purlJam

# Mini Dinosaur Keychain

A cute and simple beginner-friendly dinosaur keychain perfect for bags, backpacks, or keys! This little dino is worked in basic amigurumi style using only single crochet, increases, and decreases. Finished size is approximately 2.5-3 inches (6-7.5cm) long.

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (4) in main color (green, blue, or color of choice) - approximately 25 yards
- Small amount of contrasting color for belly/spikes (optional)
- Small amount of black or dark color for eyes (if embroidering)

**Other Supplies:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Keychain ring or lobster clasp (approximately 1" / 25mm)
- Optional: 6mm safety eyes (2)

## Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but your fabric should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through.

Approximate gauge: 5-6 sc per inch (2.5cm) in amigurumi style

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

## Notes
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral); do not join unless specified
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing
- Stuff each piece firmly as you go, before closing
- All pieces are worked in main color unless otherwise specified

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (Main Color)

The body is worked as a small oval shape.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
- Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
- Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓

**Rnds 4-6:** sc around (3 rounds) [18]

**Rnd 7:** (sc, dec) around [12]
- Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 ✓

Begin stuffing body firmly.

**Rnd 8:** dec around [6]
- Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly and close the hole with yarn needle.

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### HEAD (Main Color)

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
- Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
- Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 ✓

**Rnds 4-5:** sc around (2 rounds) [18]

If using safety eyes, insert them now between Rnds 4 and 5, approximately 4-5 sts apart.

**Rnd 6:** (sc, dec) around [12]
- Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 ✓

Begin stuffing head firmly.

**Rnd 7:** dec around [6]
- Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Finish stuffing and close the hole.

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### LEGS (Make 4 - Main Color)

**Rnd 1:** 5 sc in magic ring [5]

**Rnds 2-3:** sc around (2 rounds) [5]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (legs should be firm but not overstuffed).

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### TAIL (Main Color)

The tail is worked as a cone, tapering to a point.

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]
- Math check: 2 repeats × 3 sts = 6 ✓

**Rnds 3-4:** sc around (2 rounds) [6]

**Rnd 5:** (2 sc, inc) around [8]
- Math check: 2 repeats × 4 sts = 8 ✓

**Rnds 6-7:** sc around (2 rounds) [8]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff tail lightly, keeping the cone shape.

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### BACK SPIKES (Make 3-4 - Contrast Color Optional)

**Row 1:** Ch 2, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [2]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, dec over 2 sts [1]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Each spike creates a small triangle approximately 0.25" (6mm) tall.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Attach Head to Body:**
Position the head on the front of the body (the wider end of the oval). The head should sit slightly overlapping the body opening. Pin in place and sew securely with the yarn tail, working around the entire base of the head. Weave in ends.

**Step 2 - Attach Legs:**
Position the 4 legs on the underside of the body, placing them in two pairs - front legs toward the head end, back legs toward the tail end. Space each pair approximately 0.5" (1-1.5cm) apart. Sew each leg securely to the body using the yarn tails. Weave in ends.

**Step 3 - Attach Tail:**
Position the tail at the back of the body (opposite end from head), with the wider end of the tail cone against the body. Sew securely around the base. Weave in ends.

**Step 4 - Attach Spikes:**
Arrange 3-4 spikes along the back of the dinosaur, starting from the head and working toward the tail. Space them evenly (approximately 0.5" / 1cm apart). Sew each spike at its base to the body, ensuring the point stands up. You can angle them slightly for a more dynamic look. Weave in ends.

**Step 5 - Add Facial Features:**
If you haven't used safety eyes, embroider two small eyes using black yarn between Rnds 4 and 5 of the head, approximately 4-5 sts apart. Make simple French knots or small straight stitches. Optionally, embroider a small smile or mouth line using black yarn.

**Step 6 - Attach Keychain Hardware:**
Using a yarn needle, thread a strand of yarn through the top of the dinosaur's back (at the center, between the head and first spike). Thread the yarn through the keychain ring or lobster clasp. Tie securely with multiple knots. Weave the ends back through the body and trim excess. Alternatively, use a jump ring for a more professional finish.

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## FINISHING

Weave in any remaining ends. Check that all pieces are securely attached. Give your dinosaur a gentle squeeze to ensure even stuffing.

**Optional Variations:**
- Use different colors for belly: Before attaching the legs, embroider or sew a small oval of lighter-colored yarn on the underside of the body
- Add texture: Use surface slip stitch to create scale patterns on the body
- Different spike styles: Make longer spikes by adding more rows to the triangle pattern
- Add arms: Make two small cylinders (like the legs but slightly shorter) and attach to the sides of the body

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## Size & Care

**Finished Size:** Approximately 2.5-3 inches (6-7.5cm) long, 1.5 inches (4cm) tall

**Care Instructions:** Spot clean only. If made with acrylic yarn, can be gently hand washed and air dried. Remove keychain hardware before washing.

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**Pattern Notes:**
This mini dinosaur uses approximately 25-30 yards of worsted weight yarn total. The simplified design makes it perfect for beginners learning amigurumi techniques. The small size means you can complete this project in 1-2 hours once you're familiar with the techniques.

**Troubleshooting:**
- If your dinosaur is too floppy, work more tightly or use a smaller hook
- If stitches are too tight to work into, use a larger hook (US F-5 / 3.75mm)
- If stuffing shows through, work more tightly or use thicker yarn
- For a rounder head, add one more even round between Rnds 5 and 6

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*Pattern designed for easy, beginner-friendly construction. Perfect for gifts, bag charms, or craft fair items!*