Smaug the African Flower Dragon Pattern Review + Dragon Patterns

This post contains affiliate links.

I have been working on Smaug between other projects for a month now and I have been excited to show you the finished project. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/smaug-the-african-flower-dragon-crochet-pattern

The pattern is well written and full of detail. There is a photo for every step so you really can't go wrong. My Smaug was made with a 3.00 mm crochet hook and 8 ply/dk yarn, Moda Vera Marvel. He is the same size as my 4 year old. To be exact he measures 124 cm from nose to tail. The original pattern which is written for a 4 ply yarn measures 65 cm from nose to tail.

He was going to have a place on my bed but I think he is just a smidgen to big for this now so we are planning on hanging him from the roof to look like he is flying.

A couple of notes I think might help if you are going to attempt this pattern:

• If making all motifs in the same colours I would suggest marking one foot so you do not get confused to which motif you are joining at the time. I marked the front right foot which allowed me to keep track of where I was. 
• I made all the body motifs up to round 4 first so when it came to joining it was simple just to pick up a motif and join it as I went. Heidi has great instructions for this. I had never used the join as you go method for anything before and I picked it up fast. 
• When making the wings because I decided to use a solid colour I did each motif while joining so I didn't have extra ends to weave in.
• Because my Smaug is bigger than recommended I had to find some way to hold my wings out. Since Smaug is for me I decided to put wire right through the body and into each wing to hold them out. I wrapped each end of the wire in tape so it won't poke through the stitches or accidentally stab my children if they decide to play with it. I would not choose this method if my kids were going to be playing with it. 

Just for something a little extra I have compiled a roundup of dragon crochet patterns. Some great ones to choose from if you are not ready to attempt your own Smaug. There are four free patterns at the end. I will be adding to the patterns as I find them so may end up with more than 17 patterns to choose from.

Paid:

How cute is this hat and mittens set from Mama's Creations. Pattern should fit 2-4 year olds.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-hat-and-mittens-set

Dragon Shawl from Spider Mambo Designs 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-shawl-2

I wish I had of found this pattern when my kids still had bottles. This baby bottle cover is really unique. Pattern is from Unique P Crochet 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-baby-bottle-cover

Another pattern which is great for little ones. How adorable. I love the dragon scale border. Pattern is from Bowtykes

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-lovey

Another great dragon themed design. If you think the front is impressive wait until you see the back!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-pillow

Laila Siade has some great designs but this dragon just takes the cake. I love the detail she has put into it. She also has another dragon softie pattern which you will find in her Ravelry store along with this one.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-amigurumi-dragon-pattern
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-pinky

You can also find all here patterns on her website www.newcrochetworld.com

Dragon Draco Amigurumi's are said to bring good luck. I am sure we all need some of that.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/007-dragon-draco-who-brings-luck-amigurumi-toy-ravelry

Pattern is by Little Owl's Hut Crochet Patterns

This is not your usual dragon pattern at all. Stacey Trock from Fresh Stitches has created a pattern which allows you to decide how you want your dragon to look.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-19

What kid wouldn't love this dragon hat and softie? You can also buy the patterns separately. Find her on Facebook - BriAbby Hand Made Accessories

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-hat--toy-pattern-combo-pack

Now here is something that will keep your kids entertained for hours. A Dragon Puppet. Pattern by A La Sascha

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-puppet-2

Of course we had to have one famous dragon in this roundup. Toothless!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-crochet-hat


Find her on Facebook under Gramma Bean's Homemade Gifts

These dragon mitts are sure to keep your hands warm.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-mitts-2

Pattern by NeedleNoodles

Okay now this is just adorable and definitely has character.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-15

This pattern is from LilikSha Toys and you can also find her through the following links:

Blog - http://lilikshatoy.blogspot.co.il/
Website - http://toy-li.jimdo.com/

Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations is the go to for props and she has done an awesome job with this set.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dino-or-dragon-cuddle-critter-cape-set

Free:

Night Fury Hat and Pillow Pattern from Trifles and Treasures. What a great combination. I am sure kids would love this.

http://www.triflesntreasures.com/my-attempt-at-blogging/night-fury-hat-pillowfree-pattern#.U91vNvmSySp





I got a little excited when I found out this pattern was free. So adorable and lots of pictures to help you along the way. Check her out on Facebook - All About Ami

http://www.allaboutami.com/post/16498866712/dragonpattern



Another great free pattern. Check out all the finished projects on Ravelry for more colour inspiration. Find her on Facebook under LucyRavenscar Crochet Creatures

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fierce-little-dragon

I could do with one of these myself. A dragon scarf.

http://sixlittlemice.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/dragon-scarf-pattern.html





I hope you enjoyed this roundup and have found something you would like to make :)