Free Crochet Triceratops Dinosaur Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Suggested Yarn:
  • Garnstudio DROPS Safran
  • Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4
• Yarn Measurements: One ball of each color is sufficient (exact quantity depends on color choice).
• Hook Size: 2.5 mm crochet hook
• Pattern Measurements: Finished size will vary depending on yarn and tension but typically matches small amigurumi sizing.

Additional Materials:

• Fiberfill / toy stuffing
• Stitch markers
• Embroidery needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations:

• ch – Chain
• sl st – Slip stitch
• sc – Single crochet
• hdc – Half double crochet
• inc – Increase (2 sc in 1 stitch)
• dec – Decrease (combine 2 stitches)

Stitching Instructions for Making the Crochet Triceratops Dinosaur Pattern:

Head

• Start with a magic ring:
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Tighten the ring to close. (6 stitches)
  • Round 2: Work inc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
  • Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around. (18 stitches)
  • Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat around. (24 stitches)
  • Round 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat around. (30 stitches)
  • Round 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat around. (36 stitches)
• Shape the head:
  • Work sc evenly in each stitch for 6-8 rounds (depending on how big the head needs to be). This gives the head its rounded shape.
• Decrease to close:
  • Begin decreasing gradually:
    • Round 7: (4 sc, dec) repeat around. (30 stitches)
    • Round 8: (3 sc, dec) repeat around. (24 stitches)
    • Round 9: (2 sc, dec) repeat around. (18 stitches)
  • Pause to stuff the head with fibrefill. Make sure it is firm but not overstuffed.
  • Round 10: (1 sc, dec) repeat around. (12 stitches)
  • Round 11: dec in each stitch around. (6 stitches)
• Finish:
  • Close the hole by weaving the tail of yarn through the remaining stitches using an embroidery needle. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing the head to the body.

Body

• Start with a magic ring:
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. (6 stitches)
  • Round 2: Work inc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
  • Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around. (18 stitches)
  • Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat around. (24 stitches)
  • Round 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat around. (30 stitches)
  • Round 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat around. (36 stitches)
• Shape the body:
  • Work sc evenly in each stitch for 10-12 rounds to form the cylindrical shape of the body. Adjust the length as needed for proportions.
• Decrease to close the body:
  • Round 7: (4 sc, dec) repeat around. (30 stitches)
  • Round 8: (3 sc, dec) repeat around. (24 stitches)
  • Round 9: (2 sc, dec) repeat around. (18 stitches)
  • Pause to stuff the body firmly with fibrefill.
  • Round 10: (1 sc, dec) repeat around. (12 stitches)
  • Round 11: dec in each stitch around. (6 stitches)
• Finish:
  • Weave through the final stitches with an embroidery needle and pull tight to close. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 4)

• Start with a magic ring:
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. (6 stitches)
  • Round 2: (1 sc, inc) repeat around. (9 stitches)
  • Round 3: Work sc evenly in each stitch for 6-8 rounds to create the leg length.
• Close the leg:
  • Flatten the top of the leg and work sl st across to seal it.
  • Leave a long tail for sewing the leg to the body.

Tail

• Start with a magic ring:
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. (6 stitches)
  • Round 2: (1 sc, inc) repeat around. (9 stitches)
  • Round 3: (2 sc, inc) repeat around. (12 stitches)
• Shape the tail:
  • Work sc evenly in each stitch for 8-10 rounds. Gradually taper the tail as follows:
    • Next Round: (2 sc, dec) repeat around. (9 stitches)
    • Final Round: (1 sc, dec) repeat around. (6 stitches)
• Finish:
  • Stuff the tail lightly with fibrefill and close off using the embroidery needle. Leave a tail for sewing to the body.

Frill and Horns

Frill

• Foundation chain: Work a ch of desired length to fit around the back of the head (usually 20-25 chains).
• Work the frill:
  • Start in the second chain from the hook.
  • Row 1: Work sc across the chain.
  • Row 2: (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 sc) into each stitch to create a wavy or ruffled look.
• Attach the frill: Sew the frill around the back of the head using the embroidery needle.

Horns (Make 3)

• Start with a magic ring:
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. (6 stitches)
  • Round 2-3: Work sc evenly for 2 rounds to create small horns.
• Finish: Stuff lightly if desired and close off. Leave tails for attaching to the head.

Assembly

• Attach the head to the body: osition the head on the body and use the embroidery needle to sew securely.
• Sew the legs: Position the 4 legs evenly at the bottom of the body and stitch them in place.
• Attach the tail: Sew the tail to the back of the body. Make sure it is centered and secure.
• Attach the frill and horns:
  • Position the frill at the back of the head and sew it in place.
  • Sew the horns on the top of the head, spacing them evenly (two larger horns in front and one smaller horn at the center).
• Finishing touches:
  • Add eyes using embroidery thread, safety eyes, or black yarn.
  • Weave in any loose ends with the embroidery needle and trim excess yarn with scissors.

Final Notes

• Stuffing: Ensure all parts are firmly stuffed to hold their shape.
• Seaming: Take your time sewing each part neatly for a clean finish.
• Enjoy your adorable Triceratops Dinosaur creation!

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