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Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern

Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
4.1K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

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Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a charming dino-shaped backpack worked primarily in single crochet using tapestry crochet for colorful spots. It includes instructions for the bag body, straps, detachable dino head, and small plates (spikes). The design is sturdy, kid-friendly, and uses sport-weight cotton yarn for durability and structure.

Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed stitch counts and charts are provided to make the colorwork precise and repeatable. The head works as a lid and the bag closes with a cord and toggle stopper for easy use.

Why You'll Love This Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines functionality with playful character — a bag that becomes a toy. I enjoy the tapestry crochet challenge of creating the large spots and watching the design appear row by row. I also appreciate how the dino head doubles as a lid, adding personality and practicality. Sewing the head and plates in place always feels like bringing the piece to life, and seeing a child wear it is the best reward.

Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this design: change the spot colors or make a polka dot, stripe, or heart motif instead of the dinosaur spots.

You can make a mini version by using fingering weight yarn and a smaller hook to create a tiny keychain-style backpack.

To make a chunkier, softer bag swap to a bulkier cotton blend and a larger hook for a cuddly, oversized backpack.

I often change the eye size and placement for different expressions; try 6 mm eyes for a subtler look or embroider eyes for a toddler-safe version.

Want gender-neutral colors? Use pastel tones or monochrome palettes for a stylish modern look.

I sometimes add a lining made from lightweight fabric to strengthen the inside and protect carried items; sew the lining in before attaching the head.

Try varying strap lengths to make a sling-style crossbody version or a smaller toddler strap by reducing chain length and rounds.

Embellish with a small pocket on the inside by crocheting a rectangle and sewing it to the bag wall for carrying small treasures.

I also like to replace the toggle stopper with a wooden bead closure or a decorative knot for a different finish.

If you enjoy more sculptural spikes, make the plates taller by adding a few extra rounds and stuffing them more firmly before sewing on the head.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to relocate the A marker each round makes stitch counting confusing; relocate the A marker in the first stitch of every round so you always know your start point. ✗ Not carrying and wrapping the secondary color properly causes loose floats and messy color edges; from the round you start colorwork, carry and wrap the yarn and keep an even tension to secure carried strands. ✗ Placing safety eyes after too many rounds or stuffing causes wrong placement; insert safety eyes between rounds 16 and 17 with an interspace of 7 stitches before heavy stuffing. ✗ Skipping to the next chart row without checking stitch counts leads to misalignment of the motif; follow the stitch-count table for R9-R56 and double-check the number of stitches made with each color in every round.

Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern

Create a playful Dino Backpack that doubles as a soft toy and a functional bag. This pattern uses tapestry crochet to build bold color spots and a detachable dino head lid for a fun, wearable result. You will learn shaping, color changes, and assembly techniques to make a durable, child-friendly backpack. The pattern includes full stitch counts, charts, and step-by-step rounds for each part.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Dino Backpack Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sport weight cotton yarn (#2) AQUA GREEN (MC) – two 100 gr / 3.52 oz skeins (200 m / 218 yd each)
  • 02
    Sport weight cotton yarn (#2) ORANGE (SC) – two 100 gr / 3.52 oz skeins (200 m / 218 yd each)
  • 03
    4 mm cord or similar, approximately 25.2" / 64 cm for drawcord
  • 04
    Transparent toggle stopper (1 piece)
  • 05
    Two 1 cm safety eyes

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm
  • 02
    4 mm cord (25.2" / 64 cm) or similar for drawcord
  • 03
    Transparent toggle stopper
  • 04
    Two 1 cm safety eyes
  • 05
    Polyester stuffing
  • 06
    Stitch markers in two colors
  • 07
    Measuring tape
  • 08
    Yarn needle for sewing
  • 09
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Stitch Guide :

Info :

ch: chain. st(s): stitch(es). sc: single crochet. sl st: slip stitch. rep: repeat. Rnd: round. MC: main color. SC: second color. dec: decrease.

— Color changes :

Info :

To switch from one color to the other, finish the last st before the switch with the new color. Continue working tapestry crochet wrapping MC or SC according to the dino pattern. To avoid threads from tangling when alternating, follow steps 1-4 for each color change. From MC to SC: Lift SC strand in front of MC, yarn over with SC and finish the st. Sc the necessary sts with SC wrapping MC. From SC to MC: Put MC strand behind SC, yarn over with MC and finish the st. Sc the necessary sts with MC wrapping SC.

— Bag :

Rnd 1 :

With MC ch 35. 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook (place a color A and a color B marker in 1st st), sc 32, 4 sc in next ch (place a color B marker in 2nd and 3rd st), continue on the other side of the foundation ch, sc 32, 2 sc in the last ch (place a color B marker in last st)= 72 sts

Rnd 2 :

From this round on carry and wrap SC yarn. Take it leaving a 4"/10 cm strand, don't make knots. Continue crocheting with MC wrapping SC in between the sts. Relocate A marker in the 1st st of every rnd and B markers in the middle st every time you make 3 sc in one st. 3 sc in 1st st, sc 34, 3 sc in next st, 3 sc in next st, sc 34, 3 sc in next st= 80 sts

Rnd 3 :

Sc 1, 3 sc in next st, sc 36, 3 sc in next st, sc 2, 3 sc in next st, sc 36, 3 sc in next st, sc 1 = 88 sts

Rnd 4 :

Sc 2, 3 sc in next st, sc 38, 3 sc in next st, sc 4, 3 sc in next st, sc 38, 3 sc in next st, sc 2 = 96 sts

Rnd 5 :

Sc 3, 3 sc in next st, sc 40, 3 sc in next st, sc 6, 3 sc in next st, sc 40, 3 sc in next st, sc 3 = 104 sts

Rnd 6 :

Sc 4, 3 sc in next st, sc 42, 3 sc in next st, sc 8, 3 sc in next st, sc 42, 3 sc in next st, sc 4 = 112 sts

Rnd 7 :

Sc 5, 3 sc in next st, sc 44, 3 sc in next st, sc 10, 3 sc in next st, sc 44, 3 sc in next st, sc 5 = 120 sts

Rnd 8 :

Sc 6, 3 sc in next st, sc 46, 3 sc in next st, sc 12, 3 sc in next st, sc 46, 3 sc in next st, sc 6 = 128 sts

Rnd 9-55 :

Continue crocheting over 128 sts by following the dino pattern chart and/or stitch count in pages 7-9. Switch colors to make the drawing. Remove B markers and relocate A marker in the 1st st of every round.

Rnd 56 :

Sc 12 following the charts to reach the fold of the bag= 12 sts. Close last st with MC.

Rnd 57 (with MC wrapping SC) :

Sc 6 (relocate A marker in the 1st st, this will be the new beginning of rounds), 3 sc over SC only, skip 3 sts, (sc 13, 3 sc over SC only, skip 3 sts) rep () 7 times, sc 7 = 128 sts

Rnd 58-59 (with MC wrapping SC) :

Sc 128 = 128 sts. Sl st in the next st. Fasten off. Cut SC leaving a 4"/10 cm strand. Weave in all ends.

— Backpack Straps (Make 2) :

Info :

Sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6 years old (straps in the images were made for 3 year old size). Crocheted in the round, in a spiral way, starting from one end. With SC ch (97, 104, 111, 118) leaving a long strand in the beginning to sew afterwards.

Rnd 1 :

2 sc in 2nd ch from hook (place an A and a B marker in 1st st), sc (94, 101, 108, 115), 4 sc in next ch (place a B marker in 2nd and 3rd st), continue on the other side of the foundation ch, sc (94, 101, 108, 115), 2 sc in last ch (place a B marker in last st) = (196, 210, 224, 238) sts

Rnd 2 :

From this round on carry and wrap MC yarn. Continue crocheting with SC wrapping MC in between the sts. Relocate A marker in the 1st st of every rnd and B markers in the middle st every time you make 3 sc in one st. 3 sc in 1st st, sc (96, 103, 110, 117), 3 sc in next st, 3 sc in next st, sc (96, 103, 110, 117), 3 sc in next st, sc 1 = (204, 218, 232, 246) sts

Rnd 3 :

Sc 1, 3 sc in next st, sc (98, 105, 112, 119), 3 sc in next st, sc 2, 3 sc in next st, sc (98, 105, 112, 119), 3 sc in next st, sc 1 = (212, 226, 240, 254) sts. Sl st in the next st. Fasten off leaving a long strand of SC for sewing. Cut MC leaving a 4"/10 cm strand. Weave in MC strands only.

— Dino - Head :

Info :

Crocheted in the round, in a spiral way, starting from the front. With MC ch 2.

Rnd 1 :

6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (place a marker in 1st st)= 6 sts

Rnd 2 :

Sc 2 in each sc around= 12 sts (relocate marker in the 1st st of this and the following rounds)

Rnd 3 :

(Sc 1, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 18 sts

Rnd 4 :

(Sc 2, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 24 sts

Rnd 5 :

(Sc 3, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 30 sts

Rnd 6 :

(Sc 4, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 36 sts

Rnd 7 :

(Sc 5, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 42 sts

Rnd 8 :

(Sc 6, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 48 sts

Rnd 9-14 :

Sc 48 = 48 sts

Rnd 15 :

(Sc 6, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 42 sts

Rnd 16 :

(Sc 5, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 36 sts

Rnd 17 :

(Sc 5, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 42 sts

Rnd 18 :

(Sc 6, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 48 sts

Rnd 19 :

(Sc 7, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 54 sts

Info :

Place the eyes between rounds 16 and 17 with an interspace of 7 sts.

Rnd 20 :

(Sc 8, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 60 sts

Rnd 21 :

(Sc 9, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 66 sts

Rnd 22 :

(Sc 10, 2 sc in next st) rep () 6 times= 72 sts

Rnd 23-30 :

Sc 72 = 72 sts

Rnd 31 :

(Sc 10, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 66 sts

Rnd 32 :

(Sc 9, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 60 sts

Rnd 33 :

(Sc 8, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 54 sts

Rnd 34 :

(Sc 7, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 48 sts

Rnd 35 :

(Sc 6, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 42 sts

Rnd 36 :

(Sc 5, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 36 sts

Info :

Start filling in with stuffing.

Rnd 37 :

(Sc 4, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 30 sts

Rnd 38 :

(Sc 3, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 24 sts

Rnd 39 :

(Sc 2, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 18 sts

Info :

Fill in the rest of the head.

Rnd 40 :

(Sc 1, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 12 sts

Rnd 41 :

(Dec 1) rep () 6 times= 6 sts

Rnd 42 :

(Sc 1, skip 1 st) rep () 3 times= 3 sts. Sl st in the next st. Fasten off leaving a long strand for sewing.

— Plates (Make 3) :

Rnd 1 :

With SC ch 2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (place a marker in 1st st)= 6 sts

Rnd 2 :

(Sc 1, 2 sc in next st) rep () 3 times= 9 sts (relocate marker in the 1st st of this and the following rounds)

Rnd 3 :

Sc 9 = 9 sts

Rnd 4 :

(Sc 2, 2 sc in next st) rep () 3 times= 12 sts

Rnd 5-6 :

Sc 12 = 12 sts

Rnd 7 :

(Sc 3, 2 sc in next st) rep () 3 times= 15 sts

Rnd 8 :

Sc 15 = 15 sts. Sl st in the next st. Fasten off leaving a long strand for sewing.

— Dino's Head Assembly :

Info :

Fill in each plate with stuffing. Sew the plates right to the top center part of the head. Start from the ending of the head to the front.

— Backpack Assembly :

Info :

Choose front and back side of the bag. Sew 0.8"/2 cm of one strap end one round below one back center eyelet. Sew 0.8"/2 cm of the other end to rnd 9 of the bag, from the base corners to the inside. Repeat for the other strap.

Info :

Join the dino's head to the backpack, by sewing the back of the head at the height of the ending to the back of the bag on the inside (for better precision pin it first to make sure position is correct, the head should lay in between the two center back eyelets and fall down centered to the front).

Info :

Pull the cord through the eyelets, starting from one front center eyelet, until it comes out from the other front center hole. Pull the tips of the cord through the stopper. Make a knot on both ends.

Info :

The backpack is ready.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew 0.8"/2 cm of one strap end to one round below the back center eyelet and sew the other strap end to round 9 of the bag from the base corners to the inside; repeat for the second strap so straps are evenly placed.
  • Pin the dino head to the inside back of the bag at the height of the head ending to ensure the head lays centered between the two center back eyelets, then sew the head securely in place.
  • Fill each plate with stuffing and sew the plates to the top center of the head, starting from the finishing point of the head and moving toward the front for a neat row of spikes.
  • Pull the cord through the front center eyelets from one side to the other, thread the cord through the toggle stopper, and knot both cord ends to secure the closure.
  • Weave in all loose ends and hide carried color strands inside the bag body; cut and fasten off yarn leaving sewing tails where pieces are joined for a tidy finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch (A marker) and the special increase positions (B markers) to help counting and reposition them each round as instructed.
  • 💡When starting tapestry colorwork, carry and wrap the secondary color yarn and leave a 4"/10 cm tail for later weaving; do not knot the carried yarn to keep the work neat.
  • 💡Place safety eyes between rounds 16 and 17 with an interspace of 7 stitches before heavy stuffing so the eyes sit correctly and securely.
  • 💡Start stuffing the head before completing the last decreases and continue stuffing as you shape so you can control the final form and firmness.
  • 💡Weave in ends as you go when possible, especially after finishing the colorwork rounds to avoid long tails and tangles later.

This Dino Backpack pattern brings together playful design and practical function in a single project. It's perfect for making a special handmade gift that kids will adore and actually use. With tapestry colorwork, a removable dino head lid, and sturdy straps, this backpack is as charming as it is useful. 🧶🦖

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished bag measures approximately 10.2" x 9.3" / 26 cm x 23.5 cm using the recommended sport weight cotton and 3.5 mm hook; straps vary by chosen size.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use a different yarn weight, but the final bag size and gauge will change; adjust your hook accordingly and consider thicker cord for the drawstring if using bulkier yarn.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate due to tapestry crochet and shaping techniques, so familiarity with single crochet, increases, decreases, and carrying yarn is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 12-15 hours depending on experience and how much time you spend on colorwork and assembly.