During the making process of my axolotl pattern, I noticed that the base pattern could easily be adapted to create a cute little tortoise. I'd seen a lot of turtle crochet patterns around, but fewer tortoise patterns, and most existing patterns required a lot of assembly or sewing. As I knew I wanted these to be keyring sized, I wanted minimal assembly. And so this cute little tortoise pattern was created.
I'm always looking to design new crochet patterns and amigurumi is a big passion of mine - I just love animals and all things cute. This little tortoise is next on my list for a micro-crochet project so watch this space. I cannot wait to see how it turns out! I'll be releasing lots of new patterns in the next few weeks - some free, some paid. I always appreciate feedback so let me know what patterns you want to see.
Now onto the pattern... But just before the pattern, here's the quick legal bit. Please do not reproduce this pattern or translate this pattern in any way. You are welcome to sell finished objects from this pattern - but if you do - please credit the pattern to HDMakes. :)
Materials required:
- One body colour DK weight yarn approx 15g
- One contrasting/darker colour DK weight yarn
- Suggested hook size 3mm
- Polyfill stuffing
- 2 x 6mm safety eyes
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
Terms:
UK crochet terms are used in this pattern. For the US terms version, click here.
|
ch |
Chain |
|
dc |
Double crochet |
|
Sl st |
Slip stitch |
|
Inc |
Work 2 double crochets into the same stitch |
|
Invdec |
Invisible decrease – insert hook into front loop only of the two stitches that will create the decrease. Yarn over and pull through both of these front loops. Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete your decrease dc stitch |
|
Bob |
Bobble stitch (instructions below) |
|
htr |
Half treble crochet |
|
Tr |
Treble crochet |
|
Dtr |
Double treble crochet |
|
Magic ring |
Magic ring |
|
(Inc, dc) x 2 |
Brackets indicate the pattern to be repeated, the multiple afterwards is how many times to repeat that pattern in total.
E.g. ( Inc, dc) x 2 means increase followed by dc in the next stitch total of 2 times. |
This pattern is worked in a continuous spiral so stitch markers will be essential. Stitch count is noted at the end of each round.
Main Body - made from the head down:
Round 1: With body colour, make a magic ring with 6 dc in the magic ring – 6st
Round 2: Inc in each st – 12st
Round 3: (Inc, dc) x 6 – 18st
Round 4: (dc in 2, inc) x 6 – 24st
Rounds 5-8: dc in each st – 24 st in each round
Round 9: (dc in 2, invdec) x 6 – 18st
Round 10: (invdec, dc) x 6 – 12st
After round 10 place eyes between rounds 6 and 7 approximately 6 stitches apart. This helps to give the baby face look.
Stuff the head
Round 11: invdec x 6 – 6 st
Round 12 : Inc in each st -12st
Round 13: (dc, inc) x 6 – 18st
To make our work more symmetrical dc around until you reach the middle of the back of the head – for me this was one stitch.
Round 14: (inc, dc in 2) x 2, bob, dc in 4, bob, (dc in 2, inc) x 2 – 22st
Round 15: dc in each st – 22st
Round 16: dc in 9, invdec, dc in 3, invdec, dc in 6 – 20st
Round 17: dc in 7, invdec, dc in 4, invdec, dc in 5 – 18st
Round 18: dc in each st – 18st
To make our work more symmefhtrical dc around until you reach the middle of the back of the head – for me this was one stitch.
Round 19: dc in 7, bob , dc in 3, bob , dc in 6 – 18st
Round 20: (dc, invdec) x 6 - 12st
Round 21 (dc in 2, invedc) x 3 - 9st
Round 22: (Dc, invdec) x 3- 6st
Fasten off and close the bottom.
Shell:
Round 1: 8dc in a magic ring.
Round 2: Inc in each st - 16st
Round 3: (Dc, inc) x 6 - 24st
Round 4: Dc, inc in 7 st, dc in 5, inc in 7, dc in 4 - 38st
Round 4: Dc in each st - front loop only (loop closest to you) -38st
Fasten off leaving a long tail fro sewing.
Assembly:
Turn to the back of the tortoise. At the base of the neck attach the shell. I use the back loops form round 4 to neatly attach the shell with a couple of stitches at the top and the bottom through the body to secure the shell.
And that's it. You now have a cute little tortoise keyring. Let me know what you think in comments. I'd love to see your little tortoise makes - so please tag me. :)
Heidi x