Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Worsted weight or sport weight yarn.
- Yarn Measurements: 200 to 500 yards.
- Hook Size: G-6 (4.0mm) to I-9 (5.5mm) is common.
- Needle: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, 16-18 gauge.
Abbreviations:
- CH = Chain
- SC = Single crochet
- DC = Double crochet
- HDC = Half double crochet
- ST = Stitch
- SL ST = Slip stitch
- INC = Increase
- DEC = Decrease
Special Stitches:
- Foundation Chain: A base chain to start your project.
- Magic Circle: A method of starting a round to avoid a hole in the center.
- Front Loop Only (FLO): Only crochet into the front loop of the stitch.
- Back Loop Only (BLO): Only crochet into the back loop of the stitch.
Stitching Instructions for Making the Triceratops Pattern:
Head:
- Start with a Magic Circle and work 6 SC into the circle. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
- Round 1: Work INC in each ST around. (12 sts)
- Round 2: (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 3: (SC in next 2 STS, INC in next ST) repeat around. (24 sts)
- Rounds 4-6: SC in each ST around. Maintain stitch count. (24 sts)
- Round 7: (SC in next 2 STS, DEC over next 2 STS) repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 8: (SC in next ST, DEC over next 2 STS) repeat around. (12 sts)
- Round 9: Work DEC over every 2 STS around. (6 sts)
- Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff the head with fiberfill lightly and sew the opening closed with the tapestry needle.
Horns (Make 2):
- Start with a Magic Circle and work 5 SC into the circle. Pull tight to close. (5 sts)
- Round 1: Work INC in each ST around. (10 sts)
- Rounds 2-3: SC in each ST around. Maintain stitch count. (10 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff each horn and set aside.
Body:
- Start with a Magic Circle and work 6 SC into the circle. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
- Round 1: Work INC in each ST around. (12 sts)
- Round 2: (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 3: (SC in next 2 STS, INC in next ST) repeat around. (24 sts)
- Rounds 4-7: SC in each ST around. Maintain stitch count. (24 sts)
- Round 8: (SC in next 2 STS, DEC over next 2 STS) repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 9: (SC in next ST, DEC over next 2 STS) repeat around. (12 sts)
- Round 10: Work DEC over every 2 STS around. (6 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the body and sew the opening closed with the tapestry needle.
Legs (Make 4):
- Start with a Magic Circle and work 6 SC into the circle. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
- Round 1: Work INC in each ST around. (12 sts)
- Rounds 2-3: SC in each ST around. Maintain stitch count. (12 sts)
- Round 4: (SC in next ST, DEC over next 2 STS) repeat around. (8 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Lightly stuff each leg and set aside.
Tail:
- Start with a Magic Circle and work 6 SC into the circle. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
- Round 1: Work INC in each ST around. (12 sts)
- Rounds 2-4: SC in each ST around. Maintain stitch count. (12 sts)
- Round 5: (SC in next ST, DEC over next 2 STS) repeat around. (8 sts)
- Round 6: DEC in each ST around. (4 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Lightly stuff the tail.
Frill (Optional):
- Foundation CH of 30 (or desired width for the frill).
- Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from the hook and across. Turn.
- Row 2: (SC in next ST, INC in next ST) repeat across. Turn.
- Row 3: FLO (SC, HDC, DC, HDC, SC) in each ST to form a frill pattern.
- Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Assembly Instructions:
- Sew the head to the body using the tapestry needle.
- Attach the horns to the top of the head. Position them slightly tilted outward for a realistic look.
- Sew the legs evenly spaced on the underside of the body.
- Attach the tail to the back of the body.
- Sew the frill around the base of the head, allowing it to drape over the body slightly.
- Weave in all loose ends securely.
Optional Details:
- Add eyes with safety eyes, embroidery, or black yarn.
- Use BLO or FLO in specific areas to add texture to the body.
- For additional details, embroider spots or stripes onto the body using contrasting yarn colors.
Enjoy your crocheted Triceratops!
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