From the pattern: “I’ve used linen in a combination of ribbing and button stitch t mimic the heavy decorative cord and metal construction of a samurai neck protector; the palette mimics the patina of metal. The dragon on the front crown of my helmet serves as the warrior’s crest.”

Size: 22.5” (57 cm) circum., 7” (18 cm) high along back crown, and 12.5” (31.5 cm) long from top of crown to bottom of neck piece.

Additional Gauge Information:

• Crown: 20 sts / 30 rows = 4”, slip stitch knit rib on larger needles, 2 strands held together
• Neck protector/wings: 26 sts / 24 rows = 4”, k1 p1 rib and button stitch combo on larger needles, 2 strands held together
• 6 sts / 8 rows = 1”, stockinette stitch on smallest needles with 1 strand of yarn

Notions:

• Size 3 (2.1 mm) steel crochet hook
• Markers, tapestry needle
• Small amount of stuffing for dragon
• About 50 size 6/0 round brown silver-lined seed beads to embellish couching
• Sharp-pointed sewing needle
• Beeswax for strengthening sewing thread
• Two 1/4” (6 mm) oval-shaped beads for dragon eyes
• Two 1 1/8” (3 cm) black smooth surface shank buttons