Crochet Turtle Pattern

Looking for a sweet and satisfying project? This Crochet Turtle Pattern is perfect for using up yarn scraps while creating something that’s irresistibly cute. These baby turtles are ideal as keychains, toys, ornaments, or even bag charms.

Originally designed using leftover motifs from other critter projects, these turtles are great stash busters and make excellent last-minute gifts! Whether you turn it into a keychain, a brooch, or a toy, this crochet turtle will surely bring smiles to everyone who sees it!

🧵 What You’ll Need

• Yarn: Small amounts of leftover yarn or sample motifs (cotton works well)

• Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook

• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, polyfill stuffing

• Extras: Safety eyes or embroidery thread (for French knot eyes)

✨ Notes Before You Begin

• This pattern assumes a basic knowledge of crocheting in the round, working with magic rings, and using invisible decreases.

• The turtle is made from two hexagon motifs (belly and back) and then assembled with the head and four legs.

• The shell is finished with a cute ruffled edge for extra personality.

🐢 Baby Turtle Body

1. Make Two Hexagon Motifs:

• One for the belly (solid color)

• One for the shell (can be colorful or a flower motif)

2. Add One Extra Round to the Shell Motif:

Crochet a round of double crochet (dc), placing only 1 dc in each corner (instead of increases).
This will make the motif “cup” slightly to give the turtle’s shell shape. Do NOT fasten off.

3. Assemble Shell and Belly:

• Place motifs wrong sides together, with the right side of the shell facing you.

• Crochet a round of single crochet (sc) through both motifs to join them.

• Before completing the round, stuff lightly with polyfill.

4. Add Ruffled Shell Edge:
Join contrasting color with a slip stitch to the joining round, then:

(ch 3, dc) in the same stitch, skip 1 sc, sl st in the next sc — repeat around for a ruffled shell edge.

🦵 Baby Turtle Legs (Make 4)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sts)
Rnd 3: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next* – repeat (18 sts)
Rnd 4–6: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Rnd 7: *dec over next 2 sts, sc in next* – repeat (12 sts)
Rnd 8–9: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Stuff with polyfill
Rnd 10: *dec over next 2 sts, sc in next* – repeat (8 sts)
Rnd 11: sc in each st around (8 sts)

Flatten and close with 3 sc across the opening. Leave long tail for sewing.

free crochet

🐢 Baby Turtle Head

We’d love to see your turtles come to life! Share your project on Instagram using #YarnInspirationsTurtle and tag our page for a chance to be featured.