This jointed dragon pattern is based on Nessa, my small handmade dragon created with traditional teddy bear-making techniques. Her head, arms, and legs are movable, allowing her to sit and change her pose.
Download the Pattern
Notice that seam allowances are not included.
To download the pattern, follow the instructions below:
From a phone or tablet: There should be a similar option for mobile devices with Android or iOS. Click on the image. Save it by holding your finger on the image and selecting the “Save Image” option. Then, go to your photo gallery and print it (an option available).
From a computer: Click on the photo of the pattern you see below. In the new tab that will open, you press the right mouse button and select the “Save image as …” option. Then, you choose where the image will be saved on your computer.
Materials and Tools
- Medium-pile plush, approximately 1–1.5 cm pile length, for the body, legs, outer ears, and muzzle
- Short-pile plush for the head and arms
- Miniature teddy bear plush for the paw pads and inner ears
- Felt for the wings and tail tip
- A small piece of contrasting long-pile fur for the head and back
- Two 14 mm glass eyes with metal wire loops
- Ten 15 mm joint discs
- Ten metal washers
- Five cotter pins
- Polyester fiberfill
- Strong thread for attaching the eyes
- Matching sewing thread
- Sewing needles
- Pins or sewing clips
- Scissors
- Pliers
- An awl
Sewing Instructions
Sew each front head piece to a matching back head piece. Join the two sides of the head, leaving the marked opening unsewn.
Sew the belly panel into the two body pieces, starting at the point marked 1 on the pattern.
Sew the ears, arms, and legs. Insert the paw pads into the openings at the bottom of the legs and sew them in place. Leave all marked turning openings unsewn.
Turn the sewn pieces right side out. Cut two wings directly from felt.
Stuff the head and insert one 15 mm joint disc with a cotter pin. Sew the muzzle onto the front of the face. Carefully trim the pile on the muzzle to shape and define the nostrils and mouth. Attach the glass eyes securely.
Insert the joint discs and cotter pins into the arms and legs. Stuff the limbs and close their openings by hand.
Attach the head, arms, and legs to the body using the washers and cotter pins. Stuff the body and close the remaining opening.
Cut two tail-tip pieces from felt and sew them together, leaving a small opening. Turn the tail tip right side out, stuff it, close the opening, and sew it to the end of the tail.
Sew the ears and felt wings in place. Finally, attach a narrow piece of contrasting long-pile fur along the top of the head and down the dragon’s back.
FAQ
Is this jointed dragon pattern suitable for beginners?
No. This pattern is intended for makers who have already made teddy bears and are familiar with traditional teddy bear jointing techniques.
Can I use the same plush for the entire dragon?
No. The smaller head, arm, paw, and inner ear pieces require shorter-pile plush so they can be turned and shaped properly. Medium-pile plush is better suited to the larger body, leg, outer ear, and muzzle pieces.
Before You Go
For another dragon made with traditional teddy bear techniques, take a look at my Baby Dragon Plush Pattern. It has a completely different shape and personality, so you can choose your favorite or make both.
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