Knitting Tutorial: Dinosaur in Strawberry Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted dinosaur is made with a large rounded green head, soft standing body, long arms, sturdy feet, and cream strawberry overalls. The finished toy includes a floral headband, embroidered strawberry vines, red button straps, a strawberry crossbody bag, a matching sun hat, a berry basket, and a tiny watering can for a cheerful garden-table display.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Finished Size and Construction Style

This pattern creates a soft knitted dinosaur with a big friendly head, rounded snout, white smile edging, oval eyes, overalls, accessories, and garden props. The body is worked as a stuffed toy, using small-gauge knitting to create a firm fabric that holds the shape well.

The dinosaur is knitted mainly in the round. Small decorative pieces are knitted flat or worked as tiny tubes. The instructions use exact stitch counts so each section can be shaped carefully and assembled into the same proportions shown in the image.

• Finished dinosaur height: about 12 inches from foot sole to top of eyes.
• Head width: about 5.25 inches across the widest cheek area.
• Body height: about 5.25 inches from shoulder line to crotch.
• Foot length: about 2.25 inches each.
• Overalls color: warm cream with strawberry embroidery.
• Main dinosaur color: soft garden green.
• Accessories: flower headband, red strawberry purse, cream hat, basket of berries, and watering can.

Skill Level

This is an intermediate toy knitting pattern, but confident beginners can follow it carefully. The shaping uses increases, decreases, short sections, color changes, mattress stitch, embroidery, and small knitted appliques.

• Knitting in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop.
• Basic increases and decreases.
• Seaming small knitted pieces.
• Stuffing firmly and evenly.
• Simple embroidery for strawberries, leaves, vines, smile line, and seed dots.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in soft green: 95 yards for dinosaur head, body, arms, legs, toes, and bag strap.
• DK weight yarn in cream: 90 yards for overalls, hat, eye whites, flower, and watering can highlight if desired.
• DK weight yarn in red: 25 yards for strawberry bag, strawberry motifs, hat strawberries, and berry accents.
• DK weight yarn in dusty pink: 10 yards for headband flowers.
• DK weight yarn in yellow: 4 yards for flower centers.
• DK weight yarn in leaf green: 12 yards for embroidered leaves and strawberry tops.
• DK weight yarn in brown or tan: 25 yards for basket and optional flower centers.
• DK weight yarn in berry colors: small scraps of red, raspberry, navy, purple, and black for basket berries.
• Black yarn or 8 mm black safety eyes: for eye pupils.
• Two red buttons: about 8 mm wide for overall straps.
• Polyester fiberfill: firm toy stuffing.
• US 3 needle set: 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• US 2 needle set: 2.75 mm for smaller pieces and firm accessories.
• Tapestry needle: for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers: at least 4.
• Removable stitch markers or pins: for assembly placement.

Gauge

Gauge is important because a toy needs a firm fabric. Knit tightly enough that the stuffing does not show through. If your stitches look open, go down one needle size.

• Main gauge: 26 stitches and 34 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US 3 needles.
• Accessory gauge: 28 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US 2 needles.
• Recommended fabric: dense, smooth, and slightly firm when stretched.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• dec: decrease.
• inc: increase.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• p: purl.
• pm: place marker.
• rem: remaining.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• WS: wrong side.

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Important Notes Before You Start

The dinosaur has a very large rounded head compared with the body. Do not make the body too tall or the toy will lose the cute proportions. The head should lean slightly forward when sewn on, giving the soft friendly posture shown in the image.

The overalls are designed as a separate cream garment that is fitted around the green body. The front bib is embroidered before the straps are attached. Add the red buttons after the straps sit cleanly over the shoulders.

The white curved mouth detail is not a separate mouth opening. It is a decorative chain-like smile line sewn around the lower snout, following the rounded curve of the face from one cheek to the other.

Main Dinosaur Head

Use soft green yarn and US 3 needles. Work in the round. Stuff the head firmly as you go, especially around the cheeks and snout. The shape should become wide, rounded, and slightly longer from front to back than from top to bottom.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide across needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: k all sts.
15. Rnd 14: repeat k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
16. Rnd 15: k all sts.
17. Rnd 16: repeat k7, kfb around. 72 sts.
18. Rnds 17-25: k all sts for 9 rounds.
19. Rnd 26: k18, kfb, k34, kfb, k18. 74 sts.
20. Rnd 27: k all sts.
21. Rnd 28: k20, kfb, k32, kfb, k20. 76 sts.
22. Rnds 29-36: k all sts for 8 rounds.
23. Rnd 37: k20, ssk, k32, k2tog, k20. 74 sts.
24. Rnd 38: k all sts.
25. Rnd 39: repeat k35, k2tog twice. 72 sts.
26. Rnd 40: repeat k7, k2tog around. 64 sts.
27. Rnd 41: k all sts.
28. Rnd 42: repeat k6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
29. Rnd 43: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
30. Rnd 44: k all sts.
31. Rnd 45: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
32. Rnd 46: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
33. Begin stuffing firmly. Shape the front into a smooth rounded snout with your fingers.
34. Rnd 47: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
35. Rnd 48: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
36. Finish stuffing. Rnd 49: k2tog around. 8 sts.
37. Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

Snout and Nostril Shaping

The nose area is created with soft sculpting instead of a separate muzzle. This keeps the dinosaur’s face smooth and close to the image. Use green yarn and a long tapestry needle.

1. Mark two nostril positions on the front of the snout, about 1 inch apart and 1.5 inches down from the eye line.
2. Insert needle at the lower back of the head and come out at the first nostril mark.
3. Make one small horizontal stitch over 2 knitted stitches.
4. Pull gently to indent the nostril.
5. Carry yarn inside the head to the second nostril mark.
6. Make one small horizontal stitch over 2 knitted stitches.
7. Pull gently so both nostrils have the same soft raised-and-indented look.
8. Secure at the back of the head and hide the yarn tail inside.

White Curved Smile Edge

Use cream yarn. This detail follows the lower curve of the dinosaur’s face. It should look like a neat scalloped stitch line, beginning on one cheek and ending on the other.

1. Thread cream yarn onto a tapestry needle.
2. Start on the left lower cheek, about 1.25 inches below the nostril level.
3. Work 22 small chain-style embroidery stitches across the snout curve.
4. Each chain stitch should cover about 1 knitted stitch wide and 1 knitted row tall.
5. Curve the line downward at the center and upward again toward the right cheek.
6. Keep the tension even so the line rests on the surface and does not pucker the head.
7. Secure inside the head and trim excess yarn.

Eye Whites

The dinosaur has two raised white oval eyes sitting high on the head. They lean slightly outward and touch at the inner edges. Make two.

1. Using cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: work stockinette stitch, beginning with a purl row on Row 5.
7. Row 10: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 11: p all sts.
9. Row 12: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts, leaving a 10 inch tail for sewing.
11. Lightly stuff each eye white with a tiny pinch of fiberfill before closing the seam to the head.

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Eye Pupils

The pupils are black and placed near the center of each white eye, slightly toward the front. Use black yarn or small safety eyes.

• Embroidered option: Sew a satin-stitch oval over 4 rows and 3 stitches on each eye white.
• Safety eye option: Insert one 8 mm safety eye through each eye white before sewing the white pieces to the head.
• Placement: Position the eye whites on top of the head between Rnds 13 and 25, with the inner edges almost touching.
• Sewing: Use the cream yarn tail and stitch around the outer edge of each eye white.

Body

The green dinosaur body is covered by the cream overalls, but it still needs a stable pear shape. The lower half should be rounded, and the shoulder area should be narrower so the straps sit correctly.

1. Using green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 10 sts. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 50 sts.
10. Rnds 9-18: k all sts for 10 rounds.
11. Rnd 19: repeat k8, k2tog around. 45 sts.
12. Rnds 20-25: k all sts for 6 rounds.
13. Rnd 26: repeat k7, k2tog around. 40 sts.
14. Rnds 27-31: k all sts for 5 rounds.
15. Rnd 32: repeat k6, k2tog around. 35 sts.
16. Rnds 33-36: k all sts for 4 rounds.
17. Rnd 37: repeat k5, k2tog around. 30 sts.
18. Rnd 38: k all sts.
19. Stuff firmly, keeping the base rounded and the upper body narrower.
20. Rnd 39: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
21. Rnd 40: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
22. BO all sts. Leave a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

Legs

Make two green legs. The feet will be added separately, so keep the legs short, cylindrical, and slightly chunky. They should show below the overalls.

1. Using green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rnd 5: repeat k5, kfb around. 21 sts.
4. Rnds 6-14: k all sts for 9 rounds.
5. Rnd 15: repeat k5, k2tog around. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 16-18: k all sts.
7. Stuff the leg lightly but firmly.
8. Rnd 19: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
9. BO all sts. Leave a 12 inch tail for sewing.
10. Repeat for the second leg.

Feet

Make two wide green feet. The dinosaur in the image has sandal-like feet with rounded toes. The foot base is knitted first, then three toes are added to each foot.

1. Using green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-12: work stockinette stitch.
7. Row 13: p all sts.
8. Row 14: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 15: p all sts.
10. Row 16: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts. Make a second matching sole piece for the same foot.
12. Sew the two sole pieces together around the edge, stuff lightly, and close.
13. Repeat to make the second foot.

Toe Bobbles

Make six toes total, three for each foot. They should be round and visible at the front edge.

1. Using green yarn and US 2 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
4. Rows 3-5: stockinette stitch.
5. Row 6: k2tog across. 6 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and seam into a small oval.
7. Sew three toes to the front of each foot, evenly spaced.

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Arms

The arms are long, slim, and hang downward at the sides. The ends have simple mitten-like hands with tiny finger points.

1. Using green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 14 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts.
3. Rnd 7: k6, kfb, k7. 15 sts.
4. Rnds 8-22: k all sts for 15 rounds.
5. Rnd 23: k6, k2tog, k7. 14 sts.
6. Rnds 24-26: k all sts.
7. Stuff lightly, keeping the arm flexible.
8. Rnd 27: repeat k2tog around. 7 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull closed, and weave in.
10. Repeat for the second arm.

Finger Stitches

• Thread green yarn and make three small vertical stitches at the end of each hand.
• Each finger stitch should cover 2 rows.
• Pull gently to divide the mitten end into three soft finger bumps.
• Do not over-tighten, or the hand will curl too much.

Tail

The tail is not very visible from the front, but it helps the dinosaur balance. Add it low at the back, angled slightly downward.

1. Using green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rnd 5: k7, k2tog, k7, k2tog. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 6-8: k all sts.
5. Rnd 9: k6, k2tog, k6, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Rnds 10-12: k all sts.
7. Rnd 13: k5, k2tog, k5, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Rnds 14-16: k all sts.
9. Rnd 17: k4, k2tog, k4, k2tog. 10 sts.
10. Rnd 18: k all sts.
11. Stuff lightly. Rnd 19: k2tog around. 5 sts.
12. Cut yarn, close tip, and leave a long tail for sewing.

Cream Strawberry Overalls

The overalls are the main outfit. They are cream, roomy, and soft, with short legs, a high bib, two straps, red buttons, and strawberry embroidery across the front. Knit the pants from the bottom upward.

First Overall Leg

1. Using cream yarn and US 3 needles, CO 28 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: repeat k1, p1 around for ribbing.
3. Rnds 4-13: k all sts.
4. Place sts on a holder.

Second Overall Leg

1. Work the second leg exactly like the first leg.
2. Do not cut yarn after Rnd 13.
3. Knit across the second leg, CO 4 sts for crotch, knit across the first leg, CO 4 sts for back crotch. 64 sts.

Overall Body

1. Rnds 1-10: k all sts around. 64 sts.
2. Rnd 11: k14, k2tog, k30, k2tog, k16. 62 sts.
3. Rnds 12-15: k all sts.
4. Rnd 16: k13, k2tog, k28, k2tog, k15. 60 sts.
5. Rnds 17-20: k all sts.
6. Rnd 21: repeat k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
7. Rnds 22-25: k all sts.
8. Rnd 26: repeat k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
9. Rnds 27-30: k all sts.
10. BO the back 30 sts loosely. Keep front 18 sts live for the bib.

Front Bib

1. Work flat on the front 18 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Rows 3-12: continue stockinette stitch.
5. Row 13: p all sts.
6. Row 14: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
7. Row 15: p all sts.
8. Row 16: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
9. Rows 17-20: stockinette stitch.
10. BO all sts.

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Overall Straps

Make two straps. They should cross over the shoulders and attach to the top of the bib with red buttons.

1. Using cream yarn and US 3 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-34: knit every row for garter stitch.
3. Row 35: k2, yo, k2tog, k2 to make a buttonhole.
4. Rows 36-38: knit all sts.
5. BO all sts.
6. Make a second strap the same way.
7. Sew the plain strap ends to the back waist of the overalls, spacing them 1.25 inches apart.
8. Bring straps over the shoulders and button them to the upper front bib.

Strawberry Embroidery on Bib

The front of the overalls has a large red strawberry, small red berries, green leaves, and thin vine stems. Embroider before putting the overalls permanently on the body.

• Main strawberry: Work a red satin-stitch heart shape about 1 inch tall at the center lower bib.
• Seeds: Add 7 tiny cream or white straight stitches on the red strawberry.
• Top leaves: Use leaf green yarn and sew 5 short straight stitches from the top of the berry.
• Vines: Use green yarn and backstitch two curved stems, each about 1.5 inches long.
• Small berries: Add 3 red French-knot style knots or tiny duplicate stitches along the vines.
• Leaves: Add 6 green leaf stitches, each covering 3 rows and 2 stitches.

Red Buttons

Sew one red button at each upper corner of the bib. The buttons should sit on top of the straps and be clearly visible, like the bright red buttons in the image.

1. Place the overalls on the dinosaur body.
2. Pull each strap forward without stretching it.
3. Mark the button position through the buttonhole.
4. Sew each button through the strap and bib together for a fixed toy finish.
5. For a removable outfit, sew the buttons only to the bib and leave the strap buttonholes functional.

Strawberry Crossbody Bag

The dinosaur carries a red strawberry bag at the right hip. It has a green leafy top and a green strap that crosses diagonally from shoulder to hip.

Red Strawberry Bag Body

1. Using red yarn and US 2 needles, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5-10: stockinette stitch.
7. Row 11: p all sts.
8. Row 12: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
9. Row 13: p all sts.
10. Row 14: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
11. Row 15: p all sts.
12. Row 16: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
13. BO all sts.
14. Make a second matching piece.
15. Sew pieces together, stuff lightly, and close the edge.

Bag Seeds and Leaf Cap

• Use cream yarn to sew 9 tiny seed stitches on the front of the red strawberry bag.
• With green yarn, CO 12 sts and knit 3 rows.
• Row 4: BO 2 sts, k2, BO 2 sts, k2, BO 2 sts, k2 to create uneven leafy points.
• Sew this leafy strip across the top of the strawberry bag.

Crossbody Strap

1. Using green yarn and US 2 needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 9.5 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to the upper left back shoulder area and the other end to the strawberry bag.
5. Place the bag at the dinosaur’s right hip, slightly forward.

Flower Headband

The headband sits around the top right side of the head near the eyes. It has small pink, cream, and brown flowers with yellow centers. Keep the flowers light so the head does not tilt.

Headband Base

1. Using green yarn and US 2 needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 5 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew the strip in a gentle curve around the upper right side of the head, behind the eye whites.

Five-Petal Flower

Make three flowers: one dusty pink, one cream, and one small tan or pink flower. Use yellow yarn for centers.

1. Using flower color yarn and US 2 needles, CO 15 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: repeat k1, BO 2 sts across, creating 5 small petal groups.
4. Cut yarn with a long tail.
5. Roll the strip into a small flower and sew through the base to secure.
6. Add a yellow center by making 3 small stitches in the middle.
7. Sew flowers along the headband, clustering them near the right eye.

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Green Sandal Details and Purple Berries

The feet in the image have pale sandal edging and tiny purple berries near the ankle. These details make the base look garden-themed and decorative.

Cream Sole Edging

1. Using cream yarn, embroider a running stitch around the outer edge of each foot sole.
2. Make one stitch over every 2 knitted stitches.
3. Keep the edging low and close to the bottom of the foot.

Purple Berry Clusters

1. Using purple yarn and US 2 needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb in each st. 10 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k2tog across. 5 sts.
5. Cut yarn, gather closed, and form a tiny berry.
6. Make four purple berries.
7. Sew two berries near the outer side of each ankle.

Matching Cream Strawberry Sun Hat

The small hat sits beside the dinosaur. It has a rounded cream crown, a flat brim, and a strawberry garland around the brim. Knit it as a separate display accessory.

Hat Crown

1. Using cream yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-17: k all sts.
11. Rnd 18: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
12. BO loosely.

Hat Brim

1. Pick up and knit 40 sts around the lower edge of the crown.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
8. Rnds 7-8: k all sts.
9. BO loosely and flatten brim gently with your fingers.

Hat Strawberry Garland

• Embroider a green vine around the hat where crown meets brim.
• Add 5 small red strawberry shapes spaced evenly around the front half.
• For each strawberry, make 4 red satin stitches, 2 green leaf stitches, and 2 tiny cream seed stitches.
• Keep the garland low so the rounded crown remains visible.

Berry Basket

The basket is a small tan knitted bowl with a curved handle. It contains colorful berries in red, raspberry, navy, purple, and black. Work the basket tightly so it stands on the table.

Basket Bowl

1. Using tan yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: p all sts to make a turning ridge.
9. Rnds 8-18: k all sts.
10. Rnd 19: p all sts for rim texture.
11. Rnd 20: k all sts.
12. BO loosely.
13. Push the base flat and lightly stuff the lower bowl if needed.

Basket Handle

1. Using tan yarn and US 2 needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 5.5 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to each side of the basket rim.
5. Curve the handle upright and tack it with a hidden stitch at the base if needed.

Knitted Berries

Make 14 tiny berries in mixed colors. Place them inside the basket and sew them down so they do not fall out.

1. Using berry color yarn and US 2 needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb in every st. 10 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: k2tog across. 5 sts.
6. Cut yarn, gather the stitches, and sew into a round berry.
7. Repeat in red, raspberry, navy, purple, and black.
8. Sew berries into the basket in a slightly heaped arrangement.

Tiny Watering Can

The watering can is a small gray or cream-gray knitted prop. It has a ribbed body, open top, side handle, and little spout. Make it firm enough to sit beside the basket.

Watering Can Body

1. Using light gray yarn and US 2 needles, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: repeat k2, p2 around.
3. Rnds 4-12: k all sts.
4. Rnd 13: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 14: p all sts for top rim texture.
6. BO loosely.
7. Lightly stuff the body, keeping the top slightly open.
8. Cut a small circle of knitted fabric or felt-like knit from matching yarn by knitting 8 sts for 8 rows, gathering into a disk, and sewing to the base.

Watering Can Spout

1. Using light gray yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Work as an I-cord for 9 rows.
3. Row 10: kfb in each st if working flat, or increase to 12 sts if working in the round.
4. Rows 11-12: knit all sts.
5. BO and shape the wider end like a tiny rose.
6. Sew the narrow end to one side of the can, angled upward.

Watering Can Handle

1. Using light gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 3.25 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end near the upper side of the can and the other end near the lower side.
5. Curve the handle into a C shape.

Assembly Order

Good assembly is the secret to making the dinosaur match the image. Pin all main parts first before sewing. Check the toy from the front, side, and back to keep the head large, the arms low, and the outfit centered.

1. Sew the legs to the lower body first, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Sew one foot to the base of each leg, with toes facing forward.
3. Put the cream overalls on the body before sewing the head in place.
4. Center the bib on the front of the body.
5. Attach the straps over the shoulders and secure the red buttons.
6. Sew the head to the body with the face angled slightly forward.
7. Use the body yarn tail and stitch firmly around the neck twice.
8. Sew arms to the sides just below the shoulder line, letting them hang beside the overalls.
9. Sew the tail to the lower back, hidden behind the overalls if viewed from the front.
10. Attach the strawberry bag and crossbody strap after the arms are sewn.
11. Place the flower headband on the upper right side of the head.

Detailed Placement Guide

• Head: The widest part should sit above the shoulders, making the head larger than the body.
• Eyes: Place high on the head, close together, with black pupils facing forward.
• Nostrils: Place low on the snout, small and subtle.
• Smile line: Curve from cheek to cheek below the nostrils.
• Arms: Sew down the side seams so the hands reach the upper thigh area.
• Overalls: The crotch should sit low and roomy, with short legs ending above the green feet.
• Bag: The red strawberry bag should rest on the right hip, slightly forward.
• Hat: Keep separate as a display prop beside the dinosaur.
• Basket and watering can: Place near the feet for the garden scene.

Finishing the Strawberry Details

After the main assembly, add final small details. These tiny stitches make the project look close to the image and give the overalls a handmade garden feeling.

• Add extra green vine stitches over the bib if the front looks too empty.
• Keep all red strawberry shapes rounded at the top and pointed at the bottom.
• Use white or cream seed stitches sparingly, with 5 to 9 seeds per large berry.
• Add two tiny red dots near the main bib strawberry for a natural scattered look.
• Do not make embroidery bulky; the overalls should remain soft and smooth.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that both eyes are level before securing the final knots. The pupils should be dark and bold, while the eye whites remain slightly puffy. Smooth the head with your hands so the snout is rounded and the nostrils sit evenly.

Reinforce the neck seam with a second round of hidden stitches. A large head needs a strong join, especially if the toy will be handled often. Make the head lean just slightly forward for the same gentle garden character shown in the image.

• Trim or hide all loose yarn ends inside the toy.
• Steam only lightly from a distance if needed, never pressing the stuffed sections flat.
• Adjust flower positions so they frame the eyes without covering them.
• Make sure the strawberry bag hangs diagonally and does not twist.

Care Notes

This knitted dinosaur is best treated as a decorative handmade toy. If it is made for a child, replace buttons with embroidered circles and sew all accessories securely. Avoid loose flowers, long straps, or small removable berries for young children.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if using buttons, safety eyes, or delicate embroidery.
• Dry flat on a towel.
• Reshape the head, snout, feet, and basket while damp.
• Keep away from high heat and direct ironing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is larger than the body and slightly forward-facing.
• The two white eyes sit high and close together.
• The white smile curve follows the lower snout.
• The cream overalls fit loosely with a centered bib.
• The red buttons are visible at the upper bib corners.
• The front embroidery includes strawberry, leaves, vines, and small red berry dots.
• The strawberry bag sits at the right hip with a green strap.
• The flower headband is placed on the upper right side of the head.
• The hat, basket, berries, and watering can are finished as separate props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the dinosaur upright when possible so the head and feet keep their shape. If the toy will be displayed on a shelf, place the strawberry hat, basket, and watering can close to the feet to keep the full garden scene together.

For long-term storage, wrap the dinosaur loosely in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth. Do not compress the head or overalls. Keep the flower headband facing upward so the small flowers are not flattened.

• Refresh the toy by gently brushing the knitted surface with clean hands.
• Remove dust with a lint roller used very lightly.
• Avoid soaking the basket and watering can because small stuffed props may take longer to dry.
• Check the button stitches and bag strap occasionally if the toy is handled often.
• Keep the toy away from pets, moisture, and direct sunlight to protect the yarn colors.

Display Suggestions

To match the image styling, place the finished dinosaur on a rustic wooden surface with the cream strawberry hat to one side. Set the berry basket and watering can near the feet. This creates the same sunny garden mood and highlights all the knitted details.

The dinosaur also looks lovely with small knitted leaves, extra strawberries, or a plain cream mat underneath. Keep the background simple so the green dinosaur, cream overalls, red strawberries, and floral headband remain the main focus.