Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle: A Crochet Amigurumi Pattern

ByLina Morgen

Meet Shelly: Your New Crochet Ocean Friend

Dive into the wonderful world of amigurumi with this adorable 8.25-inch sea turtle! Shelly features a beautifully textured shell, cute flippers, and sweet embroidered details that bring this ocean creature to life. Perfect for intermediate crocheters, this pattern offers a fun challenge with its color changes and shaping techniques.

What makes Shelly special? The multi-colored shell with embroidered segments and the realistic flipper shaping make this turtle stand out. Whether you’re making it for a child’s toy, a nursery decoration, or as a gift for an ocean lover, this little turtle is sure to make waves!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern:
✅ Great for skill-building â€“ Practice shaping, color changes, and embroidery
✅ Customizable colors â€“ Choose your favorite palette for the shell and body
✅ Perfect for gifting â€“ A heartfelt present that will be treasured

Grab your hook and let’s make some crochet magic

Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Materials You’ll Need

Yarn:

  • Main Colors:
    • Color 5800 (Shell base)
    • Color 5398 (Shell accents)
    • Color 7567 (Shell details)
    • Color 8001 (Eyes)
    • Color 8990 (Mouth)
  • Safety Eyes: 10mm
  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill

Tools:

  • Crochet Hook: Size B1 (2.25mm)
  • Tapestry Needle #16
  • Scissors
  • Stitch Markers

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • st/sts: stitch/stitches
  • mk: make
  • sk: skip
  • rep: repeat
  • ch: chain
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • dc: double crochet
  • inc: increase
  • dec: decrease
  • sc3tog: triple decrease
  • BLO: back loop only
  • FLO: front loop only
  • Crab st: reverse single crochet

Finished Size

Approx. 8.25 inches long

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shell (Top)

  1. Base (Color 5398):
    • Start with magic ring, 8 sc
    • Increase to 74 sts over 13 rounds
    • Work even for 4 rounds
    • Switch to Color 5800 for BLO round
  2. Shell Details:
    • Embroider chain stitches with Color 7567 to create shell segments
    • Add vertical stitches with Color 5800
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Shell (Bottom)

  1. Base (Color 5800):
    • Start with magic ring, 8 sc
    • Increase to 48 sts
    • Work even for 3 rounds
    • Decrease to 32 sts
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Head

  1. Construction:
    • Join yarn to shell opening
    • Work decreases to shape head
    • Add safety eyes between Rows 18-19
    • Stuff firmly before closing
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Flippers & Tail

  1. Front Flippers (Make 2):
    • Start with 8 sc, increase to 20 sts
    • Shape with gradual decreases
  2. Back Flippers (Make 2):
    • Start with 6 sc, increase to 16 sts
    • Shape with decreases
  3. Tail:
    • Small piece with decreases
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Assembly

  1. Attach Shell:
    • Join top and bottom shells in BLO
    • Leave 12 sts open for head
  2. Add Features:
    • Sew flippers in position
    • Attach tail
    • Embroider mouth with Color 8990
  3. Final Details:
    • Add crab stitch edging around shell opening
    • Ensure all parts are securely attached
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Tips for Success

  • Use stitch markers to track rounds
  • Stuff firmly but not too tightly
  • Work BLO/FLO rounds neatly for clean color changes
  • Embroider shell details carefully for best effect
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle
Shelly the Sweet Sea Turtle

Final Thoughts

Your Shelly the Sea Turtle is ready for underwater adventures! Whether displayed on a shelf or gifted to a loved one, this charming amigurumi is sure to delight.

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