purlJam

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# 🐉 Dragon Wings — Wearable Crochet Costume Wings

**A beginner-friendly crochet pattern for wearable dragon wings.**
These dramatic back wings attach via a simple over-the-shoulder harness. Each wing features classic pointed dragon-wing shaping with gentle webbing detail. Perfect for Halloween, cosplay, Renaissance faires, or imaginative play.

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## SIZE & FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Size | Fits Chest | Wing Height | Wing Width (widest) |
|------|-----------|-------------|---------------------|
| Child (C) | 22–26 in (56–66 cm) | 9 in (23 cm) | 8 in (20 cm) |
| Adult S/M | 32–38 in (81–97 cm) | 13 in (33 cm) | 11 in (28 cm) |
| Adult L/XL | 40–46 in (102–117 cm) | 15 in (38 cm) | 13 in (33 cm) |

> **Instructions are written for Child size, with Adult S/M and Adult L/XL in (parentheses).**
> Where only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- **Main Color (MC):** Worsted weight yarn, approx. 200 (300, 380) yards / 183 (274, 347) m
  - *Suggested shades: forest green, deep teal, midnight purple, blood red, or classic black*
- **Contrast Color (CC) — optional:** 50 (75, 100) yards / 46 (69, 91) m for webbing detail
  - *Suggested: a lighter or darker shade of MC for subtle texture, or gold/copper for drama*

**Yarn Examples:** Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Red Heart With Love, Paintbox Simply DK held double, Cascade 220 Superwash — any smooth worsted weight.

**Hook:**
- US J-10 / 6 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle) for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (4)
- 2 swivel snap hooks or lobster clasps, 1 in (2.5 cm) wide (optional, for adjustable harness)
- 2 D-rings or O-rings, 1 in (2.5 cm) wide (optional, for adjustable harness)
- Spray bottle + rustproof pins for blocking
- Fabric stiffener spray (Stiffy, Mod Podge diluted 1:1 with water, or cornstarch solution) — *strongly recommended for wings that stand up*

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## GAUGE

**14 sc × 16 rows = 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm)**
Worked flat with US J-10 / 6 mm hook in single crochet.

> ⚠️ **Gauge matters for fit of the harness straps.** Swatch before beginning. Adjust hook size if needed — go up a hook size if your swatch is too small, down a size if too large.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 together (decrease) |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 together (decrease) |
| inc | increase — work 2 sc in same stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sp | space |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| rep | repeat |
| rem | remaining |
| approx | approximately |
| ( ) | work instructions within parentheses the number of times indicated |
| [ ] | stitch count at end of row |

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Each wing is worked as two pieces:** a large Main Panel and a smaller Top Spike, then seamed together. This keeps construction simple and beginner-friendly.
2. **Wings are worked flat** (back and forth in rows), turning at the end of each row.
3. **Chain-1 at the beginning of sc rows does NOT count as a stitch** throughout this pattern.
4. **Chain-3 at the beginning of dc rows DOES count as the first dc** — indicated in instructions.
5. **Right and Left Wings** are mirror images. The shaping is achieved by placing increases and decreases on opposite sides for each wing.
6. **The harness** is a simple strap system worked in sc. It is designed to sit across the chest and over the shoulders, holding both wings flat against the back.
7. **For a two-color version:** work the Main Panel in MC and the Edging/Webbing rows in CC.
8. **For stiffer wings** that hold their shape upright, apply fabric stiffener after blocking. See Finishing section.
9. **Beginner tip:** Place a stitch marker on the RS of your work at the beginning so you always know which side is which.

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## PATTERN

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### PART 1: MAIN WING PANEL (Make 2 — one Right Wing, one Left Wing)

The Main Wing Panel is a large triangular shape forming the bulk of each wing.

**Note on Left vs. Right Wing:**
- **Right Wing:** increases worked at the beginning of RS rows / end of WS rows (outer/bottom edge); decreases worked at end of RS rows / beginning of WS rows (inner/spine edge).
- **Left Wing:** increases worked at the end of RS rows / beginning of WS rows; decreases worked at the beginning of RS rows / end of WS rows.
- The instructions below are written for the **Right Wing**. Notes in *[brackets]* indicate where Left Wing differs.

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#### CHILD SIZE — MAIN WING PANEL

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 29.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[28 sts]**

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st. Turn. **[28 sts]**
> *(1 decrease at spine edge, 1 increase at outer edge — maintains stitch count while shaping the slant)*

**Rows 3–8:** Rep Row 2 six more times. Turn. **[28 sts]**
> *After Row 8: wing is now slanted; spine edge is 8 rows of paired dec/inc, creating the diagonal line.*

**Begin Tapering (reduce overall width):**

**Row 9 (RS):** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[26 sts]**

**Row 10 (WS):** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[24 sts]**

**Row 11:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[22 sts]**

**Row 12:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[20 sts]**

**Row 13:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[18 sts]**

**Row 14:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[16 sts]**

**Row 15:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[14 sts]**

**Row 16:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[12 sts]**

**Row 17:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[11 sts]**

**Row 18:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[10 sts]**

**Row 19:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[9 sts]**

**Row 20:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[8 sts]**

**Row 21:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[6 sts]**

**Row 22:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) 3 times. Turn. **[3 sts]**

**Row 23:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[2 sts]**

**Row 24:** Ch 1, sc2tog. **[1 st]**

Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail.

---

#### ADULT S/M SIZE — MAIN WING PANEL

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 39.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[38 sts]**

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st. Turn. **[38 sts]**

**Rows 3–12:** Rep Row 2 ten more times. Turn. **[38 sts]**

**Begin Tapering:**

**Rows 13–22:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn.
> *Decrease 2 sts per row × 10 rows = 20 sts decreased.*
> After Row 22: **[18 sts]**

**Rows 23–28:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to end. Turn.
> *Decrease 1 st per row × 6 rows.*
> After Row 28: **[12 sts]**

**Row 29:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[10 sts]**

**Row 30:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[8 sts]**

**Row 31:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[6 sts]**

**Row 32:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) 3 times. Turn. **[3 sts]**

**Row 33:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[2 sts]**

**Row 34:** Ch 1, sc2tog. **[1 st]**

Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail.

---

#### ADULT L/XL SIZE — MAIN WING PANEL

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 46.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[45 sts]**

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st. Turn. **[45 sts]**

**Rows 3–14:** Rep Row 2 twelve more times. Turn. **[45 sts]**

**Begin Tapering:**

**Rows 15–26:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn.
> *Decrease 2 sts × 12 rows = 24 sts decreased.*
> After Row 26: **[21 sts]**

**Rows 27–33:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to end. Turn.
> *Decrease 1 st × 7 rows.*
> After Row 33: **[14 sts]**

**Row 34:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[12 sts]**

**Row 35:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[10 sts]**

**Row 36:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice, sc in each st to end. Turn. **[8 sts]**

**Row 37:** Ch 1, (sc2tog) 3 times, sc in last 2 sts. Turn. **[5 sts]**

**Row 38:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog. Turn. **[3 sts]**

**Row 39:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. **[2 sts]**

**Row 40:** Ch 1, sc2tog. **[1 st]**

Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail.

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### PART 2: TOP SPIKE (Make 2)

Each wing has a prominent top spike — the uppermost pointed tip — worked separately and seamed to the top of the Main Wing Panel.

**Foundation Chain (all sizes):** Ch 5 (7, 9).

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[4 (6, 8) sts]**

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. **[2 (4, 6) sts]**

*Child size only — skip to Final Row below.*

**Rows 3 (Adult S/M and L/XL only):** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. **[2 (4) sts]**

**Row 4 (Adult L/XL only):** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog. Turn. **[2 sts]**

**Final Row (all sizes):** Ch 1, sc2tog. **[1 st]**

Fasten off, leaving a 12 in (30 cm) tail for seaming.

---

### PART 3: MID SPIKE (Make 2 — optional decorative detail)

These small spikes add dragon character along the top edge of each wing.

**Foundation Chain (all sizes):** Ch 4 (5, 6).

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[3 (4, 5) sts]**

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each rem st. Turn. **[2 (3, 4) sts]**

*Child size — skip to Final Row.*

**Row 3 (Adult S/M, L/XL only):** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each rem st. Turn. **[1 (2) sts]**

**Row 4 (Adult L/XL only):** Ch 1, sc2tog. **[1 st]**

**Final Row (Child, Adult S/M):** Ch 1, sc2tog *(if 2 sts remain)* OR fasten off directly *(if 1 st remains)*.

Fasten off, leaving a 10 in (25 cm) tail for seaming.

---

### PART 4: WEBBING EDGING (worked onto completed wing after assembly)

This decorative edge gives the classic "webbed" dragon wing look and is optional but highly recommended. Use CC if desired.

**Assembly first:** Before working edging, seam Top Spike and Mid Spike to Main Panel (see Assembly section below).

**Join yarn to the bottom outer corner of the wing (the widest bottom point).**

**Rnd 1:** Ch 1, sc evenly along entire outer wing edge (bottom curve, up outer side, across top edge including spikes, down spine edge), placing 3 sc in each outer corner point and sc2tog at each inner concave corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Do not turn.

> **Approximate sc count:** Child: approx. 80–90 sts; Adult S/M: approx. 110–120 sts; Adult L/XL: approx. 130–145 sts. *Exact count varies — work to have a smooth, flat edge without puckering or ruffling.*

**Rnd 2 — Webbing Scallops:** *Sl st in first st, \*ch 5, skip 3 sts, sl st in next st; rep from \* around entire outer (non-spine) edge only. When you reach spine edge, sc in each st to end.* Join with sl st. Fasten off.

> **Beginner tip:** The ch-5 loops create the webbed "membrane" look. For a spikier look, use ch 7. For a more subtle edge, use ch 3.

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### PART 5: HARNESS STRAPS (Make 1 complete harness)

The harness holds both wings against the wearer's back. It consists of:
- **1 Back Center Band** — a horizontal band connecting both wings
- **2 Shoulder Straps** — going over each shoulder to meet at the chest
- **1 Chest Band** — connecting the shoulder straps across the front

#### BACK CENTER BAND

This band sits horizontally across the upper back, connecting both wings at their spine (inner straight) edges.

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 51 (61, 71).

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[50 (60, 70) sts]**

**Rows 2–5:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. **[50 (60, 70) sts]**

Fasten off, leaving tails for seaming wings.

> **Finished width:** approx. 14 (17, 20) in / 36 (43, 51) cm
> **Finished height:** approx. 1.25 in / 3 cm (5 rows × 4 rows/in)

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#### SHOULDER STRAPS (Make 2)

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 61 (71, 81).

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[60 (70, 80) sts]**

**Rows 2–4:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Fasten off.

> **Finished length:** approx. 17 (20, 23) in / 43 (51, 58) cm — sufficient to go over the shoulder with overlap for adjustment.

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#### CHEST BAND

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 31 (41, 51).

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. **[30 (40, 50) sts]**

**Rows 2–4:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Fasten off.

> **Finished width:** approx. 8.5 (11.5, 14.5) in / 22 (29, 37) cm

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## ASSEMBLY

Follow these steps in order for the cleanest result.

### Step 1 — Attach Top Spike

Hold the Top Spike with its wide base aligned with the top corner of the Main Wing Panel (the narrow top end of the wing, at the spine edge). Using the long tail and yarn needle, whipstitch the base of the spike to the top 4 (6, 8) sts of the Main Wing Panel. Weave in end securely.

### Step 2 — Attach Mid Spike (optional)

Position the Mid Spike approximately halfway along the top edge of the Main Wing Panel. Using the long tail, whipstitch the base of the Mid Spike to 3 (4, 5) sts along the top edge. Weave in end.

### Step 3 — Work Webbing Edging

Following Part 4 instructions above, work the edging around the complete wing. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

### Step 4 — Seam Wings to Back Center Band

- Lay the Back Center Band flat.
- Position the **Right Wing** so its straight spine edge aligns with the **right half** of the Back Center Band (right 25 (30, 35) sts).
- Using MC and yarn needle, whipstitch or mattress stitch the spine edge of the Right Wing to the back center band.
- Repeat for **Left Wing** on the left half.
- Both wings should now point outward from the center band, one to each side.

> **Tip:** The wings will naturally fan out to the sides. The top of each wing should be near the top edge of the Back Center Band.

### Step 5 — Attach Shoulder Straps

- Fold one Shoulder Strap in half lengthwise, then fold the two short ends toward the center (like a strap loop) — or simply sew one end to the top-left corner of the Back Center Band, and one end to the top-right corner.
- The strap should go over the corresponding shoulder and reach down to chest level.
- Repeat for the second strap on the opposite side.

**For adjustable straps (recommended for children):**
- Sew a D-ring to one end of each shoulder strap.
- Thread the other end of the strap through the D-ring and fold back 1 in (2.5 cm), sewing securely to create an adjustable loop.

### Step 6 — Attach Chest Band

- Try the harness on the wearer (or use a dress form/hanger). Bring the two shoulder strap ends down the front of the chest and pin them where comfortable.
- Sew or crochet the Chest Band horizontally between the two shoulder strap ends at the front.
- Alternatively, sew a snap hook to each shoulder strap end and two corresponding loops to the Chest Band ends for a closable front.

### Step 7 — Final Check

- Put the harness on and confirm the wings sit flat against the back.
- Adjust strap lengths if needed by folding and re-sewing.
- Weave in all remaining ends.

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## FINISHING

### Blocking
1. Lightly mist each wing with water using a spray bottle.
2. Pin the wings to a foam blocking mat or a towel-covered flat surface, stretching them to their full dimensions.
3. Allow to dry completely (2–4 hours, or overnight).

### Stiffening (Strongly Recommended for Wings That Stand Up)
For wings that fan dramatically outward rather than drooping:

**Option A — Commercial Fabric Stiffener (easiest):**
- Lay wings flat on a plastic-covered surface (stiffener is messy!).
- Brush or spray fabric stiffener (e.g., Stiffy) evenly over entire wing surface, front and back.
- Pin into desired position — slightly curved outward looks most dramatic.
- Allow to dry 4–8 hours until fully hardened.

**Option B — Cornstarch (DIY, washable):**
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 cup cold water. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, stir; repeat until clear and slightly thick.
- Submerge wings in solution, squeeze out excess, pin into shape.
- Dry completely. Wings will be stiff and slightly shiny.

**Option C — Wire Armature (most dramatic, not washable):**
- Cut a length of floral wire or craft wire equal to the outer curved edge of the wing.
- Using yarn needle and MC, sew the wire along the outer edge edging, hiding it within the sc stitches.
- Bend into dramatic wing shape.
- Note: This option is not recommended for young children due to potential sharp ends — wrap wire ends securely with tape.

### Care Instructions
- **Unstiffened wings:** Hand wash in cool water, lay flat to dry.
- **Cornstarch-stiffened wings:** Hand wash (stiffness washes out and must be reapplied after washing).
- **Commercial stiffener wings:** Spot clean only; do not submerge.
- **Wire armature wings:** Surface clean only with damp cloth.

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## QUICK REFERENCE: STITCH COUNT SUMMARY

| Piece | Size | Foundation Ch | Starting Sts | Ending Sts | Rows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Wing Panel | Child | 29 | 28 | 1 | 24 |
| Main Wing Panel | Adult S/M | 39 | 38 | 1 | 34 |
| Main Wing Panel | Adult L/XL | 46 | 45 | 1 | 40 |
| Top Spike | Child | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Top Spike | Adult S/M | 7 | 6 | 1 | 4 |
| Top Spike | Adult L/XL | 9 | 8 | 1 | 5 |
| Back Center Band | Child | 51 | 50 | 50 | 5 |
| Back Center Band | Adult S/M | 61 | 60 | 60 | 5 |
| Back Center Band | Adult L/XL | 71 | 70 | 70 | 5 |
| Shoulder Strap (×2) | Child | 61 | 60 | 60 | 4 |
| Shoulder Strap (×2) | Adult S/M | 71 | 70 | 70 | 4 |
| Shoulder Strap (×2) | Adult L/XL | 81 | 80 | 80 | 4 |

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Scale color:** Try variegated yarn for an iridescent scale effect.
- **Extra spikes:** Add 2–3 additional Mid Spikes along the top edge for a more elaborate wing.
- **Wrist attachment:** Add a 10 in (25 cm) ch loop at the outer wing tip and slip over the wrist when arms are raised to create a dramatic flying silhouette.
- **Glitter:** After stiffening, lightly brush with glitter glue for sparkle.
- **Matching tail:** Work a simple tube in the round with a pointed tip for a coordinating dragon tail!

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*Pattern designed for personal and costume use. Please credit if sharing online.*
*© Your Craft Studio — Share the love, not the pattern files.*