Say shell-o to the Wheat Stitch Turtle — an irresistibly cute, snuggly sea creature that’s sure to swim straight into your heart! This beginner-friendly crochet turtle pattern is part of the Hooked on the Sea collection and features the textured wheat stitch, which gives the turtle’s shell a beautifully unique look.
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This no-sew turtle design is worked in the round and includes a cute head, flappy fins, and a cuddly body that’s stuffed and closed all in one piece—no sewing required!
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out with amigurumi, this project is ideal for practicing textured stitches and shaping techniques. It’s a fun and fast pattern ideal for gifting, selling at craft fairs, or adding to your collection of crocheted ocean animals. Whip up a Wheat Stitch Octopus, Jellyfish, Whale, Pufferfish, or Clam to match your new friend!
Crochet Supplies
Yarn
Herrschners My Ami
55% Acrylic/45% Cotton Blend
120yds/50g
Yarn Quantities
Linen (Tan): 50
Clover (Green): 65 yds
Yarn Substitutions
Brava Worsted – 100% Premium Acrylic, 218yds/100g
Herrschners Worsted 8 – 100% Acrylic, 489yds/226g
Dishie – 100% Cotton; 190yds/100g
Remember always to check the gauge and drape when substituting yarns.
Crochet Hook
Size US G (4.0mm) Crochet Hook or hook to obtain gauge.
Notions
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Removable Stitch Marker
Fiberfill
Safety Eyes
String for Tags
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
What you’ll love about this pattern.
? Zero sewing required – clever construction brings it all together with a hook!
? Customizable with any yarn – make a tiny turtle or a big squishy buddy!
? Floppy fins and a textured shell – the wheat stitch adds charm and dimension!
One Size
Using suggested yarn, turtle is approximately 2 inches x 6.5 inches.
Abbreviations
blo – back loop only
ch – chain
flo – front loop only
sc – single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet two together
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
Gauge
Not critical for this project.
How to Crochet A Gauge Swatch
Working a gauge swatch will let you know if you will have the correct sizing for this pattern. It will also help you practice the stitches used in this project and improve your stitch work for a flawless look.
Are you struggling to match the gauge? Check out the blog post on What is Crochet Gauge and How To Fix It
Construction
We’ll start this amigurumi turtle crochet pattern by crocheting the head and four flappy fins in the round and setting them aside. Then, it’s time for the star of the show — the textured wheat stitch shell! You’ll work the shell in continuous rounds using the wheat stitch, which gives it a raised, ribbed look that mimics the beauty of a real turtle shell.
Next comes the magic: without a single needle, you’ll use strategic stitches to attach the fins and head to the shell base. From there, we’ll finish up the turtle’s belly, add a bit of stuffing, and close it all up — seamless, sturdy, and oh-so-cuddly.
This is a fantastic no-sew crochet pattern for anyone who wants to make cute plushies with minimal fuss. For more beachy projects, check out the Fisherman’s Shawl and the Journey Under the Sea Bag!
Special Stitches
Puff Stitch: Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch/space. Yarn over again and pull up a long loop. Yarn over and insert your hook into the same stitch/space. Yarn over again and pull up a long loop (5 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through the first 4 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining loops.
Invisible sc2tog: Insert your hook into the front loop of the first st, and then insert into the front loop of the second st (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through the remaining loops on the hook.
Pattern Notes
- Warning: Safety eyes are not suitable for children under three years old, as they can pose a choking hazard if they become detached. Adult supervision is recommended. Feel free to embroider the eyes.
- A ch 1 at the beginning of a row is not counted as a stitch.
- Using a stitch marker at the beginning (or end) of the round is recommended.
- Invisible Join: Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-8 inch tail. Using your yarn needle, insert the needle under both loops of the second stitch of the round. Pull the yarn through gently, then insert the needle back into the center of the last stitch you made, going straight down through the middle (where the yarn exited).
- This Pattern Uses Standard US Terminology. I use affiliate links and follow GPSR Compliance: privacy & disclosure policy here.
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Video Tutorial for the Wheat Stitch Turtle
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Written Crochet Pattern Instructions
Turtle Head
With Tan
Rnd 1:
Rnd 8:
*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat from * around. | 18 sts
Rnd 9:
*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat from * around. | 12 sts
Begin to stuff the head with fiberfill, do not overstuff.
Rnd 10:
*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat from * around. | 8 sts
Rnd 11:
Sc in each st around, fasten off and create an invisible join. Set aside for later.
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Turtle Fines (Make 4)
With Tan
Rnd 1:
Inside a Magic Ring, sc 12, join and turn. | 12 sts
Rnd 2:
Ch 1, blo 2 sc in each st around, join and turn. | 24 sts
Rnd 3:
Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st, *skip the next st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st; repeat from * around, join and turn.
Rnd 4:
Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st, *skip the next st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st; repeat from * around, join and do NOT turn.
Fold the piece in half, ch 1, working through both stitches on the front and back sts, sl st through both layers, sl st through the remaining front and back sts across, fasten off and weave in ends. | 12 sl sts.
Set each piece aside for later.
Turtle Shell
With Green
Rnd 1:
Inside a Magic Ring, sc 12, join and turn. | 12 sts
Rnd 2:
Ch 1, blo 2 sc in each st around, join and turn. | 24 sts
Rnds 3-4:
Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st, *skip the next st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st; repeat from * around, join and turn.
Rnd 5:
Ch 1, blo 2 sc in first, blo sc in next, *blo 2 sc in next, blo sc in next; repeat from * around, join and turn. | 36 sts
Rnd 6:
Ch 1, blo 2 sc in first, blo sc in the next 2 sts, *blo 2 sc in next, blo sc in the next 2 sts; repeat from * around, join and turn. | 48 sts
Rnds 7-8:
Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st, *skip the next st, sc in next, work a puff st into the skipped st; repeat from * around, join and turn.
Rnd 9:
Ch 1, blo sc in each st around, join and turn.
Rnd 10:
Ch 1, blo sc in each st around, fasten off and use an invisible join, weave in ends.
Wheat Stitch Turtle Video Part 2
Attaching Pieces
With Tan
When working through the pieces and the shell, place the piece and shell with right sides together, you will first work through the piece and then through the stitch on the shell.
It is highly recommended to watch the video tutorial for a visual of this process.
Rnd 1:
Work in the unworked blo from Rnd 9 of the Turtle Shell for this rnd.
Fold the neck (the open end of the Turtle Head) of the turtle in half and work through the 2 stitches of the folded head/neck and through the shell, sc across the 4 sts of both pieces, sc 3, sc the next 2 through the shell and a leg (the rounded edge will always face towards the front), sc 8, sc the next 2 through the shell and a leg, sc 7, ch 4 and working into the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc across the remaining 3 chs, sc 7, sc the next 2 through the shell and a leg, sc 8, sc the next 2 through the shell and a leg sc 3, do not join and work continuously. | 48 sts
Continuing to Undershell
Rnd 2:
*sc2tog, sc 6; repeat from * around skipping over the tail sts. | 42 sts
Rnd 3:
*sc2tog, sc 5; repeat from * around. | 36 sts
Rnd 4:
*sc2tog, sc 4; repeat from * around. | 30 sts
Rnd 5:
*sc2tog, sc 3; repeat from * around. | 24 sts
Begin to stuff the shell with fiberfill.
Rnd 6:
*sc2tog, sc 2; repeat from * around. | 18 sts
Rnd 7:
*sc2tog, sc 1; repeat from * around. | 12 sts
Rnd 8:
Sc2tog in each st around, fasten off and weave the tail end through the flo of the remaining sts and pull to close the opening. | 6 sts
Yarn Tip
One of the great things about crocheting amigurumi is the freedom to experiment with any yarn you love — from fingering weight to bulky! Simply adjust your hook size to match your yarn choice, and have fun creating all kinds of sea friends!
Love the fuzzy yarn shown in this photo? Check out Lion Brand Feels Like Bliss! (We also have the yarn linked in our YouTube video! Visit YouTube and click on the product below the video.)
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Finishing
Fasten off, weave in all ends, and give your turtle-y awesome new friend a hug!
The Wheat Stitch Turtle is proof that you don’t need a complicated pattern to create something truly special. With its cuddly shape, charming texture, and simple construction, it’s the kind of project that brings joy from the first stitch to the final squish.
Whether you’re making one for a little one, a beach-themed decor set, or just because you love turtles (same!), this sweet amigurumi turtle will make a splash. Like the wheat stitch? Then you’ll love the Wheat Stitch Chickens and the Braided Wheat Blanket!
Cheers, and happy crocheting!
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