purlJam

# Mini Dragon Keychain

A tiny dragon perfect for keychains, backpack charms, or gift toppers! This beginner-friendly amigurumi uses only basic stitches and simple shapes to create an adorable 2.5-3" dragon companion.

**Designed by:** Pattern Designer  
**Skill Level:** Easy  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 2.5-3 inches (6.5-7.5 cm) tall

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (approx. 25-30 yards total)
  - Main Color (MC): Green, blue, purple, or color of choice (20 yards)
  - Accent Color (CC): Optional for belly/wings (10 yards)
- Suggested: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Small amount of black yarn or embroidery floss for eyes
- Keychain finding/lobster clasp
- Scissors

**Optional:**
- 4mm safety eyes (2)
- Small split ring for attachment

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## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for this project, but using the recommended materials:
- 5-6 sc and 6 rows = 1 inch in single crochet (worked in the round)

**Gauge Note:** Working tightly is important for amigurumi to prevent stuffing from showing through. Your hook size may need adjustment to achieve a tight fabric.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted; do not join rounds
- Use a stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go; it's difficult to add stuffing after closing
- All pieces are worked in MC unless otherwise specified
- When changing colors, complete last stitch of old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 9 repeats × 2 sts = 18 ✓*

**Rnds 4-7:** sc around [18]  
*4 rounds of even stitches*

**Rnd 8:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 6 repeats, 18÷1.5 = 12 ✓*

**Stuff body firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 9:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 6 decreases, 12÷2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

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### HEAD

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]

**Rnds 3-4:** sc around [12]  
*2 rounds even*

**Rnd 5:** (sc, dec) around [8]  
*Math check: 4 repeats, 12 reduced to 8*

**Stuff head firmly.**

**Rnd 6:** dec around [4]  
*Math check: 4 decreases, 8÷2 = 4 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close opening with yarn needle.

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### LEGS (make 4)

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnds 2-3:** sc around [4]  
*2 rounds even*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (optional - legs are very small and can remain unstuffed).

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### ARMS (make 2)

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnds 2-4:** sc around [4]  
*3 rounds even - slightly longer than legs*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly or leave unstuffed.

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### TAIL

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** sc around [4]

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [6]  
*Math check: 2 repeats × 3 sts = 6 ✓*

**Rnds 4-5:** sc around [6]  
*2 rounds even*

**Rnd 6:** (sc, dec) around [4]  
*Math check: 2 repeats, 6 reduced to 4*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly. Tail will naturally curve - don't overstuff.

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### WINGS (make 2)

These are worked flat in rows, then folded.

**Row 1:** Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [5]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, dec, sc 3, turn [4]  
*Math check: 1 dec + 3 sc = 4 sts ✓*

**Row 3:** Ch 1, dec, sc 2, turn [3]  
*Math check: 1 dec + 2 sc = 3 sts ✓*

**Row 4:** Ch 1, dec, sc, turn [2]  
*Math check: 1 dec + 1 sc = 2 sts ✓*

**Row 5:** Ch 1, dec [1]  
*Final decrease to point*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold wing slightly to create dimension.

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### HORNS (make 2)

**Rnd 1:** 3 sc in magic ring [3]

**Rnd 2:** sc around [3]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

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### BACK SPIKES (make 3)

**Rnd 1:** 3 sc in magic ring [3]

Fasten off immediately, leaving a long tail for sewing. These are tiny triangular spikes.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Order of Assembly:**

1. **Attach Head to Body:** Position head on top/front of body. Using the long tail from head, sew securely to body with whip stitch, adding more stuffing to body through neck opening if needed before closing completely.

2. **Add Facial Features:**
   - If using safety eyes: Insert between rounds 3 and 4 of head, about 3-4 sts apart, before attaching head
   - If embroidering: Use black yarn to make French knots or small stitches for eyes
   - Optional: Embroider a small smile or add nostrils with black yarn

3. **Attach Arms:** Position arms on sides of body below head (around rnd 3-4 of body). Sew securely with yarn needle.

4. **Attach Legs:** Position legs on bottom/sides of body. Space front legs and back legs evenly. Sew securely, ensuring dragon can sit upright if desired.

5. **Attach Tail:** Position tail at back bottom of body (round 8-9 area). Sew securely, allowing tail to curve naturally outward/downward.

6. **Attach Wings:** Position wings on back of body (around rnd 3-5), angled slightly upward and outward. Sew along the widest edge of each wing. Wings should extend outward from body.

7. **Attach Horns:** Position horns on top of head, slightly toward back. Sew securely.

8. **Attach Back Spikes:** Sew 3 small spikes in a line down the back from behind head to beginning of tail. Space evenly.

9. **Add Keychain Finding:**
   - Method 1: Attach small split ring through top of head between horns
   - Method 2: Create a small loop with chain stitches attached to top of head
   - Attach lobster clasp to ring

10. **Weave in all ends** securely.

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## FINISHING

- Gently shape dragon into desired pose
- Make sure all pieces are securely attached (give each a gentle tug)
- Trim any excess yarn tails close to work
- Optional: Use small amount of fabric glue on knots inside for extra security

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## VARIATIONS

**Color Ideas:**
- Classic Green Dragon: Green MC, yellow CC for belly
- Ice Dragon: Light blue MC, white CC
- Fire Dragon: Red MC, orange CC
- Purple/Pink Fantasy Dragon: Purple MC, pink CC
- Black Dragon: Black MC, red or silver CC

**Customization Options:**
- **Bigger Dragon:** Use bulky yarn and H-8 (5mm) hook for 4-5" dragon
- **Smaller Dragon:** Use DK yarn and B-1 (2.25mm) hook for 1.5" micro dragon
- **Fancy Wings:** Add 1-2 more rows to wing pattern before decreasing
- **Longer Tail:** Add 2-3 more rounds between increase and decrease
- **Standing Dragon:** Use wire in legs and tail for poseable dragon
- **Scales:** Use surface slip stitch in contrasting color across body
- **Belly Detail:** Work rounds 4-6 of body in CC for color-block belly

**Different Attachments:**
- Ornament: Add ribbon loop instead of keychain
- Mobile: Make multiple small dragons
- Brooch: Attach pin back
- Magnet: Glue small magnet to back

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth
- If machine washing necessary, place in lingerie bag on gentle cycle
- Air dry flat
- Do not bleach
- Remove keychain finding before washing

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches:**
- Use a smaller hook size
- Work more tightly
- Use double strand of yarn

**Pieces won't stay attached:**
- Use longer tails for sewing (at least 8-10 inches)
- Sew through each piece multiple times
- Make sure you're catching both pieces with each stitch

**Dragon won't sit up:**
- Add more stuffing to body base
- Position legs wider apart
- Make sure back legs are attached at bottom of body

**Wings droop:**
- Use less stuffing in body so wings have surface to grip
- Sew wings more toward top of body
- Add a few extra stitches along wing edge for reinforcement

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## SKILL BUILDING TIPS

This pattern is perfect for practicing:
- ✓ Magic ring technique
- ✓ Increasing evenly in the round
- ✓ Decreasing to close openings
- ✓ Working flat pieces (wings)
- ✓ Basic amigurumi assembly
- ✓ Proportion and placement

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## CREDITS & NOTES

This pattern is designed for personal use and gifts. Please do not sell this pattern or claim it as your own. You may sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities with credit to the designer.

**Questions or Issues?** Common problems are addressed in the Troubleshooting section above.

**Share your dragons!** Tag your creations to inspire other makers!

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*Pattern tested and verified. All stitch counts calculated and confirmed for accuracy.*