Knitting Tutorial: Pink Dragon in Strawberry Dress – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Pink Dragon in Strawberry Dress – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted pink dragon is dressed like a little strawberry fairy, with a rounded blush-pink head, tiny horns, soft wings, a red bow, a leafy green collar, a red strawberry dress with white spots, green sandals, a mushroom basket bag, a large red spotted mushroom hat, a tiny snail, acorns, and an oak leaf accent.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written for knitting a soft toy dragon approximately 10 inches tall from the top of the head to the feet, not including the tall mushroom hat. The dragon is worked mostly in the round using small needles so the fabric stays firm and stuffing does not show through.

The body shape is rounded and baby-like, with a large head, small arms, short legs, a strawberry-shaped dress, small white wings, tiny ears, soft horns, and carefully placed embroidered facial details. The accessories are separate knitted pieces sewn on after the main doll is assembled.

  • Finished dragon height: about 10 in / 25 cm.
  • Finished mushroom hat width: about 4.75 in / 12 cm across.
  • Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
  • Construction: body parts are knitted separately and seamed or joined by sewing.
  • Main fabric: stockinette stitch worked tightly.
  • Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette on smaller needles.

Materials

  • Yarn A: soft blush pink DK yarn, about 120 yd, for head, body, arms, legs, ears, and tail.
  • Yarn B: red DK yarn, about 90 yd, for strawberry dress, bow, mushroom hat, mushroom bag roof, and ladybugs.
  • Yarn C: white DK yarn, about 35 yd, for wings, horn tips, dress spots, hat spots, and eye highlights.
  • Yarn D: leaf green DK yarn, about 45 yd, for collar leaves, sandals, mushroom leaves, and small stems.
  • Yarn E: beige DK yarn, about 30 yd, for soles, mushroom bag body, snail body, and acorn bottoms.
  • Yarn F: brown DK yarn, about 30 yd, for bag handle, door, snail shell, acorn caps, and embroidery.
  • Yarn G: black embroidery thread or fine black yarn for eyes, lashes, mouth, and ladybug dots.
  • Pink embroidery thread: for cheeks and small face dots.
  • Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
  • Optional smaller needle: US 1 / 2.25 mm for tiny appliqués.
  • Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
  • Safety eyes: two 8 mm glossy black eyes, or embroider eyes for a child-safe version.
  • Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter, and removable stitch markers.

Abbreviations

  • BO: bind off.
  • CO: cast on.
  • dec: decrease.
  • DPNs: double-pointed needles.
  • k: knit.
  • k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
  • kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
  • m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting into the back loop.
  • p: purl.
  • pm: place marker.
  • rep: repeat.
  • rnd: round.
  • RS: right side.
  • ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
  • st / sts: stitch / stitches.
  • WS: wrong side.

Important Knitting Notes

Use a firm tension throughout the toy. The pictured dragon has a smooth, compact knitted surface, so avoid loose stitches. Stuff each piece gradually as you work or before closing. The head should be full and round, while the arms and legs should stay softer and slightly flexible.

When sewing pieces together, use small mattress stitches and matching yarn. Pin everything in place first. The toy’s charm comes from the careful spacing of the eyes, the gentle curve of the arms, the flared strawberry dress, and the tiny accessories placed around the body.

Main Head

The head is large, round, and slightly oval, with a soft baby-dragon shape. Work in blush pink yarn. Knit in the round from the top down.

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn A. Divide over DPNs and join to work in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: rep k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: rep k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: rep k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 10: rep k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 12: rep k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
  14. Rnds 13-29: k all sts for 17 rounds.
  15. Rnd 30: rep k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
  16. Rnd 31: k all sts.
  17. Rnd 32: rep k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
  18. Rnd 33: k all sts.
  19. Rnd 34: rep k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
  20. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 21 and 22, spaced 12 sts apart. Place them slightly low on the face for the soft expression shown.
  21. Rnd 35: rep k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  22. Begin stuffing firmly, shaping the head into a smooth oval.
  23. Rnd 36: rep k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
  24. Rnd 37: rep k2tog around. 8 sts.
  25. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

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Small Muzzle Shaping

The pictured dragon has no separate protruding muzzle, but the lower face is gently rounded. Shape it with embroidery tension instead of an added piece. This keeps the face soft and smooth.

  1. Thread Yarn A onto a tapestry needle.
  2. Insert needle at the bottom back of the head and come out under the left eye.
  3. Make a tiny anchoring stitch one round below the eye.
  4. Return to the bottom back of the head and pull gently to create a subtle cheek dip.
  5. Repeat once under the right eye.
  6. Do not pull too tightly. The face should stay round, not pinched.

Body

The body is shorter than the head and is mostly hidden by the strawberry dress. Knit it in blush pink, with a rounded belly and a narrow neck.

  1. CO 12 sts in Yarn A. Join to work in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: rep k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: rep k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
  8. Rnds 7-18: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 19: rep k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
  10. Rnd 20: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 21: rep k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  12. Rnd 22: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 23: rep k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
  14. Stuff the body firmly enough to hold shape but not so firmly that it stretches.
  15. Rnd 24: k all sts.
  16. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs

The legs are short, narrow, and lightly angled outward below the dress. Make two in blush pink. The feet will be covered partly by green sandals later.

Leg One

  1. CO 12 sts in Yarn A. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: rep k2, kfb around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 6-18: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 19: rep k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  6. Stuff lightly.
  7. Rnd 20: rep k2tog around. 6 sts.
  8. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close.

Leg Two

  1. Work exactly as for Leg One.
  2. Before sewing, flatten the top slightly so each leg sits neatly under the dress.

Feet

The feet are small oval pads at the bottom of the legs. They create the rounded shoe shape visible under the green sandals.

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn A.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  7. Rows 6-10: work in stockinette, beginning with a p row.
  8. Row 11: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  9. Row 12: p all sts.
  10. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  11. BO all sts.
  12. Make a second foot.
  13. Sew one foot to the base of each leg, curving the seam around the front to make a soft toe.

Arms

The arms are simple rounded tubes. They angle downward along the dress and are slightly tapered at the wrist.

  1. CO 10 sts in Yarn A. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: rep k4, kfb twice. 12 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-18: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 19: rep k2, k2tog around. 9 sts.
  6. Rnds 20-21: k all sts.
  7. Stuff very lightly. The arms should stay soft.
  8. Rnd 22: rep k1, k2tog around. 6 sts.
  9. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close.
  10. Make a second arm.

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Tail

The tail is small and mostly hidden behind the dress, but it helps the dragon shape. It should curve gently downward.

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn A. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  4. Rnds 6-14: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 15: k2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  6. Rnds 16-18: k all sts.
  7. Stuff very lightly.
  8. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and pull closed.
  9. Curve the tail while sewing it to the back lower body.

Dragon Ears

The ears are small rounded side nubs, matching the image. Make two in blush pink.

  1. CO 7 sts in Yarn A.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k5, kfb. 9 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Rows 5-6: stockinette stitch.
  7. Row 7: ssk, k5, k2tog. 7 sts.
  8. Row 8: p all sts.
  9. Row 9: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  10. BO all sts.
  11. Fold the cast-on edge slightly and sew it closed to make a cupped ear.
  12. Make a second ear.

White Horns

The dragon has tiny white horns on top of the head. They lean outward slightly and sit behind the forehead.

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn C. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 4: rep k2, k2tog twice. 6 sts.
  4. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 6: rep k1, k2tog twice. 4 sts.
  6. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close.
  7. Stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill.
  8. Make a second horn.

Small Pink Head Spike

A small pink spike sits at the top center of the head, between the horns and slightly forward.

  1. CO 6 sts in Yarn A. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: rep k1, k2tog twice. 4 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
  6. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and secure.
  7. Do not stuff. Flatten the base before sewing.

White Wings

The wings are small, white, and sit behind the arms. Each wing has a rounded upper section and soft scalloped lower points. Knit two flat wings.

Wing One

  1. CO 6 sts in Yarn C.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  7. Row 6: p all sts.
  8. Row 7: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  9. Rows 8-12: work in stockinette stitch.
  10. Row 13: k3, BO 2 sts, k2, BO 2 sts, k3.
  11. Row 14: p3, CO 2 sts over gap, p2, CO 2 sts over gap, p3. 12 sts.
  12. Row 15: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  13. Row 16: p all sts.
  14. Row 17: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  15. BO all sts.

Wing Two

  1. Work the same as Wing One.
  2. Block lightly by pinning the upper edge round and the lower edge scalloped.
  3. Optional: embroider two short vertical lines on each wing using Yarn C to suggest feather ridges.

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Strawberry Dress

The dress is the main feature. It is bright red, flared, and shaped like an upside-down strawberry. It sits high under the green leaf collar and widens toward the hem. White spots are sewn on separately.

  1. CO 32 sts in Yarn B. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: p all sts to create a small neck ridge.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: rep k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: rep k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
  8. Rnds 7-9: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 10: rep k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
  10. Rnds 11-14: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 15: rep k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
  12. Rnds 16-21: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 22: rep k7, kfb around. 72 sts.
  14. Rnds 23-28: k all sts.
  15. Rnd 29: p all sts to create the lower hem ridge.
  16. Rnd 30: k all sts.
  17. BO all sts loosely.

Slide the dress over the body before attaching the head. The top should sit just below the neck. The hem should flare outward and cover the top of the legs while still allowing the pink legs and sandals to show.

Green Leaf Collar

The collar has several green leaves arranged around the neckline like a strawberry top. Make six leaves and sew them evenly around the top of the dress.

One Collar Leaf

  1. CO 3 sts in Yarn D.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
  7. Rows 6-8: stockinette stitch.
  8. Row 9: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  9. Row 10: p all sts.
  10. Row 11: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  11. Row 12: p all sts.
  12. Row 13: slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
  13. Cut yarn and pull through.
  14. Make six leaves total.

Sew the leaves with their points facing downward over the red dress. Overlap the bases slightly so they form a soft crown around the neck.

White Strawberry Spots for Dress

The dress has raised white dots in different sizes. Make seven white spots for the dress, then place them randomly but balanced across the front and sides.

Small Spot

  1. CO 6 sts in Yarn C.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. BO all sts.
  7. Make three small spots.

Medium Spot

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn C.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  7. Row 6: p all sts.
  8. BO all sts.
  9. Make four medium spots.

Red Bow

The bow is bright red and sits on the dragon’s upper right side of the head. It has two rounded loops and a tight center wrap.

Bow Rectangle

  1. CO 18 sts in Yarn B.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Rows 3-12: continue in stockinette stitch.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Weave yarn tail through the center of the rectangle and pull tightly to pinch the bow.

Center Band

  1. CO 5 sts in Yarn B.
  2. Rows 1-8: k all sts.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Wrap the band around the pinched center and sew at the back.

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Green Sandals

The sandals are pale green straps over beige soles, with small red ladybugs on the outer sides. Make two sandals.

Beige Sole

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn E.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  5. Rows 4-10: stockinette stitch.
  6. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  7. BO all sts.
  8. Make two soles.

Green Ankle Strap

  1. CO 18 sts in Yarn D.
  2. Rows 1-3: k all sts.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Make two straps.
  5. Wrap one strap around the lower leg and sew ends to the back of the sandal.

Green Toe Strap

  1. CO 14 sts in Yarn D.
  2. Rows 1-3: k all sts.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Make two straps.
  5. Sew across the front of each foot, curving slightly over the toes.

Ladybug Appliqués

  1. CO 5 sts in Yarn B.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Make two red ladybug bodies.
  7. With black thread, sew one center line and two tiny dots on each body.
  8. Sew one ladybug to the outside edge of each sandal.

Large Red Mushroom Hat

The large mushroom hat is a separate accessory. It has a rounded red cap with a thick rolled brim, white spots, and a tiny snail resting on the side. The cap is wide and dome-shaped, like the one shown in the photo.

Red Mushroom Cap Dome

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn B. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: rep k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: rep k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: rep k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 10: rep k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 12: rep k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
  14. Rnd 13: k all sts.
  15. Rnd 14: rep k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
  16. Rnds 15-24: k all sts.
  17. Rnd 25: rep k6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
  18. Rnd 26: k all sts.
  19. Rnd 27: rep k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
  20. Rnd 28: p all sts to mark the brim edge.
  21. BO loosely.

Thick Rolled Brim

  1. CO 64 sts in Yarn B. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 7: p all sts.
  4. Rnds 8-10: k all sts.
  5. BO loosely.
  6. Roll the strip into a soft tube and sew it around the lower edge of the mushroom cap.
  7. Stuff the cap lightly so the top stays domed but not hard.

White Hat Spots

Make a mix of small and medium spots. The pictured hat has many scattered white spots, with larger circles near the front and smaller dots around the sides.

  1. Make six small spots using the small dress spot instructions.
  2. Make five medium spots using the medium dress spot instructions.
  3. For one large spot, CO 10 sts in Yarn C, work 6 rows in stockinette, then BO.
  4. Round the corners while sewing the large spot in place.
  5. Sew spots unevenly across the dome and brim, leaving enough red visible between them.

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Tiny Snail for Mushroom Hat

The snail is placed on the front side of the mushroom hat. It has a beige body, brown spiral shell, and two tiny antennae.

Snail Body

  1. CO 6 sts in Yarn E.
  2. Rows 1-8: stockinette stitch, beginning with a knit row.
  3. Row 9: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  4. Row 10: p all sts.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Fold slightly and sew edges together with a tiny amount of stuffing.

Snail Shell

  1. CO 16 sts in Yarn F.
  2. Rows 1-3: k all sts.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Roll the strip into a spiral and sew the coil closed.
  5. Attach the shell to the back of the snail body.

Snail Antennae

  1. Cut two 2 in strands of Yarn F.
  2. Twist each strand tightly and knot the end.
  3. Sew them to the top front of the snail.
  4. Embroider two tiny black eyes with Yarn G.

Mushroom Basket Bag

The small hanging bag looks like a tiny mushroom house. It has a beige knitted base, red mushroom roof with white spots, brown door, small round window, green leaves on top, and a brown shoulder handle.

Bag Body

  1. CO 20 sts in Yarn E. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: rep k4, kfb around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnds 6-14: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 15: rep k4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
  6. Rnd 16: p all sts to create a rim.
  7. BO all sts.
  8. Stuff lightly and flatten the base so it can sit upright.

Red Mushroom Roof

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn B. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: rep k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnds 5-8: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 9: p all sts for a roof lip.
  8. BO loosely.
  9. Sew roof to the top rim of the beige bag body.

Bag Door

  1. CO 6 sts in Yarn F.
  2. Rows 1-8: stockinette stitch.
  3. Row 9: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  4. BO all sts.
  5. Sew to the lower front of the beige body.
  6. Add one white French knot or small stitch for the door knob.

Round Window

  1. CO 5 sts in Yarn C.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Sew to the right side of the door.
  7. With Yarn F, embroider a cross over the window to divide it into four panes.

Bag Handle

  1. Using Yarn F, CO 40 sts.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Twist the knitted cord lightly and sew one end to each side of the bag roof.

Bag Leaves and Spots

  1. Make two tiny green leaves using the collar leaf instructions, stopping after Row 9 and binding off.
  2. Sew the leaves on top of the red roof.
  3. Make three tiny white spots by CO 4 sts, knitting 2 rows, and binding off.
  4. Sew the spots across the red roof.

Acorns

The photo includes small knitted acorns around the dragon. Make three if you want the full display: two larger acorns and one smaller acorn.

Acorn Bottom

  1. CO 8 sts in Yarn E. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-8: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 9: rep k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  6. Stuff lightly.
  7. Rnd 10: rep k2tog around. 6 sts.
  8. Cut yarn and pull through.

Acorn Cap

  1. CO 16 sts in Yarn F. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: rep k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 6: rep k2tog around. 6 sts.
  5. Cut yarn and pull through.
  6. Sew cap over the top of the acorn bottom.
  7. For the stem, CO 4 sts, knit 3 rows, BO, roll, and sew to cap.

Oak Leaf Accent

The oak leaf is golden green and lies beside the dragon in the photo. It has a center stem and rounded lobes.

  1. CO 5 sts in Yarn D or a mossy golden-green yarn.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k2. 9 sts.
  7. Row 6: p all sts.
  8. Row 7: k2, BO 2 sts, k1, BO 2 sts, k2.
  9. Row 8: p2, CO 2 sts, p1, CO 2 sts, p2. 9 sts.
  10. Row 9: kfb, k7, kfb. 11 sts.
  11. Row 10: p all sts.
  12. Row 11: k3, BO 2 sts, k1, BO 2 sts, k3.
  13. Row 12: p3, CO 2 sts, p1, CO 2 sts, p3. 11 sts.
  14. Row 13: ssk, k7, k2tog. 9 sts.
  15. Row 14: p all sts.
  16. Row 15: ssk, k5, k2tog. 7 sts.
  17. Row 16: p all sts.
  18. Row 17: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  19. Row 18: p all sts.
  20. Row 19: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  21. BO all sts.
  22. Embroider a center vein with a straight line of knit stitches or backstitch.

Facial Embroidery

The face is gentle and slightly shy. The eyes are large and glossy, the eyebrows are thin, the cheeks are pink, and the tiny mouth dots sit low on the face. Use fine embroidery thread for a clean result.

  1. Place eyes between Rnds 21 and 22 of the head, 12 sts apart.
  2. With black thread, embroider a curved eyebrow above each eye. Each eyebrow should be about 5 sts long.
  3. With black thread, add one small upper lash at the outer side of each eye.
  4. With white thread, add a tiny highlight stitch near the upper outside of each eye if using embroidered eyes.
  5. With pink thread, make two short horizontal cheek stitches under each eye.
  6. For the tiny nose dots, sew two small pink vertical stitches between and slightly below the eyes.
  7. Add one tiny pink dot on each side of the lower cheeks to match the soft dotted expression.

Assembly Order

  1. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, placing them about 6 sts apart.
  2. Slide the strawberry dress over the body and position the top edge at the neckline.
  3. Sew the top of the dress to the body with small hidden stitches.
  4. Sew the head to the body, keeping the face centered over the front of the dress.
  5. Sew the arms to the sides of the body at the upper dress edge. Angle them downward.
  6. Sew the wings to the back, just behind the arms and slightly below the neck.
  7. Sew the tail to the lower back, mostly hidden under the dress.
  8. Sew ears to each side of the head, around Rnds 17-20.
  9. Sew horns to the top of the head, spaced about 8 sts apart.
  10. Sew the small pink spike between the horns and slightly forward.
  11. Sew the red bow to the dragon’s upper right side of the head.
  12. Sew the green leaves around the dress neckline.
  13. Add white spots to the strawberry dress.
  14. Sew sandals onto the feet and attach the ladybugs last.

Placement Guide for Accessories

Place the large mushroom hat next to the dragon rather than sewing it to the head. The pictured hat rests separately, with the snail near the front lower edge. The mushroom basket bag hangs beside the dragon, using the brown strap as a soft handle.

  • Mushroom hat: place to the dragon’s right side, brim facing forward.
  • Snail: sew to the front-right edge of the mushroom cap.
  • Basket bag: place near the dragon’s right foot with the handle standing upright.
  • Acorns: scatter around the scene, with one near the left wing and one near the bag.
  • Oak leaf: lay flat beside the dragon’s left leg.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Before securing the final knots, check the face from the front. The eyes should look evenly spaced, the eyebrows should tilt gently upward toward the center, and the cheeks should sit low and soft. Add tiny stitches slowly, because small details change the expression quickly.

Brush the dress hem lightly with your fingers so it flares outward. Shape the mushroom hat brim into a round curve. The wings should peek from behind the arms, and the bow should sit high enough to be visible from the front.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
  • Do not machine wash if safety eyes, tiny accessories, or glued parts are used.
  • Press with a towel to remove moisture, then air dry flat.
  • Keep the mushroom hat and small acorns separate during storage to avoid pulling stitches.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head is round, smooth, and firmly stuffed.
  • Dress flares evenly and has visible white strawberry spots.
  • Green collar leaves overlap neatly around the neckline.
  • Wings sit symmetrically behind the arms.
  • Sandals include green straps and red ladybug details.
  • Mushroom bag has roof spots, door, window, leaves, and handle.
  • Large mushroom hat has a rolled brim, white spots, and a tiny snail.
  • Facial embroidery is balanced and gentle.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the dragon in a dry place away from direct sunlight, because red and pink yarns may fade over time. If the toy is displayed on a shelf, gently reshape the dress, wings, and mushroom hat every few weeks so the knitted pieces keep their rounded form.

For long-term storage, wrap the dragon in acid-free tissue or a soft cotton cloth. Do not compress the mushroom hat, bow, or basket bag under heavier items. Keep small acorns and the oak leaf in a small pouch so they do not get lost.

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