purlJam

# Crochet Turtle Pattern

*A beginner-friendly amigurumi turtle made with simple shapes*

**Finished Size**: Approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) wide  
**Skill Level**: Beginner  
**Techniques Used**: Magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases, basic assembly

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**:
- Worsted weight yarn (4) in the following amounts:
  - Main color (shell): 40-50 yards - green, brown, or color of choice
  - Contrast color (underbelly): 20-25 yards - tan, yellow, or light green
  - Small amounts for optional shell details

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing
- Stitch marker
- Optional: 6mm safety eyes (2)
- Optional: Embroidery thread for mouth

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

Approximate gauge with suggested hook: 4.5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm)

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds (spiral); do not join unless specified
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you work for best results
- All pieces are worked in main color unless specified
- If using safety eyes, insert them before closing pieces (instructions note when)

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### SHELL (make 1 in main color)

The shell is worked from the top center outward, then down the sides.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around [36]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 6 = 36 ✓*

Rnd 7-9: sc in each st around [36]  
(3 rounds even - this creates the dome shape)

Rnd 10: (4 sc, dec) around [30]  
*Math check: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

Rnd 11: sc in each st around [30]

Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Begin stuffing the shell firmly now.**

Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 14: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Add more stuffing to ensure shell is firm.**

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 24 inches) for sewing shell to body later. Do not close the opening - this will be sewn to the underbelly.

**Optional shell pattern**: Using contrast color yarn and yarn needle, embroider lines radiating from center to create shell segments, or use surface slip stitch to create texture.

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### UNDERBELLY (make 1 in contrast color)

The underbelly is a flat oval worked in rounds.

Ch 6

Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch, 3 sc in last ch; working on opposite side of chain, sc in next 3 ch, inc in last ch [12]  
*Math check: 4 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 2: inc, 3 sc, inc 3 times, 3 sc, inc 2 times [18]  
*Math check: 2 + 3 + 6 + 3 + 4 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 3: sc, inc, 3 sc, (sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (sc, inc) 2 times [24]  
*Math check: 2 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 3 + 4 + 4 = 24 ✓*

Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) 2 times [30]  
*Math check: 3 + 1 + 3 + 9 + 3 + 6 + 5 = 30 ✓*

Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, (3 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (3 sc, inc) 2 times [36]  
*Math check: 4 + 1 + 3 + 12 + 3 + 8 + 5 = 36 ✓*

Rnd 6-7: sc in each st around [36]  
(2 rounds even creates stability)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. This piece should lie flat.

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### HEAD (make 1 in contrast color)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4-6: sc in each st around [18]  
(3 rounds even)

**If using safety eyes**: Insert eyes between rounds 4 and 5, approximately 4 stitches apart. Secure backs.

Rnd 7: (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Stuff head firmly.**

Rnd 8: dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole by weaving through front loops of remaining 6 stitches and pulling tight.

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### LEGS (make 4 in contrast color)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2-5: sc in each st around [6]  
(4 rounds even)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly - legs should be slightly soft and bendable, not overly firm.

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### TAIL (make 1 in contrast color)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]

Rnd 2-3: sc in each st around [4]  
(2 rounds even)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Tail does not need stuffing.

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## ASSEMBLY

Assembly order is important for ease of construction.

**Step 1: Attach legs to underbelly**
- Position 4 legs on the underbelly (flat oval piece)
- Front legs: Place near the narrower front end, approximately rounds 2-3 from edge, spaced evenly apart
- Back legs: Place near the wider back end, approximately rounds 2-3 from edge, spaced evenly apart
- Using the tails from legs and yarn needle, sew each leg securely to underbelly using whip stitch around the opening

**Step 2: Attach head to underbelly**
- Position head at the front center of the underbelly, between the front legs
- Sew securely using whip stitch around the base of the head

**Step 3: Attach tail to underbelly**
- Position tail at the back center of the underbelly, between the back legs
- Sew securely using the tail and whip stitch

**Step 4: Attach shell to body**
- Place the shell (dome piece) over the underbelly assembly, ensuring all legs, head, and tail extend out from under the shell
- Pin in place if needed
- Using the long tail from the shell and yarn needle, sew the shell opening to the underbelly using whip stitch, working around the entire perimeter
- Make sure stitches are secure but not too tight
- *Stitch count verification: Shell opening has 12 sts, underbelly has 36 sts around - distribute shell edge evenly around underbelly perimeter*

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## FINISHING

**Embroidered details** (optional):
- If you did not use safety eyes, embroider eyes using black yarn and satin stitch or French knots on rounds 4-5 of head
- Embroider a small smile using pink or black embroidery thread below the eyes
- Add small nostrils with French knots at the front of the head

**Weave in all ends** securely on the inside of pieces.

**Shape**: Gently shape the turtle, ensuring the shell sits nicely over the body and all legs are positioned evenly.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size variations**:
- **Smaller turtle**: Use DK weight yarn (3) with a 3.0mm hook
- **Larger turtle**: Use bulky weight yarn (5) with a 5.0mm hook, or add more increase rounds to shell (add round: (5 sc, inc) around for 42 sts)

**Color suggestions**:
- Traditional: Green shell with yellow/tan underbelly
- Sea turtle: Blue-green shell with white underbelly
- Realistic: Brown shell with tan underbelly
- Fun: Rainbow or ombre shell with contrasting underbelly

**Shell patterns**:
- Create hexagon shapes on shell with surface crochet or embroidery
- Add French knots in contrast color for texture
- Work shell in two colors with stripe pattern

**Accessories**:
- Add a small bow between head and shell
- Embroider flowers on shell
- Create a tiny hat for the turtle's head

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry.

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches**: Your tension may be too loose. Try using a smaller hook or working stitches more tightly.

**Shell won't sit flat on body**: Ensure you've stuffed the shell firmly and that the underbelly is relatively flat (not over-stuffed). Pin pieces together before sewing to check fit.

**Legs are uneven**: Before sewing, mark leg positions with pins to ensure even spacing. Count rounds/stitches for symmetrical placement.

**Pieces are different sizes than expected**: Check your gauge. Adjust hook size up or down as needed for your tension.

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*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. Enjoy your adorable turtle!*

**#crochetturtle #amigurumi #beginnerpattern #crochetpattern**