Christmas Tree Cake Dinosaur – Free Crochet Pattern and Modification

Use this Christmas tree cake crochet pattern and modification instructions to make a holiday themed Mini Tanner the Triceratops! Use the finished Christmas tree cake dinosaur as a holiday decoration, or gift it to your favorite Little Debbie fan. The Christmas tree cake crochet pattern also can stand alone as a cute ornament, or make several to add to a garland.

Below you will find all of the information needed to alter the original Mini Tanner the Triceratops crochet pattern to your very own Christmas tree cake version! You will also find the Christmas tree cake crochet pattern which doubles as both an accessory for Mini Tanner, or add a string to hang it on your tree!

If you love dinosaurs and want to make even more, be sure to check out my full list of free amigurumi dinosaur crochet patterns!

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

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Free Crochet Pattern for Christmas Tree Cake Dinosaur

Stitch Abbreviations

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

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.
• Most 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, tail, and horns, and Christmas tree cake require stuffing. Stuff as you work it to ensure each piece is completely filled.
• See tutorial photos.

Please review the above sections for required materials for the Christmas tree cake dinosaur, as they differ from the original pattern.

Mini Tanner the Triceratops Crochet Pattern

Using 5.0mm (H) crochet hook:

Using the original Mini Tanner the Triceratops pattern, follow all pieces as written with the below indicated color changes. Substitute recommended size safety eyes to 12mm safety eyes.

For body, head, horns, tail, legs, and arms, change color A to white and color B to red.

For frill front, change color B to white.

For frill back, change color A to white for R1-3. On R4, change to red.

Assemble the triceratops crochet pattern as written.

Do not embroider nails.

Using green, embroider sprinkles all over the triceratops (head, horns, frill, body, arms, legs, and tail), approximately 2 sts wide.

Christmas Tree Cake Crochet Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) crochet hook:

Tree Front

Using color A (shown as white):

R1: Ch 2, 1 SC in second ch from hook. (1 st)

R2: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st. (2 sts)

R3: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in each st across. (4 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 2 SC in next st. (6 sts)

R5: Ch 1, turn, sl st in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, leaving last st unworked. (4 sts)

R6: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 2 SC in next st. (6 sts)

R7: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in next st. (8 sts)

R8: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts, 2 SC in next st. (10 sts)

R9: Ch 1, turn, sl st in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts, leaving last 2 sts unworked. (6 sts)

R10: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in next st. (8 sts)

R11: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts, 2 SC in next st. (10 sts)

R12: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts, 2 SC in next st. (12 sts)

R13: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (12 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Using color B (shown as red):

Beginning at the top of the tree and winding down to the bottom, surface slip stitch. See tutorial photos.

Tree Back

Repeat R1-13 of Tree Front.

R14: Ch 1, turn, place the Tree Front and Tree Back together and beginning at the bottom edge of the tree and working through both pieces, SC around, adding stuffing before fully joining the trees. Join with a sl st to beginning.

Cut yarn, fasten off. Weave in ends.

Finishing

Using color C (shown as green):

Embroider small sprinkles across the Tree Front, each about 1 stitch wide.

Assembly

If desired, attach Christmas tree cake so that Mini Tanner the Triceratops is holding it.

Tips & Tricks

• Use the seamless color change when changing from red to white on this dinosaur Christmas tree cake crochet pattern.
• When making this themed dinosaur Christmas tree cake crochet pattern, use a stitch marker when working in continuous rounds.
• Hold your pieces in place with pins to keep them from moving while sewing.

Alterations

• Use this Christmas tree cake crochet pattern on its own to create an ornament.
• Make several Christmas tree cakes and attach to a garland for a cute holiday decoration.
• Use this Christmas tree cake crochet pattern with my tiny Santa hat to create a hanging holiday car charm.

More Free Christmas Crochet Patterns

If you’re looking for more Christmas crochet patterns to make for the holidays, be sure to check out my free reindeer crochet pattern or snowman ornament!

More Free Dinosaur Crochet Patterns

If you’re looking for more dinosaurs, be sure to check out my full list of free dinosaur crochet patterns. For more themed dinosaurs, be sure to check out strawberry Tanner and the candy corn dinosaurs.

I hope you enjoyed this festive Christmas tree cake crochet pattern!