Welcome to this delightful crocheting journey! Today, I'm excited to share with you how to create this adorable turtle amigurumi, a charming little friend that's guaranteed to win hearts with its first peek.
With its perfectly round shell, gentle eyes, and those tiny feet ready for adventure, this turtle has a special way of bringing whimsy and joy to any space. The best part? It's designed to be both fun to make and perfect as a heartwarming handmade gift that will bring smiles for years to come.
Don't let the shell pattern intimidate you – I'll guide you through each step with clear photos and friendly instructions. Ready to bring your own little turtle friend to life? Grab your hook and yarn, and let's begin this delightful creative adventure together!
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Details About Turtle
Let's talk about the details of this adorable turtle friend! The finished amigurumi measures approximately 3.1 inches tall and 6 inches wide, making it the perfect size to sit on your desk or nestle in your hands.
The shell is worked in continuous rounds using simple crochet stitches that create a naturally domed shape - no granny squares needed! The gentle curve of the shell pairs perfectly with the turtle's sweet face and tiny feet, creating that classic turtle silhouette we all know and love.
For colors, I've used a warm forest green for the body and head, with a slightly darker shade for the shell to create that natural turtle look. But feel free to get creative! You could try earthy browns and olive greens for a more realistic style, or have fun with bright colors for a playful touch. Some crafters even add a pop of contrast color for the shell's edge - the possibilities are endless!
Remember, these measurements might vary slightly depending on your tension and the yarn weight you choose, but that's what makes each handmade turtle uniquely special.
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let's talk about the materials you'll need to create your perfect turtle companion! For this pattern, I recommend using a 3.0mm crochet hook, which creates tight, neat stitches that keep your stuffing secure and give your turtle a polished look.
When it comes to yarn, I absolutely love using Loopara 5 ply milk cotton yarn for this project. Here's why: this yarn creates beautifully defined stitches, has just the right amount of softness, and holds its shape wonderfully - perfect for amigurumi! Plus, its gentle sheen gives your turtle a subtle, sophisticated finish that really makes it special.
For the color palette, you'll need forest green for the body and head, dark green for the shell, a bit of black for embroidering the eyes, and white for those tiny finishing details. These colors work together to create that classic, charming turtle look we're aiming for.
Remember: while you might be tempted to use a larger hook, sticking with 3.0mm ensures your stitches will be nice and tight, keeping your stuffing secure and giving your turtle that professional amigurumi look we're aiming for!
Materials needed for Turtle
- Yarn – Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Green 03, Blue 11, Blue 13 and Yellow 28)
- Hook – 3.0mm
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Fiber Fill
- Eyeball
- Molding strips
- Saliva pliers
- Yarn Needle
- Stitch marker
- Positioning pin
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Magic ring
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- sc inc - single crochet increase
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 together
- hdc - half double crochet
- BLO - back loops only
How to Crochet Turtle – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Hexagonal Shell (Make 1)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, make 6 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increases (2 single crochets in each stitch) around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 6 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work [2 single crochets, then work 3 single crochets in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 6 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, work 3 single crochets, work a single crochet increase in next stitch, work [4 single crochets, work a single crochet increase in next stitch] repeat this sequence 5 times, work 1 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, work 4 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work [5 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch] repeat this sequence 5 times, work 1 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Square Shell (Make 6)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, make 6 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 6 single crochet increases (2 single crochets in each stitch) around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 6 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 2 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 3 single crochets, work a single crochet increase, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 4 single crochet increases, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work a single crochet increase, work 3 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, work 3 single crochets, work a single crochet increase, work 6 single crochets, work 3 single crochet increases, work 8 single crochets, work 3 single crochet increases, work 6 single crochets, work a single crochet increase, work 1 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, work 4 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 9 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 13 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 9 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 1 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Shell Border (Make 1)
Round 1: Chain 96, slip stitch to first chain to form a ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 96 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work 96 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 96 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Legs (Make 4)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 8 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 8 single crochet increases (2 single crochets in each stitch) around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 24 single crochets in back loops only around, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, work 24 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, work 24 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, work [2 single crochets, then single crochet 2 together] repeat this sequence 6 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, work 18 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, work 18 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, work 18 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then single crochet 2 together] repeat this sequence 6 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, work 6 single crochets, work 6 half double crochets, slip stitch to join.
Tips: When joining the legs, complete the slip stitch on one leg first before starting the single crochet for connecting to the second leg - this ensures secure and neat leg attachment.
How to Crochet the Head (Upper part)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 8 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 8 single crochet increases (2 single crochets in each stitch) around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 24 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, work [2 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, work 32 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, work 32 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, work 32 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, work 32 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Head (Lower part)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 8 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work [3 single crochets in next stitch] 3 times, work 1 single crochet, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 1 single crochet, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work 1 single crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet, work a single crochet increase, work [2 single crochets, work a single crochet increase] 2 times, work [3 single crochets, work a single crochet increase] 2 times, work 2 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 2 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch, work [3 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch] 2 times, work [4 single crochets, work 3 single crochets in next stitch] 2 times, work 2 single crochets, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Tail (Make 1)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 3 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 3 single crochet increases (2 single crochets in each stitch) around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then work a single crochet increase] repeat this sequence 3 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 9 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, work 9 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, work 9 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, work 9 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
How to Crochet the Belly (Make 1)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring, chain 1, work 8 single crochets into the ring, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 8 single crochet increases (2 single crochets in each stitch) around, slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 1, work [1 single crochet, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1, work [2 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Chain 1, work [3 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1, work [4 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Chain 1, work 48 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, work [5 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, work [6 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 10: Chain 1, work [7 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Chain 1, work 72 single crochets around, slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Chain 1, work [8 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, work [9 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Round 14: Chain 1, work [10 single crochets, then work a single crochet increase in the next stitch] repeat this sequence 8 times around, slip stitch to join.
Tips: Keep your tension consistent throughout to ensure all stitches are the same size. Use invisible decrease stitches instead of regular single crochet decreases - this creates smaller holes and a neater finish. When changing colors, make the change in the last step of the stitch from the previous round for smoother color transitions and cleaner details.
Crochet Turtle Assemble
How to Assemble the Shell
Step 1: Prepare all parts. The main body should weigh approximately 62.2 grams.
Step 2: Use stitch markers to secure the shell shape before starting to sew.
Step 3: Use the whip stitch method and follow the reference photos. Hide yarn tails as you sew.
Step 4: After completing the final round, start sewing the edges, matching 12 stitches one by one.
Step 5: Start with new yarn for the next section, paying attention to stitch placement.
Step 6: Repeat the sewing process for the remaining sections.
Step 7: Begin sewing the shell border, working through the outer half of each stitch, matching stitches one by one. Hide yarn tails after completing the seam.
How to Assemble the Belly
Step 1: Begin sewing the belly, matching stitches one by one for secure attachment.
Step 2: Leave a small opening after sewing most of it.
Step 3: Stuff firmly with fiberfill, keeping the opening unsewn.
Step 4: Sew around the shell's outer edge using a blanket stitch, working two stitches at once, then repeat.
Step 5: Hide yarn tail through nearby stitches when finished.
How to Assemble the Head
Step 1: Continue using the whip stitch method, matching stitches one by one.
Step 2: Leave a small opening and stuff with fiberfill.
Step 3: Align with body position and continue sewing any remaining body parts.
Step 4: Position head against body and start securing, add Molding strips for shaping, then complete sewing.
How to Assemble the Legs and Tail
Step 1: Stuff legs and tail with fiberfill before final assembly.
Step 2: Use safety eyes to mark tail position, then secure with stitches.
Step 3: Use safety eyes to mark leg positions, then secure with stitches.
Step 4: Repeat the process for remaining legs.
Step 5: Once assembly is complete, add eyes and embroider rosy cheeks.
Step 6: Finally, add detail stitches to the legs to complete your turtle.
Tips: When attaching and sewing the legs, maintain symmetry for a balanced look on both sides. You can gently press the turtle shell with an iron to flatten it slightly before assembly. Insert a wire armature when assembling the head for better shape and support. When attaching the head to the body, align carefully with the center line to avoid a crooked position.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Keep your turtle friend looking fresh by gently brushing it with a soft brush or lint roller to remove any dust or fuzz. If you notice any loose threads, carefully trim them with small scissors rather than pulling them, which could unravel your stitches.
Washing Methods
While spot cleaning with a damp cloth is best for small marks, you can hand wash your turtle if needed. Use cool water and mild soap, gently squeezing (never wring or twist) to clean. Shape it carefully while damp and allow it to air dry completely away from direct sunlight. Avoid machine washing as this can damage the careful stitching and stuffing.
Storage Suggestions
Store your turtle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. If you're putting it away for a while, place it in a breathable cloth bag or box – avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. Keep it away from pets and small children who might damage the delicate stitching, and consider placing a small sachet of lavender nearby to keep it fresh.
What’s Next?
Did you enjoy making this adorable turtle? Share your creation with fellow crocheters! Share the pattern on Pinterest for your crafty friends post your creation on Instagram, spread the crochet love on Facebook, or tweet about your adorable turtle friend on Twitter! I'd love to see how your turtle friend turns out! #CrochetTurtle #AmigurumiJoy
