Knitting Tutorial: Cozy Dinosaur in Blue Striped Garden Hoodie – Free Knitting Pattern.

This cheerful knitted dinosaur is shaped with a rounded lemon-yellow head, soft snout, tiny nostril bumps, black bead eyes, green back spikes, and a curved tail. The outfit includes a blue-and-white striped garden hoodie, matching striped pants, red sandals with white trim, pastel buttons, tiny flower details, two potted succulents, a straw hat, a green backpack, and a small watering can.

 

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US knitting terms and is worked mostly in the round for smooth toy shaping. Small flat pieces are seamed where that gives a cleaner shape, especially for the hoodie front bands, flower appliqués, sandal straps, backpack flap, and tiny garden accessories.

The finished dinosaur is designed to look plush, rounded, and slightly oversized in the head, just like the reference image. Use firm stuffing and small needles so the fabric is dense enough that the filling does not show through.

• Finished dinosaur height: about 10.5 in / 27 cm standing.
• Head length: about 5 in / 12.5 cm from back of head to snout.
• Body height without head: about 5.25 in / 13.5 cm.
• Skill level: adventurous beginner to intermediate.
• Main technique: small toy knitting in the round with simple shaping.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in bright yellow for dinosaur body, about 95 yd.
• Worsted weight yarn in light green for back spikes and backpack, about 45 yd.
• Worsted weight yarn in sky blue for hoodie, pants, cuffs, backpack strap details, and flower centers, about 90 yd.
• Worsted weight yarn in white for hoodie stripes and sandal edging, about 35 yd.
• Worsted weight yarn in red for sandals, about 25 yd.
• Small amounts of brown, tan, terracotta, lavender, dark green, mint green, pale pink, and pale blue yarn for accessories.
• US 3 / 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• US 2 / 2.75 mm needles for small accessories and tighter cuffs.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes or glossy black beads.
• Three tiny buttons for hoodie front, about 6 mm.
• One brown button for backpack flap, about 10 mm.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn, pins, and scissors.

Gauge

Gauge is important because the dinosaur needs a firm knitted surface. With US 3 needles in stockinette stitch, aim for 6 stitches and 8 rounds per inch after gentle blocking. If your stitches are loose, go down one needle size.

• Body gauge: 24 sts and 32 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm.
• Accessory gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 in / 10 cm.
• Fabric goal: dense, soft, and slightly plush.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• kfb: knit into front and back of same stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• M1L: make 1 left increase.
• M1R: make 1 right increase.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise.
• pm: place marker.
• sm: slip marker.
• rem: remaining.

Important Notes Before You Start

• Stuff each part gradually. The head and snout need firm stuffing to hold the oval shape.
• Do not overstuff the arms, legs, hood, or sandals. They should stay soft and rounded.
• For the cleanest striped hoodie, carry the unused yarn loosely up the inside when changing colors.
• The hoodie and pants are written as removable-looking clothing, but they are sewn in place for toy stability.
• All small embellishments should be sewn securely, especially if the toy may be handled often.

Main Dinosaur Head

The head is the largest feature. It is an elongated oval with a wide snout, tilted slightly upward. Work in yellow. Begin at the snout end and increase toward the cheeks, then shape the back of the head.

Head and Snout

1. With yellow yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each 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. Rnds 9-14: k all sts for a rounded snout tube.
11. Rnd 15: k10, kfb 4 times, k12, kfb 4 times, k10. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 16-20: k all sts.
13. Rnd 21: k12, kfb 3 times, k18, kfb 3 times, k12. 54 sts.
14. Rnds 22-30: k all sts. This forms the full cheek and forehead section.
15. Rnd 31: k8, k2tog, k14, ssk, k8, k2tog, k14, ssk. 50 sts.
16. Rnd 32: k all sts.
17. Rnd 33: repeat k8, k2tog around. 45 sts.
18. Rnd 34: k all sts.
19. Rnd 35: repeat k7, k2tog around. 40 sts.
20. Rnd 36: k all sts.
21. Rnd 37: repeat k6, k2tog around. 35 sts.
22. Rnd 38: k all sts.
23. Begin stuffing the snout and cheeks firmly. Shape the snout as a soft oval with your fingers.
24. Rnd 39: repeat k5, k2tog around. 30 sts.
25. Rnd 40: repeat k4, k2tog around. 25 sts.
26. Rnd 41: repeat k3, k2tog around. 20 sts.
27. Add more stuffing, making the top of the head domed and the snout smooth.
28. Rnd 42: repeat k2, k2tog around. 15 sts.
29. Rnd 43: repeat k1, k2tog around. 10 sts.
30. Rnd 44: k2tog around. 5 sts.
31. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

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Tiny Nostril Bumps

The nostril bumps are small yellow raised nubs placed on the front sides of the snout. They should be subtle and rounded, not flat embroidery.

1. Make 2. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k2tog across. 3 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through 3 sts, pull tight, and seam into a tiny bump.
7. Sew one bump on each side of the snout, about 7 rounds back from the nose tip and slightly below eye level.

Body

The body is yellow underneath but mostly covered by the striped hoodie. The shape is pear-like, wider at the lower belly and narrower at the neck. Work in yellow because small areas show at the neck, wrists, and lower body.

1. With yellow yarn and US 3 needles, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each 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. Rnds 7-12: k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: k8, kfb, k22, kfb, k8. 42 sts.
10. Rnds 14-21: k all sts.
11. Rnd 22: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnds 23-26: k all sts.
13. Rnd 27: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
14. Rnds 28-31: k all sts.
15. Rnd 32: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Rnd 33: k all sts.
17. Stuff firmly, keeping the lower body rounded and the neck area slightly narrower.
18. Rnd 34: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
19. Rnds 35-36: k all sts for neck base.
20. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing the head in place.

Legs and Feet

The legs are short and chunky. The yellow toes peek out from red sandals, so the foot shape should be wide at the front. Make two legs and two feet.

Legs

1. With yellow yarn, CO 16 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rnd 5: repeat k3, kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 6-14: k all sts.
5. Rnd 15: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Stuff lightly. BO, leaving a tail for sewing.
7. Make the second leg the same way.

Wide Feet

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k4, kfb 4 times, k8. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-10: k all sts.
7. Rnd 11: k4, k2tog 4 times, k8. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 12: k all sts.
9. Stuff the front firmly and the heel lightly.
10. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 8 sts.
11. Cut yarn, draw closed, and weave in.
12. Make the second foot the same way.

Toe Separations

• Thread yellow yarn on a tapestry needle.
• On each foot, make two vertical tightening stitches across the front to divide the toes into three rounded bumps.
• Pull gently so the front becomes scalloped but not deeply pinched.
• Secure yarn inside the foot.

Arms and Hands

The arms are short and rounded, with small yellow hands visible below the blue hoodie sleeves. They angle slightly forward, as if the dinosaur is standing in a cozy garden pose.

1. Make 2. With yellow yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, kfb around. 15 sts.
4. Rnds 3-10: k all sts.
5. Rnd 11: repeat k3, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 12-14: k all sts.
7. Stuff the lower hand lightly. Leave upper arm almost flat for easy sewing.
8. Rnd 15: k2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw closed, and weave in.

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Tail

The tail curves out behind the hoodie and is visible on the right side. It is yellow with green spikes sewn along the top line. Work from tail tip to base.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-2: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat k1, kfb around. 9 sts.
4. Rnds 4-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 7-9: k all sts.
7. Rnd 10: repeat k3, kfb around. 15 sts.
8. Rnds 11-16: k all sts.
9. Rnd 17: k7, kfb, k7. 16 sts.
10. Rnds 18-22: k all sts.
11. Stuff gradually, shaping the tail with a gentle upward curve.
12. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the back lower body.

Green Back Spikes

The spikes are soft rounded triangles running from the top of the head down the back and onto the tail. They are knitted separately and sewn on after the hoodie is attached.

Large Head Spike

1. With light green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 5: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Row 11: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
10. Row 12: p all sts.
11. Row 13: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
12. Row 14: p2tog. 1 st.
13. Cut yarn and fasten off. Make a second matching triangle.
14. Seam both triangles together around the edges, stuff very lightly, and sew to the top back of the head.

Small Back and Tail Spikes

1. Make 5 small spikes. With light green yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 4: p all sts.
4. Row 5: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
5. Row 6: p all sts.
6. Row 7: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
7. Row 8: p all sts.
8. Row 9: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
9. Row 10: p2tog. 1 st.
10. Fasten off. Fold each spike slightly and seam the lower edge flat.
11. Sew two behind the head, two down the upper back, and one near the tail base.

Blue and White Striped Hoodie

The hoodie is the main clothing detail. It has horizontal white stripes, blue cuffs, a blue front band, tiny buttons, and a rounded hood that sits behind the dinosaur head. The body of the hoodie is worked flat to create an open front.

Stripe Sequence

• Rows 1-2: sky blue.
• Rows 3-4: white.
• Repeat this 4-row stripe sequence across the hoodie body and hood.
• Use blue for ribbed cuffs, hem, button band, and sleeve edges.

Hoodie Body

1. With sky blue yarn and US 3 needles, CO 54 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-6: work k1, p1 rib in blue for the lower hem.
5. Rows 7-8: with blue, work stockinette.
6. Rows 9-10: with white, work stockinette.
7. Rows 11-12: with blue, work stockinette.
8. Rows 13-14: with white, work stockinette.
9. Continue stripe sequence until piece measures about 3.75 in / 9.5 cm from CO edge, ending after a blue stripe.
10. Next RS row: k12 for right front, BO 4 sts for armhole, k22 for back, BO 4 sts for armhole, k12 for left front.
11. Place right front, back, and left front sts on separate holders.

Right Front Shoulder

1. Work on first 12 sts only, keeping stripe sequence correct.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k2tog, k to end. 11 sts.
6. Rows 5-8: continue stockinette.
7. BO 6 sts at neck edge, finish row. 5 sts remain.
8. Work 2 more rows, then BO shoulder sts.

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Back Shoulder

1. Return 22 back sts to needle.
2. Work 8 rows in stripe sequence.
3. BO center 8 sts for back neck, leaving 7 sts each side.
4. Work each shoulder for 2 rows, then BO.

Left Front Shoulder

1. Work left front to match right front, reversing neck shaping.
2. Keep stripes aligned with the back section.
3. BO shoulder sts after the same number of rows.

Hoodie Sleeves

1. Make 2. With blue yarn, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: work k1, p1 rib in blue.
3. Rnd 6: k all sts in blue.
4. Rnd 7: k all sts in white.
5. Rnd 8: k all sts in white.
6. Rnd 9: k all sts in blue.
7. Rnd 10: k all sts in blue.
8. Continue stripe sequence for 12 more rounds.
9. Next rnd: k1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
10. Work 4 rounds even.
11. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
12. Sew sleeves into hoodie armholes. Slide over dinosaur arms before final arm attachment if desired.

Hood

1. With hoodie body RS facing, pick up and knit 34 sts around neckline in blue.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Continue stripe sequence in stockinette for 18 rows.
5. Next RS row: k14, k2tog, k2, ssk, k14. 32 sts.
6. Next WS row: p all sts.
7. Next RS row: k13, k2tog, k2, ssk, k13. 30 sts.
8. Work 3 rows even.
9. Fold hood with RS together and seam top edge using mattress stitch or three-needle bind off.
10. Turn hood right side out and shape it around the back of the dinosaur head.

Front Button Bands

1. With blue yarn, pick up 22 sts along right front edge.
2. Rows 1-4: work k1, p1 rib.
3. BO in rib.
4. Repeat on left front edge.
5. Sew 3 small buttons down the front: one near the neckline, one at center chest, and one near lower belly.
6. For decorative buttonholes, make three small yarn loops opposite the buttons using blue yarn.

Matching Blue and White Striped Pants

The pants are short, rounded, and striped to match the hoodie. They sit below the hoodie hem and show at the legs. Work two leg tubes and join them into a small pants body.

Pant Legs

1. Make 2. With blue yarn, CO 20 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k1, p1 rib in blue.
3. Rnds 5-6: k all sts in blue.
4. Rnds 7-8: k all sts in white.
5. Rnds 9-10: k all sts in blue.
6. Rnds 11-12: k all sts in white.
7. Place first leg on spare needle. Make second leg the same way.

Join Pants

1. Place both legs on one circular needle with inner legs touching. 40 sts total.
2. Rnd 1: k around all sts in blue.
3. Rnd 2: k around in blue.
4. Rnd 3: k around in white.
5. Rnd 4: k around in white.
6. Continue stripe sequence for 8 more rounds.
7. Next rnd: repeat k8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
8. Work 3 rounds in blue.
9. BO loosely. Sew pants in place around lower body, leaving yellow legs visible below.

Red Garden Sandals

The sandals are bright red with rounded tops and a thin white sole edge. The yellow toes should peek out from the front just like the image.

Sandal Soles

1. Make 2. With red yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-14: k all sts.
7. Row 15: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 16: k all sts.
9. Row 17: k2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO. Sew each sole under a yellow foot.

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Sandal Top Strap

1. Make 2. With red yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work stockinette.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
4. Wrap strap across the front top of the foot, allowing the three yellow toe bumps to show.
5. Sew strap ends to the sides of the sole.

White Sole Trim

• With white yarn, work a simple embroidered running stitch around each red sole edge.
• Keep stitches small and even, about one stitch every knitted row.
• This creates the bright white line visible around the sandals.

Flower Decorations on Hoodie

The hoodie has tiny garden flowers near the lower front. Make two or three small flowers in pastel colors. Place them on the blue side of the hoodie so they stand out clearly.

Five-Petal Flower

1. With pale pink or pale blue 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: repeat k2tog across. 5 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull into a small circle, and secure.
6. Use a contrasting small yarn knot for the flower center.
7. Make 2 or 3 flowers and sew them near the lower hoodie front.

Small Leaves

1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
5. Fasten off. Make 4 small leaves and sew beside the flowers.

Green Garden Backpack

The backpack sits beside the dinosaur in the image, but it can also be lightly tacked to the back if desired. It is bright green, rectangular, softly stuffed, with a flap, loop handle, straps, and a brown button.

Backpack Body

1. With light green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts for garter bottom.
3. Rows 5-24: work stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
4. Rows 25-28: k all sts.
5. BO, leaving a long tail.
6. Fold piece in half with WS together. Seam both sides, leaving top open.
7. Stuff lightly so the bag is rounded but still boxy.
8. Seam top closed neatly.

Backpack Flap

1. With light green yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: stockinette.
3. Row 9: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
4. Row 10: p all sts.
5. Row 11: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 12: p all sts.
7. Rows 13-14: k all sts.
8. BO. Sew top edge to the back top of backpack, folding flap over front.
9. Sew brown button at center front under flap.

Backpack Handle and Straps

1. For handle, CO 12 sts with green yarn.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO. Sew as a loop at the top center.
4. For straps, make 2 I-cords, each 5 in / 12.5 cm long, using 3 sts.
5. Sew straps vertically on the back of backpack.

Small Straw Garden Hat

The hat is a tan sun hat with a blue ribbon. It rests on the table beside the dinosaur. Knit it in a shallow round shape with a wide brim.

Hat Crown

1. With tan yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-10: k all sts.
7. Rnd 11: p all sts to make a brim fold line.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 12: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 13: k all sts.
3. Rnd 14: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 15: k all sts.
5. Rnd 16: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
6. Rnds 17-18: k all sts.
7. BO loosely. Flatten the brim gently with your fingers.

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Blue Ribbon and Bow

1. With sky blue yarn, CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO. Wrap around the hat crown and sew ends together.
4. For bow loops, CO 8 sts, k 2 rows, BO. Make 2.
5. Pinch each loop at center and sew to the ribbon front side.
6. Add a short blue yarn tail for each bow end.

Mini Watering Can

The watering can is small, beige, and rounded with a pale blue rosette-like spout end. It is a decorative garden accessory and should be lightly stuffed.

Can Body

1. With beige yarn and US 2 needles, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 5-12: k all sts.
4. Rnd 13: repeat k4, k2tog around. 15 sts.
5. Rnd 14: k all sts.
6. Rnd 15: repeat k3, k2tog around. 12 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 16: k2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw closed, and weave in.

Open Rim

1. With beige yarn, pick up 18 sts around CO edge.
2. Rnds 1-3: k1, p1 rib.
3. BO loosely. This creates the open-looking top rim.

Handle and Spout

1. For handle, make a 3-st I-cord in beige for 3.5 in / 9 cm.
2. Sew handle in a curved arch from upper side to lower side.
3. For spout, make a 3-st I-cord in beige for 2 in / 5 cm.
4. Sew spout to opposite side, angled slightly upward.
5. For blue spout end, CO 6 sts in pale blue, kfb across to 12 sts, then BO.
6. Roll into a small rosette and sew to spout tip.

Potted Succulents

The image includes two small potted plants. One pot is terracotta with a dark soil top and green succulent. The other pot is lavender-blue with a pale green succulent. Knit both pots for a complete garden scene.

Terracotta Pot

1. With terracotta yarn and US 2 needles, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 5-12: k all sts.
4. Rnd 13: repeat k4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 14: k all sts.
6. Rnd 15: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
7. BO. Stuff lightly and flatten base.
8. With brown yarn, CO 16 sts, join, k 3 rounds, then BO. Sew as soil disk on top.

Lavender Pot

1. With lavender yarn, CO 22 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 5-11: k all sts.
4. Rnd 12: repeat k3, k2tog around, ending k2. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 13: k all sts.
6. BO. Stuff lightly.
7. Make a brown soil disk with CO 14 sts, join, k 3 rounds, then BO. Sew to top.

Succulent Leaves

1. Make 10 leaves for each plant. With green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, M1R, k3, M1L, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Row 7: k1, ssk, k2tog. 3 sts.
9. Row 8: p all sts.
10. Row 9: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
11. Fasten off. Sew leaves in a circular rosette on top of the soil disk.
12. Use darker green leaves for the terracotta pot and softer mint leaves for the lavender pot.

Facial Features

The face is simple and sweet. The eyes are glossy black and sit high on the head, giving the dinosaur a gentle expression. The nostril bumps are yellow and subtle, while the mouth is only lightly suggested.

• Place eyes about 12 rounds back from the snout tip.
• Space the eyes about 16 stitches apart across the top-front curve of the head.
• Attach eyes before final head closure if using safety eyes.
• If using beads, sew them on after stuffing with strong thread.
• For the mouth, use one small curved stitch of yellow or slightly darker golden yarn below the snout center.
• Do not make the mouth too dark. The reference look is soft and minimal.

Joining the Dinosaur

1. Pin the body upright. Position the head so the snout points slightly forward and upward.
2. Sew the head to the neck using the long body tail. Circle the neck twice for strength.
3. Sew legs to the lower front body, about 8 stitches apart.
4. Sew feet to legs so the toes face forward and sit flat on the table.
5. Place the hoodie body around the torso, keeping the open front centered.
6. Sew the hoodie lightly to the body along the shoulders, side seams, and lower hem.
7. Slide sleeves over arms. Sew arms to upper body under the sleeve caps.
8. Sew sleeve tops into hoodie armholes if not already attached.
9. Sew pants around lower body, keeping the stripes horizontal.
10. Sew the tail to the back lower body, pushing it through the hoodie opening or sewing it just below the hem.
11. Add green spikes along the head, back, and tail after clothing is secure.

Exact Placement Guide

• Head angle: tilt slightly left or right for a friendly handmade pose.
• Eyes: high on the head, not on the snout tip.
• Large spike: centered on top rear of head.
• Small spikes: down the back line, partly visible behind the hood.
• Hood: sits behind the head, framing the neck without covering the eyes.
• Buttons: three small pastel or blue buttons down the front placket.
• Flowers: lower front of hoodie, slightly off center.
• Sandals: red straps cross above the toes, leaving yellow toe bumps visible.
• Backpack: set beside the dinosaur or tack lightly to the back.
• Accessories: arrange hat, plants, and watering can around the feet for a garden display.

Optional Embroidered Texture Details

The image has a soft, handmade knitted texture. You can add light duplicate stitches and tiny surface details to make the finished project look richer without changing the shape.

• Add a few pale blue duplicate stitches near the hoodie shoulders for depth.
• Use white duplicate stitches to sharpen any stripe edges that look uneven.
• Add tiny green straight stitches beside the flower appliqués to look like stems.
• Use tan yarn to add a few short lines on the straw hat brim.
• Add a small highlight stitch on each black eye using white embroidery thread if desired.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check all parts before weaving in the final ends. The dinosaur should stand with the large head balanced over the body, the red sandals flat, and the tail helping support the back. Adjust stuffing through seams if needed before closing everything tightly.

• Sew all seams with matching yarn and small hidden stitches.
• Secure eyes, buttons, flowers, and backpack button firmly.
• Shape the snout by gently rolling it between your palms.
• Pin the hood in place before sewing so it frames the head evenly.
• Steam lightly from a distance only if the stitches need relaxing.

Care Notes

This knitted dinosaur is best treated as a decorative handmade toy. Because it includes small buttons and detailed accessories, it is not recommended for very young children unless all small parts are replaced with embroidery.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if using safety eyes, beads, or wooden buttons.
• Press out moisture with a towel instead of wringing.
• Air dry flat, reshaping the head, hoodie, sandals, and accessories while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is firmly stuffed and smoothly oval.
• Snout is rounded with two small nostril bumps.
• Eyes are even and placed high on the face.
• Blue-and-white stripes are horizontal across hoodie and pants.
• Hood sits behind the head and does not pull the neck backward.
• Red sandals show the yellow toe bumps.
• Green spikes are centered from head to tail.
• Backpack has flap, handle, straps, and button.
• Hat has tan brim and blue ribbon bow.
• Both potted succulents and the watering can are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the plush knitted shape, keep the dinosaur away from direct sunlight for long periods. Bright yellow, blue, and red yarns may fade if displayed in a sunny window every day.

• Store in a dry place with good airflow.
• Use tissue paper inside a storage box to protect the snout and hood shape.
• Keep the garden accessories together in a small fabric pouch when not displayed.
• Refresh the toy by gently brushing loose fibers with clean fingers, not a stiff brush.
• If dust gathers on the plants or hat, lift it away with a soft dry cloth.

Your cozy dinosaur garden hoodie set is now complete. Arrange the dinosaur with the potted succulents, little straw hat, green backpack, and watering can to recreate the cheerful handmade garden scene from the image.