Mini Tori the Pterosaur – Free Dinosaur Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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Of course I had to add a mini version of my amigurumi pterodactyl to the dinosaur collection! Mini Tori the Pterosaur is a free mini pterodactyl crochet pattern that works up quickly and makes a fantastic gift for any dinosaur lover.

“Pterosaur” is the scientific classification for winged reptiles, including Pterodactyl, Pteranodon, Quetzalcoatlus, Dimorphodon, and more, so this little dinosaur friend can be whichever winged reptile you’d prefer!

Small orange crochet pterodactyl plushie sitting upright for the Mini Torit he Pterosaur amigurumi pattern.

Prefer a larger plushie? Check out the original, full-sized Tori the Pterosaur crochet pattern!

At A Glance: Crocheting Mini Tori

This amigurumi pterosaur pattern is primarily worked in continuous rounds, including the body, head, crest, legs, tail, and wing muscles. The wing webs are worked flat and later attached to the wing muscle. This cute dinosaur crochet pattern is beginner-friendly, but it does help to be familiar with some simple stitches.

  • Required Skills: Magic ring, single crochet (SC), SC decrease (SC2tog, invisible decrease recommended), chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st).
  • Yarn: This pattern can be made in any yarn weight. While Mini Tori is shown in a medium (4) worsted weight yarn, this pattern works up to be the perfect huggable size in plush chenille yarn.
  • Hook Size: Choose the hook size that suits your chosen yarn best. I used a 4.0mm (G) crochet hook when making Mini Tori.
  • Finished Size: Approximately 5″ tall when sitting or 7″ tall when standing (when made with a yarn that is similar to what is shown in this pattern).
  • Format & Tips: Written pattern with step-by-step photo tutorials. Also get pro tips on assembling and customizing your amigurumi!

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

Not ready to crochet yet but want to save it for later? Pin this pterodactyl crochet pattern on Pinterest to your favorite amigurumi board. Add this amigurumi pterodactyl crochet pattern to your favorites and save it to your Ravelry project queue.

Front view of Mini Tori the Pterosaur, a free crochet mini pterodactyl crochet pattern featuring an orange amigurumi dinosaur with spread wings.

Free Crochet Pattern for Mini Tori the Pterosaur

Pattern Specific

Measurements: Approximately 5” tall (sitting) or 7” 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 (yellow): 66 yds, color B (orange): 14 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)

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, except for the wing webs, 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, crest, legs, wing muscles, and tail require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) crochet hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as yellow):

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

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

R3: *2SC 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 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (28 sts)

R6-8: 1 SC in each st around. (28 sts)

R9: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R10-13: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R14: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R15: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

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

Fill with stuffing.

The finished body of this mini pterosaur crochet pattern made in a bright yellow/orange yarn. The body is filled with stuffing and is awaiting assembly.

Using color A (shown as yellow):

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

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R8: 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: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R11: *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)

R12: *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)

R13: *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)

R14: *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)

R15: 1 SC in each of the next 16 sts. Add a st marker to the last worked st. 1 SC in each of the next 14 sts. (30 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front of the face. The 14 sts between the two st markers sit flat and indicate the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R13 and R14, with 7 sts between. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

The head of the Mini Tori pattern after the completion of R15, prior to the safety eyes being added.
The head of Mini Tori the Pterosaur after the black safety eyes have been added between R13 and R14 to demonstrate the proper placement.

R16-17: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

Fill the beak part of the head with stuffing.

R18: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R19-20: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R22: *SC2tog, 1 SC in the next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R23: *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 completed crochet head in a bright orange/yellow yarn of the mini pterodactyl crochet pattern.

Crest

Using color A (shown as yellow):

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

R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R3: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

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

Fill with stuffing.

The finished crest piece of the mini pterodactyl amigurumi that is ready for assembly.

Legs (make 2)

Using color B (shown as orange):

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 yellow):

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

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

R7-11: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R12: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 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
*Note: These tutorial photos are only to demonstrate the technique of crocheting the piece closed; project size and colors shown may differ from the current pattern.

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

Two finished crochet legs for the small pterodactyl crochet pattern made in two shades of orange yarn. The crochet legs are filled with stuffing, closed, and awaiting assembly.

Wing Muscles (make 2)

Using color A (shown as yellow):

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

R2-3: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

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

Fill with stuffing.

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R8-13: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R14: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R15: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R16: Fold the piece 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 tail for sewing. Fasten off.

Two finished wing muscles for the winged dinosaur crochet pattern.

Wing Web – Right Side

Using color B (shown as orange):

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 next st, 1 SC in next st. (3 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 2 SC in next st. (4 sts)

R5: Ch 1, turn, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. (5 sts)

R6-9: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (5 sts)

R10: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 2 SC in next st. (6 sts)

R11: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (6 sts)

R12: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, 2 SC in next st. (7 sts)

R13-14: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (7 sts)

Do not fasten off. Do not chain.

R15: SC along the curved edge of the wing, around the flat edge of the wing, and sl st to the beginning of R14.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

The wing web for the right side of the crochet pterosaur prior to crocheting along the outside of the piece.
Crocheting along one side of the wing web for the right side.
Continuing the crochet edging along the wing web for the mini pterosaur crochet pattern.
Continuing the single crochet edging around the top of the wing web.
The wing web has been crocheted all the way around the piece, creating a smooth edge.

Wing Web – Left Side

Using color B (shown as orange):

R1-13: Same as Right Side.

Do not fasten off. Do not chain.

R14: SC along the flat edge of the wing, around the curved edge of the wing, and along R13. Sl st to the beginning st.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

The wing web for the left side of the amigurumi pterodactyl, prior to crocheting the edging.
Crocheting around the first edge for the crochet pterodactyl wing web.
Continuing the crochet edging around the edge of the left side wing web.
Continuing the crochet edging around the left wing web.
Crocheting around the final edge of the left wing web for the crochet winged dinosaur.
The left side wing web has been completed with a single crochet edging all the way around.

The two completed wing web pieces for the wings of the amigurumi pterodactyl.
The two wing webs shown just below their respective wing muscles, prior to them being joined together to finalize the wings.

Tail

Using color A (shown as yellow):

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)

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

Fill with stuffing.

The small yellow crochet tail for the small pterodactyl crochet pattern.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach the crest to the back middle of the head, over R19-22.

The crest of the small pterodactyl crochet pattern is pinned into place on the back of the head and is waiting sewing.
The crest of the small pterodactyl crochet pattern has been sewn into place, a top down view.
A view from the front of the pterosaurs face showing the crest sewn into place.
A side view of the crest of the pterosaur sewn into place.

Attach head to body so that the nose is facing straight out, attaching body to approximately R14-19 of the bottom of the head.

The body is pinned to the bottom of the pterosaur's crochet head and is awaiting sewing.
A side view of the crochet body of the pterodactyl pattern sewn into place on the bottom of the head.
A front angle view of the crochet pterodactyl pattern after the body and head have been sewn together.
A side, close-up view of the pterosaur crochet pattern with the body and head sewn in place together.

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

Inserting the yarn needle above the eye to start embroidering the eyebrows on this crochet pterodactyl.
Looping the yarn around to create the first eyebrow for the amigurumi pterodactyl.
The first eyebrow has been complete and the yarn tails remain.
The second eyebrow on the pterodactyl crochet head has been complete but the yarn tails remain.
One finished embroidered eyebrow after the ends have been weaved inside the piece.
The other finished embroidered eyebrow after the ends have been weaved in inside the piece.

Attach each wing web piece to the back of each wing muscle piece. See tutorial photos.

The wing webs have been pinned into place on the wing muscles and are awaiting sewing.
The left wing has been completed with the wing web and wing muscle sewn together.
The right wing has been completed with the wing web and wing muscle sewn together.
The two wings have been completed with the wing webs and wing muscles being completely attached.

Attach assembled wings by first sewing the wing muscle pieces to the body. Attach wing muscles over R11-15 on each side of the back of the body. At the top of the muscles, leave approximately 2 sts between each muscle across the top of the body. At the bottom of the muscles, leave approximately 4 sts between each muscle across the back of the body.

Using an extra strand of color B (shown as orange), secure wing web pieces to the back of the body, leaving approximately 5 sts between the bottom edges of each web.

A graphic illustrating the distance between each wing on the back of the small pterosaur crochet pattern.
The wings have been pinned into place on the back of the body of the crochet amigurumi pterosaur pattern.
The wing muscles have been sewn into place with the same color yarn that they are in, and the wing web sections remained pinned into place.
The full wing has been sewn into place on the back of the amigurumi pterodactyl.
A close up side view of the amigurumi pterodactyl after the wing has been fully sewn into place.

Attach legs between R4-5 of the body, with each inside of the legs touching in the middle.

The crochet legs of the amigurumi pterodactyl have been pinned into place on the bottom of the body.
The crochet legs of the pterosaur pattern have been sewn into place, and the dinosaur is shown in a sitting position.
A view of the crochet legs sewn into place and being straight down.
An underside view of the crochet legs of the pterosaur in a sitting position after the legs have been sewn into place.

Attach tail over R4-5 on the back of the body, between the wings.

The crochet tail for the pterosaur crochet pattern has been pinned into place and is awaiting sewing.
The tail of the amigurumi winged dinosaur has been sewn into place on the back of the body.
A close up view of the small amigurumi pterodactyl tail that has been sewn into place on the back of the body.

I hope you enjoyed making this free pterodactyl crochet pattern! If you loved making Mini Tori, be sure to check out the full-sized Tori the Pterosaur crochet pattern, or explore my full collection of free dinosaur crochet patterns to build an entire pre-historic plushie crew!

Pinterest pin graphic featuring a collage of three photos of Mini Tori the Pterosaur, a small orange amigurumi dinosaur plushie. The largest image shows a full view, a small lower photo shows a front view, and another lower photo shows a close-up detail of the wing. Center orange banner text reads: FREE CROCHET PATTERN Mini Tori the Pterosaur www.thenicolechase.com.
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Mini Tori the Pterosaur

Ravelry
Etsy

Close-up detail of the head, safety eye, and a stitched eyebrow on Mini Tori the Pterosaur, a free mini pterodactyl crochet pattern.

Tips & Tricks for Crocheting Your Pterodactyl

  • Use a stitch marker: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to easily keep track of your progress while working in continuous rounds.
  • Pin before sewing: Use pins to secure the head, beak, wings, etc. in place prior to sewing. This ensures symmetrical placement and prevents pieces from shifting.
  • Need extra help? Check out my ultimate guide of amigurumi tips and tricks for more techniques to make your plushies look professional and neat!

Pattern Alterations & Ideas

  • Make it Plush: Try using this mini pterodactyl crochet pattern with a chunky chenille yarn, like Parfait Chunky, and a larger hook (like a 5.0mm (H) crochet hook) to create a squishy, soft dinosaur! Check out my post on choosing the best hook size for amigurumi for more hook/yarn pairing suggestions.
  • Make a Pterodactyl Family: Pair this mini free pterosaur crochet pattern with the original Tori the Pterosaur to create a matching mama-and-baby dinosaur set!
Side-by-side comparison of the full-sized purple Tori the Pterosaur sitting next to the small orange Mini Tori, showing scale for both free pterodactyl crochet patterns.

More Free Dinosaur Crochet patterns

If you loved making Mini Tori, check out these other free mini dinosaur patterns to expand your prehistoric collection:

Looking for even more dinosaurs? Explore my complete collection of free dinosaur crochet patterns!

Want a non-dinosaur project? If you’re ready to jump into other animals, browse my huge library of free amigurumi animal crochet patterns for everything from woodland creatures to sea life!

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

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Follow along with me on Instagram for daily updates and a behind the scenes look at my designs.

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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4 Comments

  1. I was looking for a dinosaur crochet guide and found this – and I am so happy I did! My nephew went crazy when I gave him the Triceratops and now the Pterodactyl! He went ahead and asked for a T-Rex and Spinosaur…. is there any chance those are in the making?? I can’t wait to give him all the other dinos!

    Reply

    1. I’m so happy to hear that! I do not currently have a Spinosaurus. As for a T-Rex, my Tarbosaurus would be the best substitute. They are super similar dinos. In my style, if I were to design one specifically called a T-Rex, it would look nearly the same. Hope that helps! Happy crocheting!!

      Reply

  2. Hi Nicole, thank you so much for making this pattern available for free. It’s midnight and I can’t sleep so I’m about to start making a Mini Pterosaurus for a friend who recently saved my life. It’s just what I was looking for so thank you, from my heart.

    Reply

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