Is it FINALLY release day?!? Oh, thank goodness. I didn’t think I could hold on any longer!
Read about the history and inspiration behind The Baby Dragon Costume.
Quick disclosure! There are affiliate links in the post below! This means that if you choose to purchase a product from my link I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only link to products I love and use from brands I trust!
I am pleased, proud, and filled with joy as I announce the release of my first costume, the pattern that started my journey to designing my own crochet patterns, and my first pattern with multiple sizes!!!
I printed the pattern a couple days ago and I just stood there looking at it. I feel so proud of the work I have done and the effort I put into this design. I knew it was special from the first time I put it on my baby 8 years ago, and to be ready to share the entire pattern with all of you is filling my heart to overflowing!!! (IMNOTCRYINGOKITOTALLYAM)
Lets talk a little about the features of the pattern. I’m not one for plain stitch patterns, but I love a nice close weave. Choosing a textured stitch that was interesting to make, but easy to remember was key to the design.
I also wanted to create the structure of the costume it’s self to be easier for the baby to get in and out of than the costumes I was seeing at the time (lets be honest. This trend is not getting any better). Who came up with the idea of shoving a baby through a hole between a hood and zipper? or worse yet, one covered in scratchy Velcro! Like, do they even know that babies are basically tiny wiggly wolverines with chubby sausage legs and SUPER SENSITIVE SKIN?
I love the idea of invisible finishes. I think it elevates designs so beautifully when functional things are worked in such a way that you don’t notice them. I chose to hide the zipper under two rows of spikes to create a beautiful finished and professional looking garment without the hassle and stress of trying to perfectly hide a zipper.
Protecting my baby’s back and making sure he didn’t get caught in the zipper was also forefront in my goals with the design. Enter a zipper guard to save the day! Not only is it easy to slip the baby through the large zipper opening, but it can be closed without worry and won’t scratch their tender skin.
My next concern was that I lived in a very cold climate. The idea of taking my 6 month old out on Halloween night was a huge concern. I chose a thick yarn that created a stable fabric, was great for stitch definition (Gotta show off that texture!!!), would keep the little one cozy warm, and (BONUS ROUND) worked up pretty fast!
Worsted weight yarn is the perfect yarn for this! It was a match made in heaven then and still knocks my socks off now (and I have made 50 of these dragon costumes in the last 8 years)!
Let’s talk substitutions real quick. Not everyone has the same set of problems, right? While I needed something to keep my little man toasty warm, it can be a bit much if you live where it’s still 70’s or 80’s (BTW I’m very jealous). The great thing about worsted weight yarns is that there are a LOT of options. I used a soft acrylic (I’m allergic to wool or I would have gone with that!), but there are several brands that offer cotton yarns (this is a particularly good one, IMO) and Bamboo yarns that would work great for this pattern, and will give it a lighter and airier feel! And don’t worry. You will still feel like you are carrying around a giant stuffed dragon.
The pattern has a full list of information on how to alter the design to best fit the little one and your needs. I walk you through all the alterations you can make and when to do them!
Make sure you check out the free pattern for a candy basket! Trick or treating or not you definitely want to have this lil’ cutie! The best thing about an Egg Basket is it can be used on Halloween for a trick or treating basket, AND used on Easter!!! And it’s even themed properly for the occasion!!!
Ila Quinn Designs 