Tiny the Turtle Amigurumi | Free Turtle Crochet Pattern | Caledonia’s Cottage

Originally Published on FreshOffTheNeedles.com in July 2019

This pattern first appeared on my original blog, FreshOffTheNeedles.com. We’ve since rebranded to Caledonia’s Cottage, and I’m so thrilled to share this timeless pattern with you here. Enjoy, and happy crocheting!

Introduction

It’s summertime here in the South, which means it’s turtle season! Seeing these little (and sometimes big!) friends on the road is such a joy—and a reminder to always help them cross safely when it’s safe to do so. To honor our shelled friends, I created my first amigurumi pattern: Tiny the Turtle! This free turtle crochet pattern is inspired by my pet turtle Franklin and the fond memories of raising him with my mom.

This easy-to-follow pattern is perfect for beginners and customizable with your favorite yarn colors. Tiny can be a fun project to match the color schemes of real turtles or your imagination! Let’s get started and bring Tiny to life.

Want an ad-free PDF?
Get your hands on the printable, ad-free version of this pattern here:
📎 Etsy | 📎 Ravelry

Materials You’ll Need

Yarn: Size 4 (worsted weight) yarn
Recommended: Red Heart Super Saver in Camo (used in the example).
Hook: 4.5mm crochet hook (US size 7) (I recommend these warming hooks for hand comfort! 🤗 )
Notions:
A pair of 9.0mm safety eyes.
Yarn needles and scissors for assembly and weaving in ends.

Crochet Terminology (US Terms)

Ch: Chain
Sc: Single crochet
Sl st: Slip stitch
Sc 2 tog: Single crochet decrease
Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern Notes

This pattern uses the magic circle method for seamless starts. Need help? Check out the video tutorial here.
Tiny’s design is versatile! Experiment with different colors or yarn weights to make him your own.

Instructions

Shell Top

Start with a Magic Circle: 12 dc into the circle. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Row 1: 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1. (24 sts)
Row 2: (1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. Ch 1. (36 sts)
Rows 3–8: 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Fasten off and cut yarn.

Shell Bottom

Repeat steps 1–4 for the shell top.

Head

Start with a Magic Circle: 6 sc into the circle. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Row 1: 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1. (12 sts)
Rows 2–3: 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Rows 4–5: (Sc 2 tog, 1 sc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Rows 6–10: 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Fasten off and cut yarn.

Legs (Make 4)

Start with a Magic Circle: 4 sc into the circle. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Row 1: 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1. (8 sts)
Rows 2–3: 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Rows 4–5: (Sc 2 tog, 1 sc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Row 6: 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Ch 1.
Fasten off and cut yarn.

Assembly

Stuff the Shell: Firmly stuff both the top and bottom pieces of the shell.
Join the Shell: Use yarn to sew or crochet the top and bottom shell pieces together.
Attach the Head: Stuff the head and sew it to the shell’s front, ensuring the neck is slightly thinner than the head for a secure fit.
Add the Legs: Lightly stuff each leg and sew them evenly around the shell’s bottom.
Finish the Face: Insert safety eyes and embroider any additional features if desired.

Customization Tips

Use Red Heart Super Saver in “Camo” for a natural-looking turtle, or opt for brighter colors for a playful twist.
Add embroidery to personalize your Tiny the Turtle with unique details like a smile or patterned shell.

Share Your Turtle!

I’d love to see your finished turtles! Share your projects on social media and tag me @caledoniascottage. I might even feature your creation on the blog!

Thank you!

This pattern is a labor of love, inspired by my pet turtle Franklin and the joy of summertime adventures. Thank you for supporting my small business and joining me in celebrating our reptile friends! 🐢