Sometimes we miss things that we shouldn’t really be able to miss. We weren’t there, but we sure wish we had been! Like when the Beatles were still touring, or the era of the 80s New Wave. But what about… the Cretaceous period? Don’t we all long for the era of the Tyrannosaurus Rex?
Scientists tell us that dinosaurs inhabited a version of the Earth utterly inhospitable to human beings. We probably wouldn’t even be able to breathe! That’s not to mention the big insects and giant crocodiles: so how are we supposed to hug them?! But what if there was a better way?
Crochet them, of course! Deftly designed, snuggly, and even a little scary: there’s something in here for everyone, beginner or expert. From bitesize Brachiosauruses, pretty pencil cases, and poseable predators with a realistic design, these are all the fun without the cheap spiky plastic!
If you were so preoccupied with whether or not you could, that you didn’t stop to think if you should, let me put you at ease: you can, and you should. These little guys are begging to be brought to life, and life… finds a way.
Looking for a ready-made plush? Check these out…
And here are some books and kits if you want to start right away
Dinosaurs To Crochet: Playful Patterns for Crafting Cuddly Prehistoric Wonders
Megan Kreiner
Dinosaurs, Mammoths and More Prehistoric Amigurumi: Unearth 14 Awesome Designs
Amigurumipatterns.net
PP OPOUNT Beginner Crochet Kit - 3 PCS Cute Dinosaurs, Complete Crochet Kit for Beginners, Starter Pack for Adults and Kids with Step-by-Step Instruction and Video Tutorials
PP OPOUNT
Here I present to you the 25 coolest crochet dinosaur patterns!
01
Tanner The Triceratops
He’s cute, friendly, and he can stand on his own two feet! Tanner comes in a lovely aquamarine blue, with some simple choice embroidery and a lovely face. This is a good pattern for a beginner, and he’s big enough to cuddle!
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
02
Baby Dinosaur Amigurumi
Shock! Surprise! Bitesize terror! This baby dinosaur does it all, and they are so unbelievably cute you are going to want to carry them around with you forever. The design is free, and the project is super straightforward. Just don’t let them bite!
Size: Small
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
03
No-Sew Brontosaurus
Don’t feel like stitching on any extra detail? Want a sleek design that speaks for itself? This Bronto plush is a great starter project for any up-and-coming crafter, and the result is so adorable!
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
04
Toby The Stegosaurus
Don’t be fooled by Toby’s burly disposition. He’s a gentle stegosaurus with a steady pace who can keep up with the best of them! Toby is an introvert that loves cuddling and sleeping. He’ll make a great gift for anybody looking for that perfect late-Jurassic pal.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
05
Crochet Chubby Dino Plushie
They’re stout, round, and stuffed with fluff! This chubby little buddy is adorned with some quaint spikes and a cute blush. They are an easy starter pattern and the design is effortlessly adorable.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
06
Easy Stegosaurus
Not confident in a bigger more complex design yet, but still really want a cuddle bud of your own? This stegosaurus is a step above a simpler sewn-together 2D design, but not so complicated you’ll get lost in the details. The instructions are really thorough.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
07
Sleeping Baby Dino
We all need a reminder to just chill out. Make yourself a soothing buddy to aid in your self-care in the form of this sleepy-snoozy baby dinosaur! This is easy to make, with clear step-by-step instructions.
Size: Small
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
08
Sumo The Triceratops
This toy is super expressive and looks like a character all of their own! Simple embroidered details really bring together this toy, and their design is kid-safe too. They’re bigger than they might seem at first, so they’ll make a great armful for snuggling!
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
09
Baby Raptor
This highly-designed baby raptor is both realistic and a little scary, but also pretty cute! Their design includes optional pipe-cleaners in their legs, arms, tail and head, so they can be used and posed as an action figure or just made as a soft plush instead.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Intermediate
Paid Pattern
10
Colorful Mini Dinos
One free pattern! Four mini dinos! I’m in love with these Jurassic jelly beans. They’re super colorful, and the design with their little tails, spikes and face is deceptively simple. Plus, four means you can part with one for an envious friend… if you really have to.
Size: Small
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
11
T-Rex Advanced Pattern
This T-Rex is nothing less than incredible. They’re a little scary too! For anybody interested in recreating a semi-realistic dinosaur without any sharp edges, this project offers tons of customizability and a fully-fledged inner skeleton so they can be put on display as well.
Size: Large
Difficulty: Advanced
Paid Pattern
12
Cute Baby Triceratops
A baby triceratops so charming, they could be the star of a Pixar film! This design features a lot of rounded edges and simple stitches to create a really lovable little guy. Definitely suitable for kids, and any adults with an appreciation for the adorable.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
13
Dino Set (4 in 1 Bundle)
It would have been pretty hard to get a T-Rex and a Triceratops to sit still and be good friends a few million years ago. Lucky for us, these little guys are a lot less likely to start fights! Cuddly and easy to create, this cute crew of mini dinos is perfect for any beginner.
Size: Small
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
14
Dinosaur Pencil Case
This pencil case pattern is so precious! It’s simple for anyone starting out, and completely free. The zipper runs along the spines of the dinosaur’s back, so that you can store your favorite pens (or crochet tools!) inside while this little buddy catches some Zs.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
15
Brian The Brachiosaurus
It’s Brian! He’s a brachiosaurus! And he can come with you anywhere you go. He’s got some sweet little spots on his behind, and he has a curious quizzical look to him. This is a really fantastic design, and deceptively simple, so it's great for beginners.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
16
Crochet Parasaurolophus
An eye-catching parasaurolophus (wow!). They’re a double-threat: built for snuggling and the catwalk! This project helps you create a parasaurolophus with a distinctly professional-made look. They balance on their cute round feet plus their tail, so they look ready to go at all times.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Intermediate
Paid Pattern
17
No-Sew Dino Pattern
A simple yet endearing pattern that lets you create a dinosaur in any color of your choice. These little creations have the look of a unicorn, with all the majesty of a dinosaur! Ideal for beginners, but fun for everyone.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
18
Rainbow Stegosaurus
Maybe you woke up today and said hey: “I need a stegosaurus, but I want more. I need a little Jurassic guy I can hold like a taco, but he must have that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’.” Well, whoever you are: your time has come. This is a handful-o’-rainbow Stegosaurus called Horace, and he wants to be your bud.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
19
Cuddly Dinosaur Comforter
This little dino is eye-catching and creative, with a comforting tactile design! The horns and spikes on its head and back don’t just look good, but feel good too! This toy is big enough that no cuddle is too big a challenge. The comforter-based middle means they’re great for snuggling, and customizable for neurodiverse folks looking for certain textures.
Size: Large
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
20
Kevin The Dino
Kevin is little, cuddlesome, and very optimistic. He doesn’t let anything get in the way of his good mood! This dinosaur amigurumi is a great start for beginners looking to dip their toes in, with easy instructions and a classic design.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
21
Dinosaur Plush Pattern
Some plush patterns aim to be firm and posed on a desk or shelf. That’s definitely cool, but not so cuddly. For the snuggle-inclined, this prehistoric plush comes with more mobility in his arms and legs. You could make it for a friend, a kid… or for yourself! Don’t let anything stand in your way.
Size: Large
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
22
Chubby Dinos
God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man crochets chubby dinos: then, we cuddle them. Look at those round tummies! These irresistibly cute matching dinos are perfect for a gift.
Size: Small
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
23
Timothy The T-Rex
Some dinosaurs are just more ferocious than others. It has been said that perhaps Timothy is a lesser threat in the dinosaur kingdom. But just because he’s small doesn’t mean he isn’t a force to be reckoned with! This 7-inch little predator-in-training will take you to task.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
24
Dotty Dinosaurs
A quaint collection of matching dinosaurs. This project even comes with some appropriate Cretaceous trees and foliage, so that your little guys won’t get hungry outside of their original time period. Pretty considerate.
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Paid Pattern
25
Brontosaurus Amigurumi
These lovable leaf-eaters might find it difficult to reach the top branch at this size, but they’re perfect for a pocket-sized project! Aside from being heart-twistingly cute, this free pattern is simple to follow and makes for great and customizable results. A great choice for beginners!
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Free Pattern
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About the author
Caitlin Baxendale
Hey there. I’m Caitlin, a married queer woman with an affinity for animals and everything sweet. I dabble in digital art and code, I write with a too-tight grip, and I don’t know when to quit. On an unrelated note, I’m hoping to adopt a pet for each of my fingers and toes.
“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut
