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Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern
4.5★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
4.0K 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.

🧸

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 mama turtle shell that stores multiple baby turtles for a fun memory game. It includes step-by-step instructions for baby bottoms, baby shells (the matches), mama shell (top and bottom), legs, tail and head pieces. The pattern uses standard stitches and simple joining techniques to create a polished finished set.

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

Perfect for making a collection of small matching turtles, the pattern uses weight 4 yarn and includes both sewn and no-sew joining options. Photos and placement notes help you assemble and finish with clean edges.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a classic memory game into a tactile, handmade treasure you can give or keep. I enjoy the mix of small, repeatable baby turtles and a larger mama shell that stores them neatly—it's satisfying to see a set come together. The design is versatile so I can make different colorways for presents or themed sets. Sewing and joining the pieces gives me a chance to practice neat finishing and the result always feels rewarding.

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 customizing the colors for this pattern to match nursery themes or seasonal palettes; try pastel combos for baby showers or bold jewel tones for a statement set.

I often change the scraps for the baby match centers to create coordinating or contrasting sets — using 10 different colors makes the game more fun and vibrant.

If you want a larger set, I make the babies bigger by using a heavier yarn and a larger hook so the mama shell becomes a chunky storage piece.

I sometimes embroider tiny faces or add small felt details to the baby turtles to give each match a personality and make them easier for little hands to recognize.

For a toddler-safe version, skip safety eyes and embroider eyes with yarn or use stitched details instead of plastic components.

I like adding a small loop and a tiny button closure variant to the shell rather than the flat button to make opening easier for small hands.

To create a keychain version of a baby turtle, use a thinner yarn and a smaller hook, then attach a keyring through a secure loop at the top.

You can make a set of themed matches by using color families (greens, blues, neutrals) to increase difficulty or simplify the game for beginners.

I sometimes add a thin wire to the legs for a posable display piece; this is optional and for adult-handled decorative sets only.

Experiment with textured yarns for a plush, fuzzy mama shell or use cotton for a washable, toddler-friendly set depending on your needs.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during rounds can lead to losing your place; place a marker at the start of every round and move it up as you complete each round. ✗ Not counting stitches after increases or decreases results in uneven shells and mismatched joins; count after each round and adjust immediately if the count is off. ✗ Pulling yarn tails too tight when joining the top and bottom shells can distort the shell shape; leave an even tension and stuff lightly before completing the join. ✗ Forgetting to work the baby bottom rounds into the FLO will produce different exposed loops; ensure you work the whole round into the FLO for correct baby head and leg placement. ✗ Failing to line up the no-sew version correctly will expose wrong-side loops; always make sure the right side is facing outward before you join through both shell loops. ✗ Not stuffing the head evenly makes the finished head lumpy; stuff gradually and shape as you go for a smooth head form.

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Make a charming crochet turtle memory game set with this detailed pattern. You will create a mama turtle shell and multiple baby turtles (matches) to store inside the shell. The pattern includes full stitch-by-stitch instructions, placement guidance, and finishing tips so you can sew and assemble with confidence. Perfect for gifting or play, this set is both practical and adorable—let's crochet!

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) green - less than 7 oz (main shell color)
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) tan - less than 7 oz (shell trim, legs, heads)
  • 03
    Scraps of 10 different colors - small amounts for the baby match centers
  • 04
    Polyfil stuffing - small bag for stuffing heads and tiny shells

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.0mm (G/6) - main hook
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5mm - used for mama's head
  • 03
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 04
    Button (for shell closure)
  • 05
    (2) 12mm safety eyes
  • 06
    Polyester stuffing (polyfil)
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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 :

Info :

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.

— 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 joining options :

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. 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.

— Mama bottom 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.

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

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 :

Ch1 sc 6 across. Ch1 turn. (6)

Row 3 :

Ch1 sc 6 across. Ch1 turn. (6)

Row 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 :

Sc 8. Ch 1 turn. (8)

Row 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 :

Sc 12 Ch 1 turn. (12)

Row 7 :

Sc 12 Ch 1 turn. (12)

Row 8 :

Sc 12 Ch 1 turn. (12)

Row 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) 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)

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)

Round 10 :

*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)

Info :

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. Place the top shell onto the bottom shell. Starting in the first st of the right back leg, join yarn. (see photo)

Info :

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.

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.

— Finished :

Info :

Your Turtle memory game is finished!

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the top shell onto the bottom shell aligning the right back leg as the starting point; join yarn and single crochet through both shell loops and the exposed FLOs to join securely.
  • Sew the mama's head to the BLO of the middle 8 front-shell stitches using the long tail from the head and a yarn needle, ensuring you pass through both head layers and the shell loops.
  • Position and sew each leg into place at the counts provided (9, 16, 14, 21 from the tail) and secure ends; make sure wrong side is facing up before joining for a cleaner finish.
  • Insert safety eyes between rows 9 and 10 on the head piece before joining the two head halves; place the eyed piece on top of the plain piece and join at the neck.
  • Sew the tail to the shell and attach a button using the 8-inch tail left from the tail piece so the button passes through the DC above to form a closure.
  • Stuff heads with polyfil before finishing joins and weave in all ends; tuck baby turtles into the mama shell storage area and hide remaining tails.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each round since ch2 does not count as a stitch for dc rounds.
  • 💡Work the entire Baby bottom Round 3 into the FLO as instructed to create the exposed loops for joining and head/leg placement.
  • 💡When joining top and bottom shells, leave the 20 unworked stitches as storage space for the baby turtles before cutting yarn and sewing in tail.
  • 💡Do not cut yarn after completing the bottom shell rounds 1-8; you will immediately continue to make the tail and join pieces to maintain correct placement.

This turtle memory game set makes a thoughtful handmade gift and a playful keepsake full of charm. The mama shell stores tiny matching baby turtles for a delightful unboxing and play experience. Each piece is crocheted with love and finishes into a compact, display-ready set. 🐢🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the finished size; adjust hook size accordingly and expect the mama shell storage capacity to change.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of crochet stitches, working in FLO/BLO, increases and decreases, and simple sewing techniques is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level and the number of baby turtles you make.

Can I make a no-sew version of the shell?

Yes, the pattern includes a no-sew option: chain 1, align top and bottom shells, and single crochet through both shell loops and the exposed FLO to join.