This Crochet Turtle Pattern makes a chubby little amigurumi turtle with a domed green shell, a soft cream body, a round head with a sweet smile, four stubby legs, and a tiny tail. The shell and body are worked separately and joined, so the shaping is easy to control. Give it as a baby gift, set it on a desk, or make a whole family in different greens.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate, with shaping, embroidery, and sewing.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The shell is worked in one piece from the center outward. The head, body, legs, and tail are worked separately in continuous rounds, then sewn together. The shell pattern is embroidered. The face is embroidered.
Estimated size: About 12 cm (4.75 in) long and 6 cm (2.5 in) tall, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and feature placement to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in deep green, approximately 15 g, for the shell.
- Light green or sage yarn, approximately 25 g, for the head, body, legs, and tail.
- Dark green or cream yarn or thread, for the shell pattern.
- Pink thread for the cheeks, and black thread for the mouth and optional embroidered eyes.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Two 6 mm black safety eyes, or black thread for embroidered eyes.
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
Use embroidered eyes if the turtle is for a baby or young child.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| BLO | back loop only |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly but evenly, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. The shell should be a smooth dome, and the body underneath should be flatter so the turtle sits steadily.
Shell (deep green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 7–10: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 4 rounds]
Round 11: Sc in the back loops only. [36]
Round 12: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Stuff the dome firmly now. Fasten off with a long tail, and leave the opening for sewing to the body. The loops left from Round 11 form a neat rim.
Body (light green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Rounds 6–8: Sc in every stitch. [30 per round; 3 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly, so the body stays flat. Place the shell on top of the body, with the openings together, and sew them together all around with small, strong stitches.
Head (light green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Rounds 5–8: Sc in every stitch. [24 per round; 4 rounds]
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 5 and 6, with about 8 stitches between them. Fit the backs securely.
Round 9: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Round 10: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Stuff firmly.
Round 11: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off with a long tail, close the hole, and leave the tail for sewing.
Legs (make 4, light green)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Rounds 3–4: Sc around. [12 per round; 2 rounds]
Round 5: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly. Flatten each leg and sew to the lower sides of the body, front legs near the head end and back legs near the tail end, so they peek out under the shell.
Tail (light green)
Round 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Rounds 2–3: Sc around. [4 per round; 2 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff with a tiny wisp and sew to the back of the body, between the back legs.
Shell Pattern
With dark green or cream yarn or thread, embroider a small hexagon on top of the shell, about 6 stitches across. From each corner of the hexagon, embroider a short line out toward the rim, to look like the plates of a turtle shell. Keep the stitches the same length, and pull gently so the fabric does not pucker.
Assembly and Face
- Head: Sew the head to the front of the body, under the shell rim, with the face looking forward.
- Legs and tail: Sew them on as described above, at the same height on each side.
- Mouth: With black thread, embroider a small smile about 2 rounds below the eyes, about 3 stitches wide.
- Cheeks: With pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches below and outside each eye.
- Shape: Gently press the shell between your palms to round the dome.
Hide every tail and give the head, legs, and tail a gentle tug to check they hold.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The shell looks flat. Add a little more stuffing and use the back-loop round to shape the rim.
The turtle tips over. Flatten the body, and sew all four legs on at the same height.
The head flops. Stuff it firmly and sew it on with extra stitches along the top and sides.
The shell pattern puckers. Pull the stitches more loosely and keep them the same length.
The eyes look uneven. Pin the eyes before inserting them, and check the face from the front and from above before fastening the backs.
FAQ
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a turtle about twice the size, and add 2 extra plain rounds to the shell.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make two small black satin-stitch ovals between Rounds 5 and 6, with 8 stitches between them, and add a tiny white highlight stitch.
Can I make a baby turtle? Yes. Use fingering-weight yarn and a 2 mm hook for a mini version.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try a brown shell with a tan body, or pastel shades for a nursery set.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Amigurumi for Beginners (Whale)
- Easy Amigurumi Frog Pattern for Beginners
- Tiny Crochet Duck Pattern
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