Mini Tanner the Triceratops – Free Dinosaur Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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Meet Mini Tanner the Triceratops, the free, beginner-friendly, smaller version of my original Tanner the Triceratops design. This small triceratops crochet pattern is designed to create a mini amigurumi that is about half the size of the original, and it works wonderfully with any yarn, especially cozy plush chenille yarns! Be sure to watch the full video tutorial if you need extra help!

Mini Tanner the Triceratops crochet pattern made with plush yarn (left) and worsted weight yarn (right) for size comparison.

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:

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If you like this free mini triceratops crochet pattern, be sure to check out all of my other crochet dinosaur patterns here.

Be sure to add this Mini Tanner the Triceratops crochet pattern to your project queue on Ravelry.

Pin this mini triceratops pattern on Pinterest.

Mini Tanner the Triceratops free crochet pattern made with worsted weight yarn.

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

Free Crochet Pattern for Mini Tanner the Triceratops

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 6” tall (sitting) or 8” 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 Used: WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (pink): 100 yds, color B (gray): 18 yds, color C (white): 4 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 9mm safety eyes

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.
  • All pieces, with the exception of the frill, 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 require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the frill.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) crochet hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as pink):

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)

R6-11: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R13-15: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

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

Fill with stuffing.

Finished crochet triceratops body filled with stuffing.

Using color A (shown as pink):

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)

R4-6: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (21 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (24 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (27 sts)

R10: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (30 sts)

R11: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. Add a st marker to the last worked st. **2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from ** an additional 2 times. (36 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front sides of the face. The first sequence of sts between the first and second st markers indicates the top of the head. The second sequence of sts between the second and first st markers indicates the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R8 and R9, with 7 sts between. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

Small crochet triceratops head showing where the eyes are to be placed.
Eye placement for small crochet triceratops.

R12-15: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R17: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

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

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R20: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill head with stuffing.

R21: *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.

Finished crochet triceratops head in a dark pink/red color.

Small Horn

Using color A (shown as pink):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

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

Large Horns (make 2)

Using color A (shown as pink):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

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

One small horn and two large horns for the crochet triceratops.

Frill Front

NOTE: When working the frill, be sure to complete the entire repeat. The repeat both starts and ends with 2SC. Therefore, when working the full sequence of stitches, followed by the same sequence of stitches, the row will look something like this: (2SC, 1SC, 2SC), (2SC, 1SC, 2SC), (2SC, 1SC, 2 SC), and so on.

*** NOTE: The foundation single crochet stitch is preferred; however, you could alternatively replace R1 with: Ch 19, SC in second ch from hook and each ch to end. (18 sts), and then proceed as written with R2.

Using color B (shown as gray):

R1: 18 FSC. (18 sts)

R2: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (30 sts)

R3: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (42 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Frill Back

Using color A (shown as pink):

R1: 18 FSC. (18 sts)

R2: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (30 sts)

R3: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (42 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn. Hold the Frill Front against the Frill Back. Working through each layer, SC around the entire Frill to beginning, working 1 SC in each st, and 3 SC when rounding each of the four corners. See tutorial photos.

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

Frill front and frill back pieces for the amigurumi triceratops.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 1.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 2.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 3.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 4.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 5.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 6.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 7.
Joining the frill front and frill back pieces, step 8.

Tail

Using color A (shown as pink):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R4: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R6-7: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R9: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R10: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

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

Fill with stuffing.

Finished crochet tail for the triceratops amigurumi.

Legs (make 2)

Using color B (shown as gray):

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)

Using color A (shown as pink):

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R8-9: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (16 sts)

R11-15: 1 SC in each st around. (16 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R16: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (7 sts)

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

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

Two finished crochet triceratops legs ready for attachment.

Arms (make 2)

Using color B (shown as gray):

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)

Using color A (shown as pink):

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R7-13: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R14: Fold the arm closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

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

Two finished crochet triceratops arms ready for attachment.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach small horn over R4-5, on the top middle of snout. Attach large horns between R12-14, on the top of the head.

Pinning the crochet triceratops small horn onto the head before sewing.
Placement of the sewn on small horn, view 1.
Placement of the sewn on small horn, view 2.
Pinning the crochet triceratops large horns onto the head before sewing.
Placement of the sewn on large horns, view 1.
Placement of the sewn on large horns, view 2.
Placement of the sewn on large horns, view 3.

Attach frill around the head, directly behind the large horns, at approximately R15.

Pinning the crochet triceratops frill onto the head before sewing.
Placement of the sewn on frill on the triceratops head, view 1.
Placement of the sewn on frill on the triceratops head, view 2.
Placement of the sewn on frill on the triceratops head, view 3.
Placement of the sewn on frill on the triceratops head, view 4.

Attach head to body so that the frill is upright, in line with the body, and the nose is facing straight out; attaching body to approximately R10-16 of the bottom of the head.

Pinning the crochet triceratops body to the head before sewing.
Body sewn in place to the head, view 1.
Body sewn in place to the head, view 2.
Body sewn in place to the head, view 3.

Attach legs over R5-6 of body, with each inside end of the legs touching in the middle. 

Pinning the crochet triceratops legs to the body before sewing.
Crochet triceratops legs sewn into place on the body, view 1.
Crochet triceratops legs sewn into place on the body, view 2.
Crochet triceratops legs sewn into place on the body, view 3.

Attach arms over R11-15 on each side of the body, in line with the back of each leg. At the top of the arms, leave approximately 8 sts between each arm across the front of the body. At the bottom of the arms, leave approximately 15 sts between each arm across the front of the body.

Pinning the amigurumi triceratops arms onto the body before sewing.
Crochet triceratops arms sewn into place, view 1.
Crochet triceratops arms sewn into place, view 2.
Crochet triceratops arms sewn into place, view 3.

Embroider 3 nails on each leg, over R4-6, leaving about 2 sts between each nail. 

White nails embroidered onto the leg of the amigurumi triceratops.

Embroider 3 nails on each arm, over R3-4, leaving about 2 sts between each nail.

White nails embroidered on the arm of the crochet triceratops.

Attach tail over R4-8, on the back of the body.

Tail sewn into place on the back of the crochet triceratops body, view 1.
Tail sewn into place on the back of the crochet triceratops body, view 2.

I hope you enjoyed this free Mini Tanner the Triceratops crochet pattern!

Hand holding a finished MinI Tanner the Triceratops made with this small triceratops crochet pattern in worsted weight yarn.

Video Tutorial for Mini Tanner the Triceratops

This video is also available on YouTube. Watch this video: Mini Tanner the Triceratops Amigurumi Crochet Tutorial on YouTube.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Mini Tanner the Triceratops

Ravelry
Etsy

Free mini triceratops crochet pattern. Easy beginner amigurumi tutorial for Mini Tanner the Triceratops made with worsted or plush yarn.
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Amigurumi Tips & Tricks for your Mini Triceratops

  • Use stitch markers to keep track of your continuous rounds when making this free mini triceratops crochet pattern.
  • Use pins to hold the pieces of your crochet triceratops when sewing to keep your pieces in their desired placement.
  • This list of amigurumi tips and tricks are great to follow for your crochet triceratops and all your other amigurumi projects.

Alterations for the Small Triceratops Crochet Pattern

Finished Mini Tanner the Triceratops free crochet pattern made with plush chenille yarn.
Finished Mini Tanner the Triceratops free crochet pattern made with worsted weight yarn.

More Free Dinosaur Crochet Patterns

I hope that you enjoyed this free mini crochet triceratops pattern! If you love dinosaurs as much as I do, and want to crochet more amigurumi dinosaurs, check out my full collection of dinosaur crochet patterns. You may especially enjoy some of my other mini dinosaur crochet patterns; here are a few of my favorites:

Want more animal inspiration? Find this pattern in my ultimate list of free crochet animal patterns!

First published April 2021.

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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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73 Comments

  1. Hi I ave a question about row 4 on the head. It says that we do 2 increases and 2 single crochets twice. That adds up to 8 stitches and covers 6 stitch spaces the you say to sc 9 witch adds up to 9 stitches 9 plus 6 equals 15 what do I do with the rest 3 stitches

    Reply

  3. I know it says refer to tutorial photos for the “corners” on the grill and doing 3sc in those but I’m not seeing it clearly in the photos. And it almost feels like 5 corners ? Just a little lost right there.

    Reply

    1. I see your other comment, so glad you worked it out!

      For anyone else reading this who might have the same issue – the corners are not the “points” on the frill, rather the corners of the frill if you were to lay it out in a rectangular shape. 🙂

      Reply

      1. This mini frill just isn’t making sense to me. I can never end with 30, I always end with 27 or 28. I have literally restarted this 25 times and cannot figure out where I am going wrong. How many times are we repeating each of these sequences? I cannot get past that first sequence and it’s driving me crazy

        Reply

        1. Hello,

          It sounds like you aren’t doing the entire repeat. It is (2, 1, 2), (2, 1, 2), and so on. So there is 2 and 2 right next to each other for every repeat. Also, if you are off by even one stitch for R1, it will not work out. R1 should have 18 FSC sts. If you are instead doing a ch + SC in it’s place, you will have to ch 19, then SC 18. Hope that helps!

          Reply

  7. Hi, in the head. I don’t get 36 stitches before I get to my marker. Am I doing something wrong or am I supposed to go past the stitch marker until I hit 36?

    Reply

  8. Hi! Going to get yarn for this mini triceratops…so cute! Please advise: is it preferable to use the worsted/acrylic yarn as you have here? I have seen some amigarumi patterns using cotton, and wonder if you have tried cotton or cotton blend? Would that work OK?

    Reply

    1. Hi! That is definitely just personal preference. I don’t care for the feel of cotton, but it would be equally durable for a toy. I also find the color selections for acrylic to be larger, and it tends to be softer. Either way would be fine! ????

      Reply

      1. Thanks so much for quick reply. Acrylic yarn just seems to be more prone to fray and look fuzzy. But the example in your post looks really neat and clean. Maybe it’s the brand.

        Reply

  9. I LOVE IT!!!! i made it for my baby cousin and a regular triceratops for her older brother! the LOVE triceratopses! I am so glad I found this!!! Thank you, Nicole!!!!!!

    Reply

  10. Hello Nicole! What do you mean by ‘attach’ each piece together? Do we sew each piece together?

    Reply

    1. Hello! I’m not sure which specific part you’re referring to, but in general, yes, attaching refers to sewing the pieces on. Hope that helps!

      Reply

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