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Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.2K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a sweet turtle memory game set with a mama turtle shell that stores several tiny baby turtles. The design includes detailed rounds for baby bottoms, baby shells, mama shell (top and bottom), legs, tails and heads. You will learn to work in front loops and back loops, join shells, and assemble pieces for a neat finished toy.

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for gifting or playtime, the set stores baby turtles inside the mama shell for a delightful reveal. Uses worsted weight yarn and two hook sizes for small detail work.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a playful, interactive toy that kids and adults adore. I enjoy how the mama shell becomes a little storage house for the baby turtles — it adds a charming surprise to the finished piece. The pattern balances straightforward rounds with little finishing techniques, so I get to relax while also feeling accomplished. I also love that you can customize colors and make multiple match sets for a unique, handmade game.

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this pattern—change the colors of the baby turtles to create themed match sets like pastels, brights, or holiday hues.

If you want a larger set, simply use thicker yarn and a larger hook to make bigger babies and a bigger mama shell.

For tiny keychain versions, use a lightweight cotton yarn and a smaller hook to make mini babies that double as charms.

I often embroider little faces or add tiny felt accessories to give each baby a unique personality.

Try using safety eyes of different sizes or embroidered eyes for a softer, baby-safe toy option.

Replace the button with a small toggle or snap if you prefer a different closure for the mama shell.

You can also crochet a tiny appliqued number or shape on each baby to create a learning set for counting and shape recognition.

If you like a sturdier toy, add a small disk of cardboard inside the shell before joining (wrapped in yarn) to help it hold shape.

Combine yarn textures—use a boucle or wool blend for the mama shell and smooth cotton for the babies for a playful contrast.

I recommend testing placement for eyes and legs before securing to ensure the cutest expression and the cleanest finish.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch count when joining rounds can lead to mismatched shells and pieces; always count your stitches after each round to ensure the correct total. ✗ Not working the baby bottom round 3 into the FLO will change how the head and legs form; be sure to work the entire round into the front loop only as instructed. ✗ Forgetting that the starting chain does not count as a stitch causes incorrect stitch counts; always remember the pattern note that starting chains do NOT count as a stitch. ✗ Not inserting safety eyes at the correct rows may misplace facial features; place eyes between rows 9 and 10 on the second head piece, spaced four stitches apart, before joining the head pieces.

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Make a charming crochet turtle memory game set that includes a mama turtle shell and matching baby turtles. This pattern gives step-by-step instructions for both the mama and baby pieces, including shell, legs, head, tail, and assembly. You will enjoy creating a handmade toy set perfect for gifts, playroom storage, or a special keepsake. Suitable for crocheters who know basic stitches and want a fun, rewarding project.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (weight 4) green - less than 7 oz
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn (weight 4) tan - less than 7 oz
  • 03
    Scraps of 10 different colors (small amounts for the baby match tops)
  • 04
    Polyfil stuffing - small bag for stuffing babies and heads

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.0mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5mm (used for mama's head pieces)
  • 03
    Yarn needle
  • 04
    Button (for tail closure)
  • 05
    Safety eyes 12mm (2 pieces)
  • 06
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

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— Supplies :

Info :

4mm crochet hook. 3.5mm crochet hook(used for mamas head). yarn needle. weight 4 green yarn- less than 7 oz. weight 4 tan yarn- less than 7 oz. scraps of 10 different colors (for the matches). polyfil. yarn needle. button. (2) 12mm safety eyes.

— Abbreviations and stitches used :

Infos :

Dc- double crochet. Sc- single crochet. Ss- slip stitch. Mc- magic circle. Dc inc- double crochet increase. Tr- treble crochet. Hdc- half double crochet. St- stitch. FLO- front loop only. Sc dec- single crochet decrease.

Info :

This pattern will be exactly the same for each baby turtle made, I make 10 matches so 20 Turtles in total but you can make as many as you can fit in your shell! *NOTE* the starting chain at the beginning of each round does NOT count as a stitch.

— Baby bottom :

Info :

(make 2 of each color) -using your 4mm hook NOTE: don't worry about hiding yarn tails they will be hidden inside the turtle shell.

Round 1 :

with your match color- start a magic circle and chain 2. (chain 2 will NOT count as a stitch) 12 dc into a magic circle. Ss to top of first dc. Chain 1 and cut yarn (12)

Round 2 :

In tan- Join to any st on the previous round. Chain 2 and dc inc into the same st and each st around. Ss to first dc. (24)

Round 3 :

this will form the head and legs of the baby- [this whole round is worked into the FLO.] chain 2. Dc and Tr into the same St as Ss. Tr and Dc into the next st. Chain 2 and ss into the same st. Ss into the next 2 st. (ss, ch1,2hdc,ch1,ss) into the next st. Ss into the next 5 st. (ss, ch1,2hdc,ch1,ss) into the next st. ss into the next 4 st. (ss, ch1,2hdc,ch1,ss) into the next st. ss into the next 5 st. (ss,ch1,2hdc,ch1,ss) into the next st. ss into the next 2 st. Cut yarn and fasten off. Bring the yarn tail to the other side.

— Baby shell :

Info :

*note- it will begin to form into a bowl shape.

Round 1 :

In green- starting with a MC ch1 and sc6 into the ring. ss in 1st st, ch 1 (6)

Round 2 :

hdc inc in all,ss to 1st st, ch 1(12)

Round 3 :

(hdc, hdc inc)x6 ss to 1st st, ch1 (18)

Round 4 :

(hdc 2, hdc inc)x6 ss to 1st st, ch 1(24)

— No sew version :

Info :

For the no sew version chain 1 and line up with the shell bottom (make sure the right side is facing outward), begin to work through both the shell loops and the FLO of the shell bottom. [This will be the exposed stitches from when we work in the FLO of the 3rd round of the bottom] SC all the way around pausing toward the end to stuff with polyfil and then join and sew in tail.

Info :

If you prefer you can cut the yarn, leaving a 12 inch tail and use a needle and work through both loops of the shell and the front loop only as well and work all the way around pausing before the end to stuff with polyfil. This method works well for when you want to make all the pieces ahead of time.

— Bottom of mama turtles shell :

Info :

Now we will begin the mama turtle starting with her bottom shell. *ch2 does not count as dc. Always start the round by working into the same st as ss. Ss to the beginning ch after each round.

Round 1 :

In tan- Starting with a MC, ch2 and dc 12 into the ring. Ss to the top of the first dc. (12)

Round 2 :

ch2, dc inc x 12. (24)

Round 3 :

ch2 (dc,dc inc)x12 (36)

Round 4 :

ch2 (dc2,dc inc)x12 (48)

Round 5 :

ch2 (dc3,dc inc)x12 (60)

Round 6 :

ch2 (dc4, dc inc)x12 (72)

Round 7 :

ch2 (dc5,dc inc)x12 (84)

Round 8 :

ch2 (dc6,dc inc)x12 (96)

Info :

Ss to top of first dc and do not cut yarn. You will immediately move onto making the tail.

— To create tail :

Row 1 :

Ch 1 and sc 4. Ch 1 turn. (4)

Row 2 :

Sc 4 across. Ch 1 turn. (4)

Row 3 :

Sc dec x2. Ch 1 turn. (2)

Row 4 :

Sc 2. Ch 1 turn. (2)

Row 5 :

Sc dec (1)

Info :

Chain 1 and cut off yarn and leave an 8 inch tail. This will be where we secure the button later on.

— Leg placement :

Info :

To make the first leg of the mama turtle count over 9 st from the left of the tail. To make the second leg count over 16 st from the left the first leg. To make the third leg count over to the right 14 st from the right of the tail. To make the 4th leg count over 21 st to the right of the third leg (see photo on next page)

— Turtle legs :

Info :

All 4 legs worked in the BLO for row 1 (see above for placement) With your tan yarn-

Row 1 :

Join yarn ch1 sc in same st, sc 5. Ch1 turn.(6)

Row 2-4 :

Ch1 sc 6 across. Ch1 turn. (6)

Row 5 :

Sc dec, sc2, sc dec Ch1 turn. (4)

Row 6 :

(Sc dec) x2 ch 1 to secure yarn and cut off (2) Weave in yarn tails & cut ends.

Info :

*When you are finished there with be 15 st unworked between the front and the back leg. & there will be 8 st unworked between the back legs and the tail.

— Mama's head :

Info :

(make 2 pieces) With your 3.5mm hook- In tan, Ch 9.

Row 1 :

starting in 2ch from hook, Sc 8 across. Ch1 turn. (8)

Row 2 & 3 :

Sc 8. Ch 1 turn. (8)

Row 4 :

Sc INC, Sc 6, Sc INC. Ch 1 turn. (10)

Row 5 :

Sc INC, Sc 8, Sc INC. Ch 1 turn. (12)

Row 6-9 :

Sc 12 Ch 1 turn. (12)

Row 10 :

Sc DEC, Sc 8, SC DEC. Ch 1 turn. (10)

Row 11 :

Sc 10. Ch 1 turn. (10)

Row 12 :

Sc DEC, sc 6, Sc DEC. Ch 1 turn. (8)

Row 13 :

Sc DEC, sc 4, Sc DEC Ch 1 turn. (6)

Info :

Ch 1, Cut yarn and weave in the tails.

Info :

On the second piece insert safety eyes between rows 9 & 10, 4 st apart. Put the piece with the eyes on top of the other, and join yarn at the turtle's neck on the right. (see photo)

— Joining head pieces and shaping :

Info :

To join pieces:(you will have to make up where the stitches go, just make sure your hook is going through both pieces. If stitches aren't adding up, just use your best judgement.) Sc 3, SC INC, (Sc 2,SC INC)x3, SC 4 across the top of the head, (Sc INC, Sc 2)x3, ScINC, sc3 back down the other side of the neck. Leave a long tail to sew the head to the bottom shell. Stuff head with polyfil.

Info :

Find the middle of the front legs (there should be 7 unworked stitches on either side. Grab your needle and using the tail from the head, sew the head to the BLO of the middle 8 stitches. BE SURE- that you go through both loops of the pieces of the head AND the BLO of the shell. Weave in ends and cut yarn.

— Top of mama's shell :

Info :

*ch2 does not count as dc. Always start the round by working into the same st as ss. Ss to the beginning ch after each round. Using your 4mm hook.

Round 1 :

In green- Starting with a MC, ch2 and dc 12 into the ring. Ss to the top of the first dc. (12)

Round 2 :

ch2, dc inc x 12. (24)

Round 3 :

ch2 (dc,dc inc)x12 (36)

Round 4 :

ch2 (dc2,dc inc)x12 (48)

Round 5 :

ch2 (dc3,dc inc)x12 (60)

Round 6 :

ch2 (dc2,dc inc,dc2)x12 (72)

Round 7 :

ch2 (dc5,dc inc)x12 (84)

Round 8 :

ch2 (dc6,dc inc)x12 (96)

Round 9 :

ch2 and dc 96 around. (96)

Info :

*OPTIONAL ROUND 10- if you make more matches you'll want you turtle to have more storage space so go around another time with 96 dc. (96) Chain 1 but DO NOT cut yarn. We are going to join to the bottom shell by working into the front loops that are left exposed.

Info :

Place the top shell onto the bottom shell. Starting in the first st of the right back leg, join yarn. Working through both loops of the shell and the FLO, sc x 76. All the way until you get to the last exposed stitch of the 4th leg. (there will be 20 unworked stitches, this is where the babies will be stored.) cut yarn and sew in the tail.

— Finishing :

Info :

Lastly, you will need to sew the button to the tail, using the yarn tail that was left. The button will go through whatever DC falls above it as the hole. Hide tail, and cut yarn.

Info :

Your Turtle memory game is finished!

Assembly Instructions

  • Insert the safety eyes into the second mama head piece between rows 9 and 10, spaced 4 stitches apart, then place that piece on top of the other head piece and join the pieces starting at the turtle's neck on the right.
  • Sew the joined mama head to the bottom shell by positioning the head over the middle front legs and sewing the head through both loops of the head pieces and the BLO of the shell across the middle 8 stitches.
  • Place the top shell onto the bottom shell, join yarn at the first stitch of the right back leg, then work through both loops of the top shell and the FLO of the bottom shell, single crocheting around until you reach the last exposed stitch of the 4th leg; leave 20 unworked stitches for baby storage and fasten off.
  • Sew the tail into place using the 8 inch tail left on the tail piece and secure the button through the DC stitch above the tail to close the shell.
  • Attach each baby turtle shell and bottom pieces together (work through the loops or use the no-sew method), hide yarn tails inside the baby shells, and stuff lightly with polyfil where required.

Important Notes

  • 💡The starting chain at the beginning of each round does NOT count as a stitch; count stitches accordingly to avoid mistakes.
  • 💡Work Baby Bottom Round 3 entirely into the FLO to create the exposed loops used when joining the top and bottom shells later.
  • 💡All 4 mama turtle legs are worked in the BLO for row 1 so they sit correctly when joined; pay attention to placement counts before joining.
  • 💡Leave long tails when instructed (for sewing head to shell and attaching the button) so you have enough yarn to securely fasten pieces.

This sweet turtle memory game makes a thoughtful handmade gift and a fun activity for little ones. The mama turtle stores baby turtles inside her shell for a playful surprise, and you can make as many matching babies as you like. Enjoy choosing fun colors for each match set and have fun gifting or playing! 🧶🐢

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished mama turtle shell measures approximately the size shown in the photos when using worsted weight (weight 4) yarn and a 4.0mm hook; baby turtles are small match-size pieces.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but the finished size will change; use a hook appropriate for your yarn and note that stitch counts will remain the same but the scale will be different.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses working in front and back loops, joining pieces, and simple shaping; basic knowledge of single crochet, double crochet, increases and decreases is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crafters finish the basic mama turtle and a few baby turtles in 5-7 hours total, though time will vary by experience level and how many baby match sets you make.