Who doesn’t love those heroic reptiles who’ve been protecting the sewers (and our hearts) for decades? Today, I’m thrilled to share this adorable amigurumi ninja turtle pattern that will bring your favorite turtle power right to your craft room! Whether you’re Team Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, or Michelangelo, this intermediate-level pattern will help you create your very own “Shellbert” – our loveable 8-inch tall ninja turtle ready for action and cuddles!
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in green (main color), your choice of blue, red, orange, or purple for the mask, brown for the shell, and black for details
- Hook: 5.0mm crochet hook
- Safety Eyes: 12mm safety eyes (2 pieces)
- Stuffing: Fiberfill stuffing
- Notions: Yarn needle for sewing, stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- R: Round
- mc: Magic circle
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec: Decrease (single crochet 2 together)
- BLO: Back loops only
- sl st: Slip stitch
- F.o.: Fasten off
Pattern Instructions
Head (Green Yarn)
R1: 6 sc in mc (6)
R2: inc in each st around (12)
R3: sc, inc repeat around (18)
R4: 2 sc, inc repeat around (24)
R5: 3 sc, inc repeat around (30)
R6: 4 sc, inc repeat around (36)
R7-12: sc around (36)
R13: 4 sc, dec repeat around (30)
R14: 3 sc, dec repeat around (24)
Insert safety eyes between rounds 9 and 10, about 6 stitches apart. Stuff firmly.
R15: 2 sc, dec repeat around (18)
R16: sc, dec repeat around (12)
R17: dec around (6)
F.o., weave in end.
Body (Green Yarn)
R1: 6 sc in mc (6)
R2: inc in each st around (12)
R3: sc, inc repeat around (18)
R4: 2 sc, inc repeat around (24)
R5: 3 sc, inc repeat around (30)
R6-14: sc around (30)
R15: 3 sc, dec repeat around (24)
R16: 2 sc, dec repeat around (18)
Stuff firmly.
R17: sc, dec repeat around (12)
R18: dec around (6)
F.o., weave in end.
Shell (Brown Yarn)
R1: 6 sc in mc (6)
R2: inc in each st around (12)
R3: sc, inc repeat around (18)
R4: 2 sc, inc repeat around (24)
R5: 3 sc, inc repeat around (30)
R6: 4 sc, inc repeat around (36)
R7: BLO sc around (36)
R8-10: sc around (36)
F.o., leaving long tail for sewing.
Arms (Make 2 – Green Yarn)
R1: 6 sc in mc (6)
R2: sc, inc repeat around (9)
R3-8: sc around (9)
R9: sc, dec repeat around (6)
Stuff lightly.
R10-12: sc around (6)
F.o., leaving long tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 2 – Green Yarn)
R1: 6 sc in mc (6)
R2: inc in each st around (12)
R3: sc, inc repeat around (18)
R4: BLO sc around (18)
R5-7: sc around (18)
R8: sc, dec repeat around (12)
R9-14: sc around (12)
Stuff firmly.
F.o., leaving long tail for sewing.
Mask (Colored Yarn of Choice)
Ch 25
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (24)
Row 2-4: ch 1, turn, sc across (24)
F.o., leaving long tail for sewing.
Eye Holes for Mask (Make 2)
R1: 6 sc in mc (6)
R2: inc in each st around (12)
F.o., leaving long tail for sewing.
Assembly Instructions
- Attach the head to body: Sew the head securely to the top of the body using the yarn needle and matching green yarn.
- Add the shell: Position the shell on the back of the body and sew around the edges, leaving the shell slightly puffy.
- Attach arms: Sew arms to either side of the body at about round 3-4 of the body.
- Attach legs: Sew legs to the bottom of the body, positioning them so your turtle can sit upright.
- Create the mask: Wrap the mask piece around the head, covering the area around the eyes. The mask should go across the eyes and tie in the back. Sew the small eye holes over the safety eyes for that authentic ninja look.
- Final details: Use black yarn to embroider a small smile and any additional details you’d like to add.
Finishing Touches
There you have it – your very own heroic Shellbert is ready to join the turtle team! This intermediate pattern offers a wonderful opportunity to practice your amigurami skills while creating something truly special. Whether you make all four turtles or stick with your favorite, these little ninjas are perfect for gifting to fans of all ages or adding to your own collection.
Don’t forget to share photos of your finished turtle on social media – I’d love to see your colorful creations! Each turtle has their own personality, so feel free to customize the details to match your favorite character. Happy crocheting, and remember – turtle power comes from the heart (and perfectly tensioned stitches)!
