purlJam

<pattern>

# Stegosaurus Crochet Pattern

A beginner-friendly dinosaur plushie perfect for learning basic amigurumi techniques! This adorable stegosaurus features simple shapes worked in continuous rounds with easy assembly.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) tall

**Skill Level**: Beginner

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following amounts:
  - Main Color (MC - body): 100-120 yards (green, gray, or your choice)
  - Contrast Color (CC - plates/spikes): 30-40 yards (purple, orange, or coordinating color)
  - Small amount of black or dark yarn for eyes (if embroidering)

**Suggested Yarns**: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or any worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Other Materials**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Optional: 9mm safety eyes (2) - insert before stuffing
- Scissors
- Pins for assembly placement

---

## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for toys, but tight fabric is essential to prevent stuffing from showing.

**Target Gauge**: 5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds)

**Gauge Check**: Make a magic ring with 6 sc, work increases to 24 sts. Measure diameter - should be approximately 2 inches (5 cm). Fabric should be firm with no gaps.

*Note*: Go down a hook size if fabric is loose. Consistent tension is more important than exact gauge.

---

## 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, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

---

## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified; do not join or turn
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before decreasing
- Count stitches at the end of each round to stay on track
- For invisible decrease: insert hook under front loop only of next 2 sts, yo and pull through both loops, yo and pull through remaining 2 loops on hook

---

## BODY

The body is an elongated oval shape that forms the main dinosaur torso.

With MC:

**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: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnds 5-12**: sc around [24]
*8 rounds of even work for body length*

**Rnd 13**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: sc around [18]

**Rnd 15**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Stuff body firmly.**

**Rnd 16**: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole by weaving through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pulling tight.

---

## HEAD

The head is a rounded, slightly tapered shape.

With MC:

**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: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnds 4-6**: sc around [18]
*3 rounds for head height*

**If using safety eyes**: Insert between Rnds 4 and 5, spaced about 4-5 sts apart. Secure backs.

**Rnd 7**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 8**: sc around [12]

**Stuff head firmly.**

**Rnd 9**: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to body. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole.

---

## LEGS (Make 4)

Sturdy cylinder legs to support the body.

With MC:

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

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

**Rnds 3-7**: sc around [12]
*5 rounds for leg length*

**Stuff leg firmly** (firm stuffing helps legs support body weight).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching. Do not close the opening - the open end will attach to body.

---

## TAIL

A tapered cone that decreases to a point.

With MC:

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

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

**Rnds 3-5**: sc around [12]

**Rnd 6**: (2 sc, dec) around [9]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats, 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnd 7**: sc around [9]

**Rnd 8**: (sc, dec) around [6]
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats, 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

**Stuff tail lightly** (should be flexible, not stiff).

**Rnd 9**: dec around [3]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Close remaining hole by weaving through remaining sts and pulling tight.

---

## BACK PLATES (Make 7-8)

Small triangular-shaped plates that run along the dinosaur's spine.

With CC:

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

**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [6]
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats, 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc around [6]

**Rnd 4**: (sc, inc) around [9]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 repeats, 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc around [9]

**Rnd 6**: (sc, dec) around [6]
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats, 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 7**: dec around [3]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff very lightly (plates should be slightly puffy but mostly flat). Close hole.

**Variation**: For alternating plate sizes, make 4 plates as written above, and 3-4 smaller plates stopping after Rnd 5 (before final decreases).

---

## TAIL SPIKES (Make 4)

Tiny cone-shaped spikes for the end of the tail.

With CC:

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

**Rnd 2**: sc around [4]

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [6]
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats, 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: sc around [6]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed. Close opening.

---

## ASSEMBLY

Use pins to position pieces before sewing for best placement. Use whip stitch or mattress stitch to attach pieces securely.

**Step 1 - Attach Head**: 
Position head at the front (narrower end) of body. The head should sit slightly angled upward. Pin in place, then sew securely all around the opening using the long tail and yarn needle.

**Step 2 - Attach Legs**: 
Position 4 legs on the underside of body. Place front legs near the head end, back legs near the tail end, evenly spaced on each side. The body should sit balanced and level. Pin, then sew each leg opening flat against the body, stitching all around the opening for security.

**Step 3 - Attach Tail**: 
Position tail at the back (opposite head) of body, angled slightly downward. Pin and sew securely around the base.

**Step 4 - Attach Back Plates**: 
Arrange 7-8 plates along the spine (top centerline) of the stegosaurus, starting just behind the head and extending to just past mid-body. Plates should be positioned vertically (pointing upward) and can alternate in size for visual interest. Space them about 1-2 stitches apart. Pin all plates first to check placement, then sew the bottom of each plate to the body using the long tail. Sew along the base of each plate for about 3-4 stitches to secure.

**Step 5 - Attach Tail Spikes**: 
Attach 4 tail spikes to the end of the tail in two pairs - two spikes on each side of the tail tip, positioned like a thagomizer (the spiked weapon at the end of a stegosaurus tail). Sew securely at the base of each spike.

**Step 6 - Facial Features**: 
If you didn't use safety eyes, embroider eyes between Rnds 4 and 5 of the head using black yarn. You can make simple French knots or small circles (2-3 sts). Optional: Embroider a small smile or nostrils using backstitch.

---

## FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely
2. Check all attachments for security, reinforcing any loose areas
3. Shape the stegosaurus by gently adjusting legs, plates, and tail positioning
4. Optional: Lightly steam block (hover steamer over piece - do not touch with iron) if needed to smooth fabric

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations**:
- **Larger stegosaurus**: Use bulky weight yarn with H-8 (5mm) hook (creates 9-10 inch dinosaur)
- **Keychain size**: Use sport weight yarn with B-1 (2.25mm) hook and work fewer rounds in body

**Color Ideas**:
- Classic: Green body with purple/pink plates
- Realistic: Gray/brown body with tan/brown plates
- Rainbow: Use different colors for each back plate
- Pastel: Soft mint, lavender, and peach combination

**Details to Add**:
- Toenails: Use CC to embroider small stitches on feet
- Texture: Add surface slip stitch lines along body sides
- Spots: Sew or embroider small circles on body
- Dimensional eyes: Crochet small white circles, add black pupils, sew onto head

**Advanced Addition**:
- Bend wire: Insert craft wire in tail before stuffing for poseable tail

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
- Reshape and lay flat to dry
- Do not machine wash or dry (safety eyes may loosen)
- Supervise small children with toy (small parts may be choking hazard)

---

## YARN REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

**Main Color (body/head/legs/tail)**: 100-120 yards worsted weight
**Contrast Color (plates/spikes)**: 30-40 yards worsted weight
**Total project**: Approximately 140-160 yards

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Legs won't support body weight
- **Solution**: Stuff legs more firmly, especially at the base; ensure legs are attached securely to flat surface of body

**Problem**: Gaps showing stuffing
- **Solution**: Use a smaller hook size or tighten tension; work invisible decreases