🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Dino Backpack Pattern

Dino Backpack Pattern
4.8★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
1.4K 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 Pattern

This pattern creates a dino-shaped backpack with a removable stuffed dino head that works as a lid. The bag is made using tapestry crochet to produce the spotted dino pattern and reinforced straps for durability. Youll work each piece in the round: the bag base and body, two straps, the dino head and three plates for the spines.

Dino Backpack Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Complete charts and a stitch-count table are included for the tapestry sections (R9-R56). The pattern includes step-by-step color-change instructions and assembly photos to help with finishing.

Why You'll Love This Dino Backpack Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines playful character design with a practical, wearable bag that children adore. I love working tapestry crochet and watching the spotted design appear row by row is so satisfying. I enjoy that the dino head doubles as a lid, which gives the backpack personality and function. I also like how the straps are reinforced and adjustable in length by choosing the size, making it a useful, long-lasting item.

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

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize the colors for a fresh look — try pastel shades for a softer toddler version or high-contrast brights for a playful statement.

If you want a smaller or larger backpack, change the yarn weight and hook size; bulky yarn with a larger hook makes a chunky roomy bag while thinner yarn creates a mini keychain-style version.

I often switch the placement and size of the tapestry spots to create different personalities; you can draw your own chart before crocheting if you want a unique pattern.

For extra durability, make the straps thicker by crocheting additional rounds or adding a lining and sewing the straps into the lining rather than only into the crochet fabric.

Embellish the face by embroidering a smile or using safety eyes of different sizes for character changes — always secure safety eyes with washers for childrens items.

I sometimes add a fabric lining and small internal pocket for keys or a snack; use a lightweight cotton and hand-stitch it to the inside for a neat finish.

To vary the head, try shaping the nose slightly longer or shorter by adding or skipping a couple of increase rounds; tiny changes alter the expression dramatically.

If you want a reversible look, crochet the tapestry spots in a neutral tone and add removable felt patches to change the color theme seasonally.

I also experiment with sparkly or metallic thread carried in for a few rounds to add subtle shimmer for party versions of the backpack.

Finally, consider making a matching hat or small plush using the same yarn and color scheme to create a set — kids love coordinated handmade items!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch markers when creating the foundation chain makes counting increases confusing; place A and B markers exactly as instructed to mark the beginning and the 3-stitch increase points. ✗ Not carrying and wrapping the contrasting yarn during tapestry crochet causes loose floats and visible gaps; always carry and wrap the yarn as described and leave the recommended 4"/10 cm strand when starting a carried color. ✗ Forgetting to relocate the A marker each round makes reading the stitch chart harder; relocate the A marker to the first stitch of every round to keep the pattern alignment correct. ✗ Understuffing or overstuffing the head leads to poor shaping and seams that gap; stuff gradually while shaping and stop to test firmness frequently for a smooth finish. ✗ Not checking stitch counts after increases and decreases results in uneven rounds or wrong sizing; count stitches at the end of each round, especially after rounds with many color changes or repeats.

Dino Backpack Pattern

Make a playful Dino Backpack that doubles as a toy and a functional bag. This pattern uses tapestry crochet to create bold color spots and includes a removable dino head lid. Youll get step-by-step instructions for the bag, straps, head and plates so you can follow along with confidence. Ideal for gifting or making a fun wearable toy that kids will love.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Dino Backpack Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Two 100 gr/3.52 oz (200 m/218 yd) skeins of sport weight cotton yarn in AQUA GREEN (MC)
  • 02
    Two 100 gr/3.52 oz (200 m/218 yd) skeins of sport weight cotton yarn in ORANGE (SC)
  • 03
    25.2"/64 cm of 4 mm cord or similar for the drawstring
  • 04
    Polyester stuffing for head and plates
  • 05
    One transparent toggle stopper

— Tools Required

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

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Bag :

Info :

Crocheted in the round, in a spiral way, starting from the base (see chart in pages 7-8). With MC ch 35.

Round 1 :

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

Round 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. For more details on tapestry crochet follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxZF88F24sM 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. This will make counting sts and rounds easier. 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

Round 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

Round 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

Round 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

Round 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

Round 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

Round 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

Round 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.

Round 56 :

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

Round 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

Round 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 :

Info :

BACKPACK STRAPS (Make 2). 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.

Round 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

Round 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 = (204, 218, 232, 246) sts

Round 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.

Round 1 :

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

Round 2 :

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

Round 3 :

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

Round 4 :

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

Round 5 :

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

Round 6 :

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

Round 7 :

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

Round 8 :

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

Round 9-14 :

Sc 48= 48 sts

Round 15 :

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

Round 16 :

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

Round 17 :

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

Round 18 :

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

Round 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.

Round 20 :

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

Round 21 :

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

Round 22 :

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

Round 23-30 :

Sc 72= 72 sts

Round 31 :

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

Round 32 :

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

Round 33 :

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

Round 34 :

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

Round 35 :

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

Round 36 :

(Sc 5, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 36 sts. Start filling in with stuffing.

Round 37 :

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

Round 38 :

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

Round 39 :

(Sc 2, dec 1) rep () 6 times= 18 sts. Fill in the rest of the head.

Round 40 :

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

Round 41 :

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

Round 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) :

Info :

Crocheted in the round, in a spiral way, starting from the top. With SC ch 2.

Round 1 :

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

Round 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).

Round 3 :

Sc 9= 9 sts

Round 4 :

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

Round 5-6 :

Sc 12= 12 sts

Round 7 :

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

Round 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 one round below one back center eyelet and the other strap end to round 9 of the bag from the base corners to the inside; repeat for the second strap.
  • Position and sew the dino head by attaching the back of the head to the inside top back of the bag so the head falls centered to the front between the two center back eyelets; pin before sewing to check placement.
  • Fill each plate with stuffing and sew the three plates to the top center of the head, starting from the end of the head and working toward the front to form the spine.
  • Thread the 4 mm cord through the front center eyelets, pull the cord tips through the toggle stopper and tie a knot at each end to secure the drawstring.
  • Weave in all stranded yarn ends and fasten off securely; cut SC leaving a 4"/10 cm strand where indicated for sewing and finishing.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of the round (A marker) and the middle increase points (B markers) to make counting and tapestry placement easier.
  • 💡The pattern includes tapestry crochet; carry and wrap the unused yarn between stitches and follow the color chart for R9-R56 to create the dino spots.
  • 💡Relocate the A marker to the first stitch of every round and the B markers to the middle stitch whenever you make the 3-sc-in-one-st increase to maintain correct alignment.
  • 💡Leave a 4"/10 cm tail when starting carried yarns and do not knot the carried yarn to avoid bulky joins.

This Dino Backpack Pattern blends playful design with functional crochet technique to create a charming wearable toy. The removable dino head works as a lid and the tapestry spots add bold, fun color. Make one for a special child or as a unique handmade gift that stands out. 🧶🦖

You ask,

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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 for the body; strap lengths vary by size chosen (3-6 years pictured).

Can I use a different yarn weight?

Yes, but changing yarn weight will alter final size and gauge; adjust hook size accordingly and check gauge (25 sts x 21 rounds = 4"/10 cm) before starting.

Do I need to know tapestry crochet to make this?

Basic tapestry crochet is required for the spotted design; the pattern includes instructions and a link to a tutorial for carrying and wrapping colors to help you learn.

How long will this project take?

Most crafters complete this intermediate project over multiple days; estimate 12-15 hours depending on experience and how quickly you work through the tapestry sections.

Are the straps adjustable?

Strap length is determined by the size option you choose when making them; you can lengthen or shorten by adding or removing rounds from the straps before finishing and sewing.