purlJam

<pattern>

# Valentine Brontosaurus Crochet Pattern

**A beginner-friendly amigurumi dinosaur perfect for Valentine's Day!**

This adorable long-necked dinosaur is worked in simple pieces and assembled together. The basic shapes make it perfect for crochet beginners who want to create a sweet handmade gift. Add a little heart detail to make it Valentine-themed, or use any color for a classic dino!

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton yarn in:
- Main Color (MC): Pink, purple, lavender, or classic green (~100 yards)
- Contrast Color (CC): White, light pink, or cream for belly (optional, ~20 yards)
- Small amount of red or pink for heart detail

**Suggested yarns**: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn

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

**Other supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Two 9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidered eyes)
- Optional: 16-gauge floral wire (6" length) for neck support
- Optional: Small piece of felt for heart appliqué
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

5 stitches and 5 rounds = 1" in single crochet (worked in the round)

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size. Working tightly creates a firmer fabric with less stuffing show-through.*

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## FINISHED SIZE

Approximately 6-7" long (nose to tail) and 4" tall

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## NOTES

- Pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.
- Do not join rounds or turn unless instructed.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you work, especially the neck for stability.
- Numbers in brackets [ ] indicate total stitch count at end of round.
- **inv dec** (invisible decrease) creates smoothest finish: insert hook in front loops only of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease (invisible decrease - see Notes)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY

Using MC, make body from front to back.

**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 in each st around [24]
*8 rounds of even stitches*

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

**Rnd 14**: sc in each st around [18]

Begin stuffing body firmly.

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

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

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff completely. Use yarn needle to close 6-st hole.

### HEAD

Using MC, make head from nose back.

**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 in each st around [18]
*3 rounds of even stitches*

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 4 and 5, positioned about 6 sts apart. Secure backs.

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

Begin stuffing head firmly.

**Rnd 8**: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff completely. Use yarn needle to close 6-st hole.

### NECK

Using MC, make neck with gradual taper.

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

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

**Rnd 3**: (3 sc, inc) around [15]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats, 3 × 5 = 15 ✓*

**Rnds 4-8**: sc in each st around [15]
*5 rounds of even stitches*

**Rnd 9**: (3 sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 15 ÷ 5 = 3 repeats, 3 × 4 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 10-11**: sc in each st around [12]

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

**Rnds 13-14**: sc in each st around [9]

Do not fasten off yet. If using wire support, bend wire into U-shape and insert now. Stuff neck firmly around wire if using. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to body.

### LEGS (make 4)

Using MC, all legs are identical.

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

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

**Rnds 3-6**: sc in each st around [12]
*4 rounds of even stitches*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff legs firmly but leave top slightly soft for easier attachment.

### TAIL

Using MC, make tail with gradual taper.

**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 in each st around [6]

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [8]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats, 2 × 4 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc in each st around [8]

**Rnd 6**: (3 sc, inc) around [10]
*Math check: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 repeats, 2 × 5 = 10 ✓*

**Rnds 7-8**: sc in each st around [10]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff tail lightly (should be slightly flexible).

### OPTIONAL HEART DETAIL

**Option 1 - Felt Heart**: Cut small heart shape (approximately 1" wide) from red or pink felt. Set aside for assembly.

**Option 2 - Crocheted Heart**:

Using CC or red/pink yarn.

**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 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Do not stuff (keep flat). Shape into heart by pinching top into two lobes.

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## ASSEMBLY

Use yarn tails and whip stitch for all assembly. Pin pieces in place before sewing for best results.

**Step 1 - Attach Neck to Body**: 
Position the wider end of neck (12-st opening) onto the front-top of body. The neck should attach at approximately Rnd 4-6 of the body. Whip stitch securely around entire opening.

**Step 2 - Attach Head to Neck**: 
Position head onto narrow end of neck (9-st opening). The head should face slightly upward. Whip stitch securely, making sure eyes are facing forward.

**Step 3 - Attach Legs**: 
Position legs on underside of body, evenly spaced. Front legs should attach at approximately Rnds 4-6 of body, back legs at Rnds 10-12. Each pair should be about 1" apart. Sew each leg securely in circular motion around opening.

**Step 4 - Attach Tail**: 
Position wider end of tail (10-st opening) at back end of body (where you decreased). Whip stitch securely around entire opening. Tail should angle slightly downward.

**Step 5 - Add Heart Detail (optional)**: 
- If using felt heart: Sew or glue to side of body at approximately center.
- If using crocheted heart: Whip stitch flat heart to side of body.
- Alternative: Embroider small heart shape with contrast color yarn.

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## FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.

2. If you didn't add safety eyes, embroider eyes with black yarn using satin stitch or French knots.

3. Optional: Embroider small smile or nostrils using black or dark pink yarn.

4. Optional: Add small spots or hearts along back using surface crochet or embroidery.

5. Give your brontosaurus a gentle shape adjustment - curve the neck slightly, position legs for stability.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Reshape and lay flat to dry. If using safety eyes, do not give to children under 3 years old (choking hazard).

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Color Variations**:
- Classic dino: Green body with yellow/cream belly
- Valentine's: Pink, red, lavender, or purple
- Rainbow: Use color-changing yarn
- Pastel: Soft baby colors for nursery décor

**Size Adjustments**:
- **Smaller** (4-5"): Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook
- **Larger** (8-10"): Use bulky weight yarn with 5.5mm hook, add 1-2 additional rounds to each piece

**Embellishments**:
- Add tiny hearts along back with surface crochet
- Attach small bow at base of neck
- Embroider "BE MINE" or other message on side of body
- Add rosy cheeks with pink yarn or fabric blush

**Skill Variations**:
- Beginner: Omit wire support, use single color
- Intermediate: Add contrasting belly panel, create textured scales with surface slip stitch

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Neck won't stand up**: Stuff more firmly and/or add wire support. Make sure neck is sewn securely to body.

**Legs won't support toy**: Position legs wider apart on body. Stuff legs firmly. Make sure body is stuffed evenly.

**Holes showing stuffing**: Work more tightly, use smaller hook, or use invisible decreases instead of regular decreases.

**Head too heavy**: Stuff head slightly less firmly, or add extra stuffing to neck for support.

**Assembly unclear**: Lay all pieces out before sewing. Neck attaches at front-top of body, tail at back, legs on bottom evenly spaced.

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## PATTERN NOTES

This pattern uses approximately 100 yards of main color worsted weight yarn. Actual yardage may vary based on tension and stuffing amount.

Body dimensions: ~3.5" long, 3" wide
Neck: ~3" long
Head: ~1.5" diameter
Each leg: ~1.5" long
Tail: ~2" long
**Total assembled: 6-7" long (nose to tail), 4" tall**

Pattern is rated beginner-friendly as it uses only basic stitches (single crochet,