The word "gargoyle" comes from the French legend of "La Gargouille," a dragon that terrorized the residents of Rouen. According to the story, for centuries the dragon had swallowed ships and flooded the town, until around 600 BC, when a priest agreed to kill the beast if the townspeople would convert to Christianity. Romanus tamed the dragon by making the sign of the cross, then led it into town where it was burned at the stake. Since the creature’s head would not burn, the townspeople cut it off and attached it to their church. The gargouille’s head became a ward against evil and a warning to other dragons.

Crochet your own Gargoyle Plush Toy to keep the evil spirits from your home, or just as a fun gift to delight the quirky members of your family. This adorable design can be made with a double strand of worsted weight yarn for a gargoyle measuring approximately 10" tall (including the hat) or use blanket yarn for a gargoyle measuring approximately 12" tall.

Skill level: Easy

Materials you will need: Worsted weight yarn (or blanket yarn): 200 yards white 15 yards variegated 4 yards eyelash yarn Crochet hook size K (10.5 mm) or Size M crochet hook if using blanket yarn Yarn needle Polyfill 2 safety eyes 18 mm 15” chain (optional)