Update July 2014: This pattern is no longer available as a stand-alone pattern. Instead it will soon be available as part of a book by Annie’s Publishing.
Skillie the Crochet Turtle Puzzle is the latest in my Amigurumi Amish Puzzle Animal series (Amamani for short). He is based on my FREE Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball Pattern, and as such comes apart into 3 segments that have to be assembled or “built” to form the turtle.
Not only is he super cute – am I allowed to say that about my own design? Ah well – but he is also perfect for little hands to grab hold of. And you should by no means be limited to green and brown! You can go colour-crazy and make this little crochet turtle in any colour or combination you fancy.
He works up to 12 cm high by 18 cm long (5″ x 7″). His front leg span is also 18 cm for what that’s worth (7″).
My friend (and trusted tester) Pam Perkins made a tiny version using #10 crochet thread and a 1.5 mm crochet hook. The resulting turtle was about 11.5 cm long (4 1/2″) and not quite 7.5 cm high (3″).
The pattern is very simple and I have kept the joining to a minimum. By that I mean that, where possible, I have resorted to crocheting in a spiral instead of joining in the round, hopefully eliminating a lot of issues.
You will want some experience of working in the round and increasing/decreasing. If you are at all unsure and want to do a dummy-run first, try making my Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball or the Crochet Octopus Puzzle, both of which are free.
Alternatively, have a look at my other Crochet Puzzle Animals (Amamani).
Remember to subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter if you would like to be kept in the loop. You can also like my Facebook page or follow me on Bloglovin, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram.
Happy Hooking!
Vanessa says
These are awesome! I’ve made the elephant, the dino and the ball, I sell them along with a lot of other stuff, at craft shows. I just had a request for a Panda so here’s goes! LOL
Jenny says
Do share photos when you have made your panda, Vanessa!
:)
Jenny
Ivana says
Hi Dedri,
So glad I found you :)
I have your amamani book. It has been several weeks since I am trying to nail these back legs on Skillie. With first one I compromised and did sl st but not in all top toes. Now I am back working on other back leg. I simply don’t get how you are working toes. It says 15 sc, which leaves me with 2 sc, 1 sl st till the end of the round, yes? From then on, for the love of me I don’t get it how to conitune, bc if i do as written i end up finishing the last toe in the middle of a back row. Please help
Thanks,
Ivana
Ivana says
my mistake: till the end of the round i have 1 sc, 1 slst
Dusty Jones says
I love these and am having a blast learning but am having trouble with the front legs.
Dedri Uys says
Hi :)
I am so pleased that you like the turtle. What are you having problems with and how can I help?
Dedri
Ruth says
I have your amamani puzzle ball book, it’s great! I’m working on the turtle and am stuck making the front leg. At the end of Round 1 it says ‘do not join’. I have ended up with an oval shape. Was I to turn it and work back and forth? I’m confused. Is there a video tutorial I can watch?
Thanks so much!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ruth.
I am sorry that you find the pattern confusing. The ‘do not join’ simply means that you don’t work in joined rounds, but rather in a spiral, so once you have made your initial oval, you keep working round 2 in the same direction, starting in the first (marked) stitch of the previous round (Round 1).
If this is still unclear, please message me again and I will try to help you step-by-step.
Thank you for purchasing the book!
Dedri
Anika says
I have your book and don’t understand the directions for front legs on this! Please clarify what to do after the 4sc in last ch, I don’t get what you mean by working on opposite side of ch to get to 24 sc. Thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Anika.
Have a look at this video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbnyU1i3A8U. It shows you how to work into both sides of the foundation chain. If you still find that first round confusing, contact me again and we will go through it stitch by stitch.
Dedri
J. Lewis says
Hi,
I LOVE these puzzle ball animals. I crochet and sell my products. Is it ok to sell the finished product? NOT the pattern just the animals after I crochet it? Is that wrong? I want to check so I’m not doing anything I shouldn’t. Thank you for these awesome patterns regardless though.
Dedri Uys says
Hi :) You may make and sell as many as you want. I only ask that you credit me as the designer and, if possible, provide a link back to the pattern. Let me know when they are up so that I can send some customers your way :)
Amber says
I also can’t wait for your newsletter, I love these little patterns.
Amber says
I love this and can’t wait to get started!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Amber.
Tierni Moore says
This little guy is just too adorable I would love to have the pattern to make for my sister-in-law who is pregnant with her first little one.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tierni, and thank you very much. The pattern is now available for sale in my Ravelry store.
Brenda says
I quite intrigued with these animal puzzles. I am blind so don’t “see” what they are all about. I would love to get the pattern though. thanks.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Brenda,
I am intrigued. How do you crochet if you cannot see?
Melinda P. says
Oh I’m so bummed I missed out on this promotion! I just recently started crocheting again (after not for about 15 years!) and just started working on the Amish Puzzle Ball after finding it on Ravelry. But this turtle would make the perfect gift for my nephew. Once I finish successfully finish the basic one I think I’ll have to buy this pattern to make it for him ;)
Dedri Uys says
How are you managing with the Puzzle ball, Melinda?
grace oldfield says
love the pattern of the turtle thank you grace
Irene Tangye says
I just “found” you thru The Crochet Crowd. Love your work. I’ve also asked to be sent your newsletter; liked you on Facebook.
I guess that applies for a pattern? LOVE all your work – honest. Very unique and look like they’re fun to have.
thanks!
Irene T.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Irene. I don’t currently have any promotions running, but you can find the links to the Free Octopus Puzzle and the Free Kiwi Puzzle above, as well as the patterns for all 3 puzzle balls.
Pat says
Hi sorry to cause you so much trouble I bought the elephant and turtle patterns.really don’t know what happened but will certainly print them off next time . Made the small Amish puzzle ball really like it. Made the larger one. Also. These are great gifts for baby showers. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
Dedri Uys says
I have sent you the patterns, Pat. Please let me know if you don’t receive them x
Pat says
I have bought two of your patterns from ravelry kept them on my iPad Have the turtle started today when I tried to access the pattern it came up. Access denied request has expired? What does this mean?
Janet says
I would love this pattern. My daughter loves turtles.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Janet. This promotion has ended, but you can buy the pattern from Ravelry. The Crochet Octopus Puzzle Pattern is free, though.
Ruth D says
I just subscribed to your blog yesterday and am in awe of your creativity! You inspire me to no end. Thank you for the turtel puzzle animal. I’m definitely going to give it a whirl.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Ruth :)
Anneke says
oh, that is a pity, I’m too late, I already made once your puzzle ball and now I have a little grandson and i’d love to make this one………….but missed it
Erika says
Have subscribe to your newsletter, likes you on facebook and share your posts to my friends.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for your comment Erika. This promotion has now ended, but you can buy the pattern on Ravelry. There will be another promotion in a week or two, though, so keep an eye out for that. Have a good day, Dedri
Peg says
these are all great and posted on facebook. Can’t wait to try these puzzles. Planning to give to charity for children.
Thank you.