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Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern

Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern
4.1★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
✂️

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.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates 'Plod', a triceratops made from African Flower motifs using sock/fingering weight yarn. You will make hexagons, pentagons, heptagons, octagons and squares, then join them to form the body, feet, head and tail. The pattern includes charted motif instructions, written rounds and a join-as-you-go tutorial to help you assemble the toy.

Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

A great stash-busting project that uses small amounts of colourful sock yarn for each motif. The finished toy measures approximately 30cm from tail to nose when using the recommended yarn and hook.

Why You'll Love This Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines traditional African Flower motifs with playful toy design to create something truly joyful. I love how each small motif becomes a building block for a larger 3D creature, and how color choices let you personalize every Plod you make. The join-as-you-go technique gives such a neat finish and is very satisfying once you get the hang of it. Making Plod feels like both quilting and crochet combined, and I enjoy the slow, creative process of assembling the motifs into a living form.

Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize Plod with different color schemes; try a rainbow of scraps for a playful look or a coordinated palette for a more refined finish.

Want a chunkier Plod? Use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook to create a bigger, squishier dinosaur—just expect to need more stuffing and slightly different motif counts.

If you prefer a mini version, choose a thinner yarn and smaller hook to make keychain-sized dinos from the same motif instructions.

I often swap the recommended glass eyes for embroidered eyes when I make toys for children to keep them fully safe and soft.

Try adding wire to the legs or tail if you want your Plod to be poseable; insert the wire before final sewing and secure it well so it won’t poke out.

Embroidered details like freckles, eyebrow lines, or tiny mouth shapes can give each Plod a unique personality—experiment before committing to the final placement.

For a seasonal twist, use autumnal tones or sparkle yarn for a festive version that doubles as decor or a gift.

I like to make sets with matching accessories—tiny crochet hats, a scarf, or a flower crown for Plod are quick additions that add charm.

Swap out the motif order or change which motifs are solid color vs multi-colored to create different texture patterns across the body.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix in beads or small crocheted props like a tiny leaf or star to make your Plod extra special and uniquely yours.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not practicing the join-as-you-go technique before starting; practice JAYG on scrap motifs to avoid mistakes during assembly. ✗ Using a hook size recommended by the yarn manufacturer without testing; make a motif swatch to choose a smaller hook for tighter stitch density to prevent stuffing showing through. ✗ Ignoring stitch counts on motif rounds which leads to misaligned sides when joining; count stitches after each round and mark the petal apex points to ensure consistent joins. ✗ Overstuffing the toy which distorts the shape; stuff gradually and check shape frequently, stuffing firmly but not too tightly to maintain motif structure. ✗ Skipping placement pins when joining motifs causing uneven joins; pin motifs in position and check orientation before completing each join to keep symmetry.

Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern

Create Plod, a colorful triceratops made from African Flower crochet motifs. This pattern guides you through making hexagons, pentagons, heptagons, octagons and squares, then joining them with join-as-you-go techniques to build a stuffed dinosaur. You will learn motif construction, joining methods, and finishing details for a playful 30cm toy. Perfect for using scrap sock yarn and making a vibrant handmade companion.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Plod the African Flower Triceratops Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sock weight / Fingering weight yarn (#1) in multiple colors for motifs (total yarn used for the dino approx 170 g unstuffed)
  • 02
    Recommended yarn yardage approx 320m/100g (350 yds/100g); use superwash merino or similar fingering yarn
  • 03
    Small amounts of contrasting colors for flower centres and borders (use scraps for variety)
  • 04
    Polyester toy stuffing (amount will vary; heavier yarns require more stuffing)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 1.75mm
  • 02
    Tapestry needle used for sewing in ends
  • 03
    Long tapestry needle
  • 04
    Sewing needle
  • 05
    Curved sewing needle
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Sewing pins
  • 08
    Stitch markers
  • 09
    Polyester stuffing
  • 10
    Haemostats (optional for stuffing)
  • 11
    Eyes: 14mm wire-looped glass eyes (or plastic safety eyes - note safety warning)

Progress Tracker

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— African Flower Hexagon Crochet Motif Instructions :

Round 1 :

Ch5 and join with slip stitch to form a ring. Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc in ring, ch1. Then, make * 2 dc in ring, ch1 *. Repeat from * to * 4 times more, slip stitch join to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through. (6 sets of 2dc's separated by chain stitches).

Round 2 :

Join next color in the ch1 space (just to the right of the previous round's ch3 beginning) and ch3 (counts as first dc). Make a dc in that same chain space then ch1. Make 2 dc (still in the same chain space). Move on to the next chain space of the previous round, and make the following: 2 dc, ch1, 2dc in that chain space. Repeat this in each of the next 4 chain spaces. Join with slip stitch to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. (6 clusters of [2dc,ch,2dc] )

Round 3 :

Continue with the same colour. Slip stitch into the chain space in the middle of the first cluster of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make 6 dc in same chain space (total of 7 dc's). Make 7 dc's into the chain space of the next cluster. Repeat 4 more times, so that each cluster has 7 dc's in its chain space. Join with slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through. (6 sets of 7 dc's).

Round 4 :

Join new colour in the slip stitch of previous round's end, and ch1 (counts as a sc). Make one sc into each of the dc's of the cluster (this makes 7 sc including the ch1). Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Sc into each of the 7 dc stitches of the next cluster. Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Repeat from* to * four more times. Slip stitch to the beginning of the round 'ch1' stitch. Cut yarn and pull through. (42 sc and 6 long dc)

Round 5 :

Join next colour to the slip stitch at the end of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make one dc into each of the next 2 sc's, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the flower petal). Then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's "long dc" stitch. * Make one dc into each of the next petal's first three sc stitches, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the petal), then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's long dc stitch. * Repeat from * to * four more times. Slip stitch to the third chain of the "ch3" of the beginning of the round. Cut yarn and pull through. (You should have nine "dc" stitches between each petal apex, separated by a chain stitch, so 54 dc in all).

— African Flower Pentagon Crochet Motif Instructions :

Round 1 :

Ch5 and join with slip stitch to form a ring. Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc in ring, ch1. Then, make * 2 dc in ring, ch1 *. Repeat from * to * 3 times more, slip stitch join to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (5 sets of 2dc's separated by chain stitches).

Round 2 :

Join next color in the ch1 space (just to the right of the previous round's ch3 beginning) and ch3 (counts as first dc). Make a dc in that same chain space then ch1. Make 2 dc (still in the same chain space). Move on to the next chain space of the previous round, and make the following: 2 dc, ch1, 2dc in that chain space. Repeat this in each of the next 3 chain spaces. Join with slip stitch to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. (5 clusters of [2dc,ch,2dc] )

Round 3 :

Continue with the same color. Slip stitch into the chain space in the middle of the first cluster of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make 6 dc in same chain space (total of 7 dc's). Make 7 dc's into the chain space of the next cluster. Repeat 3 more times, so that each cluster has 7 dc's in its chain space. Join with slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (5 sets of 7 dc's).

Round 4 :

Join new colour in the slip stitch of previous round's end, and ch1 (counts as a sc). Make one sc into each of the dc's of the cluster (this makes 7 sc including the ch1). Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Sc into each of the 7 dc stitches of the next cluster. Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Repeat from* to * three more times. Slip stitch to the beginning of the round 'ch1' stitch. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (35 sc and 5 long dc)

Round 5 :

Join next colour to the slip stitch at the end of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make one dc into each of the next 2 sc's, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the flower petal). Then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's "long dc" stitch. * Make one dc into each of the next petal's first three sc stitches, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the petal), then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's long dc stitch. * Repeat from * to * three more times. Slip stitch to the third chain of the "ch3" of the beginning of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (You should have nine "dc" stitches between each petal apex, separated by a chain stitch, so 45 dc in all).

— African Flower Heptagon Crochet Motif Instructions :

Round 1 :

Ch5 and join with slip stitch to form a ring. Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc in ring, ch1. Then, make * 2 dc in ring, ch1 *. Repeat from * to * 5 times more, slip stitch join to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (7 sets of 2dc's separated by chain stitches).

Round 2 :

Join next color in the ch1 space (just to the right of the previous round's ch3 beginning) and ch3 (counts as first dc). Make a dc in that same chain space then ch1. Make 2 dc (still in the same chain space). Move on to the next chain space of the previous round, and make the following: 2 dc, ch1, 2dc in that chain space. Repeat this in each of the next 5 chain spaces. Join with slip stitch to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. (7 clusters of [2dc,ch,2dc] )

Round 3 :

Continue with the same colour. Slip stitch into the chain space in the middle of the first cluster of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make 6 dc in same chain space (total of 7 dc's). Make 7 dc's into the chain space of the next cluster. Repeat 5 more times, so that each cluster has 7 dc's in its chain space. Join with slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (7 sets of 7 dc's).

Round 4 :

Join new colour in the slip stitch of previous round's end, and ch1 (counts as a sc). Make one sc into each of the dc's of the cluster (this makes 7 sc including the ch1). Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Sc into each of the 7 dc stitches of the next cluster. Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Repeat from* to * five more times. Slip stitch to the beginning of the round 'ch1' stitch. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (49 sc and 7 long dc)

Round 5 :

Join next colour to the slip stitch at the end of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make one dc into each of the next 2 sc's, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the flower petal). Then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's "long dc" stitch. * Make one dc into each of the next petal's first three sc stitches, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the petal), then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's long dc stitch. * Repeat from * to * five more times. Slip stitch to the third chain of the "ch3" of the beginning of the round. Cut yarn and pull through. (You should have nine "dc" stitches between each petal apex, separated by a chain stitch, so 63 dc in all).

— African Flower Octagon Crochet Motif Instructions :

Round 1 :

Ch5 and join with slip stitch to form a ring. Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc in ring, ch1. Then, make * 2 dc in ring, ch1 *. Repeat from * to * 6 times more, slip stitch join to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (8 sets of 2dc's separated by chain stitches).

Round 2 :

Join next color in the ch1 space (just to the right of the previous round's ch3 beginning) and ch3 (counts as first dc). Make a dc in that same chain space then ch1. Make 2 dc (still in the same chain space). Move on to the next chain space of the previous round, and make the following: 2 dc, ch1, 2dc in that chain space. Repeat this in each of the next 6 chain spaces. Join with slip stitch to third chain of beginning "ch3" of the round. (8 clusters of [2dc,ch,2dc] )

Round 3 :

Continue with the same colour. Slip stitch into the chain space in the middle of the first cluster of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make 6 dc in same chain space (total of 7 dc's). Make 7 dc's into the chain space of the next cluster. Repeat 6 more times, so that each cluster has 7 dc's in its chain space. Join with slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning "ch3" of the round. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (8 sets of 7 dc's).

Round 4 :

Join new colour in the slip stitch of previous round's end, and ch1 (counts as a sc). Make one sc into each of the dc's of the cluster (this makes 7 sc including the ch1). Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Sc into each of the 7 dc stitches of the next cluster. Make one long dc (between clusters) that extends down into round 2 of the flower, so that it separates the round 2 clusters. * Repeat from* to * six more times. Slip stitch to the beginning of the round 'ch1' stitch. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a tail. (56 sc and 8 long dc)

Round 5 :

Join next colour to the slip stitch at the end of the previous round. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make one dc into each of the next 2 sc's, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the flower petal). Then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's "long dc" stitch. * Make one dc into each of the next petal's first three sc stitches, then (dc, ch1, dc) into the next sc (this forms the "apex" of the petal), then make one dc into each of the next three sc. Make one dc into the previous round's long dc stitch. * Repeat from * to * six more times. Slip stitch to the third chain of the "ch3" of the beginning of the round. Cut yarn and pull through. (You should have nine "dc" stitches between each petal apex, separated by a chain stitch, so 72 dc in all).

— African Flower Square Crochet Motif Instructions :

Info :

NOTE: There are two square motifs used in the making of Plod, and in my Plod, I have chosen to make them in one color. You can use different colors if you choose. I have drafted the chart so that each round is a different color, making it easier to read as well as indicating where you can change colors, if desired. The square has only 4 rounds instead of 5. If you are using the JAYG method, make the square only up to round 3 before starting the JAYG, which creates Round 4 (the final round).

Round 1 :

Ch5 and join with a slip stitch to make a ring. Ch3 (counts as first dc), then make 1dc into the ring, ch1. Make * 4 dc into ring, ch1. * Repeat from * to * twice more. Make 2 dc into ring and join with a slip stitch to the third chain of the "ch3" of the beginning of the round. (4 sets of 4dc's separated by chain stitches)

Round 2 :

If you choose, you can join a new color yarn. Ch3 into a chain space of Round 1. If you choose not to change colors, first slip stitch into the next along chain space, then Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make 7 dc into this same chain space. Make 8dc's into each of the three remaining chain spaces of Round 1. Join with a slip stitch to the third chain of the "Ch3" beginning of Round 1. (4 clusters of 8 dc's)

Round 3 :

Join a new color if you wish. Ch1 into the slip stitch of the previous round. Sc into each of the seven dc's of this cluster. Sc into each of the 8 dc's of the next cluster. Repeat for the remaining two clusters. Join with a slip stitch to the ch1 at the beginning of the round. (4 sets of 8 sc's)

Round 4 :

Join a new color yarn to the slip stitch of round 3. Ch3 (counts as first dc). Make a dc into each of the next four sc stitches.Ch1, then * make a dc into the same sc space as the previous dc. Make a dc into each of the next eight sc's from Round 3. Ch1. * Repeat from * to * two times more. Make a dc into the same sc space as previous dc. Make a dc into each of the next three sc stitches of Round3. Join with a slip stitch to the third chain of the "ch3" at the beginning of the round. (4 sets of 9 dc's separated by 4 chain stitches, ie four "gdc repeats")

— Making the Feet and Belly :

Info :

You'll start by making all four of Plod's feet. Each foot is made up of two pentagons, which are joined along THREE SIDES to each other. Complete a pentagon up to round 5. Take a second pentagon that has been made up to Round 4 and join it to the completed pentagon along THREE SIDES as shown on the far left. In the photo on the left, you can see the three joined sides. The two pentagons form a "pocket" when opened up. Make three more feet in the same way.

Info :

Pop open each of the feet so that you can only see half of each pentagon (photo left). Place the four opened-up feet as shown. Next, you will join the belly octagon. Follow along carefully, joining one side at a time so as not to get confused. The first TWO SIDES of the belly octagon are joined to the top INNER pentagons (photos in the instructions show orientation).

Info :

Now crochet TWO UN-JOINED SIDES on the octagon (photo references show blue lines). Then join the octagon on TWO SIDES to the feet again ... the first side is joined to the lower left inner pentagon and the second side is joined to the lower right inner pentagon. Finally, complete the remainder of the octagon's Round 5 without joining (photo references show black lines). Well done! Plod now has a tummy :D

— Joining a full row of Hexagons to the Body Base :

Info :

The next steps involve joining a full row of hexagons around the body base you have just made. You will need 8 hexagons for this part. Open up each foot and place on your work table as shown on the left. Notice that you will be facing the wrong (as opposed to right) side of the belly octagon. The octagon still has FOUR FREE SIDES (two free sides at the left-hand side of the body and two free sides on at the right-hand side of the body).

Info :

The first hexagon will be joined along TWO SIDES to the body. The first side is joined to the left-hand front leg pentagon and the second side is joined to one free side of the belly octagon. When the two sides have been joined, your dino looks like this (photo references in the original pattern). Next, join a hexagon to the body along THREE SIDES (photo references). The first side is joined to the previously-joined hexagon, then it is joined to the belly octagon and then finally to the left-hand hind leg pentagon. This is how things look now.

Info :

Continue joining hexagons, turning the work to face the correct side of the body as needed. Join hexagons along three or four sides as indicated in the illustrations and photographic sequence to build the body base. When you have joined the full row of hexagons, move on to making part of the tail; the pattern instructs that for now we only make part of the tail leaving a small hole to make stuffing the tail easier later.

— Making Plod's tail :

Info :

Turn the work so that you are facing the bum end. Join a hexagon to the "V"-shaped area between the two bum hexagons as shown, along two sides. The next motif you will join is a pentagon. It will be joined only along one side as seen in the photo. Follow the next steps carefully. Join a pentagon along one side of the pentagon you added in the previous step. In the photo you can see this joined side shown by a black line. Continue following the step-by-step photographic sequence to complete the partial tail; further finishing will be completed later in the pattern to leave a small hole for stuffing.

Assembly Instructions

  • Join two pentagons to form each foot by aligning a completed pentagon (to Round 5) with a second pentagon worked to Round 4 and join them along three sides to form a pocket-shaped foot.
  • Pin and arrange the four opened-up feet around the belly octagon, then join the belly octagon to the feet by attaching its first two sides to the top inner pentagons and continue joining sides as directed to build the body base.
  • Join a full row of eight hexagons around the body base, joining sides to the feet and neighboring hexagons as indicated in the illustration sequence so the body takes its 3D shape.
  • Attach the partial tail by joining a hexagon into the V-shaped area between the bum hexagons (along two sides) and add the adjacent pentagon joining along a single side; complete the tail finishing at the end to allow stuffing.
  • Sew the frill and horns to the head using basic sewing skills, and sew the head to the body securely using a whipstitch or mattress stitch as appropriate for alignment.

Important Notes

  • 💡The heptagons and octagons are supposed to curl as part of the design; this is intentional and not a mistake.
  • 💡Practice the join-as-you-go (JAYG) technique on scrap motifs before starting the project to ensure neat stitch-to-stitch joins.
  • 💡Use a small hook and tight stitch tension to prevent stuffing from showing through; make a test motif to determine the best hook size.
  • 💡Always work with the right side facing you when joining motifs so that the joins align as illustrated in the photos.
  • 💡Use safety eyes with caution: attached eyes are not recommended for toys intended for small children; consider embroidered eyes for child-safe toys.

Plod the African Flower Triceratops is a joyous mix of colorful motifs and careful assembly that results in a one-of-a-kind handmade friend. Use your stash of sock yarn and experiment with bold or pastel colorways to make each Plod unique. Whether for display or gentle play, this vibrant triceratops brings personality and handmade charm to any home. 🧶🦖

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished triceratops measures approximately 30 cm from tail to nose and about 14 cm from the top of the back to the feet when using the recommended sock weight yarn and 1.75mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but the finished size will change; use a suitable hook for your chosen yarn and make test motifs to ensure correct stitch density and fit when joining motifs.

Do I need to know the join-as-you-go technique?

This pattern is written assuming familiarity with join-as-you-go (JAYG) joining; you can sew motifs together instead, but practicing JAYG will produce neater stitch-to-stitch joins for a stuffed toy.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most makers will take multiple days—approximately 12-15 hours in total—depending on experience, yarn choice and time spent on joining and finishing.