Every Baby Needs a Dinosaur Best Friend
A crochet baby dinosaur amigurumi combines the prehistoric appeal of dinosaurs with the cuddly softness that babies love. Dinosaur-themed nurseries and baby gear are hugely popular right now, and a handmade crochet dinosaur toy adds a personal touch that store-bought versions simply cannot match. This friendly little dino with its rounded features and chubby body is designed to be irresistibly huggable.
This pattern creates a simple, baby-safe brontosaurus-style dinosaur with a long neck, round body, stubby legs, and small spikes along the back. All features are crocheted and securely sewn on with no small pieces that could come loose. The result is a toy that is as safe as it is adorable.
Love amigurumi? Check out our easy baby poncho pattern for another popular stuffed animal pattern.
Materials You Will Need
- 1 skein of worsted weight yarn in your chosen dinosaur color (approximately 150 yards) – green, blue, or purple work great
- Small amount of contrasting yarn for the belly and spikes (30 yards)
- Small amount of black yarn for embroidered eyes
- Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Safety First: Making Baby-Safe Amigurumi
As recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, toys for babies under 3 should not contain any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. For this pattern, always embroider the eyes rather than using safety eyes or buttons. Use a tight gauge so stuffing cannot poke through the stitches. Sew all pieces on with multiple passes of yarn and secure with knots hidden inside the body.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Body
With main color, make a magic ring.
Round 1: 6 sc into the ring. (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch. (12 sc)
Round 3: *sc, 2 sc in next stitch.* Repeat around. (18 sc)
Round 4: *2 sc, 2 sc in next stitch.* Repeat around. (24 sc)
Round 5: *3 sc, 2 sc in next stitch.* Repeat around. (30 sc)
Round 6: *4 sc, 2 sc in next stitch.* Repeat around. (36 sc)
Rounds 7-16: Sc in each stitch around. (36 sc) – 10 rounds of even stitches
Round 17: *4 sc, sc2tog.* Repeat around. (30 sc)
Round 18: *3 sc, sc2tog.* Repeat around. (24 sc)
Stuff body firmly.
Round 19: *2 sc, sc2tog.* Repeat around. (18 sc)
Round 20: *1 sc, sc2tog.* Repeat around. (12 sc)
Add more stuffing. Close the opening with 6 sc2tog. Fasten off.
Head
Round 1: 6 sc into a magic ring. (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch. (12 sc)
Round 3: *sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat. (18 sc)
Round 4: *2 sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat. (24 sc)
Rounds 5-10: Sc around. (24 sc)
Round 11: *2 sc, sc2tog.* Repeat. (18 sc)
Embroider eyes between Rounds 7 and 8, about 6 stitches apart. Add a small embroidered smile.
Round 12: *1 sc, sc2tog.* Repeat. (12 sc)
Stuff firmly. Close with sc2tog around. Leave long tail for sewing to body.
Neck
Chain 2, 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook. Work 8 rounds of 6 sc in continuous spirals. Stuff lightly. Leave tail for attaching.
Legs (Make 4)
Round 1: 6 sc into magic ring. (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch. (12 sc)
Rounds 3-6: Sc around. (12 sc)
Stuff lightly. Flatten opening and leave tail for sewing.
Tail
Round 1: 4 sc into magic ring. (4 sc)
Rounds 2-3: Sc around. (4 sc)
Round 4: *sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat. (6 sc)
Rounds 5-6: Sc around. (6 sc)
Round 7: *2 sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat. (8 sc)
Rounds 8-9: Sc around. (8 sc)
Stuff lightly. Leave tail for sewing.
Back Spikes (Make 5)
With contrast color, chain 2. 3 sc in 2nd chain from hook. Work 1 more round of 3 sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
Assembly
Sew the neck to the front top of the body. Attach the head to the top of the neck, angling it slightly upward. Sew the 4 legs evenly spaced on the bottom of the body. Attach the tail to the back center. Sew the 5 spikes in a line along the top of the body from head to tail. Weave in all ends securely inside the body.
Want to build a collection? Our start a baby crochet business would make a great companion.
Customization Ideas
Color Variations
Make your dinosaur in classic green, ocean blue, royal purple, or warm orange. Use a lighter shade for the belly by switching colors on Rounds 8-14 of the body for the front-facing stitches. Pastel colors create a softer nursery-friendly look.
Different Dinosaur Types
Modify this basic pattern to create different species. Add three horns and a frill for a triceratops, or back plates for a stegosaurus. The body and leg shapes remain the same, just change the head details and back decorations.
Looking for more gift ideas? Browse our crochet baby elephant amigurumi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the finished dinosaur?
Using worsted weight yarn and a 4.0 mm hook, the finished dinosaur stands approximately 7 inches tall and 9 inches long from nose to tail tip. This is a perfect cuddle size for babies and toddlers.
Can I use safety eyes for older children?
For children over 3 years old, 9mm or 12mm safety eyes are a great option. Insert them between Rounds 7 and 8 of the head, secured with the washer backing before stuffing. For babies under 3, always embroider the eyes for maximum safety.
How do I wash the dinosaur toy?
Surface spot cleaning is safest. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in lukewarm water with mild baby soap, squeeze gently without wringing, and reshape while damp. Air dry completely before giving back to baby, as damp stuffing can develop mold. Machine washing is possible in a mesh bag on gentle, but may affect the shape over time.
