Welcome to Sweet Softies' seventh annual Creator Challenge, featuring Daiyu the Dragon! He's an adorable little jade dragon that is designed to be a fun crochet project that you can easily customize with different color combinations, creative details, and more. If you haven't already, check out the Intro Page for rules and important information about this Creator Challenge.
For this first part, we will be going through the pattern's Basic Info, Materials, & Planning (includes a free coloring sheet).
For this first part, please read through the basic information regarding this pattern. Then, download your free planning sheet (coloring page) and gather the materials!
All you need to do is color in your dragon with your preferred colors, find the corresponding yarn color/brand, and (optional!) glue or tape down small snippets of the yarn sample. If you'd like to add embellishments to your dragon, such as a pretty headpiece or accessory, you can also draw it in!
Below is a bigger view of the example that I did digitally, since I don't have access to a working printer. It's my completed sheet for Daiyu.
Want your friends to join in on this fun Creator Challenge too? The more, the merrier! Share this post and spread the joy of crocheting!
Happy crafting!
Links:
Don't want to wait for all CAL instructions? Prefer a written pattern over video instructions? Want photo references? Want to also make the webbed ear option (instead of only the free, no-sew ear option)? Want the printable, ad-free, and easy-to-read PDF pattern?
If so, you can purchase the PDF pattern from my store to get it as an instant download. Thank you for supporting Sweet Softies!
Basic Info, Materials Prep, & Planning
For this first part, please read through the basic information regarding this pattern. Then, download your free planning sheet (coloring page) and gather the materials!
Want to watch instead of read? Check out my video version for this part below!
Intro
Daiyu is a pocket-sized baby dragon amigurumi pattern. It fits snugly in your palm and is the perfect birthday gift or holiday gift for any dragon lover. Daiyu’s name is Chinese and means “generation” and “jade”, and was designed for the 2024 Lunar New Year of the Dragon!The PDF pattern includes photo references to guide you through the doll making process, links to the complete step-by-step video tutorial, and a printable coloring sheet to help you plan out your dragon’s colors. It also has two different ear options.
Finished Size
Height: 4.5 inches (11.5cm)
Level
★★☆☆☆ Familiar beginner. Requires familiarity with stitches used (below), changing yarn colors, attaching yarn, and sewing pieces together.Stitches/Terms Used (U.S. Terminology)
- FO = fasten off
- YO = yarn over
- sk = skip (a stitch)
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (insert 2 sc in same st)
- dec = decrease (sc 2 sts together)
- dc = double crochet
- dc-inc = double crochet increase (insert 2 dc in the same st)
- BLO = back loops only
Materials
- Medium weight yarn in 3 colors (I used Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8 in green, yellow, and brown. Other yarns I recommend include: Lion Brand Heartland, Caron Simply Soft, and Brava Worsted)
- 2.75mm crochet hook
- 6mm plastic safety eyes (x2)
- Stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional: sewing pins
Planning Sheet
If you're like me and you have a hard time visualizing how your dragon will look in the end with your favorite color combination, you can download the Planning Sheet below. I find it to be a helpful tool!
All you need to do is color in your dragon with your preferred colors, find the corresponding yarn color/brand, and (optional!) glue or tape down small snippets of the yarn sample. If you'd like to add embellishments to your dragon, such as a pretty headpiece or accessory, you can also draw it in!
Below is a bigger view of the example that I did digitally, since I don't have access to a working printer. It's my completed sheet for Daiyu.
Since Daiyu, I have made a couple more dragons. What do you think of their colors? It's so fun to mix and match! I'm thinking of making a little army of these pocket dragons now...
Well, shall we start? Let's get coloring! Don't forget to share your photos in the Sweet Softies FB Group!
Join the Community!
Participants are encouraged to share work in progress (WIP) photos in the Sweet Softies FB Group, or add your projects to Ravelry!Pattern Links
Daiyu the Dragon's pattern will be released for FREE on my YouTube channel at each release date below! The written instructions will be added to my blog later. Remember to sign up for my mailing list to be notified when each part is released. Don't want to wait for each week? You can get this pattern as a printable, ad-free PDF pattern (which includes two ear options) that is instantly available for download, and supports me as a designer!- Planning & Materials
Release Date: February 3
- Part 1: Head (with no-sew horns & ears)
Release Date: February 10
- Part 2: Arms & Legs
Release Date: February 17
- Part 3: Body & Wings
Release Date: February 24 - Part 4: Tail & Finishing
Release Date: March 2 - When you're done, please share your finished dragon! Read the "How to Submit Entries" section below for the mandatory tags and deadline. Daiyu the Dragon's Submissions & Results Page will be posted by March 31!
Want your friends to join in on this fun Creator Challenge too? The more, the merrier! Share this post and spread the joy of crocheting!
Happy crafting!
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