No Sew Crochet Turtle Amigurumi Plush
This fun pattern makes a crochet amigurumi turtle in one hour! This is such a great pattern if you hate sewing- this is completely no sew!
Learn how to make Crochet Turtle Pattern
There are some really awesome crochet turtle patterns out there. I never want to create something that is already made. First of all because I feel like it is dishonest, but also because that is no fun! But while I was looking for one, none of them had quite what I was looking for.
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So when I started designing this crochet turtle I had three objectives. I wanted it to be a no sew pattern. I know a lot of people don’t love the sewing process, so I wanted this to be crochet only! I also wanted this to be a super quick project… My goal was under an hour! Of course, I also wanted to make something that was super cute. I feel like I accomplished the mission!
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This turtle pattern would be a great pattern if you like to sell what you make. Once you make your first crochet turtle, you will want to make a second! The plush yarn really helps it work up quickly, and you will be under an hour a turtle in no time.
While the no sew aspect makes it slightly more complicated, it is super gratifying to see it come together! The only reason you need a needle is to weave in any ends. You make the fins and head first, then as you crochet the shell/body you attach as you go! Even the ridge of the crochet turtle shell is created by working the front loop on one row, then the back loop on the next one!
The plush yarn makes this amigurumi turtle really cozy and squishy! I know for a fact that kids think they are great, which makes this an awesome last minute gift! Keep some of this plush yarn on hand and you are set for any surprise birthdays. It also doesn’t take a lot, so it is cost effective, too!
You can have a lot of fun with the color combinations on this too! Plush yarn has come a long way in even a couple of years. There are way more color options out there now, even bright colors! I feel like it used to be mostly neutrals, although I love those colors, too!
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The plush yarn may be a turn off for you… but I really hope you give it a try! I tried three different types as I was trying to get this pattern just right. Hobbii’s Snuggle Bunny, Premier Chunky, and Michael’s Sweet Snuggles Lite. They all worked great, and I like them all for different reasons. The Sweet Snuggles Lite makes the crochet turtle quite a bit bigger. It is closer to the popular blanket yarn, if that is helpful. Hobbii and Premier are super similar to each other. I would use a 4mm hook when using those, but it also depends on your tension.
You may also notice that the beginning of the turtle starts with 8 stitches in a magic circle, instead of the typical amigurumi 6. This helps prevent the circle from forming a cone shape. Rounded crochet turtle shells only!
How to make a Crochet Turtle Step by Step
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Materials you’ll need
Abbreviations
SC- single crochet
SC INC- single crochet increase
HDC- Half Double Crochet
DC- Double Crochet
TRC- Triple Crochet
INV DEC- Invisible decrease
Crochet Turtle Pattern
Fins (make 4)
Using Body color:
Round 1: In a magic circle, HDC 8. Slip stitch to the first stitch and chain one.
Round 2: HDC INC in each around. (16) Slip stitch to the first stitch and chain one.
Fold the circle in half and HDC twice through both halves in the first touching stitches. HDC together the next 6 stitches. HDC twice in the last one. (10)
Turtle Head
Using Body color:
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
Round 2: SC INC in each around. (16)
Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 4-5: SC in each around. (24)
Round 6: SC in first, INV DEC in the next. (16)
Attach the safety eyes between rows 4 and 5, 7 stitches apart.
Round 7: INV DEC in each around. (8)
Round 8: SC in each around. (8)
Fasten off and weave the end in.
Crochet Turtle Body
Start with the shell color:
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
Round 2: SC INC in each around. (16)
Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 4: SC in the first two stitches, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
Rounds 5-7: SC in each around. (32)
Round 8: In the front loop only SC in each around. (32) Change to body color here.
Round 9: *The video above shows this round, as well as round 10 step by step, if you need help. The video can also be found here if you want a different window open. For written notes, see below for a tutorial on attaching the fins and the head*
In the back loop only, SC in the next two. Attach the first fin through the next two stitches. SC in the next 7. Attach the second fin in the next two stitches. SC in the next. Attach the head going through the next 4 stitches using slip stitches. SC in the next. Attach the third fin stitches in the next two. SC in the next 7. Attach the fin in the next two. Finish the round with the last two sc.
Round 10: SC in the first 14. Attach the bottom half of the turtles neck with a SC in the remaining 4 stitches. SC in the remaining 14 stitches.
Round 11: SC in the first two, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Begin to stuff here. Before you stuff the body, make sure the head and neck have enough stuffing. Continue to stuff as you close.
Round 12: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
Round 13: INV DEC in each around. (8)
Sew the remaining hole closed. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Notes on Attaching the Fins
The line from the HDCs faces towards the back of the turtle, like this.
Flip the fin up so that the top now touches the shell. You will be attaching in the two circled stitches.
On the right side you attach the second to last stitch first. On the left you attach the stitch at the very end of the fin, and then the second.
Go through the fin and then through the shell. SC as you normally would.
Repeat through the second stitch.
This is what it should look like when you are done. The SC should be under the fin.
You will attach the fins using SC as you go around. You use the first two stitches on each fin to attach to the body. Each fin takes two stitches on the round to attach. The rounded part of the fin should be facing the tail. When you begin, the first fin you are attaching is the right back one.
When you attach, you want to make sure that the single crochets are underneath the fin, because those stitches will be used on the next round. An easy way to double check is to see if the fin is touching the shell as you single crochet. You should see the SC in an unbroken row beneath the fin.
To attach go through the fin and then the body. Pull through both and single crochet as normal. On the right side you attach through the second stitch and then the first stitch. On the left side you attach through the first stitch and then the second one.
Notes on Attaching the Head
When you attach the head on row 9, you are only going through 4 of the 8 stitches of the turtle’s neck. To find these stitches, flatten the opening so that it is level with the eyes. The top four stitches, when attached, should have the eyes level and on top. For the top stitches you will use slip stitches to attach it to the body. Put your hook through the first stitch on the turtle and then through the corresponding stitch on the body. Pull up and through. You will repeat that three more times for a total of four.
You will attach the bottom half of the head on the next row. This time you will SC in each of the four bottom stitches across, just like it was a normal part of the row. This leaves a small opening. Make sure you stuff the neck and head pretty well.
I can’t wait to see your finished crochet turtles!
Answers to your questions about making the No Sew, One Hour Crochet Turtle
Q: Do I have to use plush yarn?
A: No, but your project will be much smaller. This was designed specifically for this type of yarn, and the shape may be slightly off.
Q: Can I sell finished items from this pattern?
A: Of course! I hope you sell lots and lots! I just ask that you credit me with the design, especially if selling online.
Did you make this crochet pattern?
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Love this turtle, so easy to make. TY.
My daughter wants a big one. Can you plz make a pattern for a big no see turtle.
Thanks for the pattern. I love it. They are so cute and quick to make.
Came across some fluffy yarn yesterday and bought some remembering this pattern. Between buying the yarn yesterday and now I made 4 already and planning more. I forgot how much fun stuffed toys could be to make.
I love all of these designs and as a young beginner it is so easy to read.❤️
Thank you so much for the free pattern with such thorough directions! My little turtle turned out really well! I can’t wait to make another and am eager to try some of your other patterns. Thanks again!
I loved this pattern! It turned out so cute and I am definitely making more. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this gorgeous pattern! I’ve just started and I’m wondering if I need to slip stitch to the first stitch and chain one at the end of every row, or if that’s just for the fins. Many thanks.
That is just for the fins!
Thank you for this fun pattern! I just made a couple using the “easy yarn” and they are so adorable!! 🐢
I have been crocheting for over 60 years have never used stich markers. Where would I get something like that. Might come in handy as my eyesore is not what it use to be. But I also want to make a extra large turtle. ( maybe 5 times the size u show here.) My granddaughter lives squish mellows. But her nickname is turtle. So want to combine them for her. And like the crocheted look.
You can find them by crochet hooks in most craft stores! I personally love the clover brand, the orange and teal ones.