Creating Happiness With A Thunder Of Dragons

Creating My Happiness With A Thunder Of Dragons

Once upon a time there were dragons. But this isn’t a story about just any dragons. These dragons are soft and cuddly. With green safety eyes. The first dragon was Dulcimer, Dulci for short. He was big, fluffy and unruly. I knew it was up to me to tame him into the dragon I conceived him to be.

It was up to me to do battle to create this beast. Armed with my trusty Fiskars scissors, a skein of yarn and my M-13 scale crochet hook I went to work. I knew I also needed safety eyes and noses, some stiff scale fabric, and Poly-fil stuffing that would cushion any blows that came my way. I knew that Dulci’s body was created in two parts. His enormous head and his large and cuddly body.

I tackled his head first using my crochet hook and soft yarn. I created 5 chain stitches then connected them to form a loop. Crocheted 2 more chains and then double crochet all the way around the circle then connect them. Chain two and double crocheted the next row, I was working to form the dragons great nose. I created about 4 rows which slowly expand outward.

Next came the dragons face. Chain 2 to start your next row but now I do 2 double crochet in the next row and then alternate 2 double crochet in one spot then 1 double crochet in the next stitch to expand the face of the dragon. I continue this pattern all the way around for the next two or 3 rows. Then I decrease the number of double crochets skipping holes and thereby making the fabric tighter. You will see the head forming and your double crochet rows will get closer together.

Now it is time to see the dragon’s face. You will decide where to place the safety eyes and nose. (You can buy safety eyes and noses online. ) I make sure to place them inside a stitch and pull gently to make sure they are secure. I don’t want a dragon with eyes that are wobbly. Once the safety eyes are secured It is time to stuff the dragon’s head. I stuffed the dragons head with soft fiber stuffing you can get at any craft store. Using single crochet stitches close the hole in the back of the dragons head. Then using my Fiskars I cut the yarn at the back of the dragon’s head. Now I can look on the face of my dragon.

It is time to tackle the body of the dragon. His body is bigger and a little rounder than his head, but the technique is the same. I start with 5 chain stitches connect them into a loop, then chain two. Using double crochet stitches create the next row. After your second row expand the body by doing one double crochet in the next hole and then 2 double crochet in the next space. This will expand the body around the dragons belly button. Do about 5 rows then start to decrease your double crochet stitches as you did with the head, once his body is big enough.

You will see the body pulling up on the sides and creating a rounded area. Then we can stuff the body with soft fiber stuffing. Using your crochet hook you will single crochet the two sides of what is now his back together. The dragon body will be oblong. This will create a ridge. Across the dragon’s back.

How to connect a dragon’s head to his body is serious business. I use a crochet slip stitch to secure his head to his body. I stitch all the way around attaching the head to the body making sure it is secure.

Dulcimer’s back spines start on top of his head ( This helps secure his head to his body too. ) I crochet down the seam at the back of the dragon using 3 double crochet and 2 single and alternating them down the dragons back. At the tail I add chains. Then starting at the bottom of the tail continue the pattern of 3 double crochet, 2 single crochet to the base of the tail. To finish the spines off I do double crochet stitch finishing at the top of his head. Now he is a handsome looking beast.

Dulci’s feet are created with 6 chains and double crochet in each chain. At the last chain I keep going up the other side with double crochet to create his feet. I use the slip stitch to attach the dragons feet to his body.

Lastly every dragon needs wings. I purchase wing fabric at Hobby Lobby it already has scales and the underneath is very soft. I sew them on using embroidery thread.

Dulci is the king of dragons and the leader of his Thunder. I may have tamed him but he is the dragon in charge. Each dragon is unique. They come in different colors and personalities. They are soft and make wonderful friends. A few have been adopted by children I know. They have found them helpful for protection and cuddling. I love my Thunder of dragons and I hope creating these dragons will bring you as much joy as it brings me.