Dragonfly pattern

This sweet little dragonfly is great for using up little bits of leftover yarn.
The wings use a lot of different types of stitch to get their shape so they are a good chance to practice hdc, dc and tr stitches without having to worry about starting over if you mess up!
Apologies for the bad picture!


BODY


Rnd 1 - MR 6
Rnd 2 - 2sc in each st around(12)
Rnd 3 - *2sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around (18)
Rnd 4-6 - sc around (18)
Rnd 7 - *sc2tog, sc in next st, rep from * around (12)
Rnd 8-9 - Sc around (12)
Stuff head, continue to stuff as work progresses.
Rnd 10 - Sc2tog around (6)
Rnd 11 - sc around

repeat rnd 11 until your dragonfly is the required length.
thread end through each stitch of previous round and pull to tighten, fasten off.



WINGS

chain 13
sc in 4th ch from hook
hdc in each of next 2 ch
dc in each of next 3 ch
tr in each of next 4 ch

ch 9
sc in 4th ch from hook
hdc in each of next 2 ch
dc in each of next 3 ch


ch 9
sc in 4th ch from hook
hdc in each of next 2 ch
dc in each of next 3 ch


ch 13
sc in 4th ch from hook
hdc in each of next 2 ch
dc in each of next 3 ch
tr in each of next 4 ch

Fasten off leaving a long tail. bend work in half between the 2 short wings and sew together through the centre

The wings have a tendancy to curl up, pressing them in a heavy book can often help!

Sew wings to body.



If you have any trouble with this pattern feel free to email or leave a comment!

Tassel Hair Method

The Head

First make the head that the tassel is to be added to.

To have space to add the tassel DO NOT start with a magic ring.

In my patterns I choose to start by chaining 18, joining with a slip stitch and then continuing as the pattern requires. If you are using this method with a different amigurumi pattern that does not work up in multiples of 6 you may have to use your discretion in working out how many to chain!

Add any eyes, embroidery or other embellishments before you add the tassel.

Your head should look something like this.

The Tassel

Now make your tassel. If you are unsure how to make a tassel there are many free tutorials available online. Aim to make the tassel fit snugly in the hole in your head.

Assembly

Tie your skin colour yarn to the band of the tassel.

Push the bulbous part of the tassel into the head so that the bulb is inside the head and the top of the band is level with the top of the head. Make sure you keep hold of the skin coloured yarn you have just tied on so that it doesn't end up inside the head!

To attach the two sew through the top row of stitches in the head and the top few strands of yarn in the band of the tassel. This can be a little fiddly, especially if the head doesn't have a hole in the bottom. It does become easier with practice though!

Once you have securely sewn the tassel into the head you will have something that looks a little like this.

While the doll is held upside down the back of her head will be exposed. If you want to remedy this there are many methods to cover the head such as embroidering some hair underneath.

Personally I don't mind my dolls looking a bit bald if you hold them upside down!

Turn the head up the correct way and give it a little shake to settle it. Now you can cut it into whichever style you like. The following picture shows a head with bangs.

As you can see from the following picture the hair has a nice even coverage all over the head

(unless you are holding it upside down!)

If you have any trouble following this tutorial please feel free to contact me at Pygzmytfly@hotmail.com

Tassels?

Amigurumi Hair...
Lets have a collective groan! I don't know about you but I've had a lot of trouble finding a method that works for me.
My embroidery is awful, my hair caps never fit right and tying in each strand is just infuriating!

But while eating sunday lunch and playing about with the edge of a table runner, inspiration struck. TASSELS.
Now I'm not saying I'm the first person to think of this but after a good look around google I certainly can't find any other mention of using a tassel as amigurumi hair.

I've written a tutorial on how to do it and will be posting it in another post in a few minutes!
It's the first tutorial I've ever written so please let me know what you think of it!