Easy Crochet Turtle Pattern – beginner tutorial

This crochet turtle pattern is super simple and makes up very quickly. This is a great first project if you’re new to amigurumi!

If you would prefer a video tutorial, please see the bottom of the blog post!

If you’re not into crochet and would like to check out the range of turtles I sell on my website, click here.

crochet turtle
crochet turtle

Equipment

  • Yarn of your choice in 2 colours (I’m using chunky weight)
  • Crochet hook (I’m using 6mm)
  • Toy stuffing (or you can use yarn/fabric scraps, or whatever works for you)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle for sewing
  • Yarn or embroidery thread for the eyes

Abbreviations

  • Sc = single crochet
  • Inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
  • Dec = decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
  • FLO = front loops only

The numbers in the square brackets, indicate how many stitches you should have after completing the round.

If you are a beginner and are unfamiliar with any of these stitches, or simply need a reminder, check out my crochet basics playlist.

Crochet turtle pattern starts ~ Making the shell

Stuff the shell as you go.

  1. Sc6 into a circle
  2. Inc x 6 [12]
  3. (sc, inc) x 6 [18]
  4. (2sc, inc) x 6 [24]
  5. (3sc, inc) x 6 [30]
  6. (4sc, inc) x 6 [36]
  7. Sc around
  8. Sc around
  9. Sc around FLO
  10. Working in the back loops from round 8 (4sc, dec) x 6 [30]
  11. (3sc, dec) x 6 [24]
  12. (2sc, dec) x 6 [18]
  13. (sc, dec) x 6 [12]
  14. Dec x 6 [6]
Cut your yarn (leaving a long tail) and fasten off, make sure the shell is fully stuffed and then sew up the hole.

Making the head

  1. Sc6 into a circle
  2. Inc x 6 [12]
  3. (sc, inc) x 6 [18]
  4. Sc around
  5. Sc around
  6. Sc around
  7. Sc around
  8. (sc, dec) x 6 [12]
  9. Dec x 6 [6]
Cut your yarn (leaving a long tail for sewing) and fasten off. Stuff the head to your liking.

Fins (make 4)

  1. Sc6 into a circle
  2. Inc x 6 [12]
  3. (sc, inc) x 6 [18]
  4. (2sc, inc) x 6 [24]
  5. Fold your piece in half and sc through both sides. Do this all along the edge, seaming it closed.

If you are unsure about step 5, see 11:28 in the video tutorial at the bottom of the page.

Do not stuff. Cut your yarn (leaving a long tail for sewing) and fasten off.

Assembly

Sew the head to the top side of the front of the shell.

On the underside of the shell, sew 2 fins at either side of the head. Sew the other two fins at the back of the shell.

With black yarn/thread, embroider the eyes. I then used some white for highlights. If you want to see how I do this, check out this video. You’re free to use any method you like, you can also use safety eyes if you prefer.

Tie off all your ends and then cut the excess. 

crochet turtle

And there you have it! You’ve completed this quick and easy crochet turtle pattern!

If you’re interested in the crochet hook I’m using in this video, check out my Laughing Hens affiliate link!

If you recreate this little guy, don’t forget to tag my Instagram! I always love seeing your work!

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