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Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern

Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern
4.6★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.7K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a small dinosaur amigurumi keychain and includes instructions for a plush larger version. You will crochet the tail, legs, body, head, spikes, tummy and eyes with full round-by-round directions. The pattern uses simple shaping, increases and decreases to form the distinct dino silhouette.

Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed assembly instructions and photos are provided to help you position eyes, spikes and tummy. A plush variant section explains yarn and hook changes for a bigger cuddly version.

Why You'll Love This Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a delightful little dinosaur with personality. I enjoy how quickly one can finish a tiny keychain that still looks carefully crafted. I also love that the pattern includes clear photos and assembly notes to make sewing pieces easy. It gives me joy to imagine these little dinos being gifted or carried around as tiny companions.

Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love to change colors to give each dino a unique personality; try pastel combinations for a nursery-friendly look or bright contrasting spikes for playful effect.

I sometimes swap the yarn weight and hook to make a whole family of sizes; use thicker yarn and a larger hook for a cuddly plush dino.

I often replace bead eyes with embroidered eyes for a baby-safe toy or use safety eyes for sturdiness if the toy is not for small children.

I like to embroider small smiles or freckles to add expression—this subtly changes the character without altering structure.

Try varying spike shapes by crocheting longer or shorter spike bases, or by making more or fewer spikes for a stylized back.

I sometimes add tiny accessories like a miniature scarf, bow, or felt crown to personalize a dino for gifting.

Consider using variegated or speckled yarn for the body to get a textured, multicolored effect without extra sewing.

I like to create sets with matching tummies and spikes in a contrasting color to make the details pop visually.

If you want a weighted dino, I add a small poly pellet pouch in the base before final stuffing to help it stand or hang nicely as a charm.

I also experiment with different fasteners—switch a keychain loop for a lobster clasp, ribbon cord, or phone charm attachment depending on how it will be used.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping placing a stitch marker at the start of the round can cause misalignment later; place a marker at the beginning of every round to keep your shaping accurate. ✗ Forgetting to stuff as you go can make the body misshapen and tense; fill small amounts gradually while you crochet to keep a smooth shape. ✗ Not fastening off or leaving a long tail for sewing eyes and spikes makes finishing fiddly; leave yarn tails where the pattern indicates for easy sewing. ✗ Crocheting too tightly when using the small hook yields a stiff toy that is difficult to shape; maintain consistent, slightly relaxed tension and match the recommended hook size. ✗ Ignoring the instruction to fold and mark the neck/head alignment can lead to asymmetry; follow the folding and marker placement directions to ensure correct head placement.

Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern

Make a tiny, adorable dinosaur keychain or plush with clear, step-by-step crochet instructions. This pattern gives exact round counts and assembly tips so you can create charming dinos with spikes, tummy details, and expressive eyes. Perfect for gifting or adding to your handmade collection, the pattern includes a small and a plush variant to suit your style.

Intermediate 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Dino's Family Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Fingering/2-ply yarn Alize Bella (50 g/180 m, 100% cotton) - main color for dinosaur body (small consumption of each color).
  • 02
    Additional fingering/2-ply yarn for spikes and tummy - small consumption of each color.
  • 03
    White fingering/2-ply yarn for eyes - small consumption.
  • 04
    Super Bulky/14 ply yarn (Himalaya Dolphin Baby or YarnArt Dolce) 100% micropolyester (100 g/120 m) for the plush dinosaur main color option.
  • 05
    Plush yarn consumption estimate: approximately 40 g main color, 15 g secondary color and a little white for details.
  • 06
    Eyes: 6 mm half beads for small keychain version and 14 mm half beads for plush version.

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 1.25 mm (for fingering/2-ply version)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm (for plush Super Bulky version)
  • 03
    6 mm half bead eyes (2 pieces)
  • 04
    14 mm half bead eyes (2 pieces)
  • 05
    Polyester stuffing / fiberfill
  • 06
    Transparent glue
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Tapestry/yarn needle for sewing
  • 09
    Stitch markers or pins
  • 10
    Keychain fastener (loop, cord, carabiner) for keychain option
  • 11
    Pins for assembly

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Tail :

Round 1 :

4 sc in MR (4)

Round 2 :

(inc, sc)*2 (6)

Round 3 :

6 sc (6)

Round 4 :

inc, 4 sc, inc (8)

Round 5 :

8 sc (8)

Round 6 :

inc, 6 sc, inc (10)

Round 7 :

10 sc (10)

Round 8 :

inc, 8 sc, inc (12)

Round 9 :

inc, 4 sc, inc, 5 sc, inc (15), sl st

Info :

Cut the yarn, fasten off. Add fiberfill. Photo 1.

— Head :

Round 1 :

ch8, from the second chain on the hook: inc, 5 sc, inc, on the other side of the chain: inc, 5 sc, inc (18) - photo 2

Round 2 :

(sc, inc, 5 sc, inc, sc)*2 (22) - photo 3

Round 3-5 :

3 rounds of 22 sc (22)

Info :

Further decreases should go from one side - this will be the bottom.

Round 6 :

dec, 20 sc (21)

Round 7 :

21 sc (21)

Round 8 :

dec, 19 sc (20)

Round 9 :

20 sc (20)

Round 10 :

dec, 18 sc (19)

Round 11 :

19 sc (19)

Round 12 :

dec, 17 sc (18)

Round 13-14 :

2 rounds of 18 sc (18), sl st

Info :

Cut the yarn, fasten off. Add fiberfill. Photo 4.

— Legs :

Info :

Make 2. Photo 1. Stuff if desired.

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2-3 :

2 rounds of 6 sc (6)

Info :

On the first leg make sl st. Fasten off and cut the yarn. Continue crocheting the body from the second leg, join the first leg and tail.

— Body :

Round 1 :

ch4, (from the next sc mark the new beginning of the round), on the first leg 3 sc, starting from any stitch (photo 2), on the tail, starting from sl st on it (photo 3): 7 sc, inc, 7 sc, on the first leg 3 sc, along the chain 4 sc, on the second leg 6 sc, on the other side of the chain 4 sc (36) - photo 4

Info :

Further, the increases should be centered on the back, and the decreases on the sides and from round 12 in the front in the center. If you have a strong shifting, move the marker of the beginning of the round. Stuff as you go.

Round 2 :

2 sc, dec, 14 sc, dec, 16 sc (34)

Round 3 :

2 sc, dec, 6 sc, inc, 5 sc, dec, 16 sc (33)

Round 4 :

dec*2, 5 sc, inc, 5 sc, dec*2, 14 sc (30)

Round 5 :

dec, 6 sc, inc, 5 sc, dec, 14 sc (29)

Round 6 :

dec, 5 sc, inc, 5 sc, dec*2, 10 sc, dec (26)

Round 7 :

dec, 5 sc, inc, 4 sc, dec*2, 8 sc, dec (23)

Round 8 :

dec, 4 sc, inc, 4 sc, dec, 10 sc (22)

Round 9 :

dec, 4 sc, inc, 3 sc, dec, 10 sc (21)

Round 10 :

dec, 3 sc, inc*2, 2 sc, dec*2, 6 sc, dec (19)

Round 11 :

dec, 3 sc, inc*2, 3 sc, dec, 7 sc (19) - photo 1

Round 12 :

dec, 4 sc, inc, 3 sc, dec, 3 sc, dec, 2 sc (17)

Round 13 :

5 sc, inc, 6 sc, dec*2, sc (16)

Round 14 :

6 sc, inc, 6 sc, dec, sc (16)

Round 15 :

7 sc, inc, 6 sc, dec (16)

Round 16 :

dec, 5 sc, inc*2, 5 sc, dec (16)

Round 17 :

16 sc (16)

Round 18 :

dec, 5 sc, inc*2, 5 sc, dec (16)

Round 19 :

dec, 6 sc, inc, 5 sc, dec (15)

Round 20 :

15 sc (15)

Round 21 :

dec, 5 sc, inc*2, 3 sc, short round - photo 2

Info :

Finish the round so that when you fold your neck in half, there are 3 sc left to the front fold, since we will crochet the head in front in the center (markers mark six central stitches in front - photos 3-4). We also fold the head in half and mark 3 stitches to the sides from the bottom fold (where the end of the round is) - photos 5-6.

— Head (continued) :

Round 22 :

6 sc with the head (starting from the stitch with the blue marker - photos 1-3), next mark the beginning of the round from the first dec - on the neck: dec, 6 sc, dec, on the head 12 sc (20) - photo 4

Round 23 :

dec, 2 sc, inc, sc, dec*2, 8 sc, dec (17)

Round 24 :

dec, 3 sc, dec, 10 sc (15)

Round 25 :

(3 sc, dec)*3 (12)

Round 26 :

dec*6 (6)

Info :

Tighten the hole through front loops. Fasten off, weave in the ends.

— Eyes :

Info :

Make 2 circles in white color. Photo 1.

Round 1 :

9 sc in MR (9), fasten off with sl st

Info :

Leave the yarn tail for sewing.

— Spikes :

Info :

Make 4 spikes of smaller size and 1 tail spike larger. Photo 2.

BIGGER SPIKES (1 pcs.) :

1r. 4 sc in MR (4)

Round 2 :

(inc, sc)*2 (6)

Round 3 :

(inc, 2 sc)*2 (8)

Round 4 :

(inc, 3 sc)*2 (10)

Round 5 :

(inc, 4 sc)*2 (12)

Round 6 :

(inc, 5 sc)*2 (14), sl st

Info :

Leave the yarn tail for sewing.

SMALLER SPIKES (4 pcs.) :

1r. 4 sc in MR (4)

Round 2 :

(inc, sc)*2 (6)

Round 3 :

(inc, 2 sc)*2 (8)

Round 4 :

(inc, 3 sc)*2 (10)

Round 5 :

(inc, 4 sc)*2 (12), sl st

Info :

Leave the yarn tail for sewing.

— Tummy :

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

((3 sc inc)*2, sc)*2 (14)

Round 3 :

(2 sc, inc*2, 3 sc)*2 (18), sl st

Info :

Leave the yarn tail for sewing. To make the end of the round less noticeable, bring the thread to the wrong side under the loops of the next stitch. Photos 3-4.

— Assembly :

Info :

Sew the eyes on the sides slightly shifting down - on the one side, I sewed after round 7, on the other side - after round 8 to maintain symmetry: before sewing, fix with pins and check from above and in front.

Info :

Insert the needle under both loops (photo 1), then grab the thread on the head (photo 2) and again under both loops of the same stitch in the opposite direction (photo 3), etc. sew in a circle. Glue the pupils in the center.

Info :

Sew the spikes through the front loops with "over the edge" stitches (photo 1). After round 4, sew the largest spike on the tail. Further along the back, after round 1, sew 3 spikes and the last one on the top of the head at the very edge.

Info :

Sew the tummy immediately above the front leg in the center in the same way as the eyes were sewn. Attach a keychain fastener (loop, carabiner, cord) between the upper spikes, and your little Dino is ready!

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the eyes on the sides slightly shifting down; I sewed one eye after round 7 and the other after round 8 to maintain symmetry, fixing with pins before sewing.
  • Insert the needle under both loops and sew the white eye circle in a circular motion, then glue the pupil bead in the center to finish the eye assembly.
  • Sew spikes through the front loops using "over the edge" stitches; attach the largest spike to the tail (after round 4), three spikes along the back and the final spike at the top edge of the head.
  • Sew the tummy piece immediately above the front leg in the center using the same method as the eyes; secure with hidden stitches and weave in tails.
  • Attach a keychain fastener (loop, carabiner, or cord) between the upper spikes at the back to convert the toy into a keychain.
  • Pin parts in place first to check positioning from above and in front, and stuff as you go to achieve the intended silhouette.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round and the central front stitches to keep shaping symmetrical.
  • 💡Stuff the toy gradually during construction to maintain even shape and avoid lumps or overstuffing.
  • 💡Leave yarn tails where indicated for sewing the eyes, spikes and tummy to make assembly easier and neater.
  • 💡Pin parts and check placement from above and in front before sewing to ensure correct alignment and symmetry.

This cute Dino's Family pattern includes both a tiny keychain version and a plush version for cuddles. Whether you crochet a small charm or a big plush friend, these dinos are full of personality and charm. Make one for yourself or gift a set to a friend — tiny handmade joy! 🧶🦕

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished small keychain dino measures approximately 10 cm (4") tall using the recommended fingering yarn and 1.25 mm hook; the plush version measures about 21 cm (8") with super bulky yarn and a 3.5 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can change yarn weight and hook size to alter the finished size; using super bulky yarn with a larger hook creates the plush variant, while lighter yarns yield smaller, more delicate versions.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes you are familiar with basic amigurumi techniques like magic ring, single crochet, increases and decreases, and sewing pieces together.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the small keychain dino in about 2-3 hours; the plush version will take longer depending on size and details, but the keychain is a quick, satisfying make.