Ureshiiryu is a created Japanese compound name meaning Happy Dragon. This little guy is inquisitive, optimistic, energetic, and you guessed it … happy! He is growing more and more powerful by the day, and he is loving showing his little brother, Baby Dragon, all the fun things he can do!

2024 is specifically the year of the Wood Dragon; hence, here Ureshiiryu is featured in greens and brown. However, you can create him in any color combination—use colors and yarns representing the other zodiac elements of fire, earth, metal, and water!

For best results, use yarn over single crochets, as this pattern was designed for that technique. Yarn under single crochets tend to make the curved sections twist or start at the wrong point.

For best results, match the indicated gauge. For alternate yarn weights, try to get your gauge as square as possible (i.e., “X sc x X rnds in sc = Yin(Zcm) square”).

Pattern is worked from the top down in one piece, with smaller parts sewn on at the end.

Supplies
• Red Heart Super Saver yarn, 100% acrylic, worsted weight, 7oz(198g), 364yds(333m) in Bright Green 2.5oz(71g), 130yd(120m)
• Big Twist Value yarn, 100% acrylic, worsted weight, 6oz(170g), 380yds(347m) in Varsity Green 1.5oz(42g), 95yd(87m)
• Big Twist Value yarn, 100% acrylic, worsted weight, 6oz(170g), 380yds(347m) in Cream 0.2oz(5g), 13yd(12m)
• Size G (4mm) hook
• (2) 12mm black round safety eyes (note that eyes are a choking hazard for children under 3 years old)
• Poly-fil stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Straight pins
• Stitch markers
• Weighted poly-pellets (optional) • Nylon stocking (optional)

This printable, premium pattern includes photos and access to many video tutorials. It will also be available for free, text-only, on my blog.