Hello, fellow crafters! If you are looking for a fun, imaginative project that will bring an instant smile to a little one’s face, you are in the right place. Today, we are learning how to make a crocheted dinosaur shoulder bag for children—a playful, practical accessory that kids can proudly wear on all their daily adventures!
This adorable bag combines bright colors, fun textures, and a kid-friendly design complete with dinosaur spikes. Best of all, it is completely customizable and soft enough for everyday wear. Grab your hooks, and let’s make something roarsome together!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Medium/4) cotton or acrylic yarn in your choice of dinosaur colors (e.g., green for the body, contrasting color for spikes). Cotton yarn is recommended for extra durability and easy washing.
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or H/8 (5.0 mm), depending on your personal tension.
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, and a pair of scissors.
- Closure: One large button (optional, for securing the bag flap).
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Note: Work stitches tightly enough to hold the bag’s shape, but keep it soft and flexible for a child’s comfort.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- The Main Bag Body: Ch 31. Working in the back bumps of the chain, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (30 sc). Turn. Continue working in rows of sc until the rectangle measures approximately 14 inches long by 7 inches wide. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the side seams. Fold the rectangle in half to create a 7×7 inch pouch. Whipstitch or mattress stitch the two side seams closed, then turn the bag right side out.
- The Dinosaur Spikes: Using your contrasting yarn color, attach it to the back edge of the bag opening. Ch 3, work 2 dc in the same stitch, skip 1 st, sl st in the next st. Repeat this (ch 3, 2 dc, skip 1, sl st) all the way along the back flap edge to create a row of fun, textured dinosaur spikes. Fasten off and weave in ends.
- The Shoulder Strap: Attach your main color yarn to one upper inside corner of the bag. Ch 75 to 90 (depending on the desired length for the child). Sl st securely to the opposite inside corner. Turn and work 1 row of sc or hdc back down the chain to give the strap extra thickness and durability. Fasten off and secure all ends.
- Facial Details (Optional): Embroider sleepy dinosaur eyes using black yarn or crochet two small white and black circles and sew them onto the front flap of the bag.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Secure Your Ends: Because this bag will be used by active children, make sure to weave in and knot all yarn tails securely so nothing unravels during play.
- Child-Safe Hardware: Avoid using hard plastic safety eyes or small parts for younger children. Opt for embroidered facial features instead to keep the bag completely safe.
- Strap Adjustments: If you are unsure about the child’s height, make a slightly longer strap and tie a knot near one of the inner attachment points to easily adjust the length later.
- Easy Maintenance: If you used washable cotton or acrylic yarn, let the parents know the bag can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle if it gets dirty on outdoor dinosaur hunts!
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: