Crochet Turtle: Easy Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Ready to dive into a super fun crochet project? Today, we’re going to make an adorable crochet turtle that's perfect for beginners. Seriously, if you've just learned the basics, this is a fantastic way to practice and create something super cute. We'll walk through each step, from gathering your materials to stitching it all together. So grab your hook and yarn, and let's get started on this beginner-friendly crochet turtle!

Materials You'll Need

Before we get started, let's make sure you have everything you need. Having all your materials ready will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you’re missing something!

Yarn: You’ll need yarn in your favorite colors. Green and brown are classic turtle colors, but feel free to get creative! Worsted weight yarn is a good choice for beginners because it’s easy to work with. You won’t need a ton – scraps from other projects will work great for the shell and the body. Using different yarn weights can affect the size, so try to keep it consistent unless you're aiming for a specific size variation.
Crochet Hook: A 4.0 mm crochet hook is generally a good size for worsted weight yarn. However, check the yarn label for the recommended hook size. Using the right hook size will give you the right gauge and make your stitches look nice and even. If you crochet tightly, you might want to go up a hook size; if you crochet loosely, go down a size.
Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill is perfect for stuffing your turtle. It's soft, washable, and keeps its shape well. You can find it at most craft stores. Make sure you have enough to give your turtle a nice, plump look. Other options include cotton stuffing or even fabric scraps, but fiberfill is generally the best choice.
Scissors: You'll need scissors to cut the yarn. Any pair of scissors will do, but a small, sharp pair designed for crafting will make your life easier.
Yarn Needle: A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) is used to weave in the ends of your yarn. This is a crucial step to make sure your project looks neat and doesn’t unravel. Choose a needle with a large eye that's easy to thread with your yarn.
Stitch Marker: Stitch markers are super helpful for keeping track of your rounds, especially when working in a spiral. You can use a plastic stitch marker, a safety pin, or even a piece of yarn. Move it up at the beginning of each round to mark your progress.
Safety Eyes (Optional): If you want to give your turtle more character, you can use safety eyes. These come in various sizes, so pick a size that looks good with your project. If you’re making the turtle for a young child, embroidering the eyes with yarn is a safer option.

Having all these materials on hand ensures a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience. So take a quick inventory, gather everything together, and let’s get started!

Basic Crochet Stitches

Before we jump into the pattern, let’s quickly review the basic crochet stitches you'll need for this project. Don’t worry if you're new to this – we'll go through it step by step. Knowing these stitches will not only help you with this turtle but also open up a whole world of crochet possibilities!

Slip Knot: To start any crochet project, you'll need to make a slip knot. Wrap the yarn around your fingers, create a loop, pull the yarn through the loop, and tighten it on your hook. Easy peasy! This forms the first loop on your hook and gets you ready to start crocheting.
Chain Stitch (ch): The chain stitch is the foundation of most crochet projects. To make a chain stitch, yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook) and pull it through the loop on your hook. Repeat this to create a chain of the desired length. It’s the building block for your rows or rounds.
Single Crochet (sc): The single crochet stitch is one of the most basic and versatile stitches. Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull the yarn through (two loops on your hook), yarn over again, and pull through both loops. Voila! You've made a single crochet. This stitch creates a tight, dense fabric, perfect for amigurumi.
Increase (inc): An increase is simply making two single crochet stitches in the same stitch. This increases the number of stitches in your round or row and is used to create shaping. It’s essential for making your turtle round and plump.
Decrease (dec): A decrease reduces the number of stitches in your round or row. There are a couple of ways to do this, but the invisible decrease is the most common for amigurumi. Insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch, then insert it into the front loop of the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on your hook. This makes a neat decrease without any noticeable bumps.
Slip Stitch (sl st): The slip stitch is used to join rounds or to move your yarn to a different spot without adding height. Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on your hook. It’s a simple stitch that creates a flat, almost invisible join.

Understanding these basic stitches is key to successfully crocheting your turtle. Practice them a few times before you start, and you'll be crocheting like a pro in no time!

Crochet Turtle Pattern

Alright, let's get to the fun part – crocheting your turtle! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you'll have an adorable little friend in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if it doesn't look perfect on your first try.

The Shell

We'll start with the shell, which is the most colorful part of the turtle. You can use one color or switch colors every round for a fun, patterned look.

Round 1: Start with a magic ring (or chain 2 and work 6 sc in the second chain from the hook). (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (24 stitches)
Round 5: sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (30 stitches)
Round 6: sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (36 stitches)
Round 7: sc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (42 stitches)
Round 8: sc in the next 6 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (48 stitches)
Round 9-16: sc in each stitch around. (48 stitches)
Round 17: sc in the next 6 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (42 stitches)
Round 18: sc in the next 5 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (36 stitches)
Round 19: sc in the next 4 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (30 stitches)
Round 20: sc in the next 3 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (24 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Set aside.

The Body

Now, let’s work on the body of the turtle. This part is usually done in a solid color, like green or brown.

Round 1: Start with a magic ring (or chain 2 and work 6 sc in the second chain from the hook). (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (24 stitches)
Round 5: sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (30 stitches)
Round 6: sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (36 stitches)
Round 7: sc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (42 stitches)
Round 8: sc in the next 6 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (48 stitches)
Round 9-18: sc in each stitch around. (48 stitches)
Round 19: sc in the next 6 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (42 stitches)
Round 20: sc in the next 5 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (36 stitches)
Round 21: sc in the next 4 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (30 stitches)
Round 22: sc in the next 3 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (24 stitches)
Round 23: sc in the next 2 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (18 stitches)

Start stuffing the body firmly.

Round 24: sc in the next stitch, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (12 stitches)
Round 25: Decrease over the next 2 stitches around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off and close the remaining hole.

The Head (Make 1)

Let's create the head of the turtle. This is similar to the body, but a bit smaller.

Round 1: Start with a magic ring (or chain 2 and work 6 sc in the second chain from the hook). (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch repeat around. (24 stitches)
Round 5-10: sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
Round 11: sc in the next 2 stitches, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (18 stitches)

Start stuffing the head firmly.

Round 12: sc in the next stitch, dec over the next 2 stitches repeat around. (12 stitches)
Round 13: Decrease over the next 2 stitches around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off, close the remaining hole, and set aside.

The Legs (Make 4)

Now, let's make the four little legs that will make our turtle mobile!

Round 1: Start with a magic ring (or chain 2 and work 6 sc in the second chain from the hook). (6 stitches)
Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3-6: sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the legs.

The Tail (Make 1)

Finally, let's add a tiny tail to complete our turtle.

Round 1: Start with a magic ring (or chain 2 and work 6 sc in the second chain from the hook). (6 stitches)
Round 2-3: sc in each stitch around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the tail.

Assembling Your Crochet Turtle

Okay, you’ve crocheted all the pieces – now it’s time to put everything together! This is where your turtle really starts to take shape. Grab your yarn needle and let’s get started!

Attach the Head: Position the head at the front of the body. Use the yarn needle and the long tail you left to sew the head securely to the body. Make sure it’s centered and firmly attached.
Attach the Legs: Evenly space the four legs around the bottom of the body. Use the yarn needle and the long tails to sew the legs to the body. Ensure they are securely attached so your turtle can