Nordelph the dragon

Nordelph the Dragon - Knitted Toy Pattern

What is Being Made

Nordelph the dragon is a knitted stuffed toy designed by Phoenixknits. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a three-dimensional dragon figure using the knit-and-stuff construction method. The finished toy features a segmented body with distinct shaping and color blocking in multiple coordinating hues.

Craft and Technique Overview

This pattern uses fundamental knitting techniques combined with strategic shaping to create dimensional form. The design employs both increases and decreases to build the toy's structure, allowing flat knitted pieces to transform into a sculptural object through careful stitch manipulation and assembly.

Stitches and Shaping Methods Used

• Stocking stitch (Ss) - The primary fabric construction method, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, finished appearance on the right side
• Knit stitch (k) - The foundational knit stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (p) - Used in alternating rows to create stocking stitch fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog) - A right-leaning decrease used multiple times to shape the dragon's body and taper sections
• Increases (Inc1) - Created by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch to add stitches and expand the fabric for building body width
• Bind off - Used to secure and finish the final stitches
• Garter stitch (Gs) - Created by knitting every row, used selectively for textured sections
• Ribbing (rib) - Knit 1 purl 1 alternating pattern for elastic, fitted sections

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized by body sections, including the body front and top shaping. The body front begins with a cast-on of 7 stitches and uses strategic increases to reach 21 stitches across 17 rows of stocking stitch. The top shaping section employs multiple k2tog decreases worked across the row to taper the dragon's head or upper body section down to 12 stitches, which are then bound off after 13 rows of stocking stitch.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn weight: Double knit (DK) - a medium-weight yarn that creates a fabric with good stitch definition and drape
• Yarn colors: Olive green, pale green, orange, and cream - providing color blocking and visual interest to the finished toy
• Needles: US size 3 (UK size 11, 3.0mm) - appropriately sized for double knit yarn to create a balanced, cohesive fabric

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern requires competence with basic knitting stitches and comfort reading pattern abbreviations. Knitters should be familiar with increases, decreases, and stocking stitch before beginning. The shaping techniques and color changes add complexity beyond beginner patterns, making this suitable for knitters with some experience.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern provided by independent designer Phoenixknits, available through Ravelry. The pattern includes detailed abbreviations, row-by-row instructions, and material specifications to guide the knitter through construction of this charming dragon toy.