Baby Dino Hatchling Keychain

Miniature Amigurumi Crochet Pattern (Beginner)

Finished Size: Approx. 2¼" (5.5 cm) tall including eggshell
Yarn Weight: Worsted (4)
Skill Level: Beginner

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn:
  • Pastel yellow (MC) – 20 yd (18 m)
  • Cream (CC) – 15 yd (14 m)
  • Small amount of black embroidery floss or yarn (eyebrows)
  • Small amount of pink yarn or floss (blush)
• US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook
• 8 mm black safety eyes (1 pair)
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Metal keyring + jump ring (or lobster clasp)
• Optional: pink felt circles for blush if preferred over embroidery
• Scissors

Gauge

5 sc × 5 rnds = 1" (2.5 cm) in sc worked in the round.
Exact gauge is not critical but work tightly so stuffing does not show. Finished head diameter should be ≈1¼" (3 cm).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: 2 sc in same stitch
• dec: invisible decrease (sc2tog through front loops)
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• MR: magic ring
• FO: fasten off
• [ ]: total stitch count after round
• ( ): work instructions in parentheses as a set

Notes

• Work in continuous spirals unless stated. Do not join rounds; mark first st of each rnd with stitch marker.
• Use invisible decrease for smooth surface.
• Stuff firmly as you go—small pieces are hard to stuff later.
• Parenthetical math confirms counts: e.g., (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓).
• Eggshell is removable; dino sits inside but is not sewn to shell.
• Keyring attaches to a small loop on top of head.

Pattern Instructions

Head (MC – pastel yellow)

Make 1.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18] (6 inc → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓)
Rnds 4–7: sc around [18] (4 rnds)
Insert 8 mm safety eyes between Rnds 5 & 6, spaced 4 sts apart, centered on face.
Rnd 8: (sc, dec) around [12] (6 dec → 18 – 6 = 12 ✓)
Stuff head firmly.
Rnd 9: dec around [6] (6 dec → 12 – 6 = 6 ✓)
FO, leaving 8" tail. Thread tail through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Snout (CC – cream)

Make 1.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9] (3 inc → 6 + 3 = 9 ✓)
Rnd 3: sc around [9]
FO, leaving 10" tail for sewing. Lightly stuff. Sew to lower front of head (centered below eyes, covering Rnds 6–8). Embroider a tiny straight-stitch smile with black floss across snout if desired.

Body (MC – pastel yellow)

Make 1.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnds 3–5: sc around [12] (3 rnds)
Rnd 6: (sc, dec) around [8] (4 dec → 12 – 4 = 8 ✓)
Stuff firmly.
Rnd 7: (sc, dec) around [5] (approx; work 3 dec evenly)
FO, leaving 10" tail. Close hole. Sew body to underside of head so dino sits upright (head is oversized relative to body for kawaii proportions).

Belly Patch (CC – cream)

Make 1 (flat oval).

Ch 4.
Rnd 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch; pivot and work along opposite side of ch: sc in next ch, sc in last ch [8]
Rnd 2: inc, sc 2, inc 3, sc 2, inc [14] (6 inc → 8 + 6 = 14 ✓)
FO, leaving 10" tail. Sew flat to front of body.

Wings (MC – pastel yellow)

Make 2.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9] (3 inc → 6 + 3 = 9 ✓)
Rnd 3: sc around [9]
Flatten piece (do not stuff). FO, leaving 8" tail. Sew one wing to each side of body, slightly toward the back, curved edge upward.

Spikes (CC – cream)

Make 5 (small cones).

Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6] (2 inc → 4 + 2 = 6 ✓)
Rnd 3: sc around [6]
FO, leaving 6" tail. Lightly stuff tip only.
Sew spikes in a straight row: 2 on top of head (behind eyes), 3 continuing down the back (head-to-body join and along body spine). Space evenly ≈¼" apart.

Eggshell – Bottom Half (CC – cream)

Make 1.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] (6 inc → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓)
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18] (6 inc → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓)
Rnds 4–6: sc around [18] (3 rnds)
Rnd 7 (jagged edge): *(sc, hdc, dc) in next st, sl st in next st; rep from * 8 more times (9 points created).
FO and weave in end. Do not stuff.

Eggshell – Top Half / Cap (CC – cream) (optional removable piece)

Make 1 if you want a full “cracked” look that can rest on the dino’s head.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
Rnd 4: sc around [18]
Rnd 5 (jagged edge): same as Bottom Half Rnd 7.
FO and weave in end.
(The top cap is purely decorative and rests loosely; bottom half is the seat.)

Keyring Loop (MC)

Ch 6, sl st in first ch to form ring. FO, leaving 6" tails. Sew loop securely to exact top center of head (between the two head spikes). Attach metal keyring through the crocheted loop with a jump ring.

Face Finishing

• Eyebrows: With black floss, embroider two short angled stitches above each safety eye (outer ends higher for cute expression).
• Blush: With pink yarn/floss, make 2–3 tiny horizontal stitches or French knots on each cheek (below and slightly outward from eyes). Alternatively glue/sew small pink felt circles.

Assembly Order

1. Complete head (eyes in, snout sewn, face embroidered).
2. Complete body, sew belly patch, attach body to head.
3. Sew wings to body sides.
4. Sew spikes in a line down head and back.
5. Attach keyring loop and metal hardware.
6. Place dino inside bottom eggshell so it sits snugly; jagged edge frames the body. Rest optional top cap at a jaunty angle if desired.
7. Weave in all remaining ends.

Care

Surface wash only; air dry. Do not machine wash (safety eyes and keyring).

Enjoy your hatching baby dino keychain! Perfect as a bag charm or gift.