Project introduction
This pattern overview looks at the Viking or Dwarven Beard by Melissa Campbell of Totally Stitching, a free Ravelry download in the Costume category. It is a photo tutorial and written pattern for the beard alone, so it suits anyone planning a Viking, dwarf, or fantasy costume piece.
Viking or Dwarven Beard
This is a pattern overview of the Viking or Dwarven Beard by Melissa Campbell, not a full tutorial. The listing is clear that the pattern covers the beard only, while the Viking Helmet shown in the photos comes from a separate pattern by Tara Murray. Together they make a complete costume, but this guide covers the beard alone.
The beard is built from a shaped base that includes button holes for wearing, with fuller strands attached to the base to give it a thick, natural drape. A December 2013 update revised the gauge, reduced the stitch count, and added a third button hole. A September 2014 note on the listing flags a Row 2 detail to be corrected, so check the original page for the latest version.
The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download in two formats, a photo tutorial and a written pattern. That free access applies to the download named on the listing; the source does not confirm pricing for any other format. For the full instructions and the newest corrections, open the Original designer’s pattern and instructions.
- Red Heart With Love Premium (Solids) by Red Heart, an Aran weight, 100% acrylic yarn; the listing gives a skein at 370 yards and 198 grams.
- No hook size, stitch markers, or yarn needle are named on the source listing, so confirm those details in the original pattern before you start.
On Ravelry the design shows 671 completed projects and 1,597 queues, with an overall rating of 4.6 from 190 votes and a clarity rating of 4.5 from 19 votes. The listing also reports an average difficulty score from 198 ratings, so many makers have worked through it and found it approachable.
Melissa Campbell permits selling finished items made from this pattern, though her photos may not be used. When the written instructions are not enough on their own, follow the original designer link above for the full tutorial and photos, and use this overview to decide whether the project fits your costume plans.
As a costume piece, the beard pairs naturally with the separate Viking Helmet by Tara Murray, but it also suits dwarf, Norse, and fantasy looks for Halloween, theater, or parties. Because the original listing is the factual authority for stitch details and updates, treat this overview as a starting point and check the designer page before you begin.
