Two-Tone Deco Dragon Doll: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

Meet the Two-Tone Deco Dragon, a little amigurumi friend with a big personality and a very clean look. This pattern is written for crocheters who have made a ball or two before and are ready to try their first multi-piece doll. The dragon is built from simple spheres and tubes, so there are no complicated shapes to learn. The oatmeal and charcoal color blocks give it a smooth, Art Deco feel that looks lovely on a shelf or in a child's hands. At about 8 inches tall, it is soft, squishy, and just the right size for cuddling.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic. Color A (oatmeal): 150 yd. Color B (charcoal): 100 yd.
• Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Finished size: Approximately 8 inches (20 cm) tall.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring, an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
• sc: Single crochet.
• inc: Increase, work 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dec: Decrease, work 2 stitches together into 1 sc.
• R: Round.
• FO: Fasten off.
• sts: Stitches.

Gauge

20 sc x 22 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in continuous single crochet. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in the round and measure the stitch and round counts over 4 inches before you begin.

Tips Before You Start

• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in continuous spirals.
• Stuff the head and body firmly but not rock-hard, adding stuffing a little at a time as you close each piece.
• Change colors in the last stitch of the round before the new color begins for a tidy horizontal line.
• Keep your tension even so the two color blocks meet in a clean, straight band.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Head (Color A, then Color B)

R1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
R2: inc x6 (12 sts).
R3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
R4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
R5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
R6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
R7-12: sc around (36 sts).
Change to Color B.
R13-17: sc around (36 sts).
R18: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30 sts).
R19: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).
R20: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
R21: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
R22: dec x6 (6 sts). FO.

Body (Color A, then Color B)

R1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
R2: inc x6 (12 sts).
R3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
R4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
R5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
R6-10: sc around (30 sts).
Change to Color B.
R11-15: sc around (30 sts).
R16: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).
R17: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
R18: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
R19: dec x6 (6 sts). FO.

Snout (Color B)

R1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
R2: inc x6 (12 sts).
R3-4: sc around (12 sts). FO.

Ears x2 (Color A)

R1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
R2: [sc, inc] x3 (9 sts).
R3: sc around (9 sts). FO.

Arms x2 (Color A, then Color B)

R1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
R2-6: sc around (6 sts).
Change to Color B.
R7-8: sc around (6 sts). FO.

Legs x2 (Color B, then Color A)

R1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
R2: inc x6 (12 sts).
R3-4: sc around (12 sts).
Change to Color A.
R5-8: sc around (12 sts). FO.

Assembly and Finishing

Stuff the head and body firmly. Sew the head to the top of the body with a tapestry needle and matching yarn. Sew the snout to the front of the head, centered on the charcoal lower half. Sew the ears to the top of the head, spaced evenly apart. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the color change. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, side by side. Weave in all ends securely. Gently shape the dragon with your hands and steam-block lightly if desired.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the charcoal for navy or forest green for a different Deco palette.
• Add a tiny embroidered smile on the snout for extra charm.
• Make a mini version by using sport weight yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.