say hello to the sea turtle
I’ve tried something a bit different for my latest design for the AquaAmi range. My sea turtle is made with two colours of yarn, but is still all worked in single crochet in the round (apart from a few rogue hdcs). He is one of my largest and most ambitious designs to date, at 11″ (28cm) long from nose to tail, with a 12.5″ (32cm) flipper-span!
I’ve designed him so his head and limbs appear to stick out of holes in his shell. The top and bottom of his shell are each formed from 10 hexagons. Yes, that is a lot of stitching together, but I think it was worth it!
Some fun sea turtle facts I discovered while researching for this design:
- Sea turtles, unlike other turtles, cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells
- Sea turtles have evolved streamlined shells and large front flippers so they can ‘fly’ through the water
- Sea turtles spend almost their whole lives at sea, but females return to the same beach they were born to lay their eggs
- You can tell females from males as the females have a very short tail
Here’s his belly:
Once I have finished writing up and illustrating all the steps that go into making him, you’ll be able to make your own Sea Turtle! Join my mailing list if you’d like to know when the pattern is available.
What do you think of him? I hope you love him as much as I do!
Cynthia said
More than cute, no words!
Saralah said
Wow, I love this! It is making me want to drop all my WIP/UFOs immediately, and pick up a crochet hook
Robyn said
Aww he’s cute!
c.Rachel said
The details of your sea turtle is gorgeous! Love how you did the belly too. Amazing work!
firesheep67 said
He’s fabulous! I want to make him too! =:)
Melody said
He is wonderful! Every design gets better and better. I’ve seen many designs but you seem to capture the very essence of the animal. The shaping and character are just right (‘cept the kittens’ ears). I will continue to await new designs eagerly!!! (need a cow! lol)
Clare said
So sweet!
Kristy said
Wow I can’t wait to see it written up in pattern form! My daughter loves sea turtles! I am sure you would just be over joyed to come home from school and find one on her bed! After mommy sneakingly made it for her while she was off getting smart. *smiles*
Kristy
LadyDayDreamer
Jana said
Hi, June!
Awesome! I will have to make it as a companion to the “regular” turtle that I made my daughter!
I FINALLY got high speed DSL! Yay! So I was checking out the crochet videos on You Tube and found out they DON’T have a video on the “magic ring”! I don’t have the means to make a video (I don’t THINK, anyway) and your picture tutorial on it is SO good, that I thought maybe you, or maybe one of your readers could make one! I didn’t really see anything about amigurumi, either.
Just a suggestion!
Jana in Saudi
Misha said
You did an amazing job! I can’t go on enough! I simply loooove this creation. And I am so jealous. I wish I could have a quarter of your skills. WAY TO GO!!!!
Lallee said
You did a beautiful job with this design! I grew up where I could watch the sea turtles lay their eggs. Fun memories. You captured the sea turtle very well, and I love how you made the pattern on the bottom shell too. Great job!
val said
this is one of my favorites you’ve done……but I adore turtles!
val said
this is one of my favs that you have done……but I admit, I am partial to turtles!
Angela said
Wow! You’ve truly caught the essence of the sea-turtle there, it’s so realistic. I’ve only just started arigurumi, and I find your site truly inspirational.
Angela said
amigurumi even… *g*
Lauraslefthook said
I love that you share facts about the topic of your crochet in your blog!! As a former teacher, I love learning more about things and love those who help to educate others!!
IdaDown said
It is fabulous. Love the leg detail. Waiting eagerly for the pattern. What ply did you use?
naida said
wow, he is too cute!!!
Donna said
OMG. … speechless… WOW!
Gail E said
Wonderful! When will we see the pattern? I love her. At least I assume she’s a “her” due to her short tail . . . ?
I hate joining and weaving in ends, but just may have to make an exception for this one!
~~~hugs~~~
Amanda said
Amazing ! Love it !!
futuregirl said
What an excellent turtle! Great design.
Kristen said
I can’t wait until the turtle pattern is out! I already know I want to buy it! : ) He is the cutest and most detailed ami turtle I have ever seen! Thanks for thinking him up! I am looking forward to him!
Kristen
Katie said
I believe I DO love him as much as you! I am in love with turtles, and this one is extremely adorable!!
Jess said
This turtle is too cute for words. Absolutely adorable! I don’t know if I’d have the patience for Amigurumi at that size, but he’s way way cute!
Jennie said
This is so adorable! I’m a beginner now but once I get some more crochet under my belt I’d love to make this.
Dailylife @ turtelina.net » Season Finales said
[...] lot and can highly recommend it. Next I am going to read The Kite Runner. Crochetwise, I started a new turtle yesterday. Pictures as soon as I am [...]
Suzanne said
I loooooovvvveeeeee IT
Olivia said
Would it be possible for me to purchase one of your turtles? Email me, also what price would it be?
June said
Olivia: I’m so sorry, I just don’t have the time to make any more sea turtles. It is my most time-consuming pattern, with 26 pieces to crochet and stitch together! (Worth it, though
)
zoe said
I am a 4th-6th grade teacher at a Montessori school. We are doing a save the sea-turtles project, and want to make crocheted sea turtles to sell to raise money for the sea turtles. Also, we want to try crocheting them with plastic bags (which often harm turtles when they get into the ocean, so using them keeps them out of nature!) as a recycling project.
Please, please, please can we get the pattern so we can start practicing?
Thanks! Zoe
June said
Zoe, your project sounds like a great idea! You can buy the pattern from my shop
(Please remember that you’re buying a single-user licence for the pattern – if you want to arrange something privately so that more of you can use the pattern in order to raise money for the sea turtles, I’m willing to discuss that – email me so we can arrange something.)
Diana said
I just found your turle and would love to know if you have the pattern to share!!! He is beautiful!!! Thank you so much. Diana
June said
Thanks Diana, you can find my sea turtle pattern here in my shop
melissa said
i love him, the best ive seen, im making one for my bf, just 2 circles but i need the legs/head urs is the only accurate one ive found
June said
Melissa, I’m glad you like my design – you can find my sea turtle pattern in my shop