Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
amigurumi
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested a "Flat lace dragon art" but specified the "Simple Amigurumi Animal" template (Head, Body, Limbs). To reconcile these, I will design a **2D Bas-Relief Amigurumi**. The dragon will be constructed of separate flat-knitted panels (Head, Body, Legs, Tail, Wings) that incorporate intricate lace motifs (yarn-overs and decreases) to create a "lace" effect within the silhouette. The finished pieces will be lightly blocked and mounted onto a 10" x 10" fabric-covered backing for framing.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Body & Head**: Worked bottom-up with shaping to create a profile silhouette.
* **Limbs**: Knitted flat in four pieces.
* **Wings**: The centerpiece of the "lace" aspect, using a "Dragon Scale" lace pattern (feather and fan variation).
* **Mounting**: Pieces are arranged on a 10" x 10" (25.5 cm) background, creating a 3D effect that fits within a shadow box or flat frame.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Scale**: Fingering weight yarn is essential to keep the stitch definition high while staying within the 10" boundary.
* **Lace Tension**: In fingering weight, lace can pull in. I will include instructions for aggressive blocking of the wings to ensure the dragon "soars" across the frame.
* **Edge Treatment**: All pieces will use a slipped-stitch edge to facilitate easy sewing/mounting.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* Gauge: 32 sts and 42 rows = 4" (10 cm) in blocked stockinette.
* Maximum Width/Height: 80 sts / 105 rows.
* Dragon Body Length: ~6". Wingspan: ~8". This allows a 1" margin on all sides of the 10" frame.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Includes Head, Body, Limbs, Wings (additional), Assembly, and Safety Eye placement.
2. **Consistency**: Math for the wing lace repeat (multiple of 6 + 1) is verified. Stitch counts for body shaping are consistent with decreases.
3. **Constraints**: Advanced difficulty level met through lace integration in shaped pieces. Fingering weight yarn used. US terminology applied.
4. **Safety**: Verified that the combined width of the body and wings does not exceed 10 inches (approx 80 stitches at gauge).
Pattern
# The Gossamer Drake: A Flat-Lace Framed Dragon
**Difficulty Level**: Advanced
**Finished Size**: Designed to fit a 10" x 10" (25.5 cm x 25.5 cm) frame.
### MATERIALS
* **Yarn**: 150 yards (137 m) of Fingering weight yarn (Natural fiber like wool or silk-blend recommended for blocking).
* **Needles**: US 2 (2.75 mm) straight or circular needles.
* **Notions**: Two 6mm safety eyes, tapestry needle, 10" x 10" frame, archival glue or sewing thread for mounting, 11" x 11" piece of linen/backing fabric.
* **Optional**: Poly-fill (very small amount for a "raised" effect).
### GAUGE
32 sts and 42 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch after blocking.
*(Note: Precise gauge is vital to ensure the dragon fits the frame.)*
### ABBREVIATIONS
* **k**: knit
* **p**: purl
* **yo**: yarn over
* **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together
* **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
* **sl1-k2tog-psso**: slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (double decrease)
* **kfb**: knit into front and back of stitch
---
### 1. BODY (The Core)
*The body is worked flat in a curved silhouette.*
CO 10 sts.
**Row 1 (RS)**: kfb, k to last st, kfb (12 sts).
**Row 2 and all WS rows**: Purl.
**Row 3**: kfb, k to last st, kfb (14 sts).
**Rows 5–15**: Repeat increase pattern on RS rows until you have 24 sts.
**Rows 16–30**: Work even in St st.
**Row 31 (Lace Detail Begins)**: k2, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
**Row 33**: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (22 sts).
**Rows 34–50**: Continue decreasing every 4th row until 12 sts remain.
**Row 51 (Tail Tip)**: ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog (10 sts).
Repeat decrease every row until 2 sts remain. K2tog, fasten off.
*(Math Check: 51 rows @ 42 rows/4" = ~4.8 inches long.)*
### 2. HEAD
CO 6 sts.
**Row 1 (RS)**: kfb into every stitch (12 sts).
**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl.
**Row 3**: (k1, kfb) across (18 sts).
**Row 4-8**: Work even in St st.
**Row 9 (Eye Placement)**: k4, (place marker for eye), k10, (place marker for second eye), k4.
**Row 10**: Purl.
**Row 11 (Snout)**: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2 (16 sts).
**Row 13**: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2 (14 sts).
**Row 15**: k2, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2 (12 sts).
Bind off all sts.
### 3. LIMBS (Make 4)
*Legs are kept narrow to emphasize the lace wings.*
CO 4 sts.
**Rows 1–12**: Work in St st.
**Row 13 (Foot)**: kfb, k2, kfb (6 sts).
**Row 14**: Purl.
Bind off.
### 4. LACE WINGS (Make 2)
*Uses a scale-inspired lace pattern.*
CO 25 sts. (Multiple of 6 + 1)
**Row 1 (RS)**: k1, *yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k1; repeat from * to end.
**Row 2 and all WS rows**: Purl.
**Row 3**: k1, *k1, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k2; repeat from * to end.
**Row 5**: Repeat Row 1.
**Row 6**: Purl.
**Row 7 (Shaping)**: Bind off 3 sts, k to end (22 sts).
**Row 8**: Purl.
**Row 9**: k1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1.
**Row 11**: Bind off 3 sts, k to end (19 sts).
Repeat Rows 9-12 until 4 sts remain. Bind off.
---
### ASSEMBLY & SAFETY EYES
1. **Blocking**: This is the most critical step. Soak all pieces in lukewarm water. Pin the wings out aggressively to open the lace "scales." Pin the body in a gentle "S" curve. Let dry completely.
2. **Safety Eyes**: Insert safety eyes into the Head at the marked positions. Since this is a flat piece, the back of the eyes will protrude; if your frame is shallow, you may prefer to sew on black beads or embroider the eyes.
3. **Joining Pieces**:
* Lay the **Body** on the backing fabric.
* Position the **Head** overlapping the top of the body slightly.
* Tuck the **Limbs** under the body—two forward, two back.
* Position the **Wings** emerging from the "shoulder" area of the body (Rows 16-20).
4. **Mounting**:
* Using a needle and matching thread, "tack" the pieces onto the backing fabric with small, invisible stitches.
* *Expert Tip*: For a 3D effect, place a tiny pinch of poly-fill under the center of the Head and Body before stitching down the edges. Do not stuff the wings; keep them flat and airy.
5. **Framing**: Stretch the backing fabric over the frame's mounting board. Secure with tape or staples on the back. Place inside the 10" x 10" frame.
### TECHNICAL VALIDATION
* **Width Check**: Wings (25 sts each = ~3" each) + Body (~2") = 8" total span. Fits comfortably within 10" frame.
* **Height Check**: Head (15 rows) + Body (51 rows) = ~66 rows = ~6.2". Fits comfortably within 10" frame.
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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