Roar-some Fun: Crochet Your Own Easy Dino Pal!

There's just something magical about amigurumi, isn't there? The way a simple string of yarn transforms into a cuddly character is pure joy. And when that character is a super cute, super easy-to-make dinosaur? Well, that's just a recipe for a perfect afternoon!

I recently whipped up this little green guy during a quiet Sunday, and I have to say, the simplicity of it made my heart sing. No complicated stitches, just pure, straightforward fun. It’s perfect for gifting, for a nursery, or just to bring a little prehistoric charm into your own space. Ready to make a new friend?

Why a Dino, You Ask?

Because dinosaurs are timeless! They spark imagination, they’re quirky, and let’s be honest, a friendly green dino is just irresistible. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, meaning if you know your basic single crochet, you're more than ready to tackle it. It's truly a quick win project, satisfying to see come to life so fast.

Gather Your Tools

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything ready. Half the battle is having your supplies within arm's reach, right? I always lay everything out on my favorite little side table with a cup of tea. It makes the whole process feel like a treat!

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran) green yarn (approx. 50g) and a small amount of off-white or cream for the belly. I used Scheepjes Cahlista in Emerald Green – lovely to work with!
• Hook: 3.0mm crochet hook (or size suitable for your yarn to achieve tight stitches)
• Eyes: 8mm safety eyes
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
• Needle: Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers: Essential for amigurumi!

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• FO: Fasten off
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• FLO: Front Loop Only

The Crochet Journey: Making Your Dino Pal

We’ll start with the head and body as one piece to minimize sewing – hurray for less sewing! Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your first stitch in each round.

Head & Body (Green Yarn)

R1: MR 6 sc (6)
R2: 6 inc (12)
R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
R6-R9: sc around (30) (4 rounds)
R10: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
R11: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Insert safety eyes between R8 and R9, about 6 stitches apart. Begin stuffing firmly.
R12: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
R13: sc around (12)
R14: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
R15: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
R16-R20: sc around (24) (5 rounds)
Continue stuffing as you go.
R21: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
R22: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
R23: 6 dec (6)
FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Belly Patch (Off-white/Cream Yarn)

Ch 6
R1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Working down other side of chain: 3 sc, 2 sc in last st. (12)
R2: inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc (18)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 4 - Green Yarn)

R1: MR 6 sc (6)
R2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
R3-R5: sc around (9) (3 rounds)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Tail (Green Yarn)

R1: MR 4 sc (4)
R2: (1 sc, inc) x 2 (6)
R3: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
R4: (3 sc, inc) x 2 (10)
R5-R7: sc around (10) (3 rounds)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Assembling Your Dino Pal

This is where your little stitches start coming together to form your new friend! Take your time, and enjoy seeing the shape emerge.

1. Attach the Belly: Using your yarn needle, sew the off-white belly patch onto the dino's main body, centered on the front, roughly from R16-R20. Stitch neatly to create a seamless look.
2. Attach the Legs: Position the legs symmetrically on the underside of the body. The front two legs should be around R15-R16 of the body, and the back two legs around R19-R20. Pin them in place before sewing to ensure even placement. Sew them firmly.
3. Attach the Tail: Sew the tail to the back of the dino's body, starting around R20-R21, ensuring it points upwards slightly.
4. Finishing Touches: Weave in all remaining loose ends securely. Give your dino a gentle squeeze to distribute the stuffing evenly and shape it as desired.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Dino

• Tight Stitches are Key: For amigurumi, you want your stitches tight enough so the stuffing doesn't show through. If your stitches are loose, try going down a hook size.
• Stuff as You Go: Don't wait until the very end to stuff. Stuff firmly and evenly as you crochet, especially for the head and body, to get a nice, smooth shape.
• Invisible Decrease: If you want a truly seamless look, learn the invisible decrease (insert hook into FLO of first st, then FLO of second st, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops).
• Use Stitch Markers Religiously: Seriously, this saves so much headache. Place it in the first stitch of every round.
• Read Through First: Before starting, quickly read through the entire pattern. It helps to get a feel for the flow and any special instructions.
• Pin Before Sewing: Especially for attaching limbs, pinning them in place first allows you to adjust and ensure they're perfectly symmetrical before committing with your needle.

I hope you have as much fun making this Green Dino Pal as I did! It’s such a rewarding project, and you’ll end up with an adorable companion. Don't forget to share your creations with us!

Happy crocheting!

Warmly,

Cristina Rohin