Dinosaur Tails are the ultimate fidget toy. They’re quick, colorful, and fun!
A quiet fiddle toy- one that you’re not upset if they lose because it takes 10 minutes to make! These adorable dino tails can be spikey or loopy. Your kids will love to touch the soft cotton and feel the texture of the yarn. They can keep it in their pocket and hold onto it when they need to lower their energy. Of course, you might want to talk with your child’s teacher about the dinosaur tails first!
2017. The year of the fidget spinner. Did you know that many schools have a policy that bans fidget spinners now? As a former classroom teacher, I just can’t stand them! They’re loud, bulky, and a great source of grief when they are inevitably lost. Don’t you worry, because I have a solution for those wiggles!
These dino tails are inspired by a student I met last year. Some way, some how this student ALWAYS had a length of yarn. Her teacher would confiscate a blue one before lunch and after recess a pink one would appear. This child is wicked smart- she just can’t stop moving!
So these dinosaur are for you, sweet, sweet wiggler. They curl up in a disc that can go in your child’s jacket pocket. They’ve got loops and spikes that little fingers will love to poke. They’re light and soft and won’t bang on the ground when dropped. And when they lose them? Who cares! They take 10 minutes to make and a tiny bit of yarn. My guess is that if you invest your child in their color choices they will hang onto it for longer.
Disclaimer: Please talk to your child’s teacher about their Dinosaur Tail. Explain why you made it for them. Come to an agreement with your child and teacher about the rules for their fidget toy- my suggestion is that it stays in their pocket and if they use it more like a toy and don’t do their work it has to stay home.
The pattern is below with a full picture tutorial. Remember, you can find a printable one-page PDF of the pattern in my Ravelry store here. Each pattern this week is just $1!
MATERIALS:
~ 4-6 grams of worsted weight cotton in color one
~ 4-6 grams of worsted weight cotton in color two
~ 3.5mm (F) crochet hook
GAUGE: 4 single crochets to 1 inch. Gauge is not super important, but please make sure you are close so that you do not run out of yarn!
FINISHED SIZE: 4 inches when stretched
Use the hashtags #backtoschoolcrochet and #knittynattydesigns to tag your photos on Instagram!
Pattern:
Weigh your yarn to make sure you have enough for the Dinosaur Tails.
Chain 15.
Row 1: Sc inc in second ch from hook and each ch across. – 28 sc That’s two single crochets in each chain. Your work should already start curling like a tail!
Row 2: Ch 1, sc inc in each sc across. – 56 sc This will double your stitch count a second time- more curling!
Pick one of the following for Row 3.
Row 3, Option 1- Loops
With Color 2, ch 1, *sc 1, ch 3, sk 1 sc; repeat to last two sts, sc 2. (Blue line in second picture shows skipped stitch.)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Row 3, Option 2- Spikes
With Color 2, Ch 1, sc, *sl st in next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, sl st in third ch from hook, ch 1, sc in next sc; repeat from * to last sc, sc 1.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Happy fidgeting!
One-page printable PDF available here.
Would it be okay if I sold some of these with credit to you?
Hey! Yes, that is totally fine. Thanks for asking!