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Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.7K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Iideal 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 with a storage shell and multiple baby turtle match pieces for a memory game. It includes instructions for baby bottoms, baby shells, legs, tails, mama head, and how to join everything together. The design uses weight 4 yarn and small scraps of color for the match centers to create a charming, tactile set.

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

Perfect for gift-giving or playful learning, the set stores neatly inside the mama turtle's shell. The pattern includes a no-sew option and clear placement guidance for legs and eyes.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines functional play with sweet amigurumi charm. I enjoy how the mama turtle becomes a little storage home for all the babies, which is both playful and practical. The small baby turtles are quick makes and great for using up colorful scraps, so I feel creative and resourceful when I make them. Sewing the pieces together and watching the set come to life is genuinely satisfying and fun.

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 experimenting with colors on this pattern; try pastel scraps for a soft nursery set or bright primary colors for a playful kids version.

If you want the set to be larger, I change to a bulkier yarn and a bigger hook to make a chunky, cuddle-friendly variant.

To make a tiny keychain version, I use fingering weight yarn and a smaller hook and add a small keyring when sewing the head in place.

I sometimes embroider little mouths or spots on the babies to give each one more personality and make matching easier for little ones.

You can swap the button closure for a snap or Velcro if you prefer an easier fastener for kids to open and close.

I recommend adding felt pads inside the shell's bottom if you want extra structure so the mama turtle keeps its shape over time.

Try making a themed set by choosing scraps that match a holiday palette—red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter.

I like to attach a small name tag to each baby turtle using a contrasting thread for personalization when gifting.

If you want more storage, add the optional Round 10 to the top shell so the mama can hold more baby turtles at once.

For a different texture, I sometimes work the top shell in back loops only for a ridged look and a more tactile surface for little hands.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping counting stitches when joining rounds leads to uneven shaping; always count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure the correct stitch count. ✗ Not working the baby shell round in the FLO as instructed will hide the exposed loops; be sure to work Round 3 of the baby bottom into the FLO to create the exposed stitches for joining. ✗ Forgetting to leave a long tail for sewing the head causes difficulty during assembly; leave a long tail after joining head pieces so you can securely sew the head to the shell. ✗ Overstuffing small pieces makes them lumpy and harder to sew; stuff gradually with small amounts of polyfil and shape as you go to maintain a smooth finish.

Crochet Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Make a delightful crochet turtle memory game set with mama turtle and matching baby turtles. This pattern guides you step-by-step through each piece, from baby bottoms to mama's shell and assembly. You will enjoy making colorful match pieces and a cozy storage shell perfect for gifts and play. Clear instructions and complete rounds are included so you can follow along with confidence.

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 (body/legs/head color)
  • 03
    Scraps of 10 different colors (small amounts for match centers, at least a few yards each)
  • 04
    Polyfil stuffing for baby turtles and mama head

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.0mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5mm (used for mama's head)
  • 03
    Yarn needle
  • 04
    Button (for tail closure)
  • 05
    Polyfil stuffing
  • 06
    Scraps of colored yarn for matches
  • 07
    Safety eyes 12mm (2 pieces for mama head)

Progress Tracker

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— 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)

— Joining baby shell to bottom / No-sew option :

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.

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)

Info :

* Make sure that before you start joining the legs that wrong side is facing up. End result does not become affected by this, but it ends up looking much cleaner.

— 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. 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)

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. (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.

Info :

Your Turtle memory game is finished!

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the two head pieces together, inserting safety eyes between rows 9 & 10 (4 stitches apart), leave a long tail and stuff head with polyfil, then sew the head to the BLO of the middle 8 stitches of the shell.
  • Place the top shell onto the bottom shell and join at the first stitch of the right back leg; work through both loops and the FLO of the bottom shell and SC around to attach, stuffing as you go before closing.
  • Position and attach all four legs to the bottom shell using the stitch counts provided: count over 9 stitches from left of tail for leg 1, 16 stitches for leg 2, 14 stitches from right of tail for leg 3, and 21 stitches to the right of leg 3 for leg 4; sew securely.
  • Sew the tail in place and attach the button using the yarn tail left from the tail piece so it fastens over the storage opening where the baby turtles are kept.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use the FLO for the specified baby bottom round so the exposed loops line up when joining the shell pieces.
  • 💡Always start rounds as instructed (ch2 does not count as a stitch for dc rounds) and ss to the beginning chain after each round to maintain round integrity.
  • 💡Leave long yarn tails when joining or sewing pieces so you have enough to securely attach parts and weave in ends.

This adorable Turtle Memory Game is a playful, handmade set that stores neatly in mama's shell. 🧶 Make colorful baby turtles using scraps to create a charming matching game that kids will love. 🐢 Perfect for gifting, playtime, and using up leftover yarn—happy crocheting! ✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The mama turtle shell measures roughly the size of the combined rounds when using worsted weight (#4) yarn and 4.0mm hook; baby turtles are small match-sized pieces. Exact dimensions vary with tension and yarn.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can change yarn weight but it will alter the size of the turtles; adjust hook size accordingly and note that storage capacity of mama's shell will change.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; basic knowledge of DC, SC, working in rounds, FLO/BLO, increases and decreases is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the set in about 5-7 hours total, depending on how many baby turtles you make and your experience level.

Can I make a no-sew version?

Yes—the pattern includes a no-sew option: work through both shell loops and the FLO of the bottom and SC all the way around, stuffing before closing.