Satellite Square Dino Lovey Free Crochet Pattern

Satellite Square Dino Lovey Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Satellite Square Dino Lovey is a sweet, squishy little companion for babies and toddlers, and it is a joy to make for anyone who loves pastel, space-age cuteness. The design pairs a flat, candy-striped square blanket with a small stuffed dinosaur perched at the top, complete with two chain antennae that give it a playful satellite look. Worked in soft worsted weight cotton, the square feels smooth and breathable against little hands, while the firmly stuffed head and limbs give the dino a friendly, huggable shape. It is a wonderful first amigurumi project, because the pieces are small, simple, and sewn onto a flat base that hides any wobbles.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton (Category 4), approximately 200 yards total:
  • Color A (pastel pink): 60 yards
  • Color B (pastel mint): 60 yards
  • Color C (pastel yellow): 40 yards
  • Color D (pastel lavender): 40 yards
• Hook: 3.5 mm (E/4) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing
• Finished size: Square 10 inches (25 cm) wide; dino head 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall; antennae 3 inches (7.5 cm) long

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn on the hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, pull up a loop, pull it straight through the loop on the hook.
• inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• dec — decrease: work 2 stitches together into 1 single crochet.
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
• sts — stitches

Gauge

20 single crochet and 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are much larger or smaller.

Tips Before You Start

• Change colors on the last stitch of the previous row so the stripe edge stays neat, and keep your tension even so the color bands line up.
• Stuff the head and body firmly but not rock-hard, so the dino holds its shape without stretching the seams.
• Leave long tails on every small piece; they double as your sewing thread when you attach the parts.
• Pin all pieces in place before sewing, and check that the antennae sit 1 inch apart at the top of the head.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square (make 1)

With A, ch 51.

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (50 sts).

Rows 2-4: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to B.

Rows 5-8: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to C.

Rows 9-12: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to D.

Rows 13-16: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to A.

Rows 17-20: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to B.

Rows 21-24: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to C.

Rows 25-28: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to D.

Rows 29-32: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to A.

Rows 33-36: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to B.

Rows 37-40: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to C.

Rows 41-44: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to D.

Rows 45-48: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to A.

Rows 49-52: sc in each st across (50 sts). Change to B.

Rows 53-56: sc in each st across (50 sts). Fasten off. Square measures 10 inches (25 cm) square.

Dino Head (make 1)

With C, MR 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnds 6-10: sc in each st around (30 sts).

Rnd 11: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 12: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 13: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts). Stuff head firmly.

Rnd 14: dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving long tail. Sew opening closed.

Dino Body (make 1)

With B, MR 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnds 5-8: sc in each st around (24 sts).

Rnd 9: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 10: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts). Stuff body.

Rnd 11: dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving long tail. Sew opening closed.

Arms (make 2)

With A, MR 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnds 2-5: sc in each st around (6 sts). Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving long tail.

Legs (make 2)

With D, MR 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnds 3-5: sc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 6: dec x6 (6 sts). Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving long tail.

Tail (make 1)

With C, MR 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x3 (9 sts).

Rnds 3-6: sc in each st around (9 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, dec] x3 (6 sts). Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving long tail.

Antennae (make 2)

With D, ch 20.

Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (19 sts). Fasten off, leaving long tail.

Assembly and Finishing

Pin the head to the top center of the square and sew it down securely with the long tail. Sew the body directly below the head, then sew the arms to the sides of the body and the legs to the bottom of the body. Sew the tail to the back of the body. Sew the antennae to the top of the head, 1 inch apart, so they stand up as thin loops. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block the square lightly by misting it and pinning it flat to dry, keeping the stuffed pieces dry.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the stripe colors for any pastel palette, or work the square in a single color for a quicker make.
• Add a small hanging loop of chain stitches to one corner so the lovey can clip to a stroller or crib.
• Use a slightly larger hook for the square and the listed hook for the dino pieces to keep the blanket drapey while the toy stays firm.