Oh, you guys! I've been bursting to share this one with you! If you're anything like me, 'How to Train Your Dragon' stole a piece of your heart, and honestly, who didn't fall head over heels for Toothless? That cheeky grin, those huge, expressive eyes... I knew, absolutely knew, I had to try and bring him to life with my hooks. And let me tell you, it was such a joy seeing him emerge from simple yarn! This pattern is for my fellow dragon lovers, intermediate crocheters who are ready to dive into some amigurumi magic. He stands about 22cm tall, the perfect size for guarding your desk or cuddling on the couch. Grab your yarn, put on your favorite movie soundtrack, and let's make some dragon dreams come true!

Gathering Your Dragon-Crafting Supplies

Before we embark on this exciting journey, let's gather all our treasures! Having everything ready will make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, there's nothing worse than getting to a crucial step and realizing you're missing something! We're aiming for a cuddly but firm Toothless, so don't skimp on the stuffing!

• Black worsted weight yarn: This will be the main color for our Night Fury.
• Green worsted weight yarn: Just a small amount for Toothless's iconic healed tail fin.
• Polyester fiberfill: For stuffing our dragon firmly and giving him shape.
• Safety eyes (green, 10-12mm): To give Toothless his characteristic expressive eyes.
• 3.0mm (D) Crochet hook: The magic wand for our creation!
• Tapestry needle: Essential for weaving in ends and assembly.
• Stitch markers: To keep track of our rounds, especially important for continuous amigurumi!

Decoding the Dragon Scrolls: Crochet Abbreviations

If you're already a seasoned amigurumi pro, feel free to skip ahead! But for those who might appreciate a little refresher, or if some of these terms are new, here's a quick rundown of the abbreviations we'll be using. It's like learning the secret language of dragons, but with yarn!

• MR: Magic Ring (or adjustable ring)
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 single crochet in one stitch)
• dec: decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
• sl st: slip stitch
• ch: chain
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• FO: Fasten Off
• R: Row/Round
• st(s): stitch(es)

Crafting Toothless: The Head and Body

This is where the magic truly begins! We'll start with the main body, which flows right into the head. I love making amigurumi in one piece whenever possible; it saves so much sewing later. Remember to stuff firmly as you go – this is key to getting that lovely, shapely Toothless we all adore. Don't be afraid to squish and prod a bit to make sure he's perfectly plump!

Bringing It All Together: The Grand Assembly

You've crocheted all the individual parts, and now comes the satisfying part: watching him come to life as you assemble! This is where all your hard work pays off. Take your time, position everything carefully, and use your tapestry needle like a wizard's wand to seamlessly join the pieces. I always recommend pinning parts in place first to check the placement before you start sewing.

1. Attach the Head and Body: This should be one continuous piece, but if you opted to make them separate, sew the head securely to the body.
2. Attach the Legs: Pin the four legs evenly spaced on the underside of the body. Make sure they allow Toothless to sit or stand properly. Sew them firmly in place.
3. Attach the Tail: Sew Tail Part 1 to the back of the body. Then, sew Tail Part 2 to the end of Tail Part 1. Position it so it gently curves upwards.
4. Attach the Wings: Pin the wings to the upper back of the body, just behind the neck/shoulder area. Ensure they are symmetrical and look ready for flight. Sew them securely.
5. Attach the Ears: Position the flattened ears on top of Toothless's head, slightly to the sides, and sew them down.
6. Attach the Dorsal Spikes: Starting from the back of the head/neck, sew the spikes down the back of Toothless, alternating sizes (Large, Medium, Small) or arranging them to your preference for a natural look. I like to sew them with just a few stitches at the base to make them stand up a bit.
7. Attach the Tail Fins: Sew the all-black tail fin to one side of the end of the tail. For the healed fin, sew the black and green fin to the other side of the end of the tail, making sure the green portion is visible and facing outwards. You can shape them slightly with a bit of invisible stitching to give them a natural curve.
8. Final Touches: Weave in any remaining loose ends. Give your Toothless a good squish to distribute the stuffing and make him perfectly cuddly!

Alessandra's Pro Tips for a Perfect Toothless

I've learned a few tricks over the years that I always love to share. These little insights can make a big difference in the final look and enjoyment of your project. Think of them as my secret dragon-crafting tips!

• Stuffing is Key: Don't underestimate the power of firm stuffing! It's what gives amigurumi its shape and prevents it from getting saggy over time. Use small pieces of fiberfill to avoid lumps and push it into all the nooks and crannies.
• Invisible Decreases: For a smoother finish, especially on the head and body, use invisible decreases. Instead of yarning over through both loops, insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch, then into the front loop of the second stitch, yarn over, and pull through both front loops, then yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook. It makes a world of difference!
• Safety Eye Placement: Before fully securing your safety eyes, place them and take a step back. Look at your amigurumi from different angles. This is your chance to adjust them to give your Toothless the perfect expression. Once they're locked, there's no going back!
• Yarn Quality Matters: While any worsted weight yarn will work, a good quality yarn with minimal splitting will make your crocheting experience much more enjoyable and give a cleaner finish to your Toothless.
• Pin Before You Sew: Seriously, this is a game-changer! Always pin all your pieces to the main body before you start sewing. This allows you to adjust the placement until it's just right, ensuring your finished Toothless is perfectly proportioned and adorable.
• Weave in Ends as You Go: Try to weave in smaller ends as you finish each component, rather than waiting until the very end. It's less overwhelming and keeps your workspace tidier!