13 Crochet Turtle Free Patterns
Turtles are one of the most fun animals to crochet. The shell is where you get to play, with granny squares, stripes, African flowers or even a pumpkin. And because turtles are low and round, they are sturdy toys that sit nicely on a shelf or in a kid’s hands.
This list has 13 free crochet turtle patterns from real designers. You will find sea turtles, tiny turtles for keychains, a no-sew turtle with a removable shell, and a turtle hair tie. Every pattern is free to read or download, and we list yarn, hook and skill level for each one.
Free Crochet Turtle Patterns
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What You’ll Need
- Green yarn plus a few bright colors for the shell
- Crochet hook set, 2 mm to 5 mm
- Safety eyes, 6–10 mm
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Keychain rings or hair ties (for mini turtles)
1. Honu Sea Turtle
This green sea turtle has a bright shell made from a six-petal African flower hexagon, sewn over a stuffed inner shell. It is about 6.5 inches long. The flower shell lets you play with color, so every turtle looks different. The designer says it is easy and suits all skill levels.
- Designer: Amanda / Loops and Love Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. No-Sew Sea Turtle with Removable Shell
Photo: Lisa Fox / Green Fox Farms Designs
Kids love this one because the turtle slides in and out of its shell. The shell is a granny-style piece with stacked double crochet and spike stitches, and the body is fully no-sew. The shell is about 5 inches across. It is a playful toy and a great way to try spike stitches.
- Designer: Lisa Fox / Green Fox Farms Designs
- Skill level: Easy to Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted / Aran (#4) cotton
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E) or 3.75 mm (F)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Baby and Mommy Turtle
Photo: StringyDingDing
This pattern gives you two sizes, a baby and a mommy turtle. The top and bottom shells are stuffed and joined, then you add four flippers, safety eyes and an embroidered smile. There is even an optional starfish. Mostly single crochet in the round, so it is a friendly beginner project.
- Designer: StringyDingDing
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Pumpernickel the Pumpkin Turtle
Photo: Sara / Little World of Whimsy
This turtle’s shell is a little orange pumpkin, with sewn grooves and a stem on top. It is about 3 by 3 inches and perfect for fall decor, Halloween or a Thanksgiving table. It uses single and half double crochet. Make one for every autumn shelf you have.
- Designer: Sara / Little World of Whimsy
- Skill level: Confident beginner
- Yarn: Sport (#2)
- Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Zippy the Sea Turtle
Photo: Yarnspirations (Lily Sugar’n Cream)
Zippy is a larger sea turtle plush, about 12.5 inches long, made with Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton. It works as a toy or as beach-house decor. Cotton makes it sturdy and easy to wash. The pattern is a free download from Yarnspirations, with no sign-up needed.
- Designer: Yarnspirations (Lily Sugar’n Cream)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton (see pattern)
- Hook: 4 mm (G-6)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Timmy the Turtle
Photo: Petra Salisbury / Cuddly Stitches Craft
Timmy is about 4 inches tall and 8 inches long. His shell is worked from the center out, and the belly is worked into its back loops so it fits perfectly. He has sculpted eyes and the legs are sewn into gaps in the belly. Lots of photos make this a good learning pattern.
- Designer: Petra Salisbury / Cuddly Stitches Craft
- Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Yarn: Sport (#2), with DK and worsted swaps listed
- Hook: 3 mm (C-2)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Big Sea Turtle Plushie
Photo: Sarah / Repeat Crafter Me
This is a big one, about 11 by 11 inches, with a 7-inch two-tone shell in single crochet. The head, four flippers and tail are sewn on. It is made with Red Heart Super Saver, so it is budget friendly and tough enough for a kid who plays hard.
- Designer: Sarah / Repeat Crafter Me
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Tiny Turtle
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
A mini turtle only about 2 inches tall. It is a quick make in worsted yarn and a great way to use up small leftovers. Make a few for party favors, add one to a gift, or put a ring on it for a keychain. A free PDF from Lion Brand.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Almost No-Sew Turtle
Photo: Mariska Vos-Bolman / DIY Fluffies
Only the head gets sewn on this green turtle with a mint shell. The shell is worked right over the body. In sport cotton it is about 3 inches, a good keychain size. Use chenille and it is about 7 inches and super soft. There is a video tutorial too.
- Designer: Mariska Vos-Bolman / DIY Fluffies
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Sport (#2) cotton, or super bulky (#6) chenille or blanket yarn
- Hook: 2.5 mm, 5 mm or 8 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Baby Turtles
Photo: Jade Gauthier-Boutin (Ravelry)
These tiny turtles are only about 1 inch long, so you can make a whole batch in one evening. The PDF has step-by-step photos in English and French, and there is a velvet yarn version too. Great for craft fair tables, gift tags or a little turtle family.
- Designer: Jade Gauthier-Boutin (Ravelry)
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Aran / worsted (#4), velvet option
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E), or 4.5 mm for velvet
- Price: Free (Ravelry download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Cute Little Turtle
Photo: Chiara Cremon (Ravelry)
This small turtle is about 6 cm (2.4 inches) tall. The PDF has photos and there is a YouTube playlist to follow along, which is a big help for visual learners. Its small size makes it a cute desk buddy or bag charm.
- Designer: Chiara Cremon (Ravelry)
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: 2 mm
- Price: Free (Ravelry download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Turtle Hair Tie
Photo: Lovey Crochet Patterns (Ravelry)
A tiny turtle sitting on a hair tie, made for little girls who love animals. The designer says it takes up to 30 minutes, so it is a very quick gift. Make a few in different shell colors to match outfits or as party favors.
- Designer: Lovey Crochet Patterns (Ravelry)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Sport (#2)
- Hook: 2 mm
- Price: Free (Ravelry download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Tiny Striped Turtle
An older classic pattern with a two-color striped shell and a spiral single crochet head and legs. The parts are sewn together, and you can add button eyes for older kids. It is simple and charming, and a nice way to practice color changes in the round.
- Designer: KristieMN / Kristie’s Kids
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 3.75 mm (F)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First turtle ever? Start with #3 or #9. Simple rounds and little sewing.
- Want a keychain or bag charm? Try #8, #10 or #11.
- Gift for a kid? Make #2. The removable shell is a fun surprise.
- Beach or ocean decor? Go for #1 or #5.
- Fall project? Make #4, the pumpkin turtle.
FAQ
How do you crochet a turtle shell?
Most turtle shells start as a circle worked in rounds from the center out, then you stop increasing so the edges curve down into a dome. Some patterns add a granny square or African flower motif on top for color. The belly is a flat circle that you join to the shell and stuff.
What yarn is best for a crochet turtle?
Cotton is great for turtles because it shows stitch details and holds the shell shape well. Acrylic worsted is softer and cheaper, which is nice for big plush turtles. For tiny turtles, use sport cotton with a small hook so the stitches stay tight.
Can I make a crochet turtle without sewing?
Yes. Some patterns, like the removable shell turtle and the DIY Fluffies turtle, are almost or fully no-sew. The legs and head are worked into the body or the shell as you go. These are great if you find sewing parts on evenly hard.
Pick your favorite shell, grab some green yarn, and slowly but surely, you will have a new turtle friend.