communities around the world, which is why many people say Lunar New Year. Our designs keep to widely shared symbols such as lanterns and zodiac animals.