Adorable Amigurumi Turtle Crochet Pattern

Creating Amigurumi Turtle your own charming amigurumi turtle complete with a cute backpack is a delightful project that brings joy to crafters of all skill levels. This Amigurumi Turtle comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of making this adorable turtle character using simple crochet techniques. Whether you’re new to amigurumi or an experienced crocheter looking for your next project, this pattern includes detailed instructions to ensure success.

Essential Materials for Your Amigurumi Turtle

Before beginning your turtle project, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth crocheting experience:

Amigurumi Turtle Yarn Selection

For the perfect turtle, you’ll need:

Green yarn (YarnArt Jeans 11 or similar, 50g/160m) for the body, head, arms, and legs
Brown yarn (YarnArt Jeans 40 or similar, 50g/160m) for the decorative spots
Purple yarn (Alize Cotton Gold 649 or similar, 100g/330m) for the backpack
Skin-colored yarn (YarnArt Jeans 73 or similar, 50g/160m) for the cozy scarf

Amigurumi Turtle Tools and Notions

Crochet hook (2-2.5mm size)
Knitting needles (3.5-4mm size) for the scarf
One wooden button for the scarf closure
Brown embroidery thread for eyes and mouth
Pink embroidery thread for cheeks
Ivory white embroidery thread for shell detailing
Tapestry needles for assembly and embroidery
Pins for positioning pieces during assembly
Stitch markers to track your progress
Scissors for trimming yarn

Understanding Amigurumi Turtle Terminology

This pattern uses standard US crochet terms throughout:

Magic Ring (MR): Creates a tight center to begin your work
Single Crochet (sc): The main stitch used throughout this pattern
Increase (inc): Two single crochets in one stitch to add stitches
Decrease (dec): Combining two stitches into one to reduce stitches
Half Double Crochet (hdc): A medium-height stitch
Slip Stitch (slst): Used for joining or creating subtle texture
Chain (ch): Creates foundations and helps with turning
Double Crochet (dc): Creates height in your work
Treble Crochet (tr): The tallest basic stitch used in this pattern

Amigurumi Turtle Creating Your Turtle Step by Step

Amigurumi Turtle Crafting the Legs

Begin by making two identical legs using green yarn:

Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it (6 stitches) Round 2: Work [1 single crochet, increase] 3 times (9 stitches) Round 3: Work [2 single crochets, increase] 3 times (12 stitches) Round 4: Work [3 single crochets, increase] 3 times (15 stitches)

After completing the first leg, cut the yarn leaving a tail. For the second leg, follow the same pattern but keep your yarn attached after finishing. Connect the two legs by working 15 single crochets across each leg for a total of 30 stitches. This creates the foundation for your turtle’s body.

Amigurumi Turtle Building the Body

Continue with green yarn, working from the joined legs:

Round 1: Work [4 single crochets, increase] 6 times (36 stitches) Rounds 2-7: Work 36 single crochets for 6 complete rounds (36 stitches) Round 8: Work [4 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (30 stitches) Round 9: Work 30 single crochets around (30 stitches) Round 10: Work [3 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (24 stitches) Round 11: Work 24 single crochets around (24 stitches) Round 12: Work [2 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (18 stitches) Rounds 13-16: Work 18 single crochets for 4 complete rounds (18 stitches)

Leave a long tail of yarn for sewing later. Before closing completely, stuff the body firmly for a plump, huggable shape.

Forming the Arms

Create two identical arms using green yarn:

Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it (6 stitches) Round 2: Work [1 single crochet, increase] 3 times (9 stitches) Rounds 3-7: Work 9 single crochets for 5 complete rounds (9 stitches) Round 8: Decrease once, then work 7 single crochets (8 stitches) Round 9: Decrease once, then work 6 single crochets (7 stitches) Round 10: Decrease once, then work 5 single crochets (6 stitches)

Leave a long tail of yarn, add a small amount of stuffing, then sew the edges together to close each arm.

Shaping the Head

The head gives your turtle its character and is worked in green yarn:

Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it (6 stitches) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12 stitches) Round 3: Work [1 single crochet, increase] 6 times (18 stitches) Round 4: Work [2 single crochets, increase] 6 times (24 stitches) Round 5: Work [3 single crochets, increase] 6 times (30 stitches) Round 6: Work [4 single crochets, increase] 6 times (36 stitches) Round 7: Work [5 single crochets, increase] 6 times (42 stitches) Round 8: Work [6 single crochets, increase] 6 times (48 stitches) Round 9: Work [7 single crochets, increase] 6 times (54 stitches) Round 10: Work 54 single crochets around (54 stitches) Round 11: Work [8 single crochets, increase] 6 times (60 stitches) Rounds 12-19: Work 60 single crochets for 8 complete rounds (60 stitches) Round 20: Work [8 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (54 stitches) Round 21: Work 54 single crochets around (54 stitches) Round 22: Work [7 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (48 stitches) Round 23: Work [6 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (42 stitches) Round 24: Work [5 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (36 stitches) Round 25: Work [4 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (30 stitches) Round 26: Work [3 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (24 stitches) Round 27: Work [2 single crochets, decrease] 6 times (18 stitches)

Leave a long tail for attaching the head to the body. Fill the head with stuffing for a plump, cuddly appearance.

Creating the Backpack

The backpack adds unique character to your turtle and consists of three parts:

Backpack Bottom (Purple Yarn): Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it (6 stitches) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12 stitches) Round 3: Work [1 single crochet, increase] 6 times (18 stitches) Round 4: Work [2 single crochets, increase] 6 times (24 stitches) Round 5: Work [3 single crochets, increase] 6 times (30 stitches) Round 6: Work [4 single crochets, increase] 6 times (36 stitches)

Leave a long tail for sewing to the body part.

Backpack Body (Purple Yarn): Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it (6 stitches) Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12 stitches) Round 3: Work [1 single crochet, increase] 6 times (18 stitches) Round 4: Work [2 single crochets, increase] 6 times (24 stitches) Round 5: Work [3 single crochets, increase] 6 times (30 stitches) Round 6: Work [4 single crochets, increase] 6 times (36 stitches) Rounds 7-10: Work 36 single crochets for 4 complete rounds (36 stitches)

Leave a long tail and add a light amount of stuffing. Use a tapestry needle to connect the backpack bottom to the body, forming a complete backpack.

Backpack Straps (Purple Yarn, Make 2): Row 1: Chain 20 stitches, begin working in the second chain from the hook Row 2: Work 19 half double crochets (19 stitches)

Leave a long tail for attaching the straps to the backpack.

Adding Decorative Spots

Create six identical spots using brown yarn:

Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it (6 stitches)

Leave tails for attaching to the head to create the turtle’s characteristic pattern.

Knitting the Scarf

Using skin-colored yarn and knitting needles:

Row 1: Cast on 6 stitches (6 stitches) Row 2: Knit 6 stitches (6 stitches) Row 3: Purl 6 stitches (6 stitches)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your scarf reaches approximately 13cm in length. Cast off, break the yarn, and weave in the remaining yarn. Use a tapestry needle to attach the wooden button to one end of the scarf.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

Now it’s time to bring your turtle to life:

Position the head: Place the head on top of the body, using pins to hold it in position before sewing. Use the long tail from the head to sew it securely to the body.
Attach the arms: Position the arms on either side of the body, slightly toward the front. Sew them in place using the long tails you left.
Add the backpack: Sew the completed backpack to the back of the turtle. Then attach the straps to the top of the backpack and secure them to the front of the turtle’s body.
Apply the decorative spots: Arrange the brown spots on the turtle’s head in a pleasing pattern and sew them in place.
Create facial features: Use brown embroidery thread to carefully stitch the eyes and mouth. Add pink cheeks with pink embroidery thread for a friendly expression.
Add shell detailing: Use ivory white embroidery thread to add details to the backpack, making it resemble a turtle shell with decorative patterns.
Wrap the scarf: Position the scarf around the turtle’s neck and secure with the button for a cozy, finished look.

Tips for Perfect Results

Maintain consistent tension throughout your work for a professional finish
Count stitches at the end of each round to avoid mistakes
Use stitch markers to track the beginning of rounds
Stuff firmly but not too tightly, especially in smaller parts
Take time with facial embroidery as it defines your turtle’s personality
Position spots asymmetrically for a natural appearance
Consider using a slightly smaller hook than recommended if your stitches tend to be loose

Creative Variations to Make Your Turtle Unique

Personalize your turtle with these creative ideas:

Experiment with different yarn colors for fantasy-colored turtles
Add additional accessories like a tiny hat or flower
Create a family of turtles in various sizes by changing hook size and yarn weight
Embroider different facial expressions for varied characters
Use textured yarn for interesting shell effects
Add embroidered patterns to the backpack for a personalized look

Care Instructions for Your Finished Amigurumi

To keep your handcrafted turtle looking its best:

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap as needed
Allow to air dry completely
Avoid machine washing or drying
Store away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading
Gently reshape if needed after cleaning

Check this out :Crochet an Adorable Beach Hippo Amigurumi

The Joy of Creating Amigurumi Turtles

Creating an amigurumi turtle combines multiple skills from crochet basics to more advanced techniques like creating and attaching accessories. The resulting turtle, with its distinctive backpack and friendly face, makes a wonderful gift or keepsake that showcases your handcrafting abilities.

Many crafters find that amigurumi projects like this turtle provide both relaxation and satisfaction. The repetitive nature of crochet can be meditative, while watching the simple yarn transform into a charming character brings a sense of accomplishment. The small size makes it a manageable project even for those with limited crafting time.

Your handmade turtle tells a story of patience, creativity, and care—qualities that are increasingly valuable in our fast-paced world. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to someone special, this amigurumi turtle will bring joy with its adorable appearance and thoughtful details.

Remember that each handmade item carries the unique signature of its creator. The subtle variations in tension, stuffing, and embroidery ensure that your turtle is truly one-of-a-kind. Embrace these differences as part of the handmade charm.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy bringing your adorable turtle amigurumi to life!