12/17/12 It’s been brought to my attention that it’s really hard to figure out how to apply the face mask! I’m linking to some pictures on Flickr that I’ve created to clarify the assembly.

Also, please note that the body tube does not twist fully on its own. It’s designed to bend gently in the correct directions and then to be shaped by the line of stitching which also holds the back scales on. In other words, if you’re crocheting along and getting an odd lumpy tube, you’re probably doing it right. When you apply the scales (or just stitch down the back) you’ll draw the body up into sinuous curves. I’ll try to make this plainer in the finishing section.

Qinyao is a tribute to traditional Chinese dragons and to my favorite little dragon, Addison Qinyao. She may look complicated, but fear not! The body is one long shaped piece and all the details are simple to make and apply.

For this Qinyao I chose a true kelly green, avocado, red and bright yellow. She’d also look smashing in dark and light purple, hot pink and teal.

To make her, you will need four colors of yarn, fiberfill stuffing, a yarn needle, a chenille needle (sharp tip), two chenille stems, white glue or fabric stiffener and a hook which will give a nice tight stitch (I used a 3.25 mm). Gauge is important only so far as it is tight and consistent throughout the piece.