The Secret to Making Amazing DIY Crochet Toran Decorations – Podcast Episode 164
Hey everyone! This is Christa from The Secret Yarnery, and I’m so excited to welcome you back to Crochet Podcast Episode 164. I’ve got something really fun and festive to share with you today—a DIY crochet Toran decoration that’s perfect not just for Diwali, but for any celebration or just to brighten up your space! Trust me, this is a game-changer when it comes to making your own decorations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oij2DEWzx9Y
Emergency Crochet Alert: Big Announcement!
Now, let me just say, this is a HUGE announcement. I’m calling it an "emergency crochet" situation—probably because I’m just so enthusiastic about it. I know, it sounds dramatic, but this DIY crochet Toran is too cute, too versatile, and too perfect not to get started on right away. Whether you want to create something special for Diwali or just want a splash of color hanging around your home, you’re going to love this crochet project.
Visual Setup: Bright Flowers and a Party Atmosphere
What’s a podcast without a fun setup, right? The disco ball is in place, and I’ve got my flower arrangement ready to show off. If you never thought crochet could be the centerpiece of a party, think again. This Toran looks fabulous over doorways but also adds a festive touch wherever you want to hang it—beds, windows, you name it!
I’ve got it draped over the door to the Yarnery, and it immediately makes the whole room feel welcoming. It’s a modern take on traditional Diwali décor, and the best part is you can make it yourself!
What’s a Toran?
For those who aren’t familiar, a Toran is a traditional hanging decoration from Indian culture, often made with marigold flowers and mango leaves. People usually string these up above their doorways to welcome guests and add a colorful, natural touch to their homes during celebrations like Diwali.
Traditionally, these are made with real flowers and leaves, so they’d only last a season—but my crochet version? Much more long-lasting. Just imagine how cute it would look when crafted with yarn in vibrant colors!
Check out more about crochet Torans with this Easy Crochet Toran for Amazing DIY Diwali Decorations guide.
Crochet Toran: Traditional Meets Modern
Now, let me introduce you to my crochet Toran! Instead of using real flowers and leaves, I’ve created marigolds and hibiscus flowers from yarn. It’s just as fabulous as the traditional version, but with the added benefit of lasting as long as you want it to. Plus, you can use any yarn colors that match your decorating scheme.
Design Features of My Crochet Toran
I used three different shades of orange for the marigold flowers to give it that vibrant, festive look. They range from bright to deep orange, and this variety adds an extra dimension to the decoration. Each side of the Toran is adorned with clusters of hibiscus-type flowers in bright colors that hang gracefully from the main band.
Every detail in this crochet project can be customized. Whether you need this decoration to fit a single doorway, a large entryway, or even want it to cascade all the way to the ground, you can make it happen. You can even adjust the length by adding more flowers or leaves—whatever you like! Check out some more inspiration on Exploring Crochet for Diwali.
Colors That Pop
One of my favorite parts of the crochet Toran is the color variety. While traditional Torans use marigold-colored flowers, you could absolutely change it up. Experiment with bold and contrasting colors depending on the occasion. If you’re celebrating Diwali, orange, gold, and red hues are ideal. But it’s easy to see how this crochet Toran would also work for birthdays, weddings, or any festive occasion once you play around with colors.
Flower Details
Let’s talk flowers! My Toran uses marigolds and hibiscus flowers. Each cluster includes about seven small hibiscus-like flowers hanging on the ends of the bunting, and they add such a playful, tropical vibe. At the center, I’ve placed a marigold flower, keeping that cultural symbolism intact. Isn’t it cute? These flowers are also lightweight, and they string together beautifully.
To see how playful and fun this can be, dabble in some color play following the yarn suggestions from From Hooks to Highways.
Customizing Your Toran
This project offers a lot of flexibility. You can make longer or shorter garlands depending on the size of the doorway or wall where you want to hang it. I’ve made mine to fit my door, but I gave myself plenty of flexibility, so I can extend it next year or even make a new one if I feel like a refresh.
One of the best parts? The Toran is not permanently tied together. Each section is made separately, which means you can adjust, move, or add sections as needed. If you want to expand it, just pop off a floral section and add a new one. This way, you don’t have to start over from scratch.
Assembly and Tips
Like I mentioned, everything gets strung together at the end, which makes this project a total breeze. You don’t need to worry if your flowers aren’t perfect—they look great in the mix; that’s the beauty of handmade crochet decorations. You can also add some wires along the back of the leaves for a straighter look, but I found you can still adjust them without that. Simple, right?
For more assembly tips, watch out for my upcoming tutorial. It’s packed with tricks to make the process even faster. Plus, I’ll show you how to get those intricate designs looking super polished.
Yarn Considerations
Now, let’s talk yarn. I used what I had on hand, and you should do the same. It doesn’t matter if some of your marigolds come out larger or smaller—it just adds to the beauty. I ended up using three balls of yarn total, with the number of marigolds ranging from 18 to 25 flowers depending on the yarn’s weight.
It’s also eco-friendly to use leftover yarn or scraps—I’m all in for decorating sustainably! Find yarn similar to my project details in August New Crochet Podcast Episode 162.
Expanding Plans—Next Year’s Goals
I had originally planned to make a Toran large enough for my mother-in-law’s double door, but guess what? I ran out of yarn! But that’s okay because the modular nature of this project means I’ll just expand it next year when I’ve replenished my orange yarn stash. I can’t wait to see how much more fabulous it will look when completed.
Upcoming Tutorial: How-To for Your Own Toran
The best part? I’ve got a full video tutorial coming out soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that. You’ll get a step-by-step guide on how to make your own crochet Toran, whether you want it for Diwali or just want to put some sunshine into your home décor.
Trust me, this project is going to brighten your day—not to mention your entryways!
Family and Podcast Life
Before I sign off, I wanted to say this weekend is extra special in more ways than one—my 11-year-old is turning 12, and we’ve got the whole weekend jam-packed with celebrations like movies and trampoline park fun. Life is busy, but I still managed to sneak in some crochet time for you all.
Conclusion: Stay Hooked, and Keep Crafting!
That’s it for Episode 164 of the Crochet Podcast. I hope this project inspires you to get creative and make something beautiful for your home, for a celebration, or just because!
Remember, crochet isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to inject warmth, creativity, and your personal touch into every corner of your life. And as always, stay hooked!
For more festive, easy patterns, check out Diwali Crochet Festive Handmade Decorations, and I’ll see you in the next podcast episode!
With her unique teaching style and genuine warmth, Christa Patel has built a global following at the Secret Yarnery, a place where crochet isn’t just a craft but a way to connect with others. Known for her straightforward and fun approach, Christa provides in-depth tutorials, step-by-step patterns, and beginner-friendly resources that make crocheting enjoyable and approachable, no matter your skill level.