Crochet Tiny-Rex Amigurumi For Your Dinosaur-Loving Kid

Who wouldn't adore having a tiny dinosaur buddy perched on their desk or hanging as a keychain? Meet the Crochet Tiny-Rex Amigurumi, a pocket-sized crochet project that makes for a perfect DIY gift or a charming addition to your collection.

This delightful pattern shapes up to be a miniature, plush version of a Tyrannosaurus rex, affectionately called “Tiny Rex.” What makes it even more appealing is its no-sew design, meaning you can create this little dino from start to finish with just your crochet hook no needle threading needed!

Making The Crochet Tiny-Rex Amigurumi

Project Level: Beginner-Friendly. The tutorial is comprehensive and suitable for those new to crocheting, especially with added visual aids and step-by-step instructions.

Yarn Requirements: A small amount of yarn is needed, making this an excellent project for using up yarn scraps. The amount can vary based on the chosen size (standard or keychain size).

Suggested Yarn: Velvet yarn, specifically "Baby Snuggle" by Hobby, is recommended for a plush finish. However, medium weight or acrylic yarn can also be used, especially for smaller versions.

Suggested Hook: 5 mm crochet hook is suggested for super bulky weight yarn; adjust hook size if using a different yarn weight to achieve the correct gauge and fabric density.

Abbreviations:

SC - Single Crochet
INC - Increase (two SCs in the same stitch)
DEC - Decrease (combining two stitches into one)
CH - Chain

Special Stitches:

Puff stitch - Used for adding texture, especially in the arms and legs of the Tiny Rex.
Invisible decrease - A method of decreasing that results in a less noticeable decrease area, improving the overall appearance of the amigurumi.

Gauge: Not specifically mentioned, but it's crucial to maintain a tight enough stitch to prevent the stuffing from showing through, common with amigurumi projects.

Materials:

Super bulky weight yarn (e.g., Baby Snuggle by Hobby)
5 mm crochet hook
Plastic safety eyes (kawaii eyes with sparkles recommended)
Scissors
Stuffing material
Yarn needle (for finishing)

Step by step Pattern

Round 1:

Chain 6.
Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
Single crochet in the next 3 stitches.
In the last chain, make 3 single crochets.
Working around the other side of the chain, single crochet in the next 3 chains.
Make 2 single crochets in the very last chain.

Round 2:

Attach a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
Increase in the first stitch.
Single crochet in the next 3 stitches.
Increase in each of the next 3 stitches.
Single crochet in the next 3 stitches.
Increase in each of the last 2 stitches.

Round 3:

Single crochet around for a total of 18 stitches.

Round 4:

Single crochet 6.
Perform 3 decreases.
Single crochet 6.

Round 5:

Single crochet 4.
Perform 3 decreases.
Single crochet 5.

Insert Safety Eyes:

Insert the plastic safety eyes between rounds 2 and 3, approximately 8 to 9 stitches apart.

Round 6:

Single crochet around for a total of 12 stitches.

Round 7:

Single crochet 3, then increase in the next stitch.
Repeat this pattern around.

Round 8:

Single crochet 4, then increase in the next stitch.
Repeat this pattern around.

Round 9:

Single crochet 2, then increase in the next stitch.
Repeat this pattern around.

Round 10:

Single crochet around.

Beginning of Tail - Round 11:

Identify the center of the dinosaur’s back.
Chain 5.
Starting from the second chain from your hook, make a single crochet in each chain back towards the body.
As you reach the body, decrease by joining the last chain stitch with the round, then continue with single crocheting and execution of 4 decreases spaced evenly.

Rounds 12 to 14:

Continue with similar pattern from Round 11, crocheting along the tail and the body, with a mix of single crochets and decreases to shape the tail and reduce the width of the body.

Round 15 (Final Round):

Skip a stitch and slip stitch in the next one around the round to close the body.
Finish off and weave in the ends.

Arms and Legs:

Count down to round 7 for arms and round 11 for legs.
Use puff stitches to create arms and legs:
- Small puff stitch for arms: Insert the hook, pull the yarn, yarn over and pull through twice, work through all loops on the hook, and secure.
- Large puff stitch for legs: Similar to arms but with an extra yarn over and pull through.