Crafting A Crochet Dinosaur Bag: A Fun, Unique Project

Dinosaurs are a fascinating group of creatures that have captured the imaginations of people of all ages. It is no surprise, then, that these prehistoric reptiles have inspired a range of creative expressions, including crochet dinosaur bags. From simple backpacks for children to more intricate designs for adults, these bags bring a touch of prehistoric charm to any outfit. With their unique shape, vibrant colours, and playful spikes, crochet dinosaur bags are a fun and functional accessory for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.

Crochet dinosaur backpacks for kids

Dinosaur-themed backpacks are a fun and creative way to add a playful touch to your child's style. These backpacks are perfect for kids who love dinosaurs and want to showcase their passion. Below are some ideas and patterns to get you started on crafting these unique backpacks.

Materials and Tools

To make a crochet dinosaur backpack, you'll need the following materials and tools:

• Worsted weight yarn in two colors: one for the backpack body and another for the spikes and drawstrings.
• Crochet hooks in two sizes: 4.0mm and 4.5mm.
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers or scrap yarn

Basic Techniques

Before you begin, it's helpful to be familiar with some basic crochet techniques and stitches:

• Chain (CH)
• Single Crochet (SC)
• Increase (INC)
• Slip Stitch (SL ST)
• Join as you go (JAYG)

Pattern Ideas

Easy Dinosaur Backpack Pattern:

This pattern is perfect for beginners and can be found on the blog "A Crafty Concept." It includes detailed instructions, a PDF pattern, and a video tutorial. The backpack features spikes and drawstrings, and you can add your own creative touches with different color combinations.

Dylan Dinosaur Chalk Bag:

This adorable and easy-to-crochet pattern is available from "Hook Yarn Carabiner." It only requires single crochet stitches and is a great option for outdoor adventures. The pattern includes instructions for adding a fabric liner and a pull cord.

Dinosaur-Inspired Backpack:

This playful backpack pattern is shared by "Make and Do Crew." It combines single crochet stitches and worsted-weight yarn to create a fun and functional pack. You'll make two main panels, spikes, and drawstring cords. The blog also provides a video tutorial for assembling the pieces.

Dinosaur Egg Pillow Backpack:

For a unique twist, you can crochet a dinosaur egg-shaped backpack. This idea is inspired by the "Bernat Crochet Dinosaur Egg Pillow" pattern on Yarnspirations. While the original pattern is for a pillow, you can modify it to add straps and turn it into a backpack.

Dinosaur Drawstring Backpacks:

Drawstring backpacks are a simple and popular choice for kids. You can find ready-made dinosaur-themed drawstring bags on Amazon or try your hand at crocheting one yourself. The "Beabes" brand on Amazon offers a variety of dinosaur-print drawstring bags that might spark some ideas for your own creations.

Additional Tips:

When crocheting dinosaur backpacks for kids, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Choose vibrant colors that appeal to children, such as primary colors or fun shades of green, blue, and orange.
• Consider adding fun details like googly eyes, safety eyes, or embroidered features to bring the dinosaur to life.
• Experiment with different types of yarn, such as bulky or super bulky yarn, to create a variety of textures and sizes.
• Encourage kids to use their backpacks for school, outdoor adventures, or even as a fun way to carry their toys and books.

Dinosaur-themed bags for adults

Crochet Dinosaur Backpack

If you're feeling crafty, why not try making your own crochet dinosaur backpack? This unique bag is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The design features spikes, drawstrings, and a tunnel for the drawstrings to thread through. You can find free crochet patterns online, making it an affordable and enjoyable project. The finished product is perfect for adults and young adults, with adjustable straps to fit all sizes.

Dylan Dinosaur Chalk Bag

This adorable and easy-to-crochet chalk bag is another fun option for adults. The bright and colourful design features a dinosaur with a long tail and cute paws. It's the perfect size for carrying your essentials, and the paracord belt makes it easy to wear. You can also use it as a yarn ball cozy or a bowl – it's a versatile piece!

Dinosaur Tote Bags

If you're looking for something more subtle, dinosaur-print tote bags are a great option. These bags are usually made from canvas or cotton and feature a variety of dinosaur designs, from colourful footprints to realistic illustrations. They're perfect for everyday use, with plenty of space for all your essentials. You can find these bags in a range of colours and styles, so you can choose one that suits your personality.

Dinosaur Storage Basket

For a unique and functional bag, consider a dinosaur storage basket. This oversized bag is perfect for carrying books, toys, or even laundry. It's designed to look like a dinosaur's mouth, with an open mouth and teeth at the top. It's a fun and playful way to add a touch of dinosaur flair to your daily life.

Dinosaur Snuggle Sack

For something a little different, a dinosaur snuggle sack is a fun and cosy option. This oversized bag is designed to wrap around you like a blanket, with a hood and hand pockets to keep you warm. It's perfect for lounging at home or taking on outdoor adventures. The super bulky yarn makes it extra cuddly and warm.

How to assemble a crochet dinosaur bag

To assemble a crochet dinosaur bag, you will need to gather the necessary materials and follow a step-by-step process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Materials Required:

• Worsted weight yarn in two colors (one for the backpack and the other for spikes and drawstrings)
• 4.0mm and 4.5mm crochet hooks
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers or scrap yarn

Step-by-Step Assembly Process:

• Creating the Body: Using the 4.5mm crochet hook and yarn color A, make a slip knot and chain 41. Skip the back bump closest to the hook, and single crochet 40 in each back bump. Chain 1 and turn. Repeat this for rows 2 to 9.
• Forming the Drawstring Tunnel: Fold your work in half so that row 9 and row 1 are touching. Line up the stitches and single crochet them together. Chain 1 and turn.
• Completing the Body: Continue to single crochet for rows 11 to 56. Tie off and sew in the tails.
• Making the Spikes: Using the 4.5mm crochet hook and yarn color B, crochet the spikes in the round. Start with a magic circle and single crochet 6 into it. Increase in the first stitch and continue to increase as you move around the circle. Repeat this process for rounds 3 to 8. For round 9, simply single crochet in each stitch around. Tie off and sew in the tails.
• Assembling the Spikes: Flatten each spike, insert your hook into the right-side corner, and slip stitch the spike closed. Continue slip stitching until all spikes are joined together. Leave a long tail for attaching to the backpack.
• Creating the Drawstrings: Using the 4.0mm crochet hook and yarn color B, crochet an i-cord that is approximately 49" long. Chain 3 and work in the loops to create the i-cord.
• Attaching the Spikes: Fold the back piece of the backpack in half. Use a binder clip to hold it together. Sew a temporary line with contrasting yarn to help line up the spikes. Position the first spike in the center, just under the bottom of the drawstring tunnel. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and sew the spikes onto the backpack.
• Joining the Backpack Pieces: Lay the two backpack pieces together, right sides facing each other, with the drawstring tunnels at the top. Use the Join As You Go (JAYG) method to join the pieces. Insert your hook into the first stitch after the tunnel on the top piece, attach the yarn, and chain 1. Insert your hook into the corresponding stitch on the bottom piece and single crochet. Continue joining the sides and bottom of the backpack using the JAYG technique.
• Adding the Drawstrings: Use a crochet hook to thread the drawstrings through the tunnels. For the first strap, insert it into the left side of the front piece, out the right side, and then through the corresponding sides of the back piece. For the second strap, do the opposite. Knot the ends of the straps together inside the backpack.

Your crochet dinosaur bag is now complete! You can add your own creative touches by choosing different colors or adding additional decorations.

Different types of yarn for crochet dinosaur bags

When it comes to yarn for crochet dinosaur bags, there are a few factors to consider to ensure your project is a success. The best yarn for crochet bags is strong and hard-wearing, with medium weight or bulky yarns being ideal. Yarn containing unmercerized cotton or linen is a great choice as they are less stretchy than wool or acrylic yarns, which means your bag is less likely to sag out of shape.

• Bernat Maker Home Dec Yarn or Lion Brand Yarn Color Made Easy Yarn: These yarns are bulky and come in primary colours, making them perfect for a fun dinosaur design.
• Lion Brand's 24/7 Cotton: A mercerized, worsted weight cotton yarn that is ultra-smooth and ideal for crochet bags.
• Premier's Ribbon Yarn: A super bulky blend of 65% cotton and 35% polyester, this yarn has minimal stretch and is very hard-wearing, making it great for bags that will get a lot of use.
• Scheepjes Softfun: A blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, this yarn is smooth and bouncy, making it perfect for a soft and comfortable crochet dinosaur bag.
• Patons Linen: A light DK yarn made from 65% cotton and 35% linen, this yarn is soft and comfortable to work with, and it will age beautifully, giving your dinosaur bag a boho aesthetic.
• Malabrigo Worsted Yarn: This premium yarn is made from 100% merino wool and comes in a range of mouthwatering shades. It is a single-ply yarn, so it is ideal for creating crochet bags that will be felted.

When choosing a yarn for your crochet dinosaur bag, consider the weight and fibre content to ensure your bag is sturdy and durable. By selecting the right yarn and using the appropriate crochet techniques, you can create a fun and unique dinosaur bag that is both attractive and functional.

Other dinosaur-themed crochet items

There are endless possibilities for dinosaur-themed crochet items, from cute and cuddly toys to stylish accessories. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dinosaur Hats

Add a touch of prehistoric fun to your wardrobe with a crochet dinosaur hat. Whether you're crafting for a toddler or an adult, you can create a hat featuring spikes, teeth, and even a cape. You can also experiment with different yarn weights and colours to make a variety of dinosaurs, from a T-Rex to a Triceratops.

Dinosaur Blankets

Keep little ones cosy with a crochet dinosaur blanket. You can opt for a simple design with dinosaur appliques or go for a more intricate corner-to-corner (C2C) sensory blanket with a dinosaur graph. For an extra special gift, pair the blanket with a matching dinosaur hat or comforter.

Dinosaur Amigurumi

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed yarn creatures. Dinosaur amigurumi can be made in a variety of styles, from the fearsome T-Rex to the gentle Brontosaurus. You can even create a set of mini dinosaurs to use as ornaments or backpack charms.

Dinosaur Storage Baskets

Encourage kids to tidy up their toys with a crochet dinosaur storage basket. These baskets are worked in continuous rounds, creating a fun and functional addition to any playroom or nursery. You can also find patterns for specific dinosaur-themed baskets, such as the Triceratops and Raptor designs.

Dinosaur Backpacks

A crochet dinosaur backpack is a unique and playful accessory for kids. You can find patterns that incorporate spikes, drawstrings, and even a volcano design. These backpacks are sure to be a hit with dinosaur-loving children and can be customised with different colours and details.

Frequently asked questions