Crochet Dinosaur Triceratops: A Whimsical DIY Project

Introducing the Crochet Dinosaur Triceratops, a delightful and charming creation that will transport you back to the prehistoric era. This handmade masterpiece is meticulously crafted using the art of crochet, ensuring every detail is captured with precision and care. From its distinctive three horns to its sturdy legs and tail, this Triceratops is a true work of art that will captivate both children and adults alike.

Created with love and passion, this adorable creature brings the ancient past to life in a unique and whimsical way. Made from soft and durable yarn, it is perfect for cuddling and playtime adventures. Whether you're a dinosaur enthusiast or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, the Crochet Dinosaur Triceratops is sure to bring joy and wonder to anyone who lays eyes on it. Let your imagination run wild as you embark on a journey through time with this enchanting crochet creation.

Materials

Hooks

• 4.5 mm
• 7 mm (or hook to obtain gauge)

Yarn

• Color A (Head, body, and legs) #6 Super Bulky • Approx 75 yds
• Color B (Horns) #6 Super Bulky • Approx 3 yds
• Color C (Rose) #6 Super Bulky • Approx 2 yds

Notions

• Scissors
• Stitch marker
• Darning needle
• Poly-fil
• 10 mm safety eyes
• Hot glue to secure safety eyes
• Embroidery floss

Gauge

(4″ x 4″), 7 mm hook with color A
10 sts x 8 rows sc in ea st

Final Size

6″W x 12″L x 5″H

Yarn Used

• Head, body, and legs: Big Twist Plush color: Sage
• Horns: Bernat Blanket Yarn color: White
• Rose (optional): Premier Basix Chenille color: Blush

Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• hdc - half double crochet
• dc - double crochet
• st - stitch
• ea - each
• sp - space
• sk - skip stitch
• sl st - slip stitch
• mc - magic circle
• inc - 2 single crochet in same stitch
• hdc-inc - 2 half double crochet into stitch
• dec - single crochet 2 together
• hdc-dec - half double crochet 2 together
• sp - space

** repeat instructions inside asterisk

Special Stitches

sc2tog
** Insert hook, yarn over pull through, repeat in next st, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. **

Head

Using color A, 7 mm hook:
*Note* You will be working in the round.

Rnd 1: Make a MC and sc 6 into the ring. (6)

Rnd 2: Inc x6. (12)

Rnds 3-4: Sc in ea st (2 rnds) (12)

Rnd 5: Sc 4, inc x4, sc 4. (16)

Rnd 6: Sc in ea st. (16)

Rnd 7: Sc 4, *inc, sc,* x4, inc, sc 3. (21)

Rnds 8-9: Sc in ea st. (2 rnds) (21)

Rnd 10: *sc, dec,* x7. (14)

*Note* At this point you’ll weave in your tails, and add the eyes on rnd 5, 5 sts apart. I use hot glue on the backs for security. Stuff head with poly-fil.

Do NOT tie off, continue to the body.

Body

Using color A, 7 mm hook:

Rnd 1: Sc in ea st. (14)

Rnd 2: Inc x4, sc 10. (18)

Rnd 3: *Inc, sc,* x3, sc 12. (21)

Rnd 4: Sc 14, inc x5, sc 2. (26)

Rnds 5-9: Sc in ea st. (5 rnds) (26)

Rnd 10: Sc 2, dec x5, sc 14. (21)

Rnd 11: Sc in ea st. (21)

*Note* At this point, add stuffing to desired firmness.

Rnd 12: *dec, sc,* x7. (14)

Rnd 13: Sc in ea st. (14)

Rnd 14: *dec, sc,* x2, dec, *hdc, hdc-dec,* x2. (9)

Rnd 15: Sc 4, hdc 5. (9)

*Note* At this point, add stuffing to desired firmness.

Rnd 16: *dec, sc,* x2, hdc-dec, hdc. (6)

Rnds 17-18: Hdc, sc 3, hdc 2. (6)

Rnd 19: Dec x3. (3)

Rnd 20: Dec, sl st. (1)

Tie off and weave in ends.

Head Plate

Using color A, 7 mm hook:
You will crochet the plate onto the head on rnd 9, there should be 6 sts across the bottom of head that do NOT have the plate.

Row 1: Attach your hook to the 7th stitch across the bottom of the head, ch 2, dc-inc in first st (same st as the ch 2), then dc in next 13 sts, dc-inc in last st, you should end with only 6 sts apart from the bottom of the head. (17)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, (working into dc’s you just created) *sl st in first st, ch 1, dc in next st, ch 1, repeat from* to end of row, sl st in last st.

Tie off, and weave in tails.

White Tops

Using color B, 7 mm hook:
You will do the following on the top of each “peak”:

Row 1: Ch 1, sl st.

Tie off, and weave in tails.

Legs

Using color A, 7 mm hook:
You are going to make the legs and then attach them to the body.

Back Legs

Rnd 1: Make a MC and sc 8 into ring. (8)

*Note* At this point, weave in your MC tail.

Rnd 2: dec x4. (4)

Rnd 3: Sc in ea st. (4)

Rnd 4: *Sc, inc,* x2. (6)

Rnd 5: Sc in ea st. (6)

On right leg sc 3 after Rnd 5.

Tie off, leaving a long tail to sew leg onto body. STUFF the legs. The front of the back legs goes on Rnd 10, 6 sts apart across the bottom.

Front Legs

Repeat Rnds 1-4 of Back Legs. STUFF the legs. Do the same for Right Leg. The front part of the front leg goes on Rnd 4, 7 sts apart.

Back Horns

Using color A, 4.5 mm hook, make 2:
*Note* Leave a long tail on your magic circle as you will make a knot with that at the end of making the horn.

Rnd 1: Make a magic circle, sc 4 into magic circle. (4)

Rnd 2: Do NOT ch 1 as you will begin working in the round, sc-inc in first st, sc in last 3 sts. (5)

Rnds 3-4: Sc in ea st around (2 rnds). (5)

Rnd 5: *Inc, sc* x2, sc in last st. (7)

Rnd 6: Sc in each st around, sl st. (7)

Tie off, leaving long tail to sew onto Head.

Stuff the Horn with poly-fil (making sure to hold the long tail you left on your Magic circle) and once you have stuffed the horn pull the magic circle tail to form a little bit of a curved horn, then make several knots with the long tails. Then whip stitch onto head on Rnd 7 and 8, 4 sts apart.

Front Horn

Using color A, 4.5 mm hook, make 1:

Follow the first 2 rnds of the Back Horns.

Whip stitch the horn on the center of the head, rnd 2.

Toe Nails

Using 1 strand color B:
Cut 12″ strand of yarn and wrap around the center of the foot, going 1 rnd up, then wrap on each side of the center nail for a total of 3 nails.

Mouth

(Optional) Using 2 strands of embroidery floss:

Cut 2 (both strands on the darning needle), 12″ strand of embroidery floss, and create a mouth.