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If you’re looking for an adorable prehistoric pal to crochet, look no further than Tuddles the Triceratops Snuggler! This charming amigurumi pattern combines the beloved triceratops design with a huggable snuggler body, creating the perfect cuddly companion for dinosaur lovers of all ages. With its distinctive frill, three horns, and sweet bobbled feet, this pattern is sure to become a favorite project in your crafting collection.
Deisgned by lunarcrochetcottage
What Makes This Pattern Special
Tuddles the Triceratops stands out with several unique design features that bring this prehistoric creature to life. The pattern incorporates bobble stitches to create textured details on the feet and horns, adding depth and character to the finished piece. The frill uses a combination of stitches including treble crochet and picot edging to create an impressive decorative element around the head. The snuggler-style body is designed to be flat and perfect for cuddling, making it ideal for children or as a comforting companion.
Materials Needed
Before you begin crocheting Tuddles, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn of choice (the designer used Yarnsmiths brand)
- Crochet hook (4.5mm recommended)
- Stitch markers
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- 25mm safety eyes
- Polyester stuffing
- Pins (optional, but helpful for assembly)
Choose a main color for the body and a contrasting accent color for the bobbles, frill accents, and decorative details. Orange and white create a striking combination, but feel free to customize with your favorite color scheme.
Abbreviations Guide
Familiarize yourself with these crochet abbreviations before starting:
- Mr – Magic Ring
- St – Stitch
- Ch – Chain
- Slst – Slip Stitch
- Sc – Single Crochet
- Hdc – Half double crochet
- Dc – Double Crochet
- Tr – Treble Crochet
- Inc – Increase
- Dec – Decrease
- BO – Bobble (4 unfinished Dc)
- Picot – Chain 2, slip stitch into second loop from hook
- BLO – Back loop only
- FO – Fasten off
- CC – Colour change
- (..)x* – repeat the brackets x amount of times
- {..} – Place stitches in the same stitch
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Legs (Make 4)
Using Main Colour – Remember to CC to accent colour for the bobbles!
- R1 – 8 Sc in Mr (8)
- R2 – Inc x 8 (16)
- R3 – BLO Sc 4, (BO, Sc) x 4, Sc 4 (16)
- R4 – Sc 2, Dec x 6, Sc 2 (10)
- R5 – Sc 2, Dec x 3, Sc 2 (7)
- R6 – Sc 7 (7)
Lightly stuff, FO leaving a long tail for sewing.
Attach the top feet between rounds 13–15 with 3 visible stitches between them. Attach the bottom feet between rounds 3–5 with 5 visible stitches between them.
Tail
- R1 – 4 Sc in Mr (4)
- R2 – Sc 4 (4)
- R3 – (Sc, Inc) x 2 (6)
- R4 – Sc 6 (6)
- R5 – (2 Sc, Inc) x 2 (8)
- R6 – Sc 8 (8)
- R7 – (3 Sc, Inc) x 2 (10)
- R8 – (4 Sc, Inc) x 2 (12)
- R9 – (5 Sc, Inc) x 2 (14)
- R10 – (6 Sc, Inc) x 2 (16)
Lightly Stuff. FO leaving a tail to sew to the base of the body. When attaching make sure the tail is in the center between the legs at the bottom of the body between rounds 1–3.
Head
Using Main Colour:
- R1 – 8 Sc in Mr (8)
- R2 – Inc x 8 (16)
- R3 – Sc 3, Bo, 3 Sc, Bo, Sc 8 (16)
- R4 – Sc 16 (16)
- R5 – Sc 3, Inc 6, 7 Sc (22)
- R6 – Sc 3, (Sc, Inc) x 6, 7 Sc (28)
- R7 – Sc 3, (2 Sc, Inc) x 6, 7 Sc (34)
- R8-12 – Sc 34 (34) (5 Rounds)
- R13 – (6 Sc, Dec) x 4, Sc 2 (30)
- R14 – (3 Sc, Dec) x 6 (24)
Place eyes between rounds 6–7. 3 Visible stitches apart either side of the nostrils. Stuff and continue to stuff as you go.
- R15 – (2 Sc, Dec) x 6 (18)
- R16 – (Sc, Dec) x 6 (12)
- R17 – Dec x 6 (6)
FO leaving a tail to sew the hole closed.
Body
Using main colour:
- R1 – 8 Sc in Mr (8)
- R2 – Inc x 8 (16)
- R3 – (Sc, Inc) x 8 (24)
- R4 – (3 Sc, Inc) x 6 (30)
- R5 – (4 Sc, Inc) x 6 (36)
- R6-8 – Sc 36 (36) (3 Rounds)
- R9 – (4 Sc, Dec) x 6 (30)
- R10 – Sc 30 (30)
- R11 – (3 Sc, Dec) x 6 (24)
- R12–13 – Sc 24 (24) (2 Rounds)
- R14 – (2 Sc, Dec) x 6 (18)
- R15–16 – Sc 18 (18) (2 Rounds)
Do not stuff. Fold flat and Sc 9 across to close. FO leaving a long tail. Sew to round 10 of the head.
Frill
Using main colour:
Leave a long tail when starting R1, we will use this to sew the frill to the head.
- R1 – Ch 17, Turn, working in the 2nd loop from the hook, (3 Sc, Inc) x 4 (20)
CC to accent colour.
- R2 – Ch 1, Turn. (Hdc, {Dc, Tr, Picot, {Tr, Dc}, Hdc) x 5 (30)
FO and leave a tail for sewing. Sew to the head on round 10. The ends of the Frill should sit parallel to the eyes.
Horns
Using accent colour:
Insert your hook 1 round above the eye and attach your yarn, create a bobble stitch and Slst into the same stitch. Ch 1 and FO. When weaving in your ends make sure to thread down next to the bobble first to fix it into the correct placement. Horns are 5–6 visible stitches apart.
Assembly Tips
Proper assembly is key to bringing Tuddles to life. The designer recommends sewing the frill onto the head before attaching the horns, as this helps with accurate placement. When positioning the horns, make sure they’re evenly spaced above the eyes, approximately 5-6 visible stitches apart.
For the legs, pay careful attention to the attachment instructions. The top feet should be sewn between rounds 13-15 of the body with 3 visible stitches between them, while the bottom feet attach between rounds 3-5 with 5 visible stitches between them. This creates the proper snuggler posture.
The tail should be centered between the legs at the base of the body, attached between rounds 1-3. Make sure it’s properly aligned before securing it permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
This pattern is best suited for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with bobble stitches, picot edging, and amigurumi assembly techniques. Beginners with basic amigurumi experience can also tackle this project with patience.
You’ll need approximately 100-150 grams of your main color and 50 grams of accent color, depending on your yarn weight and tension. The pattern uses a 4.5mm hook with medium weight yarn.
Yes, you can adapt this pattern to different yarn weights by adjusting your hook size accordingly. Keep in mind that using thinner or thicker yarn will change the final size of your triceratops snuggler.
If making this for young children under 3 years old, consider embroidering the eyes instead of using safety eyes, and ensure all parts are securely attached. Always supervise young children with handmade toys.
Conclusion
Tuddles the Triceratops Snuggler is a delightful project that combines classic amigurumi techniques with creative design elements. The bobbled feet, decorative frill, and characteristic three horns make this dinosaur truly special. Whether you’re making it as a gift for a dinosaur enthusiast or adding to your own collection of handmade treasures, this pattern offers a rewarding crafting experience.
Remember, this is a free pattern for personal use only, and you’re welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Share your completed Tuddles with fellow crafters and enjoy bringing this prehistoric friend to life! Happy crocheting!
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