Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Worsted weight yarn
- Yarn Measurements: 400 yards
- Hook Size: 5.0mm (H)
- Pattern Measurements: 10 x 12 inches
- Needle: Tapestry needle
Abbreviations:
- ch – Chain
- sc – Single Crochet
- dc – Double Crochet
- sl st – Slip Stitch
Special Stitches
- Cluster Stitch (cl): (Yarn over, pull through loops)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Free Dinosaur Crochet Pattern:
Head and Body
- Foundation:
- Ch 4, sl st into the first ch to form a ring.
- This forms the base to work the head in rounds.
- Round 1:
- Ch 1 (counts as turning chain).
- Work 6 sc into the center of the ring.
- Sl st into the first sc to join the round. (6 sc)
- Round 2:
- Ch 1.
- Work 2 sc into each st around. Join with sl st. (12 sc)
- Round 3:
- Ch 1.
- 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from to around.
- Join with sl st. (18 sc)
- Rounds 4-7:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (18 sc)
- Continue this round to build up the height of the head.
- Round 8:
- Ch 1.
- 1 sc in the next st, sc2tog; repeat from to around.
- Join with sl st. (12 sc)
- Begin slightly decreasing to shape the neck.
Body Expansion
- Round 9:
- Ch 1.
- Work 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 sc)
- This increases the body’s width.
- Rounds 10-14:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 sc)
- These rounds build the main structure of the body.
- Stuffing the Head and Body:
- After Round 14, start stuffing the head and body firmly with fiberfill.
Tail
- Foundation:
- Ch 8 (this will form the length of the tail).
- Row 1:
- Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc in each st across. Turn. (7 sc)
- Row 2:
- Ch 1.
- Sc2tog in the first two sts, sc in the next sts, sc2tog in the last two sts. Turn. (5 sc)
- Row 3:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in each st across. Turn. (5 sc)
- Row 4:
- Ch 1.
- Sc2tog twice, sc in last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. (3 sc)
- Assembly Note:
- Lightly stuff the tail before sewing it securely to the back of the body.
Legs (Make 4)
- Foundation:
- Ch 6. Join with sl st to form a small circle.
- Round 1:
- Ch 1.
- Starting in the first ch, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (6 sc)
- Rounds 2-4:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (6 sc)
- Finishing:
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Lightly stuff the legs before attaching them to the bottom of the body.
Arms (Make 2)
- Foundation:
- Ch 4. Join with sl st to form a small ring.
- Round 1:
- Ch 1.
- Work 1 sc in each st around. Join. (3 sc)
- Rounds 2-3:
- Ch 1.
- Sc in each st around. Join. (3 sc)
- Finishing:
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Do not stuff the arms; keep them flat for a flexible look.
Spikes (Make 5-6)
- Foundation:
- Ch 3.
- Row 1:
- In the 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc, 1 dc, and 1 sc all into the same st.
- This creates a small triangular spike.
- Finishing:
- Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
- Make 5-6 spikes and sew them evenly along the back and tail.
Assembly
- Attach the Legs:
- Using the tapestry needle, sew the 4 legs evenly onto the bottom of the body. Ensure they are secure for balance.
- Attach the Arms:
- Sew the arms slightly above where the legs are placed on the sides of the body.
- Attach the Tail:
- Position the tail at the back of the body. Sew it securely, blending with the body stitches.
- Attach the Spikes:
- Arrange the spikes along the back, starting from the head down to the tip of the tail. Sew each spike securely.
- Stuff the Body Fully:
- Add more stuffing through the head and body openings before closing.
Finishing Touches
- Eyes:
- Attach safety eyes or embroider eyes with black yarn using a tapestry needle.
- Mouth (Optional):
- Use black yarn to embroider a smile or expression.
- Details:
- Add textured details using surface sc or decorative stitches to create “scales” for a realistic dinosaur look.
Enjoy your adorable, handmade dinosaur!
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