Dragon Scale Fingerless Gloves: Free Step-by-Step Pattern
These fingerless gloves feature a distinct overlapping texture that mimics reptile skin and keeps your hands cozy while leaving your fingers free for tasks like typing or using your phone. The dense, layered fabric provides extra warmth compared to standard double crochet work, making them a practical choice for brisk autumn walks or chilly mornings in the house. You will learn to manipulate post stitches to build each individual scale directly onto the foundation rounds of the wrist. This project works up quickly for gift-giving and serves as a tactile, satisfying exercise in texture for any crocheter who enjoys working with volume and structure.

Why Crocheters Love It
The Amigurumi Mushroom Toadstool is a classic project that relies on simple spherical geometry, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to master 3D crochet. This pattern uses basic single crochet stitches worked in a continuous spiral, which removes the need for visible join seams that can interrupt the smooth surface of your work. Because it requires less than one skein of yarn, it serves as a practical way to use up leftover weight four cotton scraps while creating a charming piece of handmade decor. Most makers complete this project in under two hours, providing an immediate sense of accomplishment for beginners who are ready to transition from flat squares to stuffed toys.
I finished this mushroom in a single afternoon and the instructions for the stem-to-cap assembly were very easy to follow. It looks perfect sitting on my desk.
— Sarah, amigurumi hobbyist
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 1–2 hours
- Construction: Amigurumi style, worked in continuous rounds, featuring a separate stem and cap joined during the assembly phase
- Finished Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. You will need approximately 20 yards of cream for the stem and 20 yards of red for the cap.
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook. Using a slightly smaller hook than recommended on the yarn label ensures the stuffing does not poke through the stitches.
- Notions: Polyester fiberfill for stuffing, a yarn needle for sewing pieces together, and a stitch marker to track the start of each round.
- Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn can be used as a budget-friendly alternative to cotton, though it will produce a slightly softer, less defined structure. Wool yarn will create a felted look if agitated, which is not recommended for this pattern.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring. A technique to start rounds by crocheting over an adjustable loop.
- ch: Chain.
- sc: Single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops.
- inc: Increase. Work 2 sc into the same stitch to add one stitch to the total count.
- dec: Decrease. Work two stitches together by pulling up a loop in each of the next two stitches, yarn over, and pulling through all three loops on the hook.
- st/sts: Stitch/stitches.
Mushroom Stem
- Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic ring (6 sts).
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18 sts).
- Rnd 4: BLO, sc in each st around (18 sts).
- Rnds 5-8: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
- Rnd 9: [1 sc, dec] 6 times (12 sts). Stuff the stem firmly.
- Rnd 10: Dec 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off and weave the yarn tail through the remaining stitches to close.
Mushroom Cap
- Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic ring (6 sts).
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18 sts).
- Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24 sts).
- Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30 sts).
- Rnd 6: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
- Rnd 7: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24 sts).
- Rnd 8: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18 sts). Stuff the cap lightly.
- Rnd 9: [1 sc, dec] 6 times (12 sts).
- Rnd 10: Dec 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly
Thread your yarn needle with the long tail from the mushroom cap. Center the cap over the top of the stem. Use a whip stitch to sew the bottom of the cap to the top of the stem, catching a loop from both pieces as you rotate around the join. Secure your knot tightly and bury the remaining tail inside the body of the mushroom.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water using a gentle soap to prevent the fiberfill from clumping or shifting.
- Gently press the item in a towel to remove excess moisture and allow it to air dry on a flat surface.
- Reshape the mushroom by gently patting the cap and stem while the piece is slightly damp.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure the stuffing does not show between stitches. Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep track of your count, as it is easy to lose your place in a continuous spiral. Weave your yarn ends into the interior of the mushroom rather than just trimming them close to the surface, as this prevents them from poking out over time. If you choose to resize the mushroom, remember that adding more rounds to the cap will require significantly more yarn and additional fiberfill to maintain its rounded shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?
You can use a larger hook, but it will result in larger gaps between your stitches. This may allow the white stuffing to show through your work, which is why a smaller hook is generally preferred for amigurumi.
Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, this project only requires the ability to work in the round and perform basic increases and decreases. It is a manageable way to learn 3D construction without dealing with complex color changes or advanced shaping.
How do I adjust the height of the mushroom?
To make the stem taller, simply add more rounds of plain sc stitches between Rnd 4 and Rnd 9. Keep in mind that you will need more stuffing if you decide to extend the length of the stem.
Am I allowed to sell the finished items?
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, provided you credit the designer. Please note that you cannot redistribute or sell the written pattern document itself.

Your finished gloves are a cozy way to add handmade style to any outfit, keeping your wrists warm while you stay productive throughout the day. Try working them in a self-striping yarn to give each scale a gradient look or use a solid wool blend for a more uniform appearance. Posting a photo of your work on social media helps others find inspiration for their own yarn stash. You can find more free patterns to build your skills further by browsing the archives available here on the blog.





