Amigurumi Turtle Duo – A Slow & Steady Crochet Pattern

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Amigurumi Turtle Duo – Complete Step-by-Step Pattern

1. Gathering Your Supplies

To create these sturdy turtles with defined shell patterns, use a firm cotton yarn.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic blend (e.g., YarnArt Jeans, Catania).
  • Version 1 (Gray Turtle):
    • Gray: Main body color (approx. 100g)
    • Orange/Rust: Shell spots (approx. 30g)
    • Black: Tiny amount for eyes
  • Version 2 (Tan Turtle):
    • Cream/Beige: Main body color (approx. 100g)
    • Light Brown: Shell pattern (approx. 30g)
    • Dark Brown: Shell details (tiny amount)
    • Black: Tiny amount for eyes
• Hook: 3.0 mm or 3.5 mm (choose size for tight, firm stitches)
• Notions:
  • 8-10 mm black safety eyes (2)
  • Poly-fil stuffing
  • Tapestry needle
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers
  • Optional: Black embroidery floss for facial details

What you'll master: Creating a detailed shell pattern, working in continuous rounds, and assembling a stable amigurumi.

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2. Abbreviations & Special Techniques

• MR: Magic ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec: Decrease (2 sc crocheted together invisibly)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only
• st(s): Stitch(es)

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3. The Shell Base (Main Color)

The shell is worked from the top down, creating a dome shape.

• R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2: 6 inc (12)
• R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
• R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
• R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
• R6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
• R7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
• R8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
• R9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)
• R10-13: 54 sc (54) [4 rows]
  • Note: This creates the dome of the shell.
• Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff yet.

What you'll master: Creating a rounded dome shape.

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4. The Shell Pattern (Contrast Color)

This is where the magic happens! We'll create the hexagonal scute pattern.

For the Gray Turtle (Orange Spots):

• Using Orange yarn, you will embroider or crochet circles onto the shell.
• Method 1 (Embroidery): Use backstitch or satin stitch to create hexagonal shapes on the shell surface.
• Method 2 (Crochet Circles): Make small circles (MR 6 sc, R2 6 inc) and sew them onto the shell in a pattern.

For the Tan Turtle (Brown Pattern):

• Using Light Brown yarn, create a grid pattern on the shell.
• Instructions: Use surface crochet or embroidery to create hexagonal outlines across the shell, mimicking real tortoise scutes.

What you'll master: Surface embroidery or appliqué techniques.

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5. The Body/Undershell (Main Color)

This forms the bottom part that sits on the table.

• R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2: 6 inc (12)
• R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
• R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
• R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
• R6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
• R7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
• R8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
• R9-12: 48 sc (48) [4 rows]
  • Note: This creates a shallow bowl shape.
• Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

What you'll master: Creating a stable base.

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6. The Head (Main Color)

• R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2: 6 inc (12)
• R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
• R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
• R5-7: 24 sc (24) [3 rows]
  • Eye Placement: Insert safety eyes between R5 and R6, spaced about 6-8 stitches apart.
• R8: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
• R9: 18 sc (18)
  • Stuffing: Stuff the head firmly.
• R10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
• Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

What you'll master: Shaping a rounded head with facial features.

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7. The Legs (Main Color, Make 4)

Short, sturdy legs for slow and steady movement!

• R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2: 6 inc (12)
• R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
• R4-6: 18 sc (18) [3 rows]
• R7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
• Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a tail. Stuff lightly.

What you'll master: Creating uniform, stable appendages.

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8. Assembly & The Magic of Details

Now for the most rewarding part: bringing your turtle to life!

1. Attach Shell to Body:

   • Place the dome shell (R1-13) on top of the body base.
   • Using your long tails, sew them together around the edges.
   • Stuffing: Stuff firmly between the shell and body as you sew.

2. Attach Head:

   • Sew the head to the front opening of the shell/body.
   • Position it so it extends forward naturally.

3. Attach Legs:

   • Sew the four legs to the bottom of the body, spacing them evenly.
   • Position two in front and two in back so the turtle sits flat.

4. Facial Details:

   • If not using safety eyes, embroider black eyes.
   • Use black embroidery floss to add a small smile below the eyes.
   • Optional: Add tiny nostrils with black thread.

5. Shell Details:

   • Complete your shell pattern (orange spots or brown hexagons) if you haven't already.
   • Make sure the pattern is evenly distributed across the shell.

What you'll master: Multi-step assembly and creating a stable sitting figure.

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Final Section: Where to Go from Here

Congratulations! You've just crafted an adorable amigurumi turtle. These patient creatures are perfect for display, gifting, or slow-moving adventures.

From here, try experimenting with different species! You could make a sea turtle with flippers instead of legs, or a box turtle with a hinged shell. You could also create a whole family of turtles in different sizes, or add accessories like a tiny hat or scarf. Happy crocheting, and remember: slow and steady wins the race!