Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Crochet a Simple Turtle for Beginners: Quick, Easy, Amigurumi Turtle

One of my most requested tutorials - Here's how to make this turtle-ly adorable crochet turtle!
This turtle is simple enough for beginners (Plus I go over all the skills and stitches!) And quick and easy enough for advanced crocheters to work up in roughly an hour!
Please do NOT duplicate, distribute, or sell the crochet pattern in this video without permission. However, you may gift, donate, or sell your finished pieces given that you give "The Mary Jay" credit for the pattern. Please link back to this video if you're selling online! :)
FREE WRITTEN PATTERN: www.themaryjay.com/free-patte...
PDF VERSION OF THE WRITTEN PATTERN (on Patreon): patreon.com/TheMaryJay?...
If you want to turn it into a pride turtle, you can find the modification guide here: www.themaryjay.com/free-patte...
This Tutorial Covers:
-Recommended Materials 0:20
*fabric scissors
*yarn needle
*stitch markers
*polyester fiber fill
*7 mm hook
*#6 super bulky blanket yarn (in green and brown OR the colors of your choice)
*18 mm safety eyes
Please note that safety eyes can be choking hazards and are NOT recommended for crochet plushies made for young children, pets etc.
-How to Crochet the Shell/Body 0:41
-How to Crochet the Head 32:55
-How to Crochet the Tail 39:53
-How to Crochet the Legs 41:56
-Assembly (sewing on pieces) 44:29
WHERE TO FIND THE MATERIALS
You can find most of these items in a craft store or on my Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/influence...
My Amazon Storefront is an affiliate link, which means I will earn a small commission if you use it to make a purchase. This is one way that helps support me and lets me continue to make free content for you.The materials listed are actual materials that I have used.materials that I have used.
Here's where I get my yarn: (these are also affiliate links that help support me!)
-misty jungle green: prf.hn/l/XZYGenP
-sand: prf.hn/l/3Pz4OeV
*However, have noticed some changes in the shades since I made this plushie, so the colors may not be exact!
While this tutorial is made for beginners, it's helpful to already be familiar with the following skills:
-Magic Ring/Magic Circle
-Single Crochet
-Increase
-Decrease
-Fasten Off
-Color Change
-Crocheting in Front Loop Only and Back Loop Only
If you need more help with any of the above, here are some helpful tutorials:
- Slow Magic Circle Tutorial: • Slow & Super Detailed ...
- Changing Color Tutorial: • 2 Ways to Change Color...
-5 must-know beginner skills (covers all the skills above except color change and crocheting in front and back loop only): • 5 Must-Know Beginner A...
To keep the video from running too long, I tried to work at a decent pace, but please don't hesitate to pause or slow down the video under settings if needed.
My links:
Browse my Crochet Blog (includes free written patterns): themaryjay.com
Join my Patreon (Access to Premium Patterns & More): patreon.com/TheMaryJay?...
Find my Crochet Patterns: themaryjay.patternbyetsy.com/...
Find my Full Shop: themaryjay.patternbyetsy.com
I love seeing your creations! Tag my socials!
Tik Tok: / themaryjay
Instagram: / themaryjay

[@themaryjay]

Hi y'all! You can find the written pattern for this turtle here: www.themaryjay.com/free-patterns/crochet-turtle-pattern

[@carmellaschreffler3247]

Thank you

[@zoey-sn7yg]

thank you you’re amazing🩷🩷

[@Li.Rose-Bsf]

Tysmmm!!

[@shiftingbabe3947]

You're a great teacher, my 6 year old and I are learning. 🎉

[@Rainyxo876]

Is that yarn medium?

[@Lei_kit-666]

I am a beginner crocheter, and for my first project I really wanted to make a sea turtle, so this tutorial was 100% beginner friendly and literally the best thing ever!

[@andreasanford8814]

My daughter started crocheting with this tutorial and has made 4 stuffed animals in 5 days! You are a good teacher, especially with the magic circle.

[@moosegoose1960]

Kudos to anyone who can speed this up, as a beginner I struggle with the simplest of things while crocheting. Have a blessed day

[@Joustwench]

I hear ya loud and clear i look at something, and then when i attempt it i have a hot mess :(

[@artsandetc.]

Same

[@AshtonHolcomb-mt6dw]

It's al ​@@Joustwench

[@prestigenoob6355]

As a beginner, this is the most detailed and beginner friendly video and explanation I've found so far! Thank you so much!

[@avinashkumar4444]

Thank u so much I love it it's super easy and I just started crocheting yesterday it so good ty

[@Sloth_lover844]

I love it too. When I finally got finished with it I was so happy with it. Also so grateful that some like Mary takes the time to help beginners learn. Thank you so much. ❤

[@Mushroom_princessssss]

@@avinashkumar4444why did you say ty

[@marybethjohnson3878]

@@Mushroom_princessssss it's THANK YOU. : ).

[@jessicarosado1712]

God bless her she has patience and she takes her time to teach us even if we can’t count 😂 Way to go!

[@amandaosborne2340]

This is seriously one of the BEST and most detailed tutorials I’ve come across on KZbin. I made my first plushie yesterday with this video. Thank you!!!!

[@Boltrocks]

You don’t understand how happy I was when I saw a super cute and good looking turtle crochet I could make for my first big project. My friend taught me some good basics and I can’t wait to hopefully do this one soon! This would be a good gift for people ☺️

[@SteveEnteredEarth]

I gave the turtle to my best friend, she loved it

[@user-po7yd5rd1w]

​@@SteveEnteredEarthI am giving it to my mom 😂

[@laylawalley4447]

Literally never made an amigurumi before today and made one within 2 days thanks to you. Very easy to follow. Thank you!

[@Lulu-q]

I did it!! This was my first project and I’m so excited I finished it. You’re a great teacher! Thank you 🩷

[@Niall_lovers]

Bro when she said we were supposed to have 28 stitches but i had 32😭😭😭😭🤦🏽‍♀️

[@the_demon149]

Oof

[@RoyaleIsla-ip2cx]

I think i do too but im just ignoring it😅

[@roza44885]

😅

[@jessxi2558]

I had 30 😭

[@cookienini_]

Lol me too

[@OlP95xo]

This was honestly the best beginners crochet video I’ve ever seen , clear instructions, clear visual! I’ve just made this and he’s so cute 😅❤ so thank you!!!!!

[@brit125]

Omg! Best tutorial for beginners…watched too many before this one and didn’t understand a thing lol. You ROCK

[@mela_verde2826]

This is gonna be my first crocheting project, I started some days ago and i was really looking for a tutorial like this. Thank you so much!♡❣️

[@themaryjay]

That's so exciting!!!! I'm so happy that my tutorial can help you make your first crochet project! :)

[@letymartinez2365]

Me too

[@mela_verde2826]

@@letymartinez2365 good luck! I love how mine turned out, it's a perfect tutorial for beginners♡♡♡

[@diogosousa9067]

Me too

[@Those2chickennuggets]

I’ve been crocheting since about January?this was also my first one! Your funny do great bestieeee ❤️🤗🌽💕

[@Markeeta_Roberts]

You make this much easier by counting and showing each stitch you make. It is helping me sooo very much.

[@alicetea5520]

i just made one. my hands hurt. but it was worth it. ✨✨IT IS LITERALLY THE CUTEST THING TO EVER EXIST!!!!!!!✨✨

[@loserhunny]

This is so hands on! I’ve never had a tutorial go at a good pace like you do! Incredible!

[@jenniemariereads]

I’ve never crocheted anything, but after watching this video I feel like I could do this bc of how well you explained/showed everything! Thank you for your tutorials!💗

[@1millionmagictricks640]

I just made my first amigurumi animal! Instead of brown and green, I used a really cute light green and light pink! It turned out super cute, so thank you so much for this amazing tutorial!

[@gizlyfoe4882]

You explained this so well, I have been crocheting for about a year on and off and this is the only tutorial I fully understood and didn’t get confused about. Thank you ❤

[@amandaquirk9785]

Honestly the best video I’ve never crocheted before and was able to complete this! Make more like this video please!❤

[@SprinklePickle]

I actually found this tutorial difficult to follow as a beginner but once I learned how to do a single crochet and a magic circle following other tutorials this was so much easier! 😃

[@themaryjay]

Yay :) I'm so glad that you were able to find it easier after learning the magic circle and single crochet! For anyone else who's also just starting out, I absolutely would recommend to first get more familiar with the basic crochet skills (at least the single crochet and magic circle) before attempting a plushie tutorial. Even though I try to explain all the skills in my video, it's hard to go into as much detail as one might need (when they're first starting out) in a long video with so much information to go over versus a tutorial that's dedicated to one specific skill. For those skills, here's my five must-know skills tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ6ZnYerl5Vsoq8 and detailed magic circle tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoHKp3mEj8mBoMU

[@dreamteam2269]

@@themaryjaythank you!

[@Starsaldc6]

@@themaryjayIf I ever make a crochet shop I'm giving credits to you you taught me how to crochet and make plushies your actually a dream come true

[@mamaneedsapanini]

I have never been able to follow a crochet tutorial as well as I followed this one. All I’ve ever made before were blankets. Made my first CUTE crochet turtle! Thank you so much!! You have a gift in teaching others crocheting!! 👏 👏 👏

[@shawnakeil1338]

Please make more of these!! My kids absolutely love the turtle and I’m planning on following even more of your videos!!

[@CreatingwithCLASS]

OMG! I just finished my turtle. It's my first plushie and I was worried but with your great written instructions and video tutorial it took the fear away. I really enjoyed your pace and calm voice. Your explanations of details for attaching were quite helpful. 🐢

[@chelsea2591]

This was my first plushie-type crochet project and my turtle came out super cute! Thanks a lot!

[@bobbagetta]

You explained everything so well! All the other youtubers just showed me how but they didn't do it slowly and they didn't explain anything. Tysm!! Got it first try

[@Hollyewalkerx]

I’m currently just watching videos to learn and have to say this has been the most understandable tutorial I have seen. Excited to try this little turtle!

[@Londynzhere]

Thank you SOO much for this tutorial. I’ve made the CUTEST turtle alive and it’s all thanks to you!😊

[@DragonPuppetQuadrobist]

I can't even make a magic circle😭 EDIT NVM I JUST DID IT

[@kaylahrabe3000]

❤ congrats 🎉

[@thetinglefactory]

😂 omg same!!!

[@craftybet]

Practice makes perfect 👍

[@mikayladart7384]

I just finished my first crochet project!! I love the turtle so much😊 thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial!

[@themaryjay]

Awww Congrats on your first project!!!! I'm so happy that my tutorial was helpful!!

[@shaineychisholm228]

I've made this a couple of time now and it's so easy to make and just fell in love with the results. Thank you so much for sharing

[@chattycrochet]

I love how slow and calm you explain things!!! Thank you thank you

[@emmaeggler7946]

This was so helpful. I’m going on a long trip next week and decided I wanted to crochet on the trip!! This was my first time crocheting and your instructions made it so clear. Thank you!

[@Sloth_lover844]

I’m a beginner and it’s so cute. Thx Mary jay for helping me learn how to crochet. ❤

[@oliviabasham]

This was my first successful amigurumi project, and I credit this video. I have completed many projects since, and I have had so much fun doing them. Thank you.

[@Cozy_vive]

I'm amazed! I'm a younger intermediate crocheter. But, I've never tried amigurumi before. I have tried countless numbers of tutorials that show how to crochet a turtle. Surprisingly none explained them even close to how you did! You explained everything step by step perfectly. I find that many tutorials go over some stiches extremely fast without going over them. For ex, increasing. Alot of tutorials I tried just quickly skipped and assumed the viewer already knew how to increase. You actually taught the viewer everything! I never had to slow the video down once. Your explanations were so good I could listen to you in the background without having to even watch the video! Thank you for this amazing tutorial.

[@Taylorc28]

I’ve been trying to do this as a beginner with just the written pattern for almost a week- so much frustration. Finally got it down thanks to your detailed video, thank youu!!!

[@roudorora8789]

Loved this video! it was the first time I heard that the stitch was the "v-shaped" segment. im so thankful for the super clear and easy to follow guide! my little turtle has my whole heart and soul in it

[@kaitlynnblauser1754]

This was such a life saver because since September I’ve been trying to learn how to make any kind of amigirumi for my niece and every tutorial I’ve watch haven’t been the easiest to learn from even though it’s stated that it’s for beginners. This Video has been by far the easiest for me to understand! Thank you for going slow and really showing us how it’s supposed to be done multiple times instead of just once!💜 my niece turned a month old today so I’m very happy I was able to finish this on my day off from work! This is a great project to start because it doesn’t take long to finish!

[@themaryjay]

Ahhh this comment totally made my day! Thank you so much for all the kind words and for following my tutorial! I'm so glad that you found this tutorial helpful and easy to follow and I hope you make many cute plushies for your niece!

[@buildernamedpumkin6867]

This was EXACTLY what I needed! I made it, his name is Todd and I love him more than anything else

[@HorrorMovies4life]

You are an amazing teacher! I wanted to pick up crocheting as a hobby months ago but couldn’t figure it out until I came across this video and it helped me learn the basics of amigurumi and now I’m able to crochet off of any pattern in no problem I have been taking requests from friends and family and I’m hoping to eventually open my own Etsy shop but none of this would’ve been possible without you and your teaching so thank you so much for making it possible for me to learn this amazing hobby

[@sylviacastillo1509]

The best video tutorial in my opinion. Great camera angle, great explanation of each step. I’m a beginner the most I’ve done is wash clothes and a blanket or 2 and I completed my turtle.

[@Customfurball28]

I actually have a very similar turtle that I got a few years ago! Such a cute little guy and a great tutorial!

[@alisonfeicht9093]

I just made this for a baby shower, and it was easy to follow and so adorable!

[@suerodrigues2266]

Thank you for going over the stitches..This makes it much easier. Making one for my daughter. It is adorable!

[@nancysjoerdsma9851]

This is one of the best video tutorials! I am very new to crocheting and you explained everything perfectly. Thank you so much! Looking forward to more tutorials!

[@aneenablesson]

I'm a beginner and this video was so easy for me to understand. I made a turtle with this pattern and its awesome!!!! Thank you soooo much for teaching me how to crochet!!!!!🥰

[@SteveEnteredEarth]

I followed the tutorial with a less thick yarn and it still turned out well, thanks for the tutt my best friend loves her turtle! 🌸

[@MandyThirlway-cv8yx]

Thank you so much for this detailed tutorial. I’m brand new to crochet and managed to follow this and I’m left handed! Mine isn’t perfect, but my daughter loves it.

[@simmonetaylor5896]

I just want to thankyou for the most amazing tutorial I have tried, I only started crochet 6bdays ago and started the turtle yesterday and today I finished it. Your tutorial was so well paced and you explained every so well thankyou!!

[@Crochet1212]

Omg! This is the cutest thing ever I am making this right now and since my turtle was red and white I decided I wanted the shell to have white spots so the turtle would look like a mushroom I love your videos they are so fun and adorable to watch ❤

[@JessieloOfficial]

Omg! This is literally the 1st tut that actually explains it and that I actually get! Thank you! 👏🏼

[@Cofffeeebeanns]

Your voice is so calming😊I loves crocheting pride plushies whilst listening to your voice

[@CB-ms1hw]

So cute! I love how the shell is connected to the tummy when you make it, it made it so much easier than it looked on the photo, I thought the shell was a separate piece I needed to sew on! I made my turtle blue with a pink shell in velvet yarn, and it turned out so amazing! 🥰🥰 Love your tutorials!

[@themaryjay]

Aww I'm so glad that it turned out well! Thank you so much for using my tutorial!! :)

[@Muffin_edits]

I love how you show what your doing but you're explaining what your doing, I'm always recommending your channel to my friends who what to start crochet but don't know where to start, tysm

[@lilbitofsouthernspirit7788]

My grandson loves turtles! Thanks so much for sharing this pattern & making a great tutorial! 🥰

[@-learningaswegrow3396]

Thank you so so much for this super easy tutorial. I made my first stuffed crochet animal with your video. Good bye and God bless🥰

[@candaceoslonian4249]

Made this turtle for my ten year old and she loves it! Loved the video and the pattern was super easy to follow! Thank you!!!!

[@chloejeean6969]

I made my sister one of theses! She loves her! So cute! I got this done few hours. turned out perfect!

[@bek585]

Beginner here, well first week crocheting, and this was super easy to follow! Just one row I kept getting one extra stitch and idk why and gave up and just pulled it out with the gap, then did the next row. It’s the bottom green of the shell and can’t even tell thankfully! But thank you for making this! Was fun to make and my niece loves her turtle keychain I made!

[@ladysansa.]

It's 00:53 and I've just finished the turtle's head. I can't wait to finish the rest. I am currently working on 2 other projects, but when your tutorial popped up, I just had to leave everything and try this cute turtle. Thank you for the clear and easy explanation.

[@jess0_7]

I’ve started this, not gonna lie I’m just going with the flow with it. Not really paying attention to stitch count or whatever - but this is probably one of the most helpful and informative video I’ve found on KZbin! I’ve actually got some form of a shape!!

[@MomLifewithKristen]

I can’t wait to try it! I’m working on my 3rd blanket now but this will definitely be my next project!

[@Alexa-bo1ok]

This tutorial came in handy!! I love it!! There was a few steps I had to skip because of how chunky was my yarn and had a bigger hook but still came out soo cute!! Made two for both my boys and they loved it♥️ thank you so much! You definitely got a new subscriber ☺️

[@Uhh_nissax]

This tutorial is amazing and my turtle came out so great ❤

[@brittanymerrier1766]

I'm finishing up the last 2 legs of this turtle, I so can't wait to finish this adorable turtle. Would love to watch an axolotl tutorial. I am looking forward to following your other amigurumi tutorials and make even more cute plushies!!

[@vanessafernandes6009]

Omg! You are the best at teaching us! I just finished mine after a week and this was my first crochet project ! It is not perfect because it’s my first project but I LOVE it so much! I wish we could post pictures here! Just wanted to thank you !!!

[@Jackie-hs3cd]

You are the best teacher I learned 2 years ago I’m very good and I learned from u I still come back every day because you plushies are chefs kiss

[@purvidas9991]

Absolutely loved the detailed instructions. Im a beginner and i finished this in a day. So very happy with the outcome. Your video was a HUGE help! ❤❤❤♥️

[@jillpaige3719]

Thank you for this great tutorial! After a 50 year layoff from crocheting, I’m taking it up again at 63! This is so much fun!

[@AnnaPuppyfish]

You made this look so easy and so hard at the same time. Your instructions are very clear, I might actually try it!

[@kaea.3479]

Hi Mary Jay, I followed your pattern for my first amigurumi. I am a newbie to crocheting. It turned out great, your tutorials are easy to follow. Thank you

[@minhtu5059]

Mine's turned out so cute. Thank you so much for this easy-to-follow tutorial!!

[@sheikahwolf]

I used this for my first project and i LOVE it! thank you so much for the detailed tutorial!

[@shataramcdonald2784]

I just made mines today!!! I used a 10 mm hook so mine is slightly bigger and it’s so cute I love it 🥹!

[@JordanHatk]

I struggled with making my amigurumi head and shell curve into a dome, but your tutorial is helping SO MUCH!!! thank you with all my heart ❤️ ❤❤(I love your videos about the frogs, bees, axolotyls and all that!) I also struggled with making my stitches even and now… THEY ARE EVEN!!! LOVE UR VIDS SO MUCH

[@Diestelblatt]

I was expecting something where I needed to watch a tutorial on how to start crocheting at all but this was awesome for me and easy to understand! Keep up with videos with that great quality and good understanding!

[@NexTheHat]

This was so much fun to make , I named my turtle “Sammy” and I LOVE HIM , thanks for the tutorial ❤️

[@vl9903]

I just made mine 😊 I love it!! Your tutorial was so easy to follow, thank you so much and I will definitely be making more ❤❤

[@themaryjay]

Aww I love this! Thank you so much for following my tutorial :)

[@caydenholcomb1272]

I love mine! It turned out so good! This was the first crochet stuffie I’ve ever made! Such an easy video to follow 💝💝

[@renkaichu]

This pattern is the best beginner project I love the way you explain everything!

[@annagould2357]

Thank you for making these videos! Been dealing with a lot, including PPD and I am done with the shell of my second turtle in 3 days. I look forward to crocheting once my boys go to bed. Making a narwhal next by request of my husband. I plan to make about a dozen or so animals and donate them to the hospital I delivered at as gifts for NICU babies or families going through things. Thank you for making it simple enough for even me. ❤

[@user-kg7mq2nd6h]

I just started crocheting I absolutely love this pattern! thank you so much!

[@randomixxx]

best tutorial ever!!!!! this is my first crochet project

[@thoseedits5662]

This video was amazing for beginners this was my first ever crochet project and it looked so good the instructions make it so clear❤

[@i_love_hellokitty-24]

i remember this was the first thing i ever made and it's been 2+ years since i have made this thing so now im making it again to show myself and others how much i've improved over time 👍👍

[@AltogetherPuzzling]

Thanks for the tutorial. I love the detailed explanation for us that never crochet before. This makes me want to give it a try.

[@dianeelgrini2275]

Thank you so much!! This is my very first amigurami, and I'm so glad your explanations are so very detailed. Absolutely the best for beginners!! 😊❤

[@DoingDrawing]

Wow, in all honesty, I have found you the BEST, like the absolute BEST tutorial explai er of all time in crochet, all the other videos I've watched go by quickly and they don't tend to explain as well as you, like some tutorials just show you waht they are doing, the stitches they make and that's all, but YOU actually have a close up on the magic ring part and I can see your finger-placement PERFECTLY! Thank you so much for doing a tutorial, that's an ACTUAL step through step tutorial! Your really helpful! Please keep doing it like this, it helps beginners a lot like me, especially the magic ring, thank you so much!

[@themaryjay]

I'm going to treasure this comment forever! Thank you so much for the amazingly kind compliments and for the encouragemnet! It really means so so much!

[@kayleedigmann7459]

This is going to be my first project I'm so excited!!!!! I just ordered the stuff. I think I'm gonna make the body pink and the shell Brown like you did.you are so talented I hope I can get as good as you. Love your work ❤😊

[@thomasflett1104]

that helped me learn how to do a magic circle that i have been struggling with for a while. thank you one of the simplest to learn and understand.

[@evelynslifestyle4232]

Omg thank u sooo so much for this tutorial!!!i made one for my mom in pink and white and she loved it she said it’s the best gift ❤❤❤❤

[@BarbaraGlover-bg2zv]

After years of trying to make the “magic circle”, you are magic! Thank you and I have subscribed because you really do speak slowly and clearly! I have several friends and relatives to suggest your help!

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

SO ADORABLE!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS PRECIOUS TURTLE!!! HUGS!!!

[@brandytorres1482]

Just completed my first crochet project ever and excited to try more patterns

[@honeypadasas1993]

This tutorial is awesome currently making one for my son, he will surely love this. Thank you so much!❤

[@mamadotscreations]

I am making my second one!! SUPER cute and easy pattern!

[@dreamergirl_21]

Please do more tutorials! Yours are by far the easiest and best ones I have seen

[@angelicajelli836]

Yes, please

[@luisarios8315]

This tutorial was so helpful for me to make a turtle and it took me a good hour and I loved the outcome!! Thank you so much! I was also viewing your page and fingers crossed you are able to make a tutorial for the dino since I'M OBSESSED but once again thank you and love your vids!🤍