.png)
An Introduction from Patricia to Your Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
Hello, my wonderful fellow crafter! I'm Patricia Poltera, and I am just buzzing with excitement to share this pattern with you. There's a special kind of magic in bringing a mythical creature to life with your own two hands, and Pippin the Pudgy Dragon is pure magic! We're not just making a toy; we're creating a tiny friend with a wonderfully round belly and the sweetest, most innocent expression you can imagine. This little one is designed to be a joy from the very first stitch to the final, happy hug.
I am so delighted to share this Pippin the Pudgy Dragon pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, whether by visiting the blog or sharing your finished creations, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to dream up new friends like Pippin. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Materials You'll Need for Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
To bring this charming dragon to life, I've selected some materials that I feel work best for achieving that perfectly cuddly and defined look.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) yarn. I adore cotton for amigurumi because of its fantastic stitch definition, which will make Pippin's textured tummy really stand out!
- Main Color (MC): Creamy White (approx. 80 yards)
- Contrast Color (CC): Sunny Orange (approx. 40 yards)
- Blush: A small scrap of light pink yarn for embroidery (or a small circle of pink felt)
- Crochet Hook: 2.75mm (C). Using a smaller hook than the yarn calls for is our secret to creating a dense, tight fabric so no stuffing shows through.
- Safety Eyes: 10mm black safety eyes. Their size gives Pippin that wide-eyed, innocent look.
- Notions:
- Polyester Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle / Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Pins for assembly
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- A hemostat or stuffing tool: This makes getting fiberfill into the small parts like the horns and tail so much easier and more even.
- Black embroidery floss: While you can use black yarn, a few strands of embroidery floss will give you a much finer, more delicate line for the little smile.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
This pattern is perfect for an adventurous beginner or intermediate crocheter. We’ll use basic stitches, and I'll explain everything along the way. The techniques here are chosen specifically to create Pippin's signature pudgy shape and sweet details!
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible Decrease (insert hook into front loop of first st, then front loop of second st, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops)
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- ch: Chain
- FLO: Front Loop Only
- (...) Parentheses at the end of a round indicate the total number of stitches for that round.
- *...* xN: Repeat the sequence inside the asterisks N times.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
Remember, every handmade creation is a little piece of the creator's heart. Your Pippin might have a slightly different tilt to his head or a pudgier tummy, and that's what makes him uniquely yours! Embrace the lovely quirks of your personal crochet style.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Pippin the Pudgy Dragon to life! The full pattern is right ahead.
↚
The Pippin the Pudgy Dragon Amigurumi Pattern
A Note on Construction: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
Head (Start with MC - Creamy White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* x6. (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* x6. (24)
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* x6. (30)
Rnd 6: *sc 4, inc* x6. (36)
Rnd
Rnd 8: *sc 6, inc* x6. (48)
Rnd 9-16: sc in each st around (8 rounds). (48)
Rnd 17: *sc 6, dec* x6. (42)
Rnd 18: *sc 5, dec* x6. (36)
Rnd 19: *sc 4, dec* x6. (30)
Rnd 20: *sc 3, dec* x6. (24)
Pro Tip: Insert the 10mm safety eyes between Rnds 14 and 15, about 9 stitches apart. Before securing the backs, stuff the head firmly. This is your chance to really shape the face!
Rnd 21: *sc 2, dec* x6. (18)
Rnd 22: *sc 1, dec* x6. (12)
Rnd 23: dec x6. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Hide the yarn tail.
Body (Start with MC - Creamy White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* x6. (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* x6. (24)
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* x6. (30)
Rnd 6: *sc 4, inc* x6. (36)
Rnd 7: *sc 5, inc* x6. (42)
Rnd 8-12: sc in each st around (5 rounds). (42)
Rnd 13: *sc 5, dec* x6. (36)
Rnd 14: sc in each st around. (36)
Rnd 15: *sc 4, dec* x6. (30)
Rnd 16: sc in each st around. (30)
Rnd 17: *sc 3, dec* x6. (24)
Rnd 18: sc in each st around. (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly, making sure to create a lovely round, pear-shaped belly.
Belly Panel (Use CC - Sunny Orange)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: In FLO, *sc 1, inc* x6. (18)
Rnd 4: Working in both loops again, *sc 2, inc* x6. (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. The FLO round creates a neat ridge for sewing onto the body.
Arms (Make 2, start with MC - Creamy White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: *sc 2, inc* x2. (8)
Rnd 3-6: sc in each st around (4 rounds). (8)
Lightly stuff the hand part only. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 2, start with MC - Creamy White)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3-4: sc in each st around (2 rounds). (12)
Rnd 5: *sc 1, dec* x4. (8)
Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Horns (Make 2, use CC - Sunny Orange)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* x2. (6)
Rnd 3: sc in each st around. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Do not stuff.
Head Frill (Use CC - Sunny Orange)
Ch 7.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sl st, sc, (sc, inc) in next st, sc, sl st, sl st.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. This creates a small, three-bump ridge.
Wings (Make 2, use CC - Sunny Orange)
Ch 5.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4. Ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 2: sc 4. Ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 3: sc 3, dec. Ch 1, turn. (3) Note: the last part of the dec will be worked into the side of the row below to create the curve. This is a little unconventional but creates the shape!
Row 4: sc 3. Ch 1, turn. (3)
Row 5: sc 2, dec. (2)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. We will use the tail to stitch the flat edge to the body and add a decorative stitch to define the "spines".
Tail (Start with CC - Sunny Orange)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* x2. (6)
Rnd 3: sc in each st around. (6)
Change to MC - Creamy White
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* x2. (8)
Rnd 5: sc in each st around. (8)
Rnd 6: *sc 3, inc* x2. (10)
Rnd 7: sc in each st around. (10)
Start stuffing the tail lightly, and continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 8: *sc 4, inc* x2. (12)
Rnd 9: sc in each st around. (12)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly Instructions for Your Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
Take your time with assembly; it's where your dragon's personality truly comes to life! Use pins to hold pieces in place before sewing.
- Belly Panel: Pin the orange Belly Panel to the front of the Body, centering it. The top of the panel should sit around Rnd 15 of the body. Use the long yarn tail to whipstitch it neatly in place.
- Head to Body: Sew the Head securely to the top of the Body. I like to tilt the head just slightly to one side for a curious expression.
- Legs: Pin the two tiny Legs to the bottom front of the body, just below the belly panel. Position them so Pippin can sit sturdily on his round bottom. Sew them firmly in place.
- Arms: Sew the Arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
- Tail: Attach the Tail to the lower back of the body. The tail should help prop him up from behind.
- Facial Features:
- Horns: Sew the two small Horns to the top of the head, about 4-5 rounds back from the MR, and spaced about 4 stitches apart.
- Frill: Sew the Head Frill down the center of the forehead, starting just in front of the horns.
- Smile: Using a strand of black embroidery floss, stitch a small, simple 'V' or curved smile between and just below the eyes.
- Blush: Using the pink yarn or felt, add a rosy blush spot under each eye. If using yarn, I make a few horizontal stitches close together.
- Wings: Pin the wings to the back of the dragon. Use the yarn tail to sew the straight edge to the body. Then, use the remaining tail to make one or two long stitches across the wing to give it a little bit of dragon-like texture. Weave in all your ends.
Tips & Tricks for Your Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
Troubleshooting Your Dragon
- Wobbly Head? If the head seems floppy, you may need more stuffing right at the base of the head and the top of the neck. You can also insert a small piece of a pipe cleaner (with ends folded in!) to act as a neck armature, but be careful if gifting to small children.
- Won't Sit Up? The placement of the legs and tail is key! They form a tripod. Ensure the legs are far enough forward and the tail is centered on the back to provide balance for the chubby belly.
- My Belly Panel is Puckering: This can happen if your stitches are too tight when sewing. Try to keep your sewing tension relaxed and even.
Customization Corner
- Colorful Pippin: Who says dragons have to be white and orange? Imagine Pippin in pastel rainbow shades, or a dramatic black and purple!
- Add a Sparkle: Use a metallic or sparkle yarn for the belly panel and horns to give your dragon a touch of fantasy magic.
- Tiny Spikes: For a slightly less "baby" look, you could embroider or crochet tiny little spikes all the way down the back to the tail.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
- Q: Can I use a different weight of yarn?
- A: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust your hook size accordingly to maintain a tight fabric. A thicker yarn will give you a bigger dragon, and a thinner yarn will make a miniature one. Just remember to adjust your safety eye size as well!
- Q: My invisible decreases still show a little. Any tips?
- A: My best tip is to pull the first part of the stitch (when you pull through the two front loops) extra tight. This minimizes the loop that can sometimes peek through. Consistent tension is your best friend here!
- Q: How do I best embroider the blush if I don't have felt?
- A: Take your scrap of pink yarn and your needle. Make 3-4 small, parallel horizontal stitches directly onto the face right under the eye. Pack them closely together to form a solid "blush" line. It's incredibly effective and sweet!
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Pippin the Pudgy Dragon
You did it! You’ve brought your very own Pippin the Pudgy Dragon to life. Seeing your finished creation is the greatest reward for me as a designer. Every time you visit, share, or engage with my patterns, you are directly supporting my ability to continue creating and sharing these detailed designs for free with our wonderful crochet community. I am truly grateful for you.
For care, I recommend spot cleaning your dragon as needed. If he needs a full bath, hand wash gently with cool water and mild soap, and let him air dry completely.
Happy stitching, and may your days be filled with chubby dragons!