Free Crochet Pattern: Sammie the Turtle

Are you looking for a cute amigurumi crochet pattern and a little bit of a challenge? Sammie the Turtle is perfect addition to any amigurumi collection and a great toy for younger kids.

©2021 cbfiberworks. This pattern or it’s parts are not allowed to be redistributed, copied or resold. Any items handmade by you from this pattern may be sold, but please credit me (cbfiberworks) as the designer.

Playing with Color

Sammie was a passion project that I tinkered with for a long time.

After playing around with other turtle designs, I decided I really liked the idea of making a shell with a spiral of colors, but I couldn’t find a single tutorial that fit what I was looking for.

So I set out to design my own technique.

Sammie the Turtle – Free Crochet Pattern

Craft: Crochet

Level: Intermediate

Type: Amigurumi

Materials

• Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! (7 skeins)
  • Color A: Rosey II (20yds)
  • Color B: Tart Orange (15yds)
  • Color C: Banana (15yds)
  • Color D: Pistache (15yds)
  • Color E: Aqua (15yds)
  • Color F: Amethyst (15yds)
  • Color G: Ivory (140yds)
• D/3-3.25mm hook
• Stitch markers (preferably the locking kind)
• Poly-fill
• Yarn/Darning Needle
• 10mm Safety eyes 
• Sewing pins 

Stitch Abbreviations

(**) – See Project Notes section

• MR – magic ring (**)
• Sc – single crochet (**)
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Inc – increase (**)
• Dec – decrease (**)
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Ch – chain
• FPsc – front post single crochet
• FLsc – front loop single crochet
• Sk – skip 

Project Notes

• Final dimensions: H: 6.5in. x W: 5.5in.
• This project is written in US terminology.
• Sammie is worked in the round with several elements seamed together.
• Unless otherwise specified, work in continuous rounds without using a slip stitch to join rows.
• Move stitch markers up every row as you go.
• Magic Ring: Create a magic ring and work the specified number of single crochet into it (ex. MR6 = 6sc into the ring).
• Single Crochet: Unless otherwise specified, this project uses the yarn under technique. Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn under, pull up a loop (2 loops on your hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops.
• Increase: work 2sc into the same stitch.
• Decrease: Unless otherwise specified, use the invisible decrease method. Insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch, then insert your hook into the front loop of the following stitch, yarn over and pull through the first loop (3 loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.

Pattern

The shell is the trickiest part of this pattern. The ad-free, premium version of Sammie the Turtle contains nearly 60 photos and tons of helpful tips.

Shell

Magic Ring:

Starting with Color A

Form a MR and sc into the ring. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker into the working loop to keep it from unraveling.  

Pick up Color B

Attach the yarn to the ring with a ch to the left of the previous sc, then sc into the ring. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker into the working loop.

Pick up Color C

Attach the yarn to the ring with a ch to the left of the previous sc, then sc into the ring. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker into the working loop.

Pick up Color D

Attach the yarn to the ring with a ch to the left of the previous sc, then sc into the ring. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker into the working loop.

Pick up Color E

Attach the yarn to the ring with a ch to the left of the previous sc, then sc into the ring. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker into the working loop.

Pick up Color F

Attach the yarn to the ring with a ch to the left of the previous sc, then sc into the ring. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker into the working loop.

Tip: You should have 6sts in your ring. Take a moment to organize all the strands and tails. I make sure all the tails are coming out on the back of the ring and then tie all of them together (except Color A) in a big knot to keep them tidy. Pull the tail of Color A tight until the hole in the center closes.

Tip: Going forward, each Row will be worked one color at a time until you get back to the starting color A.

Row 1: Colors A-F: inc. (12)

Row 2: Colors A-F: sc, inc. (18)

Row 3: Colors A-F: sc, inc, sc. (24)

Row 4: Colors A-F: 3sc, inc. (30)

Row 5: Colors A-F: 2sc, inc, 2sc. (36)

Row 6: Colors A-F: 5sc, inc. (42)

Row 7: Colors A-F: 3sc, inc, 3sc. (48)

Row 8: Colors A-F: 7sc, inc. (54)

Row 9: Colors A-F: 4sc, inc, 4sc. (60)

Row 10-16: Colors A-F: 10sc (60)

Row 17: Colors A-E: 10sc. Color F: 2sc, fasten off, sk 6sts, reattach color F with a ch1, then 2sc. (60) 

Row 18: Colors A-D: 10sc. Color E: 2sc, fasten off, sk 6sts, reattach color E with a ch1, then 2sc. Color F: 10sc. (60)

Row 19: Colors A-C: 10sc. Color D: 2sc, fasten off, sk 6sts, reattach color D with a ch1, then 2sc. Colors E-F: 10sc. (60)

Row 20: Colors A-B: 10sc. Color C: 2sc, fasten off, sk 6sts, reattach color C with a ch1, then 2sc. Colors D-F: 10sc. (60)

Fasten off all the colors and weave in ends on the inside of the shell.

Border: Attach Color D to the sk 6 space. Then:

5FPsc (in the sk 6 space), 3sc (up the side), 52FLsc, 3sc (down the side), then FPsc in the final st of the sk 6 space, sl st. (66)

Fasten off and weave in the end.

Head & Body

Use Color G.

MR6 (Place your stitch marker in the 1st sc.)

Row 1: inc in each st around. (12)

Row 2: [inc, sc] 6 times. (18)

Row 3: [sc, inc, sc] 6 times. (24)

Row 4: [inc, 3sc] 6 times. (30)

Row 5: [2sc, inc, 2sc] 6 times. (36)

Row 6-10: sc in each st around. (36)

Tip: Place eyes on the sides of the head between Rows 7 & 8. Start stuffing the head.

Row 11: [2sc, dec, 2sc] 6 times. (30)

Row 12: sc, dec 4 times, [6sc, dec] 2 times, 5sc. (24)

Row 13: dec 3 times, 2sc, [dec, 4sc] 2 times, dec, 2sc. (18)

Row 14-19: sc in each st around (18)

Row 20: sc, dec 3 times, 4sc, inc 3 times, 4sc. (18)

Row 21: dec, sc, dec, 5sc, inc 3 times, 5sc. (19) 

Row 22: dec 2 times, 6sc, inc 3 times, 6sc. (20)

Row 23: sc in each st around. (20)

Tip: Rows 24-35 are worked in flat rows. Remove the stitch marker when you get to Row 25. Do not ch1 when you turn. Slip stitches are not included in the total count.

Row 24: 9sc, sl st. Turn. (9)

Row 25: sk the sl st, sl st into the next sc, 14sc, sl st. Turn. (14)

Row 26: sk the sl st, 14sc, sl st in the previous sl st. Turn. (14)

Row 27: sk the sl st, 14sc (the last st is worked in the sl st of the previous row). Turn. (14)

Row 28: sl st in the 1st st, 12 sc, sl st in the sl st from the previous row. Turn. (12)

Row 29: sk the sl st, sl st, 10 sc, sl st. Turn. (10)

Row 30: sk the sl st, sl st, 8sc, sl st. Turn. (8)

Row 31: sk the sl st, sl st, 6sc, sl st. Turn. (6)

Row 32: sk the sl st, 6sc. Turn. (6)

Row 33: sl st, 4sc, sl st. Turn. (4)

Tip: Rows 34 and on are worked in the round again. Place your stitch marker in the 1st st of Row 34.

Row 34: sk the sl st, 5sc, then working down the side: 10sc, sc, inc 3 times, sc, then working up the other side: 10sc. (33)

Row 35: 10sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 7sc, inc, 5sc. (36)

Row 36: 11sc, inc, 7sc, inc, sc, inc, 7sc, inc, 6sc. (40)

Row 37: sc, dec 2 times, 9sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 7sc, inc, 8sc. (41)

Row 38: dec 2 times, 6sc, inc 4 times, 8sc, inc, 8sc, inc 4 times, 6sc. (48)

Row 39: dec 2 times, 6sc, inc 2 times, 4sc, inc 2 times, 16sc, inc 2 times, 4sc, inc 2 times, 6sc. (54)

Row 40: sc, dec, 10sc, inc 2 times, 5sc, inc 2 times, 12sc, inc 2 times, 5sc, inc 2 times, 9sc, dec. (60)

Row 41-53: sc in each st around. (60)

Row 54: [4sc, dec, 4sc] 6 times. (54)

Row 55: [7sc, dec] 6 times. (48)

Row 56: [3sc, dec, 3sc] 6 times. (42)

Tip: Start stuffing the neck and body.

Row 57: [5sc, dec] 6 times. (36)

Row 58: [2sc, dec, 2sc] 6 times. (30)

Row 59: [3sc, dec] 6 times. (24)

Row 60: [sc, dec, sc] 6 times. (18)

Row 61: [sc, dec] 6 times. (12)

Row 62: dec 6 times. (6)

Fasten off and weave the tail into the body.

Front Legs (x2)

Use Color G.

MR6 (Place your stitch marker in the 1st st.)

Row 1: inc in each st around. (12)

Row 2: [sc, inc] 6 times. (18)

Row 3: sc in each st around. (18)

Row 4: dec, 8sc, inc, 7sc. (18)

Row 5: sc, dec, 7sc, inc, 7sc. (18)

Row 6: repeat Row 4. (18)

Row 7: repeat Row 5. (18)

Row 8-9: sc in each st around. (18)

Row 10: sc, inc, 7sc, dec, 7sc. (18)

Row 11: inc, 8sc, dec, 7sc. (18)

Tip: Rows 12-16 are worked flat. When you turn, do not ch1.

Row 12: sl st, turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 12sc, sl st. (12)

Row 13: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 11sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (11)

Row 14: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 10sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (10)

Row 15: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 9sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (9)

Row 16: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 8sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (8)

Tip: Row 17 is worked in the round. Place your stitch marker in the 1st sc of the row.

Row 17: Turn. Sk the sl st, 9sc, 5sc (down the side), 3sc, 5sc (up the other side), sl st in the marked st. (22) 

Fasten off with a long tail for sewing later.

Back Legs (x2)

Use Color G.

MR6 (Place your stitch marker in the 1st st.)

Row 1: inc in each st around. (12)

Row 2: [sc, inc] 6 times. (18)

Row 3: sc in each st around. (18)

Row 4: dec, 8sc, inc, 7sc. (18)

Row 5: sc, dec, 7sc, inc, 7sc. (18)

Row 6: sc in each st around. (18)

Row 7: sc, inc, 7sc, dec, 7sc. (18)

Row 8: inc, 8sc, dec, 7sc. (18)

Tip: Rows 9-13 are worked flat. When you turn, do not ch1.

Row 9: sl st, turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 12sc, sl st. (12)

Row 10: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 11sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (11)

Row 11: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 10sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (10)

Row 12: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 9sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (9)

Row 13: Turn. Sk the sl st, sl st, 8sc, sl st (in the sl st from the previous row). (8)

Tip: Row 14 is worked in the round. Place your stitch marker in the 1st sc of the row.

Row 14: Turn. Sk the sl st, 9sc, 5sc (down the side), 3sc, 5sc (up the other side), sl st in the marked st. (22) 

Fasten off with a long tail for sewing later.

Tail

MR6

Row 1: sc in each st around. (6)

Row 2: inc, 5sc. (7)

Row 3: sc in each st around. (7)

Row 4: inc, 3sc, inc, 2sc. (9)

Row 5: sc in each st around. (9)

Row 6: inc, 3sc, inc, 4sc. (11)

Row 7: sc in each st around. (11)

Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.

I-Cord

Start with Color A

Ch3

Insert the hook into the 2nd ch from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops). Insert the hook into the next ch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops).

Row 1: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color A for 9 more rows. 

Row 11: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1 with Color B. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color B for 9 more rows.

Row 21: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1 with Color C. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color C for 9 more rows.

Row 31: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1

with Color D. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color D for 9 more rows.

Row 41: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1 with Color E. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color E for 9 more rows.

Row 51: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1 with Color F. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color F for 9 more rows.

Row 61: Remove the hook from the first 2sts (hold them so they don’t unravel), ch1 with Color A. Put the second loop back on the hook, ch1. Put the third loop back on the hook, ch1. 

Repeat Row 1 with Color A for 6 more rows.

Total Rows: 67

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. 

Fasten off with a long tail for sewing. 

Weave all the excess tails along the inside of the cord.

Assembly

Shell & Body

Make sure to pin all parts in place before sewing.

Place the shell on the turtle’s back with the gap fitting up to the turtle’s neck. Adjust so the shell appears even on both sides. Then use sewing pins to pin the bottom edge of the shell to the turtle.

The shell should be at a slight angle going from the front to the back.

Once in place, use the same color used on the bottom of the shell border to sew the shell to the turtle. Make sure you’re working into the front loop of the shell border only.

Legs & Tail

Stuff the legs pretty full, especially the back ones as they will be a bit of a counter-balance to the head. 

Pin the longer front legs to the body with the outer edge of the leg against the sewn edge of the shell. 

The two legs should look like parentheses ( ) if you’re looking at the face straight on.

The back legs should be positioned in the same manner, with the top edge flush with the sewn edge of the shell. Make sure the front and back legs are at least 3sts apart.

The tail is not stuffed. Press it flat and position it between the back legs along the seam of the shell edge.

Once everything is positioned and Sammie can stand independently, start sewing the legs and tail on. Be sure to add more stuffing to the legs, if needed.

I-Cord

Stretch the I-cord over the shell with the sewn together section aligned with the back of the head. 

Pin the cord against the border row of the shell with the right side facing out. 

Use the long tail from the cord to sew the I-cord to the remaining back loop of the border row of the shell. Hide any loose tails in the body.

Finished!!

I hope you liked this pattern! I would love to see your Sammie – tag me on social @cbfiberworks.

You can get the printable, pdf version of Sammie the Turtle with 50+ photos and bonus notes here.