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How to Make a PVC Dragon Body

Polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC, is an ethylene-based, thermoplastic polymer used to make many different products, from pipes to pants. PVC cloth is not as widely used as other specialty textiles, such as Teflon-coated cotton, because the byproducts of PVC processing are toxic and the resulting material cannot be recycled easily. However, PVC is a vibrant and durable fabric with a slick, silky texture suitable for crafting exotic, stuffed animals, such as dragons. Consider using a printed PVC such as snakeskin or alligator to add texture to your design.

Things You'll Need

Pattern paper
Ruler
Pencil
Chalk
PVC cloth
Scissors
Sewing machine
Liquid seam sealer
Stuffing

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a straight, horizontal line 1 foot long on the pattern paper. Mark the line at the 6-inch point. Draw a 1-foot line perpendicular to the horizontal line starting at the 6-inch mark. Draw a "V" to connect the tips of the horizontal line with the perpendicular line, forming a triangle. Rotate the triangle so that the point faces downward.
- 2
  Sketch two limbs with outstretched digits to form the template for the dragon's arm and leg on the pattern paper. Draw the limbs as if the dragon's hand were viewed from above. Place the arm template on the right leg of the triangle 1 1/2 inches from the upper right corner. Trace the arm. Place the leg 3 inches below the arm and trace it. Flip the templates over and trace the arm and leg on the left side. The resulting template is the upper half of the dragon body with limbs attached.
- 3
  Sketch a straight, horizontal line 6 inches long and mark the line at the 3-inch point on the pattern paper. Draw a 1-foot-long line perpendicular to the horizontal at the 3-inch mark. Connect the tips of the horizontal and vertical line with a "V" to form a triangle that is the same length but narrower than the first.
- 4
  Repeat Step 2 for the narrower triangle using the same arm and limb templates to complete the underside of the dragon's body.
- 5
  Outline the patterns with a 1/4-inch seam allowance on all sides. Cut out the patterns with a pair of scissors. Trace the patterns on the PVC cloth. Cut out the two PVC pieces with scissors. If there is not enough space for a 1/4-inch seam allowance around each digit, then cut a straight line down between each digit so that they form individual flaps.
- 6
  Lay the larger triangle on the table right side up. Place the narrower PVC triangle on top of the first, right side down, aligning the arms and legs on the right side.
- 7
  Sew along the perimeter of the pattern pieces -- including the longer sides and limbs -- leaving a 1/4-inch allowance. Do not sew across the base of the triangles.
- 8
  Sew a second seam to the outer side of the first within the seam allowance no closer than 1/8 inch from the raw edge.
- 9
  Apply liquid seam sealer to all of the seams. Dry for 24 to 48 hours.
- 10
  Turn the dragon's body inside out. Apply liquid seam sealer to the seams and dry for another 24 to 48 hours.
- 11
  Stuff the dragon's body and attach a head, as desired.

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