Welcome to your next favorite crochet project! This adorable Amigurumi Dinosaur Pencil Case combines the fun, huggable charm of amigurumi with everyday practicality. Whether you are heading back to school, organizing your craft desk, or looking for a delightful handmade gift, this charming dino is sure to bring a smile to your face.
This project is wonderfully versatile, offering a great balance of shaping and structure. With a secure zipper and sturdy stitches, your prehistoric pal will be strong enough to hold all your pens, pencils, and little treasures!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Worsted weight yarn in your choice of main dinosaur color and accent colors for spikes
- Matching crochet hook (recommended size: US D/3 or E/4 / 3.25mm to 3.5mm for a tight fabric)
- Standard zipper (matching the length of your pencil case body)
- Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Sewing thread and needle (to attach the zipper securely)
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: single crochet increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- inv-dec: invisible single crochet decrease
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Note: Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. Maintain a tight, even tension so your pencils won’t poke through the stitches.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- The Body (Cylindrical Pouch): Using your main color yarn, make a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
Round 2: [Inc] around (12 sts).
Round 3: [Sc 1, inc] around (18 sts).
Round 4: [Sc 2, inc] around (24 sts).
Rounds 5–35 (or desired length): Sc in each st around (24 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for joining if needed. - The Spikes: Using your accent color yarn, make a magic ring and work 4 sc (4 sts).
Round 2: [Sc 1, inc] around (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Make 4 to 6 spikes depending on how long your pencil case is. - The Head & Tail (Optional extras): Shape a small tapered cone for the tail by starting with 4 sc in a magic ring, increasing gradually to 12 sts, and working even rounds. Shape a simple rounded snout for the head using basic amigurumi increases and decreases.
- Assembly & Zipper: Pin the zipper along the opening of your crocheted cylindrical body. Using matching sewing thread and a sewing needle, whip-stitch the fabric securely to the zipper tape. Sew the tail to one end and the head to the other. Attach the spikes down the back of the dinosaur.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Keep Stitches Tight: Use a hook size slightly smaller than recommended for your yarn weight to ensure the fabric is firm and keeps pencils secure inside.
- Pin Before Sewing: Always use stitch markers or sewing pins to position the head, tail, zipper, and spikes before permanently attaching them. This ensures proper alignment.
- Secure the Zipper: Take your time when sewing the zipper in place. Double-check that it opens and closes smoothly before tying off your thread.
- Weave in Ends: Securely weave in all loose yarn tails inside the pouch so the interior stays neat and snag-free.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: