Most of Mom’s great ideas start with her daughter Mia. This one is no different.

Ever since Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the British series Sherlock, was announced as playing the famous dragon Smaug in The Hobbit movie series, Sherlock-Smaug mash-up art has been appearing all over the Internet.

Mia begged for a three-dimensional version. So Mom asked her for a description. Here is Mom’s interpretation… a knitted dragon that would warm even Sherlock’s heart!

Smauglock has been designed so that seaming and finishing are completed as you go along. It allows you to see your progress so that you don’t get discouraged before the big pay-off at the end. You will find that you will be in love with your dragon before you even get half-way done! (You may even start talking to it!)

Smauglock can be made in any weight yarn. Choose a needle size that is two sizes smaller than the smallest needle recommended by the label, and knit as tightly as you can stand. Gauge isn’t important as long as you knit tightly enough to keep the stuffing from showing through.

The size and yardage required will vary greatly. The smallest dragon shown here was knitted in fingering weight yarn and measured 9 inches from bottom to the top of the head. The largest, which was knitted loosely with worsted weight yarn and stuffed lightly, measures 17 inches. The next largest, which was knitted tightly and stuffed firmly, measures 14-15 inches.

Yardage varies according to weight of yarn used (MC-Main Color, CC-Contrasting Color):

• Fingering weight - MC: 350-400 yards, CC: 125-200 yards
• DK weight - MC: 400-450 yards, CC: 200-250 yards
• Worsted weight - MC: 425-500 yards, CC: 125-350 yards

Other materials:

• About 10 yards of yarn in same weight as MC and CC for horns.
• Circular needle at least two sizes smaller than recommended size on label on MC
• Stitch markers – Choose one extra special one to use for the start of the round. It will help eliminate confusion!
• Safety eyes (If toy is being made for a child under the age of three, please embroider or needle-felt eyes instead!)
• Fun Foam in a color close to your Contrasting Color or plastic canvas (optional)
• Scrap yarn (smooth cotton in the weight used for MC and CC works best).
• Stuffing

This pattern is best for Advanced Beginners. It is knit in the round with either DPNs or circular needles. It uses short rows and intarsia in the wings, but it is extremely simple. Even those with no colorwork experience can do it!