Meet Tilly the turtle! This sweet friend is our newest resident reptile, here at the Critter-iffic pattern library. This crochet pattern is sure to be a fun one to create over and over again in many different color combos!

Tilly the Turtle in Malabrigo Rios Fresco Y Seco & Niebla — Tilly the turtle is our newest crochet pattern friend!

This turtle is always ready for adventure!

Tilly the turtle is our newest critter here at Critter-iffic, and this shelled sweetheart couldn’t be more adorable if she tried! When Gayle the Gecko, Betty the Ball python, and our amphibian friend Ruby the Red Eyed Tree Frog joined our lineup, it didn’t go unnoticed that a turtle was missing. I couldn’t let that remain the way for long, after all turtles are a favorite of so many! I know Tilly will make a perfect addition to our collection.

This little lady was inspired by box turtles, the fascinating little forest dwellers that feature such colorful and varied shells. Combine that with yarn and artists creativity, and I just know so many amazing turtles will follow. I’m certain she will be loved by many, and created time and time again. By mixing different yarns, patterns, and eye colors, you gain the ability for endless one of a kind creations!

Creating your turtle

Tilly is an intermediate amigurumi pattern. Before creating her, you will want to know the basic skills of crochet and amigurumi. Her pattern is in US terms, and is written in English. Her design is worked in the round and rows, and does have sewing involved with joining.

This pattern includes 2 graphs within. One graph features a pre-colored pattern, while the other remains a blank canvas so you can create your own perfect shell markings! Lastly, an additional guide is also included. This one shows optional shell line locations.

Using a multicolor yarn instead of changing colors looks wonderful as well! This turtle Features Malabrigo Washted in Ursula for her shell

This little one is made using the included graph and Malabrigo Rios in Vaa & Marte & Washted in Pecas

Tilly the Turtle crochet pattern can be found for purchase in Etsy, Ravelry, Lovecrafts, and Amigurumi.com !

Graphed shell version featuring optional shell lines

Tilly the turtle is a full color downloadable PDF featuring helpful photos, and includes a text only section for printing ease.

Materials Needed

First thing to do is selecting your yarn! Tilly uses worsted weight yarn in 2-3 colors. While I highly favor Malabrigo yarn for her (as well as my other reptiles), any worsted will work great. If you opt to use a multicolor yarn for her shell, it will make her a bit simpler to create eliminating the need for color changes and graphs while still looking nice.

Secondly, you will need some 9-10mm safety eyes (I get mine from here). The masquerade line looks amazing on her.

This pattern uses a 3.5mm crochet hook, yarn needle, and stitch markers. You may also want to have several markers on hand to help identify stitches used for joins. This will make lining up the shell join easier to match in place and save some time when seeming.

And lastly, you will need some stuffing. Since she is meant to admire more than to snuggle, I prefer a denser dry packing such as crafter’s choice Polyfil. This stuffing packs firmer, but also has the ability to hold the shaping well.

Come join her CAL!

We will be making Tilly the turtle from Feb 10th through March 10th!

Grab your yarn & her pattern, and come and join our creative Discord community! Make new friends and share your crocheting adventure while creating your perfect turtle!

Fun info about box turtles

Box turtles average lifespan is 40-50 years, however some have been reported to live as long as 100 years!
Box turtles rib cages attach their shells to their body.
Their shells have a hinge that allow them to tightly close into a box as a defense mechanism, color reflects the food they have been eating, and can regenerate over time if damaged.
Omnivores, box turtles eat fruit, insects, roots of plants and small amphibians.
Box turtles are land turtles. While they will enter water to cool, they are not the greatest swimmers and can drown in deep water. These turtle prefer puddles to ponds when it comes to cooling off.