Little T-Rex Dino Pattern
Here’s how to crochet a little Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Just like the long neck dinosaur, there’s no parts to sew on in this pattern. The little T-rex’s head and body are crocheted as one continuous piece. The tail is attached using a no-sew method while crocheting the body.
So instead of sewing, we’ll be connecting the pieces by crocheting through the tail and the body at the same time. This helps save time and can also create a stronger attachment.
I designed this little T-rex and the little long neck dinosaur as a set! So if you want to make your little dino a friend, check out my free long neck dinosaur pattern as well!
So let’s get into the pattern . . .
This pattern is designed to be crocheted in continuous rounds (or spirals) unless otherwise mentioned. You can also find an ad-free PDF version on my Patreon.
Please do not sell, copy, or duplicate (to distribute) this crochet pattern in any format without permission. However, you may absolutely sell, gift, or donate any plushies that you make with any of my patterns. I would greatly appreciate if you could give "The Mary Jay" pattern credit and link back to this pattern when possible.
Skills and Abbreviations (In U.S. terms)
MR = Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
SC = Single Crochet
INC = Increase
DEC = Decrease
4-DcBo = 4 double crochet bobble (a bobble made by crocheting 4 partial double crochets together in one stitch)
6-DcBo = 6 double crochet bobble (a bobble made by crocheting 6 partial double crochets together in one stitch)
FLO = Front Loop Only
FO = Fasten off
R= Round
Recommended Materials:
(Based on what I used to make the dinosaurs in the sample photos)
Super Bulky Weight Yarn (#6) in two colors
5 mm Crochet Hook
Two 16 mm Safety Eyes (Warning: Safety eyes can be choking hazards and are generally not recommended when crocheting plushies for young children/pets. You can replace the “safety eyes” with an alternative.)
Stuffing
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Stitch Markers (Optional)
Pins (Optional)
Common Questions (FAQ):
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You can find most of these items in a craft store, sometimes in places like Walmart, or on my Amazon Storefront. My Amazon Storefront contains my own personal favorites to use! It’s an affiliate link, which means I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use it to make a purchase. This is an additional way that helps support me and lets me continue to make free content for you.
For the dinosaur, I used bernat blanket, which I get from Yarnspirations.
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Yes! The above yarn sizes and hook size are recommendations based on what I used to make the plushie in the sample photo. Feel free to switch up the yarn or hook size based on what you have available or your preference.
If you are using a different yarn or hook size, don’t forget to make sure that the yarn and hook size work well together. For amigurumi, it’s often recommended to use a hook size that is 1-2mm smaller than the recommended hook size on the yarn label for tighter stitches and less holes in your project. However, different crocheters have their own preferences on hook size and you are welcome to follow your own preference.
Please note that the plushie(s)may vary in size with different yarn and hook sizes.
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Yes! Just like the yarn and hook size, the safety eyes listed are just what I used to make the plushie in the sample photo. Feel free to use a similar eye size or switch it up with felt, buttons, or even just embroider it with yarn.
Please note that safety eyes can be choking hazards and are not recommended for plushies made for young children or pets.
Tail:
R1: 4 SC in a MR (4)
R2: [SC, INC] x 2 (6)
R3: [2 SC, INC] x 2 (8)
R4: 8 SC (8)
FO leaving a tail. Add stuffing.
Hide the yarn tail inside or you can use it to help sew closed any gaps between the tail and the body later. We’ll be attaching the tail during R14 and 15 of the body.
Dinosaur Tail (Picture Reference)
Head/Body:
The head and body are crocheted as one continuous piece.
R1: 6 SC in a MR (6)
R2: [INC] x 6 (12)
R3: [SC, INC] x 6 (18)
R4: [2 SC, INC] x 6 (24)
R5-8: 24 SC (24) 4 Rounds
R9: 6 SC, 6 DEC, 6 SC (18)
R10: 3 SC, 6 DEC, 3 SC (12)
Attach the eyes between R6 and 7 around 12 stitches apart along the front. Add stuffing.
R11: [INC] x 12 (24)
In the next round, we’ll be making the arms with bobbles (4-DcBo) by making four partial double crochets into the same stitch and then finishing them together by pulling the yarn through all the loops on the hook.
Note: Sometimes stitches can shift differently for different crocheters, so don’t forget to check that the bobbles are centered to the head of your dinosaur and adjust their placements if needed.
R12: 9 SC, 4-DcBo, 4 SC, 4-DcBo, 9 SC (24)
R13: 24 SC (24)
R14: 23 SC,
We’ll now be attaching the tail to the base. When indicated, line up the last stitch of the tail to the next stitch of the body. Insert the hook from the inside to the outside of the tail and then through the base, and make 1 SC through both the tail and the base (24).
Attaching the tail (R14 reference)
R15: Continue connecting the next two stitches of the body to the next two stitches of the tail by making 2 SC through both the tail and the base. Note: Like the bobbles, check to make sure that the tail is centered to the back of your dinosaur and adjust the tail placement if necessary.
Continue working along the base and make 22 SC.
Crochet along the outside of the tail, ignoring the stitches that connected the tail to the base and make 5 SC.
Crochet along the outside of the tail only! We’re no longer crocheting in the stitches that connect the tail and the body.
Treat this as the new end of the round.
In the next round, we’ll now be making the legs with larger bobbles (6-DcBo) by making six partial double crochets into the same stitch and then finishing them together by pulling the yarn through all the loops on the hook.
R16: 8 SC, 6-DcBo, 4 SC, 6-DcBo, 13 SC (27) Note: The bobbles (6-DcBo) should be lined up with the bobbles (4-DcBo) in R12. Sometimes stitches can shift differently for different crocheters, so please feel free to adjust the placement of the bobbles if necessary to line them up with the earlier ones.
R17: [SC, DEC] x 9 (18).
Add stuffing and continue stuffing as you go.
R18: [DEC] x 9 (9)
Make 2 DEC.
FO leaving a tail for sewing. Finish stuffing.
Use the yarn tail to sew the plushie closed.
Detailing: (Optional)
Use a different yarn color to embroider belly stripes, starting between R12 and 13 in the space between the arms (4-DcBo).
To make the stripe thicker, loop the yarn around 2 to 3 times per stripe. Move one round down to embroider the next belly stripe and continue until you have four stripes total.
Ready for your next project? Find more free patterns here !
You can also find more patterns in my shop or on my Patreon!