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:

1. Eyes: Glue the eyes between the 8th and 9th rounds on the head, spaced 9 stitches apart
2. Mouth: Embroider a simple smile on the 11th round, about 5 sc wide
3. Attach Head: Sew the head firmly to the front of the shell
4. 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! 🐢💚