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Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern
4.7★ Rating
4-5 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Whimsical Buddy

Playful characters full of personality, designed to spark imagination and become cherished playtime favorites.

About This Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

This adorable Succulent Turtle pattern combines the charm of a friendly turtle with the trendy appeal of succulent plants. The unique design features a dimensional shell adorned with handcrafted succulent leaves that create beautiful texture and visual interest. Using super bulky chenille yarn gives this turtle an irresistibly soft and squishy feel that makes it perfect for cuddling or displaying as home decor. The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating the distinctive succulent top using front loop techniques that build natural-looking rosette formations.

Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This intermediate pattern introduces you to working with chunky chenille yarn while mastering techniques like front loop only and back loop only stitches. The finished turtle stands approximately 4.5 inches tall with adorable flippers and a sweet embroidered eye detail.

Why You'll Love This Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern brings together two beloved themes into one incredibly creative design. There's something magical about watching the succulent leaves take shape as you work through the spiral pattern, and the chenille yarn creates the most wonderfully plush texture that feels amazing in your hands. I find the color combination of earthy terracotta, sandy beige, and agave green incredibly soothing and on-trend. What really makes my heart happy is how this turtle looks equally adorable as a decorative piece or a cuddly companion. The techniques you'll learn, especially working in unworked loops to create the dimensional succulent, will open up so many creative possibilities for future projects.

Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different color combinations to create unique variations of this succulent turtle. Instead of the traditional green succulent, try making a pink or purple version using dusty rose or lavender yarn for a fantasy-inspired look that mimics echeveria succulents.

For a seasonal twist, I've created autumn turtles using burnt orange, deep red, and golden yellow for the succulent leaves, paired with a chocolate brown shell rim. During the holidays, I make festive versions with red and white striped leaves or silver and blue for a winter wonderland theme.

You can also play with the shell colors - try a sage green rim with a cream middle section, or go bold with a bright coral rim and turquoise accents. I've even made galaxy-themed turtles using variegated yarn that shifts between purples, blues, and blacks.

Another fun variation is adding extra embellishments like tiny crocheted flowers tucked between the succulent leaves, or small beads sewn onto the shell for a sparkly effect. For a more realistic succulent appearance, try using multiple shades of green yarn and alternating them as you create the leaves.

If you want to make this turtle more interactive for children, consider making the legs poseable by inserting pipe cleaners before closing them up. I've also experimented with making mini versions using DK weight yarn and a 3mm hook - they turn out perfectly pocket-sized at about 4 inches wide and make adorable keychain charms or gift toppers.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Losing track of rounds when working with fluffy chenille yarn - use stitch markers consistently to mark the beginning of each round and front loops ✗ Making the succulent leaves too tight or too loose - maintain even tension and adjust your chain stitches to create uniform leaf shapes throughout the pattern ✗ Attaching legs and tail unevenly around the body - carefully count stitches between each appendage and use the photos as reference for proper curve orientation ✗ Stuffing the body too firmly before closing - leave room for final shaping and ensure the turtle maintains its rounded appearance without distorting the shell

Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

Create this charming succulent turtle that combines nature's beauty with adorable crochet craftsmanship. This unique pattern features a plump turtle shell adorned with a dimensional succulent top, complete with tiny flippers and a sweet face. Using super bulky chenille yarn, you'll craft a textured masterpiece that measures approximately 7 inches long and 9 inches wide. Perfect for plant lovers and turtle enthusiasts alike, this pattern brings together whimsical design and cozy texture in one delightful project.

Intermediate 4-5 Hours

Materials Needed for Succulent Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Size 6 Super Bulky Chenille Yarn in Agave (green), Terracotta (rust/orange), and Sand (tan/beige)
  • 02
    Chenille Home Slim yarn recommended in colors: Agave, Terracotta, and Sand

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 6mm
  • 02
    Safety eyes 18mm
  • 03
    Tapestry needle
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Poly-Fil stuffing

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Front Legs :

Using Agave

Make 2

R1 :

8SC in MR

R2 :

Inc (16)

R3 :

SC, Inc (24)

R4 :

3SC, Inc (30)

Info :

Fold your circle in half to make a half circle. Working around the half circle and through both sides, SC through both stitches (about 15 SC). Continue until you reach the end of the half circle. FO, there is no need to leave a tail for sewing, you will SC the legs into a round of the body.

— Back Legs :

Using Agave

Make 2

R1 :

8SC in MR

R2 :

Inc (16)

R3 :

SC, Inc (24)

Info :

Fold your circle in half to make a half circle. Working around the half circle and through both sides, SC through both stitches (about 12 SC). Continue until you reach the end of the half circle. FO, there is no need to leave a tail for sewing, you will SC the legs into a round of the body.

— Tail :

Using Agave

R1 :

6SC in MR

R2-3 :

SC (6)

Info :

FO, there is no need to leave a tail for sewing, you will SC the tail piece into a round of the body.

— Head :

Using Agave

R1 :

8SC in MR

R2 :

Inc (16)

R3 :

SC, Inc (24)

R4-6 :

SC (24)

R7 :

SC, Dec (16)

R8 :

2SC, Dec (12)

Infos :

FO, leave a long tail for sewing (about 8-9 inches). Add eyes and stuff the head. Add eyes at around rounds 5-6 and about 8 stitches apart across the front of the face.

— Shell/Body :

Info :

Part of the top of the shell is worked in the BLO (back loops only) of the previous round. The succulent is formed in the front unworked loops once the top of the shell is completed.

Using Agave

R1 :

8 SC in MR

R2 :

Working in BLO: Inc (16)

Info :

Highly suggest stitch markers to mark your front loops, at least one in the front loop of the first stitch of each round.

R3 :

Working in BLO: SC, Inc (24)

R4 :

Working in BLO: 3SC, Inc (30)

Color change to Sand

R5 :

Working in BLO: 4SC, Inc (36)

R6 :

SC (36)

Info :

We will now make the succulent top. Drop your working yarn, the rest of the body will be finished after we complete the succulent top.

— Succulent :

Info :

To make the succulent, you will be working in a continuous spiral on top of the shell in the unworked front loops of each round. Grab your Agave yarn and attach it with a SS in the very first unworked front loop of round 2. Working into the remaining front loops repeat the following pattern (Each stitch is placed into individual stitches):

Pattern :

[HDC, DC, CH2 SS into 2nd CH from the hook, DC, HDC, SS, HDC, TC, CH2 SS into 2nd CH from the hook, TC, HDC, SS] x 8

Info :

You should have 16 leaves at the end. If you do not and you missed or skipped some stitches that is ok as long as you are happy with how your succulent looks. Feel free to pull on the leaves and move them how you like them to look. FO, weave in the ends.

Info :

Picking up where you left off in round 6

Color change to Terracotta

R7 :

Working in FLO of round 6: SC (36)

Info :

It will help for the next round to place a stitch marker in the first back loop of round 6

R8 :

Working in BLO of round 6, that were left behind from round 7: SC (36)

R9-10 :

SC (36)

R11 :

Grab your legs and tail, this is the round you will SC your pieces into. You place your pieces in front of the stitches of the body, pushing your hook through the leg/tail first then through the body stitch. 4SC, Grab the first front (big) leg, attach using 3SC (curve of the leg should be on your right), 5SC, Grab the first back (small) leg, attach using 2SC (curve of the leg should be on your right), 3SC, Grab your tail and using 3SC attach the tail, 3SC, Grab the second back (small) leg, attach using 2SC (curve of the leg should be on your left), 5SC, Grab the second front (big) leg, attach using 3SC (curve of the leg should be on your left), 3SC (36)

R12 :

Working in BLO: 4SC, Dec (30)

R13 :

3SC, Dec (24)

Info :

Stuff the body to your desired firmness.

R14 :

SC, Dec (16)

R15 :

Dec (8)

Info :

SS, cut yarn leaving a short tail to sew the hole closed. Weave the yarn tail back and forth into the stitches around then pull tight to close. Tie to secure and weave the rest of the yarn tail into the body.

— Finishing Details :

Head Assembly :

Sew the head onto the body, mostly over the bottom part of the body, around rounds 6-10 of the body.

Eye Detail :

If you would like the white detail on the eye, grab your white yarn and embroider a line up the side of the eye. Insert your needle at the middle bottom of the safety eye and bring it up to the top middle of the safety eye, it will tend to curve around the safety eye when you pull it tighter.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the stuffed head onto the front bottom portion of the body, positioning it around rounds 6-10 for a natural turtle appearance.
  • Ensure all four legs are properly attached during round 11 with curves facing the correct direction (right curves for first set, left curves for second set).
  • Verify the tail is centered at the back of the body and securely crocheted into place during round 11.
  • Add optional white embroidered detail to safety eyes by stitching a curved line from bottom to top middle of each eye.
  • Weave in all yarn ends securely, especially around the succulent leaves and body closure to prevent unraveling.
  • Gently shape and arrange the succulent leaves on top of the shell to create a natural rosette appearance.
  • Give the finished turtle a final shaping by adjusting the legs and ensuring the body stuffing is evenly distributed.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers consistently when working with chenille yarn to track rounds and mark front loops for the succulent section
  • 💡Maintain even tension throughout, especially when creating the succulent leaves to ensure uniform appearance
  • 💡Stuff the body firmly but not too tightly to maintain the rounded turtle shape without distorting the shell
  • 💡Pay careful attention to leg orientation during attachment - curves should face right for the first set and left for the second set
  • 💡When working the succulent pattern, each stitch goes into individual front loops from rounds 2-5 to create the dimensional effect
  • 💡Mark the first back loop of round 6 before starting round 7 to make it easier to find for round 8

This delightful Succulent Turtle pattern combines the trending love for succulent plants with the timeless charm of adorable turtle amigurumi. The unique construction technique creates a dimensional shell that looks like a living planter, while the super bulky chenille yarn gives it an irresistibly soft and cuddly texture. Whether you display it as modern home decor or gift it to a plant-loving friend, this creative design is sure to bring smiles and compliments. The intermediate techniques you'll master, especially working in unworked loops, will expand your crochet skills in exciting new directions. 🐢🌿 Happy crocheting! 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What if I can't find Chenille Home Slim yarn in the exact colors?

You can substitute any size 6 super bulky chenille or velvet yarn in similar colors. Look for a sage or dusty green for the turtle, a rust or burnt orange for the pot rim, and a tan or beige for the middle section. The key is using a soft, plush yarn that creates the cuddly texture.

How do I keep track of my stitches when working with fluffy chenille yarn?

Chenille yarn can be challenging to see individual stitches. Use stitch markers at the beginning of each round and feel for the stitches with your fingers. Place markers in the front loops when instructed, as you'll need to find them later for the succulent section. Work in good lighting and take your time.

Can I make this turtle larger or smaller?

Yes! To make it larger, use an even bulkier yarn with a larger hook. To make it smaller, use a lighter weight yarn (worsted or DK) with a smaller hook (4mm or 3.5mm). Your finished size will vary, and you may need to adjust the number of stitches in some rounds for proportion.

Why are there unworked loops in the shell construction?

The unworked front loops from rounds 2-5 are intentionally left to create the succulent top later. This technique allows you to build a dimensional rosette on top of the shell without having to sew separate pieces together. The back loop only stitches create the perfect foundation.

How do I attach the legs and tail evenly?

Count your stitches carefully during round 11 and use the photos as reference. The stitch counts between each appendage are specific (4SC, 3SC for leg, 5SC, 2SC for leg, 3SC, etc.). Pay attention to which direction the leg curves should face for a symmetrical appearance.

Can I use safety eyes in a different size?

Yes, but 18mm eyes are recommended for this size turtle with super bulky yarn. If using smaller yarn weight, scale down to 12mm or 15mm eyes. If you prefer not to use safety eyes, you can embroider eyes or use black felt circles sewn in place.