Welcome to a project that breathes fire and life into your miniature collection! The “Snapdragon” Dragon Tower is a caravan designed to mimic the majestic, upright posture of the Antirrhinum flower. Known for their “dragon mouth” blooms that open when squeezed, these flowers inspired a vehicle that is taller than it is wide, featuring a stunning gradient exterior that transitions from a sunny Lemon Yellow at the base, through a warm Orange, to a vibrant Fiery Red at the roof.

The interior is a botanist’s vertical laboratory. Because of the high ceiling, we can cultivate tall, upright potted Snapdragons inside. These plants feature realistic stems supported by stakes and tiny clamps, with flowers blooming in a gradient from yellow to pink. The scene is equipped with handwritten plant nameplates and a sturdy shovel for potting. Outside, nature blends with the caravan: a colorful Chameleon clings camouflaged to a tall flower stem rising from a gray rockery. This playset is a masterpiece of color transition and vertical structure.

Critical Structural Note: Because this caravan has a “High Stance” (taller walls than usual) and must support the weight of the gradient roof without buckling, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is non-negotiable. It creates the rigid, architectural support needed to keep the ombre walls perfectly straight and the window frames crisp. We will switch between a standard hook for the main tower and a precision micro-hook for the intricate floral “mouths” and the lizard.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn (Mercerized is preferred).

  – Lemon Yellow: Lower body, flower centers.

  – Sunset Orange: Middle body gradient.

  – Fiery Red: Roof and upper body, darker flowers.

  – Pink/Rose: Flower petals.

  – Leaf Green: Stems, leaves.

  – Chameleon Variegated: A yarn with short color changes (Green/Blue/Pink) or use scraps.

  – Stone Grey: Rockery, shovel blade.

  – Terracotta: Flower pot.

  – Wood Brown: Shovel handle, signpost.

  – Black: Tires, chameleon eyes, clamps.

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and rockery.

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the snapdragon florets, chameleon, and tiny tools.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, floral wire (essential for the upright stems and chameleon legs), fabric glue, small beads, cardstock (for nameplates).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
• Dec: Decrease (invisible decrease)
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Popcorn: 5 dc in one st, drop loop, insert hook in 1st dc, pull loop through (creates the “mouth”).
• Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.

Part 1: The Gradient Tower Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm. Focus on smooth color transitions.

1. The Lemon Yellow Floor

Make 2 identical panels using Lemon Yellow.

1. Row 1: Ch 24. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (23)
2. Row 2-38: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 3.5″ x 6″). Note: This base is slightly narrower and shorter than wide caravans to emphasize the height.
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to the exact size. Sandwich it between the two panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Ombre Tower Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. You will change colors as you work up the height.

Panel A: Exterior (The Gradient)

• Row 1: Ch 85 (Length to cover Left Wall + Roof + Right Wall). Sc across.
• Rows 2-12 (Base): Work in Lemon Yellow.
• Rows 13-24 (Mid-Section): Change to Sunset Orange. Sc across.
• Rows 25-36 (Top Section): Change to Fiery Red. Sc across.
• Rows 37-45 (Roof Curve): Continue in Red, but if you want a rounded roof, work Decreases at the start/end of the wall sections, or maintain the rectangle for a boxy tower. Let’s keep it boxy for structural ease but round the corners slightly during assembly.
• Window Cutouts: On the side walls (spanning the Orange/Red section), create a “Scalloped” window opening. Ch 12, Skip 12. Later, we will add a fancy frame.

Panel B: Interior (Yellow or Cream)

• Use a solid light color for the interior to reflect light onto the plants. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

The Fancy Window Frame:

• Use Orange yarn. Sc around the raw window opening.

  Detail: *Sc, Ch 3, Sk 1* around the rim to create a jagged, dragon-tooth vibe.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter. Change yarn color to match the gradient zone (Yellow bottom, Red top) for a seamless look.
• Shape: Bend into a tall U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Create a solid sandwich panel following the Yellow-Orange-Red color change to close the back.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

3. The “Snapdragon” Nameplate

• Plate: Wood Brown or Beige. Ch 10. Sc 4 rows.

  Text: Embroider “Snapdragon” in black thread. Glue to the side of the car in the Yellow section.

Part 2: The Snapdragon Plants (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm Hook. Snapdragons have complex, jaw-like florets.

1. The Flower Spike (The Stem)

• Wire Core: Cut a 6-inch floral wire.

  Covering: Wrap strictly with Green yarn or crochet a very thin tube (Ch 4 ring, sc around) to slide over the wire.

2. The “Dragon Mouth” Florets

Make 15-20 florets per stem. Gradient: Yellow (bottom) -> Pink (top).

• The Jaw (Bottom Lip): Ch 4. In the first ch, work 3 Dc. Ch 1, turn. Sc 3. Fold slightly.
• The Hood (Top Lip): Ch 4. In the first ch, work 2 Tr, Ch 2, Sl st.

  Assembly: Stitch the Jaw and Hood together at the base. It should look like an open mouth.

• Placement: Glue these florets along the top 3 inches of the stem. Place the Yellow ones lower and the Pink ones higher.

  Buds: At the very tip, glue tiny green/pink knots (Ch 2, sl st) to represent unopened buds.

3. Gardening Accessories

Use 1.0mm – 1.25mm Hook.

• Support Stakes: Use bamboo toothpicks. Color tips brown. Push into the pot next to the stem.
• Stem Clamps: Black thread. Tie tiny loops connecting the plant stem to the stake.
• Nameplates: Cut a tiny rectangle of white cardstock. Write “Antirrhinum” or “Snapdragon”. Glue to a toothpick and stick in the pot.
• Terracotta Pot: Rust/Orange. MR 6 sc, Inc to 15. BLO Sc up. Sc 6 rounds. Stiffen with glue. Fill with brown “soil”.

Part 3: Gardening Tools

Use Hook Size: 1.25mm.

1. Small Shovel

• Blade: Silver/Grey. Ch 5. Sc 4 rows. Dec 1 st at each end to make a point.

  Curve: Press into a curve while spraying with starch/glue.

• Handle: Wood Brown. Ch 10 (tight chain).

  Grip: D-shape handle at the top. Glue blade to handle. Hang on the exterior wall.

2. Gradient Sunshade (Umbrella)

• Canopy: Start with Yellow (MR 6 sc). Inc to 12. Change to Orange (Inc to 18). Change to Red (Inc to 24). Sc 2 rounds without increase to curve down.
• Pole: Brown wire wrapped in yarn. Glue to the side of the caravan (awning style) or stand separately.

Part 4: The Exterior Scene & Chameleon

1. The Chameleon

Use 1.0mm Hook and Variegated/Rainbow Yarn. This is intricate.

• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds.

  Crest: Ch 3, Picot, Ch 3, Picot on the back of the head (the casque).

• Eyes: Make 2 separate Popcorn stitches (large bulging eyes). Sew to sides of head. Use a black bead for the pupil.
• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 14. Sc 8 rounds (slightly flattened laterally). Dec to close.
• Tail: Ch 20. Sc back down. Insert a thin wire. Coil the tail tightly into a spiral.
• Legs: Ch 6. Sc back. Make 4.

  Toes: Ch 2 split at the end (zygodactyl feet).

  Pose: Wire the legs. Pose the chameleon gripping the stem of the tall exterior Snapdragon plant.

2. Gray Wool Rockery

Use 2.5mm Hook and Stone Grey yarn.

• Rocks: Make 5-7 distinct rocks.

  Rock A: MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Sc 2 rounds. Dec randomly to create a lump. Stuff hard.

  Rock B: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12… elongated shape.

  Assembly: Glue the rocks together in a pile (cairn style) or a cluster. Use this as a base for the exterior tall flower.

3. Wheels

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Grey. MR 6 sc. Texture with a star stitch.
• Sew to sides in the Yellow section.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Ombre walls are standing tall and straight. The sandwich method is vital here. Check that the gradient flows Yellow -> Orange -> Red.
2. Interior Cultivation:
   • Glue the Terracotta Pot to the floor.
   • Insert the tall Snapdragon stem (with wire core) into the pot.
   • Add the Stake and tiny Clamps.
   • Place the Shovel hanging on the wall or leaning against the pot.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Place the Gray Rockery near the front.
   • “Plant” a second tall Snapdragon stem growing out of the rocks.
   • Attach the Chameleon to this exterior stem, looking like it is blending in with the flowers.
   • Attach the Sunshade if desired.

Congratulations! You have built the “Snapdragon” Dragon Tower. This vertical, colorful masterpiece is a fiery addition to your miniature garden.