An Introduction from Patricia to Your Titus the Triceratops
Hello, my dear crocheter, it's Patricia! There’s something so magical about bringing a creature from long ago into our arms as a soft, cuddly friend. That’s the joy I found when designing Titus the Triceratops, and I’m so happy to share that joy with you today. We'll be focusing on his best features: that magnificent golden frill and his wonderfully sturdy, friendly shape.
I'm absolutely delighted to share this Titus the Triceratops pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, by visiting my blog and sharing my creations, are what truly keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these detailed patterns for our community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Materials You'll Need for Titus the Triceratops
Bringing this gentle giant to life requires just a few key supplies. For Titus, I recommend a smooth cotton yarn to give us crisp, clean stitches that really show off his shape.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran, 10-ply) yarn in three colors:
- Main Color (MC): Sea Green or Muted Teal (Approx. 150 yards)
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Golden Yellow or Mustard (Approx. 50 yards)
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Off-White or Cream (Approx. 40 yards)
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4).
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 12mm black safety eyes.
- Notions:
- Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
- Yarn Needle / Tapestry Needle
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
- A small amount of Black Crochet Thread (for the mouth)
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- A Slightly Smaller Hook (3.0mm): I suggest using a smaller hook just for the yellow frill. This is my secret weapon for making it a little stiffer so it holds that beautiful fan shape perfectly without drooping.
- Locking Stitch Markers: When it comes to attaching the legs and horns, using several locking stitch markers to pin everything in place before you sew is a lifesaver. It ensures perfect symmetry!
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Titus the Triceratops
This pattern is best for an intermediate crocheter, but a determined beginner will find the techniques clearly explained. We’ll be using the following stitches, written in standard US terms.
Crochet Abbreviations
- mr: magic ring
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease (sc two stitches together through the front loops only)
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- bo: bobble stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- [...]: repeat instructions in brackets
- (...): stitch count at the end of the round/row
Special Techniques for Titus
- Bobble Stitch (bo): This is what creates those adorable, knobby knees on the front legs! To make a bobble stitch, you'll [Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 4 times in the same stitch. You'll have 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops.
- Shell Stitch: We use this to create the lovely scalloped edge on Titus's frill. In our pattern, a shell will simply be 5 dc worked into the same stitch.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Titus the Triceratops
Remember, every handmade creation is a reflection of its maker. Your Titus might have a slightly different tilt to his head or a uniquely stitched smile, and that’s what makes him yours. Embrace the little variations—they’re not mistakes, they’re personality!
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Titus the Triceratops to life! The full pattern is right next.
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The Titus the Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern
A Note on Construction: The Head and Body are worked as one continuous piece from the top down. All other parts are made separately and sewn on. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
Head and Body (Start with MC - Sea Green)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] repeat 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] repeat 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc 5,
Pause here to insert safety eyes. Place them between Rnds 14 and 15, about 8 stitches apart. Begin stuffing the head firmly.
Rnd 20: [Sc 3, dec] repeat 6 times. (24) Rnd 21: [Sc 2, dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Now we begin the body.
Rnd 22: [Sc 2, inc] repeat 6 times. (24) Rnd 23: [Sc 3, inc] repeat 6 times. (30) Rnd 24: [Sc 4, inc] repeat 6 times. (36) Rnd 25: [Sc 5, inc] repeat 6 times. (42) Rnd 26: [Sc 6, inc] repeat 6 times. (48) Rnd 27: [Sc 7, inc] repeat 6 times. (54) Rnd 28 - 37: Sc in each st around (10 rounds). (54) Rnd 38: [Sc 7, dec] repeat 6 times. (48) Rnd 39: [Sc 6, dec] repeat 6 times. (42) Rnd 40: [Sc 5, dec] repeat 6 times. (36) Rnd 41: [Sc 4, dec] repeat 6 times. (30) Rnd 42: [Sc 3, dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Stuff the body firmly, ensuring a smooth transition from the head.
Rnd 43: [Sc 2, dec] repeat 6 times. (18) Rnd 44: [Sc 1, dec] repeat 6 times. (12) Rnd 45: Dec 6 times. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end.
Front Legs (Make 2)
Start with CC2 - Off-White.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat 6 times. (18) Rnd 4: In Back Loops Only, sc in each st around. (18) Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (18)
Change to MC - Sea Green.
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. (18) Rnd 7: Sc 7, bo, sc 2, bo, sc 7. (18) Rnd 8 - 12: Sc in each st around (5 rounds). (18)
Stuff the leg firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Back Legs (Make 2)
Start with CC2 - Off-White.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12) Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat 6 times. (18) Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] repeat 6 times. (24) Rnd 5: In Back Loops Only, sc in each st around. (24) Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. (24)
Change to MC - Sea Green.
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. (24) Rnd 8: [Sc 2, dec] repeat 6 times. (18) Rnd 9 - 12: Sc in each st around (4 rounds). (18)
Stuff the leg firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Frill (Use CC1 - Golden Yellow)
This piece is worked in rows.
Row 1: Ch 25. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 24. Ch 1, turn. (24) Row 2: [Sc 3, inc] repeat 6 times. Ch 1, turn. (30) Row 3: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (30) Row 4: [Sc 4, inc] repeat 6 times. Ch 1, turn. (36) Row 5: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (36) Row 6: [Sc 5, inc] repeat 6 times. Ch 1, turn. (42) Row 7: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (42) Row 8: Skip first st, 5 dc in next st (shell made). [Skip 1 st, sl st in next, skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st] repeat until 2 sts remain. Skip 1 st, sl st in last st. (10 shells)
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing.
Large Horns (Make 2, use CC2 - Off-White)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4) Rnd 2: [Sc 1, inc] repeat 2 times. (6) Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (6) Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] repeat 2 times. (8) Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (8) Rnd 6: [Sc 3, inc] repeat 2 times. (10)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.
Small Horn (Make 1, use CC2 - Off-White)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4) Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (8) Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (8)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.
Tail (Use MC - Sea Green)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4) Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (4) Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] repeat 2 times. (6) Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. (6) Rnd 5: [Sc 2, inc] repeat 2 times. (8) Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. (8) Rnd 7: [Sc 3, inc] repeat 2 times. (10) Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. (10)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.
Assembly Instructions for Your Titus the Triceratops
Patience is key during assembly! Pin each piece in place before sewing to ensure everything is symmetrical and exactly where you want it.
- Frill: Pin the frill to the back of the head, with the straight edge curving around the base of the head (around Rnd 20-21). The top of the frill should frame the face nicely. Use the long tail to sew it securely in place.
- Horns:
- Sew the two Large Horns to the head, positioned above the eyes, starting around Rnd 8 or 9.
- Sew the Small Horn to the center of the snout, right at the front of the face, around Rnd 15-16.
- Legs:
- Pin the two Front Legs to the body, just behind the "neck" area, around Rnds 24-28. The bobble stitches should face forward.
- Pin the two wider Back Legs towards the rear of the body, around Rnds 35-40. Position them so Titus can stand balanced on all four feet. Sew all four legs securely.
- Tail: Sew the tail to the lower back of the body.
- Face: Using black crochet thread, embroider a small, straight line or a slight "V" shape for the mouth, centered below the eyes, around Rnd 17.
Tips & Tricks for Your Titus the Triceratops
Troubleshooting
- Is your frill a bit floppy? Using that slightly smaller hook as suggested helps a lot! You can also block it lightly or, for extra stiffness, use a tiny bit of spray starch (test on a swatch first).
- Is Titus wobbly? Getting the leg placement just right is key. Before you sew, stand him up with the legs pinned on and adjust their position until he is stable. Sewing them on very tightly will also prevent wobbling.
Customization Corner
- Feeling colorful? Why not add some small embroidered spots on Titus's back using the golden yellow or off-white yarn?
- Play with texture! You could make a version with a fuzzy chenille or velvet yarn for an extra-cuddly dinosaur. Just be sure to adjust your hook size accordingly.
Gifting Your Titus
- Titus is built to be sturdy and is a perfect friend for gentle play. The sewn-on parts are secure, but always be mindful when gifting a handmade toy with safety eyes to very young children.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Titus the Triceratops
- How do I make the bobble stitch less gappy?
- My dear, that's a great question. The trick is to pull your final "yarn over and pull through all 5 loops" quite tightly. Then, give the bobble a little push from the back to make sure it pops out to the front of your work. The next single crochet should also be made with good tension to lock it in place.
- What's the best way to get a clean color change on the legs?
- To get that crisp line, on the last stitch of the Off-White color, complete the final yarn over with the new Sea Green color. This makes the first stitch of the new round perfectly colored.
- My frill is curling up on the ends. How can I fix it?
- Curling in row-based pieces is very common! After you finish, you can lay the frill flat under a heavy book for a day, or lightly steam block it (hover a steam iron above it, don't touch!) to help it relax and lay flat before sewing it on.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Titus the Triceratops
You’ve done it! You've brought this magnificent creature to life with your own two hands, and you should be incredibly proud. Seeing your finished Titus the Triceratops come to life is truly the greatest reward for me as a designer. Your engagement and willingness to dive into a new project make these free, detailed patterns possible. Thank you for your trust and creativity.
To care for Titus, I recommend spot cleaning with a mild detergent and water. If a full wash is needed, place him in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle and let him air dry completely.
Happy stitching, my dear friend!