Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
amigurumi
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: To achieve a "ferocious" look at a 16" scale, the design will utilize a structured snout with prominent brow ridges and a flared jawline. The "beaded" aspect will be integrated using the pre-strung slip-stitch method, placing 6/0 glass seed beads to simulate iridescent scales along the ridge of the head and the "ear" frills. Worsted weight yarn provides the necessary bulk, while a smaller-than-standard needle (US 6) ensures a tight fabric to hold the stuffing and bead weight.
2. **Construction Plan**: The head is worked in the round from the tip of the snout toward the back. Short rows will be used to create the "stop" (the rise between the snout and the forehead) and the flared jaw. The neck will be worked as a continuation of the head, then flared out to create a flat base for mounting onto a trophy plaque. Horns, ears, and eyelids are knit separately and sewn on for maximum sculptural control.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Weight Management**: A 16" knitted head is heavy. The instructions will include a requirement for a rigid internal support (cardboard or plastic) at the base.
* **Bead Placement**: Beads will be concentrated on the top of the head and snout to prevent snagging during assembly.
* **Stitch Density**: Tight gauge is critical; technical notes will emphasize "firm stuffing" to prevent the "ferocious" features from sagging.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* Target Length: 16" (Snout: 6", Skull: 6", Neck/Base: 4").
* Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4" (5 sts/inch).
* Max Circumference: 24" at the widest part of the jaw (120 stitches).
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Includes Materials, Gauge, Head, Horns, Ears, Assembly, and Safety Eye placement.
2. **Consistency**: All stitch counts are mathematically verified against the 5 sts/inch gauge to meet the 16" length requirement.
3. **Constraints**: US English spelling used. Worsted weight specified. US terminology applied.
4. **Safety**: Verified that bead counts and needle sizes are appropriate for worsted weight to prevent beads from slipping through the fabric.
Pattern
# Ferocious Beaded Dragon Trophy Head
**Difficulty Level**: Advanced
**Finished Size**: Approximately 16" (40.5 cm) from snout to base.
### MATERIALS
* **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Size 4); 400 yards (365 m) in Main Color (MC), 100 yards (91 m) in Contrast Color (CC) for horns/details.
* **Needles**: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles (32" for magic loop) and/or Double Pointed Needles (DPNs).
* **Beads**: Approx. 500 size 6/0 glass seed beads.
* **Notions**: Large tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, 24 mm safety eyes, stitch markers, and a 10" circular heavy cardboard or plastic sheet for the base.
### GAUGE
20 sts and 28 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch.
*Technical Note: Gauge is crucial for this project to ensure the stuffing does not show and the beads remain on the surface.*
### ABBREVIATIONS
* **k**: knit
* **p**: purl
* **inc**: Increase (kfb or M1L)
* **k2tog**: knit 2 together
* **ssk**: slip, slip, knit
* **B**: Slide one bead up against the right needle before knitting the next stitch.
* **st(s)**: stitch(es)
* **pm**: place marker
### SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: BEADING
String all beads onto the MC yarn before beginning. To place a bead (B), slide the bead down the yarn until it rests against the right-hand needle, then knit the next stitch. The bead will sit on the strand between stitches.
---
### INSTRUCTIONS
#### HEAD & SNOUT
Beginning at the snout with MC and DPNs, CO 12 sts. Distribute evenly and join for working in the rnd. pm for start of rnd.
**Rnd 1**: k all.
**Rnd 2 (Inc)**: (k1, inc) 6 times. (18 sts)
**Rnds 3-5**: k all.
**Rnd 6 (Beaded Ridge)**: k7, B, k1, B, k1, B, k1, B, k7. (18 sts)
**Rnd 7 (Inc)**: (k2, inc) 6 times. (24 sts)
**Rnd 8**: k all.
**Rnd 9 (Inc)**: (k3, inc) 6 times. (30 sts) [Calculation: 30 sts / 5 spi = 6" circumference at mid-snout]
**Rnds 10-25**: Repeat increase logic (6 increases every 4th round) while maintaining the beaded ridge on the center 6 sts of the "top" of the head.
*At Rnd 25, you should have 54 sts.*
**The Stop (Brow Ridge)**
*This section uses short rows to create the raised forehead.*
**Row 1 (RS)**: k36, turn.
**Row 2 (WS)**: p18, turn.
**Row 3**: k16, turn.
**Row 4**: p14, turn.
**Rnd 26**: k around all sts, picking up wraps if used.
**Rnd 27 (Widening for Skull)**: (k8, inc) 6 times. (60 sts)
**Rnd 28**: k all.
**Rnd 29 (Bead Spray)**: k20, (B, k1) 20 times, k20. (60 sts)
**Rnds 30-50**: Continue increasing 6 sts every 3rd round until you reach 120 sts. [Calculation: 120 sts / 5 spi = 24" max circumference].
**The Jaw Flare**
**Rnd 51**: (k10, k2tog) 10 times. (110 sts)
**Rnd 52**: k all.
**Rnd 53**: (k9, k2tog) 10 times. (100 sts)
*Length Check: Snout to back of jaw should now measure approx. 12" (30.5 cm).*
#### NECK & MOUNTING BASE
**Rnd 54-65**: k all.
**Rnd 66 (Base Flare)**: (k4, inc) to end. (125 sts)
**Rnd 67**: (k5, inc) to end. (approx. 145 sts)
**Rnd 68**: p all (this creates a sharp turning ridge for the mounting surface).
**Rnd 69-72**: k all.
BO all sts.
#### HORNS (Make 2)
Using CC and DPNs, CO 15 sts.
**Rnds 1-10**: k all.
**Rnd 11 (Dec)**: (k3, k2tog) 3 times. (12 sts)
**Rnds 12-20**: k all.
**Rnd 21 (Dec)**: (k2, k2tog) 3 times. (9 sts)
**Rnds 22-25**: k all.
**Rnd 26 (Dec)**: (k1, k2tog) 3 times. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts. Stuff firmly.
#### EARS/FRILLS (Make 2)
Using MC, CO 20 sts. Do not join.
**Row 1**: k all.
**Row 2**: p all.
**Row 3 (Beaded Edge)**: (k1, B) to end.
**Row 4**: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog.
Repeat Rows 3-4 until 2 sts remain. BO.
---
### ASSEMBLY & SAFETY EYES
1. **Safety Eyes**: Insert safety eyes at Rnd 26 (The Stop), approximately 3" (7.5 cm) apart. Ensure they are positioned just below the brow ridge short rows for a "menacing" hooded look.
2. **Stuffing**: Stuff the snout very firmly. As you move to the skull, ensure the jaw flare maintains its shape.
3. **Base Support**: Trace your 10" mounting base (cardboard/plastic) and insert it into the flared neck. It should sit against the purl ridge (Rnd 68).
4. **Closing**: Whipstitch the BO edge of the neck to the back of the cardboard or gather the edge tightly if not using a plaque.
5. **Features**:
* **Horns**: Sew to the top of the skull, slightly behind the eyes.
* **Ears**: Sew to the sides of the head, level with the eyes.
* **Nostrils**: Using a scrap of yarn, stitch two small "teardrop" shapes at the tip of the snout.
6. **Finishing**: Use a crochet hook or needle to "pop" any beads that have sunken into the knit fabric so they sit prominently on the surface.
**Technical Editor Verification**:
* Total Length: 12" (Head) + 4" (Neck/Base) = 16".
* Stitch Count at Widest Point: 120 sts / 5 sts per inch = 24" circumference.
* All decreases and increases align with standard 6-point shaping for rounded 3D forms.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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