Nala the No Sew Turtle – Free Crochet Pattern

I know we all love no sew amigurumi! How about a free turtle crochet pattern? Let’s combine them for a free no sew turtle crochet pattern… introducing Nala the No Sew Turtle!

The process of amigurumi can go so much faster when you don’t need to worry about sewing any extra pieces on. Another fun feature of this free turtle crochet pattern is Nala’s removable shell! That means you can change up the colors of your crochet turtle amigurumi as often as you want!

no sew turtle crochet pattern with removable shell

I like to think of Nala as a garden turtle, with the little flower on her top shell, but she does look a bit like a sea turtle!

Check out the removable simple shell option for Nala the No-Sew Turtle!


I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

(PDF crochet pattern includes the patterns for Nala the No Sew Turtle, the Simple Shell, and this Flower Shell)


I would classify this free turtle crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

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Add this free turtle crochet pattern to your favorites on Ravelry.

Free Crochet Pattern for Nala the No Sew Turtle

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 5” long and 2.5” tall
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight: Medium (4) Worsted Weight
Yarn Used: WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Turtle Yardage: color A: 38 yds
Flower Shell Yardage: color B: 5 yds, color C: 5 yds, color D: 13 yds
Other Materials: poly-fill stuffing, 6mm safety eyes or black floss for eye embroidery

Measurements: Approximately 7.5” long and 4” tall
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 5.0mm (H) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky (6)
Yarn Used: Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky
Turtle Yardage: color A: 53 yds
Flower Shell Yardage: color B: 7 yds, color C: 4 yds, color D: 19 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 9mm safety eyes or black yarn for eye embroidery

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)
TC = treble crochet
DC = double crochet

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

  • Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
  • This pattern requires no sewing. The head, legs, and tail are worked directly into the body as you work, rather than sewing later.
  • All pieces are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
  • Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
  • Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
  • Body and head require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the legs and tail.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using the hook size indicated in Pattern Specifics above:

Using color A (shown as mint):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R8-9: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (10 sts)

R11: 1 SC in each st around. (10 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert them now between R3-4, with approximately 4 sts between. Make sure that the eyes will be even after the head is closed in R12. The fold in R12 will shape the head and determine how the head will sit.

Fill with stuffing.

R12: Fold the head closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side for the fold. See tutorial photos. (4 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Legs (make 4)

Using color A (shown as mint):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R5: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (8 sts)

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (8 sts)

R9: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side for the fold. See tutorial photos. (3 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Tail

Using color A (shown as mint):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R4: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R5: Fold the tail closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side for the fold. See tutorial photos. (2 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Body

Using color A (shown as mint):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

In the next round you will place the head, legs, and tail To attach, you will work through both the sts of the piece you are placing and the sts of the body. See tutorial photos.

R9: Place the head with 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, place the first leg with 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, place the second leg with 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, place the tail with 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, place the third leg with 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, place the last leg with 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. (36 sts)

This video is also available on YouTube. Watch this video: No Sew Amigurumi Explained on YouTube.

R10-11: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R13: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R14: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R15: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R16: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

Flower Turtle Shell

Using color B (shown as purple):

R1: Begin with 10 SC in a magic ring. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)

R2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), *1 SC in next st, ch 2, 4 TC in next st, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (5 flower petals created)

Using color C (shown as green):

R3: Working in the SC sts between each petal, ch 2 (does not count as a st), *2 DC, ch 3, 2 DC, ch 1. Working behind the next petal, repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (5 leaves created)

Using color D (shown as pink):

R4: Working behind the next leaf, *Ch 5, 1 SC in ch 1 space between each leaf. Repeat from * around.

Begin working in a continuous round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.

R5: *5 SC in ch 5 space, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (40 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 19 sts. Repeat from * around. (42 sts)

R8: 1 SC in each st around. (42 sts)

In the next round you will be creating the holes for the head, legs, and tail to fit through.

R9: 1 SC in next st, ch 9, sk 5 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, ch 7, sk 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, ch 7, sk 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, ch 5, sk 3 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, ch 7, sk 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, ch 7, sk 4 sts, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts.

R10: 1 SC in next st, 5 SC in ch space, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts, 4 SC in ch space, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 4 SC in ch space, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 3 SC in ch space, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 4 SC in ch space, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts, 4 SC in ch space, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. (42 sts)

R11: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (36 sts)

Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly & Finishing

If embroidering eyes, use black yarn or embroidery floss and embroider eyes on each side of the head, at R2-3.

Dress turtle in the finished shell.  

no sew turtle crochet pattern shown without the flower shell
no sew free turtle crochet pattern shown wearing the shell

This free turtle crochet pattern is part of the 2021 Blog Hop by Furls Fiberarts! During the blog hop, you’ll get a new free pattern every week! You can see all of the past weeks, and see new crochet patterns as they are added, by visiting here.

no sew turtle crochet pattern shown in cream with a pink shell with a purple flower on top

When designing this free turtle crochet pattern, I used a pink Odyssey crochet hook from Furls, as well as their newest yarn line, Wander!

For my turtle, I embroidered the eyes with embroidery floss, but you could also use safety eyes if you’d prefer.

We Crochet / Knit Picks Brava Worsted

Looking for more shell options for this free turtle crochet pattern? You can find the simple shell option here.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Nala the No Sew Turtle

(PDF crochet turtle pattern includes the patterns for Nala the No Sew Turtle, the Simple Shell, and this Flower Shell)

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep track of your rows while making this free turtle crochet pattern (and when working in continuous rounds) by using a stitch marker.
  • Take a look at my post on amigurumi tips for more helpful hints for this free turtle crochet pattern!

Alterations

  • Create multiple shell options for this free turtle crochet pattern in a variety of colors.
  • Use the simple turtle shell pattern for Nala the no sew crochet turtle pattern to give your turtle even more options!
  • Use any type of yarn that you like, along with a suitable hook size, and follow the pattern as written.
free turtle crochet pattern in parfait chunky yarn

More Free No Sew / Low Sew Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

Looking for more free amigurumi crochet patterns? Pair Nala the No Sew Turtle with my whale crochet pattern for a fun under the sea duo!

I hope you enjoyed this no sew turtle crochet pattern! If you’re looking for a few other no sew or low sew amigurumi crochet patterns, take a look at the Snuggle Bunny, Charlie the Chunky Bear, and Tatum the Tiger.


I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.

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I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Nicole

PATTERN COPYRIGHT © 2024 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN. 
YOU MAY SELL THE FINISHED PRODUCT ON A SMALL SCALE. PATTERN/DESIGN CREDIT GIVEN TO WWW.THENICOLECHASE.COM IS APPRECIATED. PERMISSION TO SELL DOES NOT INCLUDE MASS PRODUCTION. LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION IS PROHIBITED.

PHOTOGRAPHY COPYRIGHT © 2024 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
PHOTOS MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN.

8 Comments

  1. I’m confused with the leaves for the flower. I just can’t seem to get it. Is there a video tutorial for it? I’m not sure where to put the DCs

    1. Hello! I don’t have a video for it currently. You work them in the SC stitches between the petals. Feel free to reach out via email if you need more help!

  2. Love the Pattern, can I make this without the flower, if so how would I start just the shell?
    Thank you

  3. I was shell-shocked how clear these instructions were; thank you!! I’m new to crochet so this was a fascination introduction to some of the more complex strategies.

  4. Oh my!! I turtley love this!! Thank you so much for sharing this free pattern. I have your page and this pattern now in my to do list. Thank you again. Stay safe. Blessings. Melissa

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