purlJam

# "Dino Delight" Large Crochet Dinosaur Pattern

## Overview
Create a charming, large crochet dinosaur with this intermediate-level pattern. Designed using worsted weight yarn, this project will let you craft a delightful prehistoric friend that's perfect for gifts or as a cuddly addition to your home.

## Specifications
- **Finished Size**: Approximately 18 inches (45 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
- **Yarn Weight**: Worsted (Category 4)
- **Gauge**: 14 sc and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) using US size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook.

## Pattern Essentials

### Materials
- **Yarn**: Approximately 400 yards (365 meters) of worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  - **Main Color (MC)**: 300 yards in Green
  - **Accent Color (AC1)**: 50 yards in Yellow for spikes
  - **Accent Color (AC2)**: 50 yards in White for the belly
- **Hook**: US Size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- **Notions**:
  - Stitch markers or safety pins
  - Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  - Fiberfill stuffing
  - Two 15 mm safety eyes
  - Scissors

### Abbreviations (US Terminology)
- **ch**: chain
- **sc**: single crochet
- **st**: stitch
- **sl st**: slip stitch
- **inc**: increase (2 sc in the next st)
- **dec**: decrease (sc 2 together)
- **FO**: fasten off

### Notes
- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified.
- Use stitch marker or safety pin to mark the beginning of each round.
- Stuff parts firmly as you go.

## Instructions

### Head and Body

1. **With MC, create an adjustable ring.**

2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
3. Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
4. Round 3: *Sc in next st, inc in next st*, repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
5. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st*, repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
6. Continue to increase in this pattern, adding one more sc between each increase, until you have (48 sts).

7. **Rounds 9-16**: Sc in each st around. (8 rounds)

8. Start decreasing to shape the neck:
   - Round 17: *Sc in next 6 sts, dec in next st*, repeat from * to * around. (42 sts)
   - Round 18: Sc in each st around. (42 sts)
   - Round 19: *Sc in next 5 sts, dec in next st*, repeat from * to * around. (36 sts)
   - Round 20: Sc in each st around. (36 sts)

9. **Belly with AC2:**
   - Change to AC2, sc in each st around for 3 rounds to create a belly patch. Change back to MC after completing the belly patch.

10. Continue decreasing at similar intervals to pattern above for 8 more rounds to form the tail end, until you're left with just 6 sts. FO and weave in end.

### Legs (Make 4)

1. **With MC, create an adjustable ring.**

2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
3. Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
4. Rounds 3-6: Sc in each st around. (4 rounds)

5. Begin to decrease:
   - Round 7: *Sc in next st, dec in next st*, repeat. (8 sts)

6. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing, lightly stuff and sew to the body.

### Spikes (Make 5-6)

1. **With AC1, ch 2.**

2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Turn. (1 st)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, inc in st. Turn. (2 sts)
4. Row 3: Ch 1, sc across. Turn. (2 sts)
5. Row 4: Ch 1, inc in each st across. Turn. (4 sts)
6. Rows 5-6: Ch 1, sc across. (2 rows)
7. Row 7: Ch 1, *sc dec*, repeat across. FO.

Lightly sew spikes along the back of the dinosaur from head to tail.

### Assembly

1. Position the safety eyes between rows 7 and 8 of the head, approximately 6 stitches apart.

2. Sew the legs to the base of the body. Ensure even spacing for stability.

3. Attach spikes down the back, evenly spaced.

4. Weave in all ends securely.

Congratulations, you have completed your large crochet dinosaur!