Create this adorable dinosaur crochet baby cardigan for the little dinosaur in your life with this free pattern!
This free crochet pattern provides step-by-step instructions to help you create a unique and detailed cardigan that’s perfect for dinosaur lovers.
The pattern utilizes basic stitches such as single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and slip stitch (sl st) to achieve the desired design.
To get started, gather your materials, including worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors, a crochet hook (check sizing), stitch markers, and a yarn needle.
You can choose different sizes and colors to customize the cardigan to your liking.
This dino pattern incorporates various techniques to bring the dinosaur theme to life, a perfect gift for a little girl or little guy dino lover!
You can crochet adorable dinosaur spikes using different colors of acrylic yarn. These can be attached to the cardigan for a fun and textured look.
If you’re new to crocheting, this pattern is beginner-friendly and offers a great opportunity to practice basic stitches for great texture, construction techniques.
Feel free to explore other free crochet patterns for dinosaur-themed items, such as dinosaur hats (check mine out HERE), amigurumi dinosaurs, or even matching baby accessories like blankets or plush toys. The possibilities are endless!
To enhance the cardigan’s texture, consider using cotton yarn, velvet yarn, or even bulky weight yarn for a cozy and soft feel. Remember to check your gauge if you would like a larger size.
This pattern is a great choice for free crochet dinosaur patterns.
With simple construction, the cardigan will be a rewarding project to complete and makes a great gift! The long sleeves will provide extra warmth, making it a perfect choice for any time of year or as a thoughtful baby shower gift.
Once finished, you’ll have a cozy cardigan that features the timeless appeal of dinosaurs.
Don’t forget to share your creation with the crochet community on social media or in crochet groups, as others may find inspiration in your unique patterns and color choices.
Have fun creating this perfect crochet dinosaur cardigan for the little dinosaur lover in your life!
Crochet Dinosaur Baby Cardigan
Purchase the ad free PDF in my shop HERE.
In my Ravelry store HERE.
Materials:
- F hook for 0-3M, G hook for 3-6M, H hook for 6-9M, I hook for 9-12M
- Blunt needle
- 5 small buttons (I found my cute dinosaur buttons at JoAnn Fabrics)
- Medium worsted weight yarn in green, about 3.5 oz. I recommend Caron One Pound in “Kelly Green”:
- Medium worsted weight yarn in light green, about 1 oz. I recommend Red Heart Super Saver in “Spring Green”:
- Threading floss (for sewing on buttons)
Abbreviations:
st(s)- stitch(es)
hk- hook
ch- chain
sc- single crochet
dc- double crochet
hdc- half double crochet
blo- back loops only
flo- front loops only
sk- skip
sl st- slip stitch
Notes:
Body:
The second row will be worked into the back loops only. The third row will be worked into the front loops only.
Alternate each row with the BLO then the FLO to form the texture of the pattern.
Sleeves/tail:
The sleeves will be worked in the BLO for each row.
Pattern:
With green yarn, ch 40
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from the hk and the next 6, hdc 3 in next, hdc next 4, hdc 3 in next, hdc next 13, hdc 3 in next, hdc next 4, hdc 3 in next, hdc 7 (47).
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc 8, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 6, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 15 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 6, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 8 (55).
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, hdc 9, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 8, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 17 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 8, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 9 (63).
Row 4: Ch 2, turn, hdc 10, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 10, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 19 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 10, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 10 (71).
Row 5: Ch 2, turn, hdc 11, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 12, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 21 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 12, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 11 (79).
Row 6: Ch 2, turn, hdc 12, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 14, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 23 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 14, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 12 (87).
Row 7: Ch 2, turn, hdc 13, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 16, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 25 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 16, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 13 (95).
Row 8: Ch 2, turn, hdc 14, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 18, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 27 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 18, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 14 (103).
Row 9: Ch 2, turn, hdc 15, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 20, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 29 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 20, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 15 (111).
Row 10: Ch 2, turn, hdc 16, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 22, hdc 3 in next st, hdc next 31 sts, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 22, hdc 3 in next st, hdc 16 (119).
Row 11: Ch 2, turn, hdc 18, sk next 23 sts (for armhole), hdc next 37, sk next 23 sts (for armhole), hdc 18.
Turn cardigan right side out and continue with rows 12-20.
Rows 12-20: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st to end.
Rows 21-23: Switch to light green yarn and hdc in each st across. Fasten off on last row.
Hood:
Pick up a st at the front corner of the neck and ch 2. Hdc around to the other side and ch 2 at the end.
Continue in this way for 18 rows. Fasten off.
Fold hood in half with the right sides facing each other. Cut a long piece of yarn and whip stitch together.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Button holes:
With light green yarn sc 31 sts up the front right of the cardigan, sc evenly around the neck and hood then sc 31 down the front of the other side.
Ch 1, turn, sc next 3 sts, ch 2, sk next st, sc next 5 sts, ch 2, sk next st, sc next 5 sts, ch 2, sk next st, sc next 5 sts, ch 2, sk next st, sc next 5 sts, ch 2, sk next st, sc next 3 sts.
Continue to sc around the neck/hood and sc down the other side. Fasten off and weave in end.
Add buttons.
Sleeves (work in BLO):
Attach yarn at base of arm opening and ch 2, hdc 24 around. Sl st to join.
***place stitch marker here, you will now be working in the round).***
Rows 2-6: Hdc in same st you just sl st into and each st around (24).
Row 7: Hdc2tog, hdc next 22 sts, hdc2tog (22).
Row 8: Hdc in each st around (22).
Row 9: Hdc2tog, hdc next 20 sts, hdc2tog (20).
Row 10: Hdc in each st around (20)
11-12: Switch to light green yarn. Hdc in each st around (20).
Sc in next st, sl st in next st and fasten off. Weave in end.
Repeat on other sleeve.
Tail:
Ch 17
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from the hk and each st across (16).
Row 2: Ch 2, sc2tog, sc next 12 sts, sc2tog (14).
Row 3: Ch 2, sc in each st across (14).
Row 4: Ch 2, sc2tog, sc next 10 sts, sc2tog (12).
Row 5: Ch 2, sc in each st across (12).
Row 6: Ch 2, sc2tog, sc next 8 sts, sc2tog (10).
Row 7: Ch 2, sc in each st across (10).
Row 8: Ch 2, sc2tog, sc next 6 sts, sc 2tog (8).
Row 9: Ch 2, sc in each st across (8).
Row 10: Ch 2, sc2tog, sc next 4 sts, sc2tog (6).
Row 11: Ch 2, sc in each st across (6).
Row 12: Ch 2, sc2tog, sc next 2 sts, sc2tog (4).
Row 13: Ch 2, sc in each st across (4).
Row 14: Ch 2, sc2tog, twice (2).
Row 15: Ch 2, sc next 2 sts (2).
Row 16: Ch 2, sc2tog (1).
Ch 1, continue to sc evenly around the tail with 2 sc in each corner. Fasten off and weave in end. Cut a long piece of yarn and with blunt needle sew the end of the tail on the back middle, 8 rows up from the hem.
Dinosaur spikes (make 5 in light green):
Ch 7
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from the hk and each st across (6).
Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc next 2 sts, sc2tog (4).
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across (4).
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, twice (2).
Row 5: Ch 1, sc next 2 sts (2).
Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog (1).
Ch 1 and sc evenly around the ear with 2 sc in each corner. Sl st in last st. Fasten off and weave in end.
Cut a long strand of yarn and sew onto the hood down the back of the cardigan with blunt needle, about 1.5″ apart.
Don’t forget to save to your Pinterest boards!
Like!! I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest.
My 4 year old would LOVE this!!! Do you have an idea of what hook size I would use to make one for her!? Beautiful work!!
How can this be adjusted to be bigger. I need one for a 6 years old.
I used an I hook for a 4t size, chained 50, followed the pattern and just made it for a 4t length which is about 16-16.5″. Made the sleeves longer and same with the hood. Adding fleece on the inside and adding pockets. I will be making more spikes.
Thanks for sharing this pattern! The sweater I made is adorable!
Is there maybe a search measurement or something. I did the pattern and it turned out well but it’s way too small!
Hi! Here is the gauge:
Gauge:
10 rows and 16 sts = 4″ (for F hook)