Introduction
Crocheting small, adorable animals is a fun and satisfying hobby, especially when you want a quick and rewarding project. This free mini turtle pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. With just a few materials and basic stitches, you’ll be able to create a charming little turtle to keep or gift.
This turtle measures approximately 8 cm when finished. The pattern is simple to follow and uses fingering weight yarn in green, brown, and beige. You’ll also need safety eyes, fiberfill, and a few basic tools. Let’s get started!
🧵 Materials and Tools
To complete your mini turtle amigurumi, gather the following items:
- Yarn: Fingering weight in brown, beige, and green
- Crochet Hook: 1.5 mm
- Eyes: Plastic safety eyes, 3 mm in size, with glue
- Tools: Sewing needle, pins, scissors
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or equivalent
Having all these materials ready in advance will ensure a smooth crocheting experience from start to finish.
🔤 Crochet Abbreviations
Before diving into the pattern, here are the standard abbreviations used:
- MR – Magic ring (also called amigurumi ring)
- ch – Chain
- sc – Single crochet
- inc – Increase
- dec – Decrease
- slst – Slip stitch
These abbreviations will appear throughout the pattern and are essential for following each step accurately.
🐢 Head
Green Yarn
Let’s begin with the turtle’s head. This part is worked in the round using single crochet stitches.
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR
- Round 2: 6 inc (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
- Rounds 5–10: 24 sc (6 rounds)
- Round 11: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
- Round 12: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Stuff the head lightly with fiberfill. Finish with:
- Round 13: 6 dec
Secure the thread, cut it, and weave in the ends. Set aside for later assembly.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
🐾 Paws (Make 4)
Green Yarn
Each paw is small and simple to make. These are not stuffed.
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR
- Round 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
- Rounds 3–4: 9 sc (2 rounds)
Do not stuff the paws. Cut the thread and leave a tail for sewing. Fold each paw in half and sew the edges together.
These tiny limbs give the turtle its charming, gentle look once attached to the body.
🛡️ Shell
Brown and Beige Yarn
The turtle’s shell is the main body piece. Begin with brown yarn and work as follows:
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR
- Round 2: 6 inc (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
- Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
- Rounds 7–12: 36 sc (6 rounds)
Switch to beige yarn:
- Round 13: BLO 36 sc
- Round 14: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
- Round 15: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
- Round 16: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Stuff the shell firmly with fiberfill before closing.
- Round 17: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
- Round 18: 6 dec
Secure and cut the thread. Attach brown yarn to the front loops of Round 12. Make 2 ch, then work half double crochet (hdc) stitches in a circle. Finish with a slip stitch and weave in the ends.
🦎 Tail
Attach green yarn under the shell at the back to form the tail:
- Chain 5
- Starting from the second chain from the hook: 2 slst, 1 sc, 1 hdc, then slst into the base stitch
This small detail adds realism and completes the turtle’s body.
✏️ Embroidery on the Shell
For a decorative finish, add simple embroidery:
- Use a lighter brown thread
- Embroider horizontal circles between Rounds 5–6 and Rounds 10–11
- Then, create vertical stitches connecting the circles for a classic turtle shell pattern
These embroidered lines give the shell extra texture and visual appeal.
🧷 Assembly Instructions
Now it’s time to bring your turtle to life. Follow these steps for assembling all parts:
- Eyes: Glue the eyes between the 8th and 9th rounds on the head, spaced 9 stitches apart
- Mouth: Embroider a simple smile on the 11th round, about 5 sc wide
- Attach Head: Sew the head firmly to the front of the shell
- Attach Paws: Position and sew the four paws evenly on the sides of the shell
Double-check the symmetry before final stitching to ensure your turtle sits evenly.
📌 Final Thoughts
This mini turtle crochet pattern is easy, quick, and ideal for using up yarn scraps. It’s a wonderful handmade gift, keychain charm, or desk decoration. The small size makes it portable and fun to carry or collect.
Try experimenting with different color combinations to give your turtle a unique personality. Don’t forget to share your finished projects and tag the creator if you post online!
Happy crocheting, and enjoy your handmade turtle friend! 🐢💚
