Hello hello!
Today, we embark on a whimsical crochet journey with the delightful Fred the Sea Turtle.
Amigurumis/plushies/stuffies have been really popular the past year, and I have to admit, I have fallen on the trendy train.
A week ago, my son asked me to make him a little sea turtle (not like he doesn’t have many little turtle toys), but anyways, he wanted one made by mommy, so of course, I did it!
And let me tell you, the result is absolutely adorable! I made my first one in one try, then fixed a few things, and BOOM! We got little Fred.
This little sea turtle is not only relatively easy to make but is also quick enough to make a few in one day.
It took me about one hour at first, but now that I have memorized the pattern it goes by faster.
Not ready to crochet yet? Save this image and crochet later!
Perfect for markets
This year, I have decided to include some plushies in my market makes, and trying to find the perfect one can be hard sometimes.
What I always try to find is an item that I can make relatively quickly and that I can also price in the range that makes sense for me and my time.
No sewing necessary
One of the most exciting aspects of Fred the Sea Turtle pattern is the absence of sewing! Yes, you read that right! Say goodbye to the hassle of attaching various parts together. With this pattern, you will join as you crochet, resulting in a seamless and polished finished product.
Not only does this save time, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of our adorable little friend.
Join as you crochet
The best part of Fred the Turtle is its innovative construction technique. As you work through the pattern, you will seamlessly join the different parts of the turtle’s body, allowing for a smooth and continuous crochet experience. This method not only simplifies the process but also creates a beautiful and sturdy final piece.
It is very important that you follow the pattern exactly as indicated, we will need a few pieces crocheted before others in other to assemble when necessary, so please don’t skip any steps.
Fred’s sizes
The original Fred was made using Bernat Blanket yarn and his final size is approximately 10 inches from the head to the end of the shell. But here is the best part, if you use Loops and Thread Chenille Home, you can have a larger Fred!
Following the exact same pattern, just changing the hook and the yarn, your final Fred should measure approximately 10″ from head to the end of the shell.
If you would like the ad-free printable pattern PDF, you can get it from Etsy or My Shop. Complete written instructions with images to follow along.
Check out more crochet patterns
Follow along with the video tutorial on YouTube!
Stitches you should know
- Chain
- Single Crochet
- Increase
- Decrease
Yarn
Super Bulky weight, Chenille type. (I used Bernat blanket. 130g/80m for colour A (main). 40g/27m for colour B (contrast).
Notions
Measurements
10″ approximately from head to the end of the shell
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US standard terms
- Ch(s): Chain(s)
- St(s): Stitch (es)
- Sc: Single Crochet
- Inc: Increase (see below)
- Dec: Invisible decrease using single crochet 2 together (see below)
Special Stitches
Increase: Make 2 sc in one space.
Invisible decrease (sc2tog): Insert hook into front loop of first stitch, insert hook into front loop of the following stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook.
Pattern
Head
Begin working with main colour (A) and a 7 mm hook.
Round 1– sc 6 in a magic ring (6)
Round 2– inc in each st (12)
Round 3– (sc 1, inc in next st) repeat sequence until end of round (18)
Round 4– (sc 2, inc in next st) repeat sequence until end of round (24)
Round 5-7– sc around (24)(72 total stitches)
**place safety eyes between rounds 4 & 5**
Round 8– (sc 2, dec) repeat sequence until end of round (18)
Round 9– (sc 1, dec) repeat sequence until end of round (12)
**stuff head**
Round 10– (sc 1, dec) repeat sequence (8)
**find the centre of the head, pinch the back and use locking stitch markers to close by matching stitches two by two. You should have 4 stitch markers**
Legs (make 4)
Begin working with main colour (A) and an 8 mm hook.
Round 1– sc 8 in a magic ring (8)
Round 2– inc in each st (16)
Round 3– (sc 1, inc in next st) repeat sequence until end of round (24)
Round 4– sc around (24)
**fold the circle in half (wrong side facing together), insert hook into the left st. Pull loop through, ch 1, go back in the same spot, and sc 1. Now sc to close the semicircle (insert hook into the st in front and back to close), you should have 12 sc**
Shell
Begin working with contrast colour (B) and an 8 mm hook.
Round 1– sc 6 in a magic ring (6)
Round 2– inc in each st (12)
Round 3– (sc 1, inc in next st) repeat sequence until end of round(18)
Round 4– (sc 2, inc in next st) repeat sequence until end of round (24)
Round 5– (sc 3, inc in next st) repeat sequence until end of round (30)
Round 6– sc 2, inc in next st (sc 4, inc in next st) repeat sequence until 2 sts left, sc 2 (36)
Round 7-9– sc around (36)(108 total stitches)
**turn your work, now you will do one round with the inside of the shell facing you**
Round 10– sc around through the back loop of the stitch only (36)
**cut yarn leaving a small tail to join the round and weave in the end**
Body/assembling
Using the shell you just completed, begin working with main colour (A) and a 7 mm hook.
Make a slip knot to join new colour. With the inside of the shell facing away from you, insert hook in any of the stitches from round 10 (the loop that you didn’t crochet into).
Round 1– sc 2, **attach the head**. With the head upside down and facing you, insert hook in the first st pinched, then sc into body.
Repeat this for the next 3 sts until head is fully attached. Sc 2 **attach first leg**, from the corner of the leg, count 3 sts down, insert hook, and sc into body. Repeat with the 2 sts remaining (the round side of the leg is always facing the head).
Now 6 sc **attach second leg as the first one**. Then sc 2, ch 3, ss down the ch (to form the tail), sc 2 in th next 2 sts, **attach third leg**, from the corner, insert hook in the first st, and sc into body. Repeat for the next 2 sts. 6sc 6 **attach fourth leg as the third one**.
You should now have reached the end of the round and all pieces should be attached to the body.(36)
Round 2– (sc 4, dec) repeat sequence (30)
Round 3– (sc 3, dec) repeat sequence (24)
Round 4– (sc 2, dec) repeat sequence (18)
** stuff turtle’s shell**
Round 5– (sc 1, dec) repeat sequence (12)
Round 6– (dec) repeat sequence (6)
**Cut the yarn, leaving a small tail, and use a tapestry needle to pass it through the outer loops of the remaining six stitches. Pull the yarn tight to close. Use your needle to weave in the ends**
If you liked this pattern/video please give it a like on Youtube and share your pictures online using the hashtag #FredTheSeaTurtle.
If you would like to get the PDF pattern, here’s the LINK. Thank you in advance to all of you who buy the Pattern, this helps me continue sharing free content for all of you!
Happy Crochet – Dani
This plushie is super cute. Hope to see more plushies on your blog. Thanks
I have more in my to-do list, it’s just a matter of time! 🙂