Free turtle shelly crochet amigurumi pattern

Turtle Shellby - Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Three crocheted turtle shellbys on a sandy beach

Meet Turtle Shellby, an irresistibly sweet amigurumi friend designed to bring smiles with every stitch. This adorable turtle features a plump, cuddly shape, softly textured shell, and the happiest little embroidered smile. Crocheted in KnitPal Tweed Twinkles yarn, Shellby’s speckled body and contrasting shell add playful color and charm without complicated colorwork. Worked in continuous rounds with simple shaping and clear assembly steps, this easy-level amigurumi project is perfect for confident beginners, gift makers, or anyone who loves stitching cute, collectible creatures.

Download a printable pattern PDF with step-by-step photos

What You’ll Need

  • Yarn: 

    Knitpal Tweed Twinkles (weight #3 - 79% Acrylic, 21% Polyester, 87 yards per 50 g)
    Color A: approximately 25 g of Cyan Blue
    Color B: approximately 35 g of Creamy White

    Black cotton yarn (weight #3) for embroidering mouth - 12" (30 cm)

  • Needles:
    US size E (3.75 mm) crochet hook
    Or size needed to obtain gauge

  • Notions:
    Scissors
    Stitch markers
    Tapestry needle
    2-Plastic safety eyes - 8 mm
    Stuffing for toys

Details

  • Skill Level: Easy

  • Gauge: A 10-round gauge swatch = 3.75" (9.5 cm) in diameter with 3.5 mm hook
    Swatch:
    Rnd 1: 6sc in Magic Ring
    Rnd 2: 6inc = 12sc
    Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6 = 18sc
    Rnd 4: (2sc, inc) x 6 = 24sc
    Rnd 5: (3sc, inc) x 6 = 30sc GAUGE
    Rnd 6: (4sc, inc) x 6 = 36sc
    Rnd 7: (5sc, inc) x 6 = 42sc
    Rnd 8: (6sc, inc) x 6 = 48sc
    Rnd 9: (7sc, inc) x 6 = 54sc
    Rnd 10: (8sc, inc) x 6 = 60sc

  • Measurements: 6" (15 cm) long

Abreviations

  • BLO: back loop only
  • ch: chain
  • dec: invisible decrease (see below)
  • hdc: half double crochet
  • inc: increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch/space)
  • rnd(s) - round(s)
  • sc: single crochet
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • (...) x # : repeat whatever is between the brackets the number (#) of times stated
  • = #sc : indicates the total number (#) of stitches you should have at the end of the round

    Special Stitches

    • invisible decrease (dec): insert hook in FRONT LOOP ONLY of next two stitches (which results in two more loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops on hook, yarn over, pull through last two loops on hook

    Notes

    Unless noted otherwise, this pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round, moving it up each round.

    Pattern

    Download a printable pattern PDF with step-by-step photos

    HEAD

    Color B.
    Rnd 1: 6sc in Magic Ring
    Rnd 2: 6inc = 12sc
    Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6 = 18sc
    Rnd 4: (2sc, inc) x 6 = 24sc
    Rnd 5: (3sc, inc) x 6 = 30sc
    Rnd 6: (4sc, inc) x 6 = 36sc
    Rnds 7-12 (6 rnds): 36sc

    Insert eyes between rnds 10 and 11, 10 sts apart.

    Rnd 13: (4sc, dec) x 6 = 30sc
    Rnd 14: (3sc, dec) x 6 = 24sc
    Rnd 15: (2sc, dec) x 6 = 18sc Stuff Head.
    Rnds 16-18 (3 rnds): 18sc Rnd 19: sc until you reach the side of the Head (I made 5sc)

    Flatten the opening and sc opposite sides together to close (9sc).

    Fasten off, then secure the yarn and hide the tail inside the Head.

    LEGS (MAKE 4)

    Color B.
    Rnd 1: 6sc in Magic Ring
    Rnd 2: 6inc = 12sc
    Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6 = 18sc
    Rnds 4-6 (3 rnds): 18sc
    Rnd 7: (sc, dec) x 6 = 12sc Stuff Leg.
    Rnds 8-9 (2 rnds): 12sc

    Flatten the top of the Leg and sc opposite sides together to close (6sc).

    Fasten off, then secure the yarn and hide the tail inside the Leg.

    UPPER SHELL

    Color A.
    Rnd 1: 6sc in Magic Ring
    Rnd 2: 6inc = 12sc
    Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6 = 18sc
    Rnd 4: (2sc, inc) x 6 = 24sc
    Rnd 5: (3sc, inc) x 6 = 30sc
    Rnd 6: (4sc, inc) x 6 = 36sc
    Rnd 7: (5sc, inc) x 6 = 42sc
    Rnd 8: (6sc, inc) x 6 = 48sc
    Rnd 9: (7sc, inc) x 6 = 54sc
    Rnd 10: (8sc, inc) x 6 = 60sc
    Rnds 11-16 (6 rnds): 60sc
    Rnd 17: 60sc in BLO.

    Cut Color A, but do not fasten off. Continue to Lower Shell.

    LOWER SHELL

    In the next rnd, you will be attaching the Legs and Head to the Shell. Use stitch markers to attach each piece to the last Rnd of the Upper Shell in this order:
    Skip 5 sts, attach Leg 1 over next 6 sts,
    Skip 7 sts, attach Leg 2 over next 6 sts,
    Skip 2 sts, attach Head over next 9 sts,
    Skip 2 sts, attach Leg 3 over next 6 sts,
    Skip 7 sts, attach Leg 4 over next 6 sts,
    Skip last 4 sts.

    Video instructions for next rnd.

    Change to Color B in last yarn over of last st of Upper Shell.
    Rnd 18: sc in each st around, attaching each piece as you come to it (crochet across both layers at the same time, first through leg/head, then shell); ch4, starting in second ch from hook, sc, 2hdc (tail) = 60sc + tail

    Rnd 19: (8sc, dec) x 6 = 54sc
    Rnd 20: (7sc, dec) x 6 = 48sc
    Rnd 21: (6sc, dec) x 6 = 42sc
    Rnd 22: (5sc, dec) x 6 = 36sc
    Rnd 23: (4sc, dec) x 6 = 30sc
    Rnd 24: (3sc, dec) x 6 = 24sc
    Rnd 25: (2sc, dec) x 6 = 18sc
    Rnd 26: (sc, dec) x 6 = 12sc

    Stuff Shell.

    Rnd 27: (dec) x 6 = 6sc Fasten off with a long tail for sewing. With a tapestry needle, thread the yarn tail through the front loop of each stitch of the last rnd and pull to close the opening. Secure the yarn and hide the end within the Shell.

    SECURE THE HEAD

    Using either yarn color and a tapestry needle, secure the back of the turtle's Head to the Upper Shell so that it stays in a raised position (see photos below).

    SHELL RIDGE

    Return to the rnd on the Upper Shell where you crocheted in the BLO and the front loops remain on the surface.
    With the turtle upside-down, attach Color A to the first front loop near the neck and make 2 sc in each front loop around.
    Secure the yarn ends at each end and hide them inside the Shell.

    EMBROIDER THE MOUTH

    Using the black cotton yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider the smile. The smile is one rnd below the eyes, centered between the eyes, and 4 sts across. Make a second, tiny stitch, one rnd below and over top of the center of the first stitch to create the curve of the smile (see photos below). Secure the yarn ends, then hide them inside the toy.

    🎉 Congratulations! 🎉 You've completed your Shellby! Well done on bringing this adorable creation to life – your dedication and creativity truly shine! ✨

    Download a printable pattern PDF with step-by-step photos

     

    Share Your Finished Piece!

    We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
    If you post your Shellby on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!

    And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.

     

     

    With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/

    Anna Rainous
    Posted on January 28, 2026
    Anna Rainous
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