Ever since I discovered the delightful world of amigurumi, I’ve been hooked! There’s something truly enchanting about turning a simple skein of yarn into a playful, cuddly creature. One of my favorite projects is creating an amigurumi turtle with its cute little hatchlings. 🐢 These charming turtles are not only a joy to make but also serve as adorable companions or thoughtful gifts. The process of crocheting these little guys is both relaxing and rewarding, as each stitch brings them to life, one loop at a time. Plus, with a bit of practice, even beginners can dive into the world of amigurumi and craft their very own turtle family.
To start your turtle journey, all you need is some yarn, a crochet hook, and a dash of creativity! The pattern generally begins with the turtle’s shell, working in rounds to achieve that perfect dome shape. It’s so satisfying to see the shell take form as you crochet each round. Then, it’s on to the little details—like the head, legs, and tail—each adding personality and charm to your turtle. The adorable hatchlings are essentially mini versions, making them quick and fun to whip up. I love experimenting with different colors and yarn textures to add unique character to each turtle family member. 🌈 The best part? Watching these charming creations come to life, ready to bring a smile to anyone who sees them!
🐢 Amigurumi Turtle with Hatchling Crochet Pattern
This adorable turtle duo—a proud parent and a tiny hatchling—is perfect for showcasing your love for nature and handmade charm. With a classic brown shell and gentle sage-green body, this cuddly pair makes a heartwarming gift for any age.
✨ Skill Level
Easy to Intermediate – Basic shaping and repetition, minimal color changes.
📏 Finished Size
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Adult Turtle: Approx. 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) long
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Baby Turtle: Approx. 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) long
(using DK or worsted yarn and a 2.5–3.5 mm hook)
🧶 Materials
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Yarn (DK or Worsted):
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Light Green (bodies)
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Brown (shells)
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Black (for optional embroidered mouth)
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Crochet hook: 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm
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Safety eyes:
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10–12 mm for adult
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6 mm for hatchling
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Polyfill stuffing
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Tapestry needle
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Stitch marker
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec – Decrease (sc two stitches together)
sl st – Slip Stitch
FO – Fasten Off
🐢 Adult Turtle
🧠 Head (Green)
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MR, 6 sc
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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)
6–10. sc around (30) -
(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
– Insert safety eyes between R7–8, approx. 7–8 sts apart
– Stuff head -
(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
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dec x6 (6), FO and close
🐚 Shell (Brown)
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MR, 6 sc
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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)
7–9. sc around (36) -
(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
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(3 sc, dec) x6 (24), FO and stuff lightly
Optional: Embroider shell segments with surface slip stitches.
🐢 Body (Green)
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MR, 6 sc
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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)
5–7. sc around (24) -
(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
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(1 sc, dec) x6 (12), FO and stuff
🦵 Legs (Make 4 – Green)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
3–5. sc around (12) -
(1 sc, dec) x4 (8), FO and stuff lightly
🧤 Tail (Green)
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MR, 4 sc
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sc around (4) for 2 rounds, FO
🐢 Hatchling
🧠 Head (Green)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
4–5. sc around (18)
– Insert 6 mm safety eyes between R3–4 -
(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
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dec x6 (6), FO and stuff
🐚 Shell (Brown)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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sc around (18)
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(1 sc, dec) x6 (12), FO and stuff lightly
🐢 Body (Green)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
3–4. sc around (12), FO and stuff
🦵 Legs (Make 4 – Green)
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MR, 6 sc
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sc around (6) for 2 rounds, FO
🧤 Tail (Green)
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MR, 3 sc, sc one round, FO
✂️ Assembly Instructions
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Sew head to front of body
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Attach legs evenly to sides and bottom
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Sew tail to back
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Sew shell on top
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Embroider a small smile with black yarn/thread (optional)
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Repeat the process for the baby turtle
💡 Optional Add-ons
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Add blush with pink yarn or fabric paint
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Embroider shell patterns or decorate with mini buttons or bows
These two turtles are so full of personality—they’re even cuter as a pair! Make one or a whole family to share smiles everywhere. 🐢💚