Adorable Plush Triceratops Crochet: 5 Easy Steps

Did you just pull your hook through a stitch and realize you accidentally crocheted two stitches together instead of one? It happens to the best of us, and for a moment, panic sets in. But with this plush triceratops pattern, that “mistake” might just be the secret to getting the perfect shape. Because this project uses plush yarn and a specific technique for tight stitches, minor tension adjustments or simple slip-ups often blend right into the texture, making this pattern incredibly forgiving for beginners who worry about perfection.

Maker Notes

One of the most charming aspects of this triceratops is its “Mix & Make” design. While the head remains consistent, the body can be swapped to create different characters, like the Big Footed Snuggler. The plush yarn—specifically size 6 weight blanket yarns—makes this project work up surprisingly fast compared to traditional cotton or acrylic amigurumi. The movable limbs add a dynamic element, allowing the triceratops to sit or stand in various poses. I recommend using Premier Basix Chenille or Bernat Blanket yarns for that signature squishy texture, but always prioritize tight stitches to prevent stuffing from showing through.

Project Overview

This free plush triceratops crochet pattern creates an adorable, cuddly stuffy that stands approximately 10 inches tall when sitting. It features a defined body with movable arms and legs, a textured frill, and three horns. The pattern is designed to be approachable, utilizing standard amigurumi techniques with a focus on tight tension for a professional finish.

Materials

• Yarn:
  • 180g Premier Basix Chenille in Main Color (or similar size 6 weight blanket yarn like Bernat Blanket or Bernat Baby Blanket)
  • 30g Premier Basix Chenille in Accent Color
  • Small amount of black worsted yarn
• Notions:
  • 15mm safety eyes
  • 4.5mm crochet hook (or 5mm if using Bernat Blanket yarn)
  • Stitch marker
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stuffing

Gauge and Finished Size

There is no specific gauge required, but it is crucial to maintain tight stitches to prevent stuffing from showing through. The finished triceratops stands approximately 10 inches tall when sitting.

Abbreviations

• SC: Single Crochet
• INC: Increase (2 SC in the same stitch)
• INV DEC: Invisible Decrease (insert hook under both front loops of adjacent stitches, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through both loops on hook, yarn over, draw through remaining two loops)
• HDC: Half Double Crochet
• DC: Double Crochet
• Chain: Chain

Pattern Notes

• Yarn Choice: While many yarns are classified as the same weight, they can work up differently. Suitable yarns include regular Bernat Blanket, Premier Basix Chenille, or Cozy Cub from Michaels. If using Bernat Blanket, a 5mm hook is recommended; for Premier Basix Chenille, use a 4.5mm hook.
• Hook Size: Use a hook size that keeps stitches tight but comfortable. Tight stitches are essential for plush amigurumi.
• Eyes: You can use safety eyes or embroidered eyes (recommended for baby/toddler safety).
• Stuffing: Stuff the body and limbs firmly as you go. For limbs, the author typically only stuffs the bottom half.

Pattern Instructions

Head

Using Main Color:

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6. (6)
• Round 2: SC INC in each around. (12)
• Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (18)
• Round 4: SC in the first 2, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Rounds 5-7: SC in each around. (24) *3 rounds*
• Round 8: SC INC in the next 6 stitches. SC in the remaining 18. (30)
• Round 9: *SC in the first, SC INC in the next.* Repeat for a total of 6 times. SC in the remaining 18. (36)
• Rounds 10-12: SC in each around. (36) *3 rounds*
• Round 13: SC in the first 4, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (30)
• Insert safety eyes between rounds 8 and 9, about 6 stitches apart. Center them using the increases.
• Start stuffing.
• Round 14: SC in the first 3, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 15: SC in the first 2, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (18)
• Round 16: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (12)
• Round 17: INV DEC in each around. (6)
• Sew the remaining hole closed.

Head Frill

• Row 1: Chain 26 and turn. In the 3rd chain from the hook, HDC. HDC in each all the way back. (24)
• Row 2: Chain 1 and turn. HDC in the first, INC in the next. Repeat until the end. Change to accent color on the last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. (36)
• Row 3: (Each comma separates a stitch. The “chain 2” creates the arch of each spike.) *SC, DC, chain 2, DC, SC.* Repeat * * for a total of 9 spikes.

Attaching the Frill

Fasten off and weave in the accent ends. Cut the yarn of the main color so you can use it to attach the frill to the head. Attach the frill on the line between rounds 10 and 11, two rounds behind the eyes. Center the middle spike (spike 5) between the eyes. The frill will cover about 3/4 of the head. On the underside, there should be about 8-9 stitches between each end of the frill. Don’t attach it straight up—it should lie on a slant. The frill will angle away from the nose. As you sew, make sure that you pull tightly—enough that the frill looks more “welded on” but not enough to pucker the head.

Worsted Weight Yarn Horn (make 3)

Using a 4mm hook and black worsted yarn:

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6. (6)
• Round 2: SC in each around. (6)
• Round 3: SC in first, SC INC in next. Repeat around. (9)
• Round 4: SC in each around. (9)
• Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on.

Assembly: Attach one horn on round 3-4 of the head, centered between the eyes. Attach the other two around rounds 9-10, lining them up just outside of each eye.

Stuffy Body

Using Main Color:

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
• Round 2: SC INC in each around. (16)
• Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 4: SC in the first 2, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
• Rounds 5-8: SC in each around. (32) *4 rounds*
• Round 9: SC in the first 2, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Rounds 10-13: SC in each around. (24) *4 rounds*
• Start stuffing here. Stuff as you go.
• Round 14: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
• Round 15: SC in each around. (16)
• Round 16: INV DEC in each around. (8)
• Round 17: In the front loop only, SC INC in each around. (16)
• Round 18: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail to attach the head with.

Arms (make 2)

Using Accent Color:

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6. (6)
• Round 2: SC INC in each around. (12)
• Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (18)
• Change to Main Color.
• Round 4: SC in the first two, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 5: SC in each around. (24)
• Round 6: SC in the first two, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (18)
• Begin to stuff here, and then continue to stuff as you go. I usually only stuff the bottom half.
• Round 7: SC in the next 6. INV DEC 6x (12)
• Round 8: SC in the next 6. INV DEC 3x (9)
• Rounds 9-16: SC in each around. (9)
• Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach. Flatten the top and whipstitch across to sew the remaining hole closed.

Assembly: Attach using your favorite method around rounds 13-14 of the body.

Legs (make 2)

Using Accent Color:

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8. (8)
• Round 2: SC INC in each around. (16)
• Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Change to Main Color.
• Round 4: SC in the first two, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
• Round 5: SC in each around. (32)
• Round 6: SC in the first two, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 7: SC in the first 8, then INV DEC 8x. (16)
• Round 8: SC in the first 8, then INV DEC 4x. (12)
• Begin to stuff here, and then continue to stuff as you go. I usually only stuff the bottom half.
• Rounds 9-18: SC in each around. (12) *10 rounds*
• Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach. Flatten the top and whipstitch across to sew the remaining hole closed.

Assembly: Attach using your favorite way to attach plush limbs around round 4-5 of the body.

Tail

Using Main Color:

• Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 6. (6)
• Round 2: SC in each around. (6)
• Round 3: SC INC in each around. (12)
• Round 4: SC in each around. (12)
• Round 5: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (18)
• Round 6: SC in each around. (18)
• Round 7: SC in the first 2, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
• Round 8: SC in each around. (24)

Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach. Attach to the back of the body.

Assembly

1. Attach the frill to the head as described above.
2. Attach the three horns to the head.
3. Attach the completed head to the body using the disc method (around rounds 17-18 of the body).
4. Attach the arms to the body around rounds 13-14.
5. Attach the legs to the body around rounds 4-5.
6. Attach the tail to the back of the body.

Tips

• Tension is Key: Because plush yarn can be bulky, ensure your stitches are tight. If your hook feels too tight, size up slightly, but prioritize tightness to hide stuffing.
• Color Changes: Change colors on the last pull-through of the stitch to keep the edge clean.
• Movable Limbs: Do not sew the limbs down completely. Attach them securely but allow them to rotate for a playful look.
• Stuffing: For the limbs, stuffing only the bottom half gives them a natural, relaxed drape.

FAQs

What yarn is best for this pattern?

The pattern recommends Premier Basix Chenille or Bernat Blanket yarn (size 6 weight). These plush yarns create a soft, cuddly texture and work up quickly. Cozy Cub from Michaels is also a suitable alternative.

Can I use safety eyes for a baby?

Safety eyes are generally not recommended for very young babies or toddlers due to choking hazards. It is safer to embroider the eyes using black worsted yarn for a secure, baby-friendly finish.

Why are my stitches loose?

Plush yarn can be slippery or bulky. Ensure you are using the correct hook size (4.5mm for Premier Basix, 5mm for Bernat) and pulling your yarn tight. The goal is to create a dense fabric that hides the stuffing.

How do I attach the head securely?

The pattern creates a disc on the top of the body (Rounds 17-18). You can sew the head directly onto this disc using the long tail left from the final round of the body for a sturdy connection.

Can I make a different animal with this head?

Yes! This is a “Mix & Make” pattern. The head is designed to be versatile. You can swap the body for the “Big Footed Snuggler” version to create a different character entirely.