Crochet Turtle Appliques

If you’re looking for a sweet and meaningful turtle family applique crochet pattern, this project is for you! This free crochet turtle applique pattern lets you create an adorable turtle family—perfect for adding a handmade touch to baby blankets, children’s crochet projects, bags, pillows, or nursery decor.

These easy crochet turtle appliques are beginner-friendly, quick to make, and designed to use small amounts of yarn, making them a great scrap yarn crochet project. With multiple turtles to represent a family, this pattern is ideal for personalized gifts, family-themed blankets, and animal applique collections.

Whether you’re creating a crochet family blanket, a woodland or ocean-themed project, or looking for a cute animal applique crochet pattern, these turtle family appliques are a charming and versatile addition to your crochet designs.

Don’t forget to join my Facebook group HERE,  where you can ask questions, share your finished projects, and help me choose future designs!

I hope you enjoy the pattern. If you have any questions, feel free to message me—and I would love to see your turtles!

 

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General Information

Finished Sizes (approx.)

• Adult: 4 in / 10 cm
• Kid 1: 3 in / 8 cm
• Kid 2: 2.5 in / 6 cm
• Baby: 1.8 in / 4.5 cm

• Baby in Egg: 2.2 in / 5.5 cm

Sizes are based on the yarn and hooks listed. You can use a smaller or larger hook to make a smaller or larger appliqué.

Materials

• Yarn calling for a 5.5 mm hook in 3 colors
  (plus a tiny amount of pink for cheeks, black for mouths/eyebrows, and white for the eggshell)
• 3 mm crochet hook
• 3.5 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Safety eyes: 6 mm and 4.5 mm

What I used

Light worsted cotton yarn in green, light brown, dark brown, and white
(I used I Love This Cotton! from Hobby Lobby.)

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• inc = increase
• dec = decrease
• sl st = slip stitch
• st marker = stitch marker

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Turtle Family – Pattern Links

To make things easier, you can click on the links below to directly access the pattern of your choice:

Big turtle crochet pattern

Small turtle crochet pattern

Tiny turtle crochet pattern

Baby turtle crochet pattern

Baby turtle in an eggshell crochet pattern

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Big turtle crochet pattern

 

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3.5 mm hook and dark brown:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)

Change to light brown:

• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)

Change to dark brown:

• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)
• Round 5: [1 sc in next 3 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (30)

Change to light brown:

• Round 6: [1 sc in next 4 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (36)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Using light brown yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider 6 shell lines over Rounds 4 and 5 (see photos).

 

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6 (18)
• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6 (24)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Face (Options)

• For male and female: place 6 mm safety eyes between Rounds 2 and 3

• Embroider a small black mouth

• For a female turtle (optional): add black eyelashes and pink cheeks

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 8, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 sc in the next 2 st; 1 hdc in the next 2 st; 1 dc in the next 2 st. 
• Row 2: ch1, turn: 1 hdc in the next 3 st; 1 sc in the next 3 st.; 1 sl st in the sl st. Working on the other side of the chain: 1 sc in the next sl st

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 4, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 sc in the next st, 1 hdc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

• Sew the head to the shell using green yarn

• Sew the tail and legs using light brown yarn

• Place two legs on each side of the shell (adjust placement for longer/shorter leg look)

 

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Small turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3.5 mm hook and dark brown:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Change to light brown:

• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)

Change to dark brown:

• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)
• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)

Change to light brown:

• Round 5: [1 sc in next 3 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (30)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Embroider 6 shell lines over Rounds 3 and 4 (see photos).

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6 (18)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 6 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2

• Embroider a small black mouth

• Optional: eyelashes for a girl turtle

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 8, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sc in the next 2 st; 1 hdc in the next 2 st; 1 dc in the next 2 st.

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 hdc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew the head using green yarn.
Sew the tail opposite the head using light brown yarn.
Sew two legs on each side (adjust placement as desired).

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Tiny turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3.5 mm hook and light brown:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Change to dark brown:

• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)

Change to light brown

• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Embroider 6 shell lines over Rounds 2 and 3 (see photos).

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 8 sc in a magic ring (8)
• Round 2: 8 inc. (16)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 6 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2

• Embroider a small black mouth

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 6, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sc in the next 2 st; 1 hdc in the next 2 st; 1 dc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 hdc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew head with green yarn.
Sew tail opposite head with light brown yarn.
Sew two legs on each side.

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Baby turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3 mm hook and dark brown:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring. (5)
• Round 2: inc 5 times. (10)

Change to light brown:

• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x5. (15)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Embroider 5 shell lines over Rounds 1 and 2.

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring (5)
• Round 2: 5 inc. (10)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 4.5 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2

• Embroider a small black mouth

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 5, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sl st, 1 sc in the next 3 st.

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 sc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew head with green yarn.
Sew tail opposite head with light brown yarn.
Sew two legs on each side.

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Baby turtle in an eggshell crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3 mm hook and light brown:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring. (5)
• Round 2: 5 inc. (10)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x5. (15)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring (5)
• Round 2: 5 inc. (10)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 4.5 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2

• Embroider a small black mouth

Legs (make 2)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 5, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sl st; 1 sc in the next 3 st.

Fasten off.

Eggshell

• The eggshell is worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and white yarn:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sc, 1 sc in the next st. (2)
• Row 2: ch1, turn: 2 inc. (4)
• Row 3: ch1, turn: 1 inc, 1 sc in the next 2 st;, 1 inc. (6)
• Rows 4-6: ch1, turn: 1 sc in all st. (6)
• Row 7: do not turn: 1 sc evenly around (about 10 st)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

• Sew the turtle head to the shell using green yarn

• Sew one leg on each side

• Attach the eggshell above the body using white yarn

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Finished!

Congratulations—your turtle family appliqués are ready! 🐢💚
If you make them, please tag @natalinacraft and use #natalinacraft so I can see your beautiful creations.

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Crochet Turtle Appliques

Crochet Turtle Appliques

Print

Instructions

General Information

Finished Sizes (approx.)

• Adult: 4 in / 10 cm
• Kid 1: 3 in / 8 cm
• Kid 2: 2.5 in / 6 cm
• Baby: 1.8 in / 4.5 cm
• Baby in Egg: 2.2 in / 5.5 cm

Sizes are based on the yarn and hooks listed. You can use a smaller or larger hook to make a smaller or larger appliqué.

Materials

• Yarn calling for a 5.5 mm hook in 3 colors(plus a tiny amount of pink for cheeks, black for mouths/eyebrows, and white for the eggshell)
• 3 mm crochet hook
• 3.5 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Safety eyes: 6 mm and 4.5 mm

What I used

Light worsted cotton yarn in green, light brown, dark brown, and white(I used I Love This Cotton! from Hobby Lobby.)

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• inc = increase
• dec = decrease
• sl st = slip stitch
• st marker = stitch marker

Big turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3.5 mm hook and dark brown:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)

Change to light brown:

• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)

Change to dark brown:

• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)
• Round 5: [1 sc in next 3 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (30)

Change to light brown:

• Round 6: [1 sc in next 4 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (36)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.Using light brown yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider 6 shell lines over Rounds 4 and 5 (see photos).

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6 (18)
• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6 (24)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Face (Options)

• For male and female: place 6 mm safety eyes between Rounds 2 and 3
• Embroider a small black mouth
• For a female turtle (optional): add black eyelashes and pink cheeks

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 8, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 sc in the next 2 st; 1 hdc in the next 2 st; 1 dc in the next 2 st. 
• Row 2: ch1, turn: 1 hdc in the next 3 st; 1 sc in the next 3 st.; 1 sl st in the sl st. Working on the other side of the chain: 1 sc in the next sl st

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 4, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 sc in the next st, 1 hdc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

• Sew the head to the shell using green yarn
• Sew the tail and legs using light brown yarn
• Place two legs on each side of the shell (adjust placement for longer/shorter leg look)

Small turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3.5 mm hook and dark brown:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Change to light brown:

• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)

Change to dark brown:

• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)
• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)

Change to light brown:

• Round 5: [1 sc in next 3 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (30)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.Embroider 6 shell lines over Rounds 3 and 4 (see photos).

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6 (18)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 6 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2
• Embroider a small black mouth
• Optional: eyelashes for a girl turtle

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 8, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sc in the next 2 st; 1 hdc in the next 2 st; 1 dc in the next 2 st.

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 hdc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew the head using green yarn.Sew the tail opposite the head using light brown yarn.Sew two legs on each side (adjust placement as desired).

Tiny turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3.5 mm hook and light brown:

• Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Change to dark brown:

• Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (18)

Change to light brown

• Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 st, 1 inc in next st] x6. (24)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.Embroider 6 shell lines over Rounds 2 and 3 (see photos).

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 8 sc in a magic ring (8)
• Round 2: 8 inc. (16)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 6 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2
• Embroider a small black mouth

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 6, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sc in the next 2 st; 1 hdc in the next 2 st; 1 dc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3.5 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 hdc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew head with green yarn.Sew tail opposite head with light brown yarn.Sew two legs on each side.

Baby turtle crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3 mm hook and dark brown:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring. (5)
• Round 2: inc 5 times. (10)

Change to light brown:

• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x5. (15)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.Embroider 5 shell lines over Rounds 1 and 2.

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring (5)
• Round 2: 5 inc. (10)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 4.5 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2
• Embroider a small black mouth

Legs (make 4)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 5, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sl st, 1 sc in the next 3 st.

Fasten off.

Tail

• The tail is worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook:  1 sl st, 1 sc in the next st.

Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew head with green yarn.Sew tail opposite head with light brown yarn.Sew two legs on each side.

Baby turtle in an eggshell crochet pattern

Shell

• The shell is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With a 3 mm hook and light brown:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring. (5)
• Round 2: 5 inc. (10)
• Round 3: [1 sc in next st, 1 inc in next st] x5. (15)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Head

• The head is worked in rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Round 1: 5 sc in a magic ring (5)
• Round 2: 5 inc. (10)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

• Place 4.5 mm eyes between Rounds 1 and 2
• Embroider a small black mouth

Legs (make 2)

• The legs are worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and green:

• Row 1: ch 5, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sl st; 1 sc in the next 3 st.

Fasten off.

Eggshell

• The eggshell is worked in rows.

With 3 mm hook and white yarn:

• Row 1: ch 3, turn. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 1 sc, 1 sc in the next st. (2)
• Row 2: ch1, turn: 2 inc. (4)
• Row 3: ch1, turn: 1 inc, 1 sc in the next 2 st;, 1 inc. (6)
• Rows 4-6: ch1, turn: 1 sc in all st. (6)
• Row 7: do not turn: 1 sc evenly around (about 10 st)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

• Sew the turtle head to the shell using green yarn
• Sew one leg on each side
• Attach the eggshell above the body using white yarn

Finished!

Congratulations—your turtle family appliqués are ready! 🐢💚If you make them, please tag @natalinacraft and use #natalinacraft so I can see your beautiful creations.

Copyright Notice

All rights reserved. This pattern and all accompanying photographs are the property of Natalina Craft and are protected by copyright law. This pattern is for personal use only. Any unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or publication of this pattern, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities. While crediting Natalina Craft as the designer is not required, it is always greatly appreciated—especially when selling online—so others can find the original pattern. Thank you for respecting these guidelines.