Bring the rugged charm of a Snapping Turtle to life with this Amigurumi Snapping Turtle crochet pattern! 🐢✨ With its textured shell, sturdy limbs, and distinctive features, this design captures the essence of this fascinating reptile in yarn form. Whether you’re crafting for a nature-inspired décor piece, a heartfelt gift, or simply love turtle-themed amigurumi, this FREE pattern is a fantastic addition to your collection.
Designed for intermediate crocheters, this pattern allows for customization in shell textures, color variations, and even tiny accessories like embroidered details or a miniature pond setting to enhance its personality. Choose classic earthy tones for a realistic look or experiment with vibrant hues for a whimsical twist! Whether displayed as part of a wildlife setup or gifted to a fellow crochet enthusiast, this amigurumi snapping turtle is sure to impress.
Grab your hook, select your favorite yarn, and let’s bring this resilient creature to life—one stitch at a time! 🧶✨
🐢 Amigurumi Snapping Turtle – FREE Crochet Pattern
Bring a bit of the wetlands into your home with this adorable amigurumi snapping turtle! Featuring a soft gray body, textured green shell, and a golden-brown underbelly, this gentle turtle is perfect for cuddles, woodland themes, and handmade gifting.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Includes color changes, shaping, and assembly.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) from head to tail using worsted weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
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Yarn (Worsted Weight):
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Color A: Gray (Head, limbs, tail)
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Color B: Olive Green (Shell top)
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Color C: Rust/Golden Brown (Belly/plastron)
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3.5 mm crochet hook
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Safety eyes (10–12 mm)
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Tapestry needle
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Stitch marker
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Polyfill stuffing
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
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MR – Magic Ring
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sc – Single Crochet
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inc – Increase
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dec – Decrease
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sl st – Slip Stitch
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ch – Chain
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FO – Fasten Off
🐢 Head
With Color A:
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MR, 6 sc (6)
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
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Rounds 6–14: sc around (30)
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Place safety eyes between rounds 9–10, 7–8 sts apart
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(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
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(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
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Stuff firmly
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FO, leaving tail to sew onto body later
🧸 Body
With Color C (plastron):
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MR, 6 sc (6)
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
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(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
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Rounds 7–12: sc around (36)
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FO, leave long tail for sewing
Shell Top – With Color B:
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Repeat same as body base through Round 12
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DO NOT FO
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Round 13: sc in BLO around (36)
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Rounds 14–15: sc around (36)
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FO and leave long tail for sewing
Assembly:
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Place shell top over plastron and sew edges together, inserting stuffing before fully closing
✋ Front Legs (Make 2)
With Color A:
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MR, 6 sc (6)
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inc x6 (12)
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Rounds 3–7: sc around (12)
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FO, stuff lightly
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Sew to front sides of body beneath the shell
🦵 Back Legs (Make 2)
With Color A:
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MR, 6 sc (6)
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(1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
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Rounds 3–6: sc around (9)
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FO and stuff
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Sew to rear body corners
🌀 Tail
With Color A:
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MR, 4 sc (4)
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Rounds 2–6: sc around (4)
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FO and sew to rear center under the shell
🧷 Finishing Touches
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Sew the head securely to the front center of the shell
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Use black thread to embroider nostrils or mouth if desired
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Weave in all yarn tails neatly
💡 Customization Ideas
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Add a ridged texture to the shell by working alternating BLO/FLO
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Embroider claws or shell pattern lines
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Make a baby version using fine yarn and smaller hook
Your snapping turtle is complete and ready to charm with its gentle eyes and snug shell! Whether as a nature-inspired gift or decor piece, this turtle is sure to make waves! 🌿🐢
