Andy the Apatosaurus – Free Dinosaur Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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I have been wanting to design a long neck dinosaur crochet pattern for a while now! I enjoy designing dinosaurs that aren’t as well known as others, which is why I made this design an apatosaurus, rather than a brontosaurus crochet pattern free. But don’t worry, if you’re looking for a brontosaurus, these two long neck giants are nearly identical in my amigurumi style! This free dinosaur amigurumi pattern is a beginner-friendly with the cutest embroidered details.

A full-body view of Andy the Apatosaurus, a standing purple crocheted dinosaur with light purple accents on its feet, made with the brontosaurus crochet pattern free.

Andy the Apatosaurus is the newest addition to my crochet dinosaur patterns! While I have several designs to choose from, Andy is currently the largest of my dinosaur amigurumi patterns. I just love his chubby head and sturdy “long neck” silhouette.

If you’re looking for a smaller version of this dino toy, be sure to check out his mini Apatosaurus crochet pattern as well.

I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

Ravelry
Etsy

I would classify this long neck dinosaur crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

Pin this free long neck dinosaur crochet pattern for later.

You can also add Andy the Apatosaurus to your Ravelry favorites. This long neck dinosaur crochet pattern free is a hit with kids and makes a perfect handmade gift for anyone who loves prehistoric pals.

A sitting teal crocheted apatosaurus dinosaur with lime green accents on the feet and white embroidered nails.
A sitting purple crocheted amigurumi apatosaurus dinosaur with light purple accents and embroidered details.

Free Crochet Pattern for Andy the Apatosaurus

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 10” tall (sitting) or 13” tall (standing)
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight:  Medium (4), worsted weight yarn
Yarn Used:  WeCrochet / Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (purple): 210 yds, color B (lavender): 50 yds, color C (white): 4 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 12mm safety eyes

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

  • Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.

  • All pieces are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
  • Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
  • Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
  • Body, head, legs, arms, and tail require stuffing. Stuff as you work it to ensure the piece is completely filled.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Body

Using color A (shown as purple):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (54 sts)

R10-15: 1 SC in each st around. (54 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)

R17-18: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R20-21: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

R22: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R23-25: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R26: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R27-30: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R31: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R32-34: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R35: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R36: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Fill with stuffing.

The body of Andy the Apatosaurus crocheted in purple yarn and filled with stuffing, ready for assembly.

Head

Using color A (shown as purple):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6-10: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R11: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R12: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R13: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R14: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)

R15: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * an additional 5 times (6 repeats in total). 1 SC in each of the next 24 sts around. (54 sts)

R16: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 5 times (6 repeats in total). 1 SC in each of the next 24 sts around. (60 sts)

R17: 1 SC in each of the next 32 sts. Add a st marker to the last worked st. 1 SC in each of the next 28 sts. (60 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front of the face. The 28 sts between the two st markers sit flat and indicate the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R14 and R15, with 14 sts between. Embroider around eyes for additional detail, if desired. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

The front of the face of the apatosaurus crochet pattern, made in purple yarn, with a stitch marker on each side, to assist with eye placement.
The face of the apatosaurus crochet pattern after R17, made in purple yarn, with a stitch marker on each side, to assist with eye placement.
The face of the brontosaurus crochet pattern after the black safety eyes have been placed, to demonstrate the proper positioning of the eyes, after the competition of R17.

 

R18: 1 SC in each st around. (60 sts)

 R19: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts. Repeat from * around. (66 sts)

 R20: 1 SC in each st around. (66 sts)

 R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts. Repeat from * around. (60 sts)

 R22-23: 1 SC in each st around. (60 sts)

 R24: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (54 sts)

 R25: 1 SC in each st around. (54 sts)

 R26: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)

 R27: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)

 R28: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

 R29: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

 R30: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

 R31: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

 R32: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

 R33: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

 Fill with stuffing.

 R34: *SC2tog, 1 SC in the next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

 R35: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

 Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

The finished head of the Andy the Apatosaurus crochet pattern, made in purple yarn.
The finished head of the Andy the Apatosaurus crochet pattern, made in purple yarn, with an added detail of embroidered eyelids.

Legs (make 2)

Using color B (shown as lavender):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

Using color A (shown as purple):

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R9: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R10: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R11: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (20 sts)

R13-20: 1 SC in each st around. (20 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R21: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (9 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

leg piece, filled with stuffing, prior to the leg being closed
leg piece with hook inserted through both sides to crochet them together
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches, with hook through both sides of the next st
finished leg piece prior to fastening off
finished leg piece with long tail for sewing

Finished crochet legs for the brontosaurus crochet pattern made in purple yarn with the base a light purple accent color, awaiting assembly.

Arms (make 2)

Using color B (shown as lavender):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

Using color A (shown as purple):

R6-7: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R8: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R9: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)                                          

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R11-18: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R19: Fold the arm closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Finished crochet arms for the long neck dinosaur crochet pattern made in purple yarn with light purple accents, ready for assembly.

Tail

Using color A (shown as purple):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R10-11:1 SC in each st around. (15 sts)

R12: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R13-14: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R15: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (21 sts)

R16: 1 SC in each st around. (21 sts)

R17: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R18: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Fill with stuffing

Finished tail for Andy the Apatosaurus made in purple yarn and awaiting assembly.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Using color A (shown as purple), embroider 2 nostrils on head, over R3-5, leaving about 3 sts between the bottom of each nostril and 5 sts between the top of each nostril.

The crocheted head of the crochet brontosaurus after the nostrils have been embroidered on the front of the face.

Using color B (shown as lavender), embroider an eyebrow 2 sts above each eye, across 3 sts.

Attach head to body so that the nose is facing straight out; attaching body to approximately R18-23 of the bottom of the head.

Attach legs between R8-9 of body, with 6 sts showing between.

Using color C (shown as white), embroider 3 nails on each leg, over R5-7, leaving about 2 sts between each nail.

A close-up of the white embroidered nails on the leg of the crochet long neck dinosaur.

Attach arms over R22-28 on each side of the body, At the top of the arms, leave approximately 9 sts between each arm across the front of the body. At the bottom of the arms, leave approximately 18 sts between each arm across the front of the body.

Using color C (shown as white), embroider 3 nails on each arm, over R5-6, leaving about 2 sts between each nail.

A close-up view of the embroidered nail details on the arm of the crochet brontosaurus.

Attach tail over R9-16 on the back of the body.

Using color B (shown as lavender), beginning on R3 of the tail, embroider lines as shown on every other row until you reach the body, with each row getting larger as you work. Continue embroidering lines up the back, leaving 2 rows between each line, with each line getting smaller as you go up.

Using color B (shown as lavender), embroider a line on each leg on R12 over 4 sts, and a line on R14 over 5 sts. Using color B (shown as lavender), embroider a line on each arm on R10 over 3 sts, and a line on R12 over 4 sts.

A view of the back of the Andy the Apatosaurus crochet pattern detailing the various light purple embroidered stripes on the back, tail, arms, and legs.
A Pinterest pin image for the Andy the Apatosaurus brontosaurus crochet pattern free, featuring a collage of three images, along with a purple banner with the pattern name and the next "FREE CROCHET PATTERN", along with the url.
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Andy the Apatosaurus

Ravelry
Etsy
The purple long neck dinosaur crochet pattern free in a sitting position, a view from straight on, showing the light purple hands and feet, and white embroidered nails.

Amigurumi Tips for Making This Dinosaur

  • Use Pins for Assembly: Using pins to hold your pieces in place before you start sewing makes the assembly process much easier and ensures your dinosaur’s limbs are symmetrical.
  • Track Your Rounds: Since Andy is worked in a spiral, always use a stitch marker to keep track of your continuous rounds. This prevents counting errors in the larger body sections.
  • Avoid Stuffing Pull: When embroidering the stripe details on Andy, keep your yarn needle just below the surface of the crochet fabric. This expert trick prevents you from pulling up your stuffing through your stitches.

Looking for more help? Check out my full list of tips and tricks for amigurumi for more professional techniques!

Apatosaurus Pattern Variations

One of the best parts of this free dinosaur amigurumi pattern is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few ways you can make Andy your own:

  • Color Inspiration: While I love Andy in this purple combo, he looks equally adorable in other combs. This pattern is a great stash buster for using up your favorite contrasting yarn colors for the feet and back details.
  • Size Variations: If you want a larger project, use a plush yarn like Parfait Chunky and an appropriate hook size to suit your chosen plush yarn for a larger Andy.
  • Smaller Companion: Looking for a “baby” version to pair with Andy, or even just a smaller/faster project? Be sure to check out Mini Andy the Apatosaurus for this same amigurumi dinosaur, but in a smaller size.

More Free Dinosaur Crochet Patterns

If you enjoyed making Andy, you’ll love these other prehistoric pals:

First published May 2022.

I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.

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I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Nicole

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PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN. 
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6 Comments

  1. There seems to be a mistake on row 15 of the head? The instructions say to increase, then 3sc, 5 times, which adds up to 25 stitches; then crochet 24 stitches. But the row also says a total of 54 stitches and 25+24 is only 49. I can’t figure out if the missing 5 stitches are another increase & sc 3, or a part of the bottom for 31 sc.

    Reply

  2. I have completed the Andy the Apatosaurus and when I sewed him all together his head was top heavy. Is this normal or did I sew it on wrong?

    Reply

  3. Hello, I am working your Andy the Apatosaurus and I was wondering if I needed to turn inside out my work before I stuff him. This is my first big project and I am unsure cuz of the little lines it shows. but I’m not quite sure how I would put it together if I flipped it inside out. Plus mine looks a bit bigger than yours oh well ‍♀️ Thank you for the amazing pattern to follow! I loved this project so much!

    Reply

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