Tanner the Triceratops – Free Dinosaur Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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Dinosaurs are so popular these days, and my son’s dino obsession is what inspired this adorable crochet triceratops design: Tanner the Triceratops! This free triceratops crochet pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike!

This beginner friendly crochet dinosaur amigurumi is about 10″ tall while sitting and 13″ tall while standing when worked up in a similar yarn and hook to what I’ve used here. Most of the pieces of this free triceratops crochet pattern are worked in the round and then the pieces are sewn together. Tanner the Triceratops also includes a bit of embroidery for the nails.

Tanner the Triceratops, a free triceratops crochet pattern, shown in the colors teal and gray

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 triceratops crochet pattern, you may be interested in my full collection of amigurumi crochet dinosaur patterns. You can find all of my dinosaur crochet patterns here.

Pin this crochet triceratops pattern for later.

Teal triceratops crochet dinosaur pattern

Add Tanner the Triceratops crochet pattern to your project queue and favorite this pattern on Ravelry here.

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

I used WeCrochet’s Brava Worsted yarn to make Tanner the Triceratops, but I’ve seen so many people make this free dinosaur crochet pattern in a variety of different yarns and he always turns out great!

Free Crochet Pattern for Tanner the Triceratops

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 8.5” tall (sitting) or 11.5” 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
Yarn Used:  WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (teal): 218 yds, color B (gray): 59 yds, color C (white): 4 yds
Other Materials:  poly-fil stuffing, 12mm safety eyes

Stitch Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
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, horns, and tail require stuffing. Stuff as you work it to ensure each 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 teal):

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)

R9-16: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)

R17: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R18: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R20: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R21: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R22: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R23: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R24: *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.

Using color A (shown as teal):

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. 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. 1 SC in each of the next 24 sts around. (60 sts)

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

R18-19: 1 SC in each st around. (60 sts)

R20: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (54 sts)

R21: * SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)

R22: 1 SC in each st around. (48 sts)

R23: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R24: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R25: 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: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R28: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R29: *SC2tog, 1 SC in the next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R30: *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.

Small Horn

Using color A (shown as teal):

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 around. (9 sts)

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

R5: 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. (12 sts)

R6: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Leave long tail for sewing. Fasten off.

Fill with stuffing.

Large Horns (make 2)

Using color A (shown as teal):

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 around. (9 sts)

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

R5: 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. (12 sts)

R6-9: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Leave long tail for sewing. Fasten off.

Fill with stuffing.

Frill Front

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

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 like this: (2SC, 1SC, 1SC, 1SC, 2SC), (2SC, 1SC, 1SC, 1SC, 2SC), (2SC, 1 SC, 1 SC, 1SC, 2 SC), and so on.

*** NOTE: The foundation single crochet stitch is preferred; however, you could alternatively replace R1 with: Ch 31, SC in second ch from hook and each ch to end. (30 sts), and then proceed as written with R2.

Using color B (shown as gray):

R1: 30 FSC***. (30 sts)

R2: 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)

R3: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (54 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (66 sts)

R5: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (78 sts)

R6: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 11 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (90 sts)

Fasten off.

Frill Back

Using color A (shown as teal):

R1: 30 FSC. (30 sts)

R2: 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)

R3: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (54 sts)

R4: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (66 sts)

R5: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (78 sts)

R6: Ch 1, turn. *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 11 sts, 2 SC in next st. Repeat from * across. (90 sts)

R7: 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.

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)

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 teal):

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)

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.

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)

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 teal):

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.

Tail

Using color A (shown as teal):

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

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R6-7: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

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

R9: 1 SC in each st around. (15 sts)

R10: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R11-12: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R13: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R14-15: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

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

Fill with stuffing.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach small horn over R6-9, on the top middle of snout. Attach large horns between R17-21 on the top of the head.

Attach frill around the head, directly behind the large horns, at approximately R22.

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 R14-19 of the bottom of the head.

Attach legs over R7-8 of body, with 4 sts showing between.

Embroider 3 nails on each leg, over R6-8, leaving about 2 sts between each nail.

Attach arms over R16-23 on each side of the body. At the top of the arms, leave approximately 12 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.

Embroider 3 nails on each arm, over R5-6, leaving about 2 sts between each nail.

Attach tail over R6-13, on the back of the body.

I hope you enjoyed this free triceratops crochet pattern!

close up of the head of Tanner the Triceratops, a free triceratops crochet pattern
Finished Tanner the Triceratops using this free triceratops crochet pattern. Tanner is shown in a sitting position, facing the camera, with a white background.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Tanner the Triceratops

Ravelry
Etsy
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Tips & Tricks

  • While sewing the pieces of this free triceratops crochet pattern, hold your pieces in place with pins so that they don’t move around.
  • If you are having trouble with the frill piece of this free triceratops crochet pattern, be sure to carefully review the notes section under the Frill Front heading.
  • Prevent your triceratops amigurumi from having a floppy head with extra stuffing. Check out this post on amigurumi head wobble.
  • These amigurumi tips and tricks are a great reference for more ways to improve your crochet triceratops!

Alterations

  • Make a strawberry triceratops crochet pattern using this free pattern modification for Strawberry Tanner the Triceratops!
  • To create a larger amigurumi dinosaur with this free triceratops crochet pattern, use a plush yarn and suitable hook size, then follow the pattern as written.
  • For a smaller triceratops amigurumi, check out the mini version of this free triceratops crochet pattern: Mini Tanner the Triceratops.

More Free Dinosaur Crochet Patterns

I hope you enjoyed this free triceratops crochet pattern! If you love dinosaurs and want to crochet more of them, be sure to check out my full collection of free dinosaur crochet patterns. You may especially enjoy my ankylosaurus crochet pattern, or my parasaurolophus crochet pattern!

Start your own menagerie! This pattern is also part of my collection of free animal crochet patterns.

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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PHOTOS MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN.

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285 Comments

  1. Hi nicole firstly lovi g the pattern but im so confused on the head, im on row R15 and getting 54st then on R16 im pnly getting 58st at the end! Please help im cant rack my brains!

    Reply

    1. So glad you’re enjoying it! It sounds like you’re only doing the repeat 4 times instead of a total of 6. I’d suggest using stitch markers to indicate the start and end for the repeat section to make sure that is correct before moving on to the remaining SCs. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  2. Hi thank you for the free pattern!

    Wondering if it was possible to use larger safety eyes, i have some larger ones from another project and was wondering if 12mm was the only size that would work

    Reply

    1. Of course, you can use any size that you like! 12mm is just what I use. You will be able to insert them and see how it looks before you put the back on to decide what you like.

      Reply

  3. This is my first attempt at following a pattern to do something like this. The pattern was easy to follow. Thanks for sharing and giving me the opportunity to make such a creature. My nephew will love it. Once again thanks for sharing.????

    Reply

  4. I am new to crochet and found your free pattern (thank you, by the way). I struggled a little but your detailed instructions and pictures really helped. Thanks again.

    Reply

  5. Hi, Nicole. This is a beautiful pattern. I’m struggling, still, with the frill. When you are connecting the two frills, I don’t understand which are the "four corners." You said below to "lay it out like a rectangle." Do you mean that the five frill points are essentially one edge, and you’re talking about the FSC edge, and then the two sides – those four intersections?

    Reply

  6. Hi, thank you so much for this pattern, but I do have a doubt about the frill, after the 30 FSC, we do 2SC, 1×3, and again 2SC and we repeat, right? Until the end, it says it´s supposed to be 42 by the end but I just get 38, what am I doing wrong?

    Reply

    1. Hi Lucy! Be sure that you are doing the entire repeat. 2SC, 1 SC x 3, 2SC, 2 SC, 1 SC x3, 2SC, 2SC, 1 SC x3, 2 SC. Let me know if you need anything else!

      Reply

  7. Slightly confused with attaching front frill to back it says 3sc in 4 corners but I have 5 corners
    In photo tutorials second from last pic has 4corners but last pic has 5??

    Reply

    1. Hi Helen, I think that you’re referring to the points of the frill. The corners are the 4 edges. Imagine laying the frill out into as close to a rectangle shape as it could be… those are the 4 corners. Hope thay helps!

      Reply

  8. I used this pattern to make a "My Triceratops Won’t Wash". I appreciate the detailed instructions on putting it together. Thanks!

    Reply

  10. I’m confused on sewing the front frill and back frill. If I add 3sc around the edges I get a square. It’s not looking right

    Reply

    1. Hi Bri, you are only doing 3 SC around each of the 4 corners of the frill, not around the entire piece. I hope that helps!

      Reply

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