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 – Practice shaping, color changes, and embroidery
✅ Customizable colors – Choose your favorite palette for the shell and body
✅ Perfect for gifting – A heartfelt present that will be treasured
Grab your hook and let’s make some crochet magic
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)
- 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
- Shell Details:
- Embroider chain stitches with Color 7567 to create shell segments
- Add vertical stitches with Color 5800
Shell (Bottom)
- Base (Color 5800):
- Start with magic ring, 8 sc
- Increase to 48 sts
- Work even for 3 rounds
- Decrease to 32 sts
Head
- Construction:
- Join yarn to shell opening
- Work decreases to shape head
- Add safety eyes between Rows 18-19
- Stuff firmly before closing
Flippers & Tail
- Front Flippers (Make 2):
- Start with 8 sc, increase to 20 sts
- Shape with gradual decreases
- Back Flippers (Make 2):
- Start with 6 sc, increase to 16 sts
- Shape with decreases
- Tail:
- Small piece with decreases
Assembly
- Attach Shell:
- Join top and bottom shells in BLO
- Leave 12 sts open for head
- Add Features:
- Sew flippers in position
- Attach tail
- Embroider mouth with Color 8990
- Final Details:
- Add crab stitch edging around shell opening
- Ensure all parts are securely attached
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
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.
