baby sea turtle applique in thread!
My first thought after seeing my Baby Sea Turtle Appliqué was to wonder how it would look in crochet thread, so I decided to find out!
I tried a few thread/hook combinations but my favourite ended up being size 10 thread and a size 7 US / 1.5mm steel hook. This size is not ridiculously small, so it’s not too difficult to crochet, but it’s still fine enough to give a satisfyingly petite and lovely baby turtle for an embellishment!
My thread sea turtle applique is only 2.25″ (5.5cm) long and it looks so good in crochet cotton! The pattern works really well scaled down like this, provided you have a fine enough needle (with a large enough eye) to weave in the thread ends. (The clever simple assembly technique from the pattern works perfectly too, in case you were wondering!)
It’s a perfect miniature!
Seeing how cute this tiny baby turtle turned out, I’m tempted to buy a denim jacket and have turtles ‘swimming’ up one side… A crochet thread appliqué would pair perfectly with denim, and it could go through the wash with no problems. What do you think? Should I do it?!
PlanetJune Appliqués
I’ve been developing my own style of appliqué, neither worked in rows (I don’t like that horizontal stripy look) or rounds (I dislike the look of that too, e.g. a leaf that has a big circle in the middle with the points of the leaf formed around it).
In my style, the design builds out from a base crocheted ‘skeleton’, which gives the finished pieces a more uniform look, without the visual distraction of rows or circles breaking up the shape.
I realised that I’ve accidentally built quite a library of appliqués already – especially if you include the flowers of some of my potted plants that could double as appliqués, like my pansy pins.
In case you’re specifically looking for crochet appliqué patterns, I’ve added an Appliqués category to the PlanetJune shop, so you can browse more easily.
And you can expect more flat designs like these in future! (Do let me know if you have any requests…)
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Dawn said
How do I get the instructions on how to make the little turtle
June said
Hi Dawn, you can find the pattern here 🙂
JJ said
I have only rudimentary knowledge of crochet. Would this be too challenging for a beginner? It would be a perfect addition to my knitting project. Thanks!
June said
That’s a good question, JJ! I’d say that crocheted appliques in general are a little more challenging than other crochet patterns, as you have to be very careful where you place each stitch to make sure it turns out in the right shape – you can’t get away with a single mistake. But my pattern includes a charted diagram as well as written instructions, photo tutorials showing any complicated parts, and apart from that only uses basic crochet stitches (single, half double and double crochets), so I provide plenty of help along the way.
The only other thing I’d say is that crocheting in thread may be more difficult for you because of the tiny stitches (although that depends on what you’re used to) so I’d recommend starting out by making it with the recommended hook and yarn (vs the miniature thread version I showed in this post).
.: petrOlly :. said
Awesome 🙂 I love tiny amigurumi as well as crocheting with thread – your scalloped scarf is perfect this way as a bookmark. Fantastic idea with adding an applique category to your shop.
Katy said
Yes, definetly get a denim jacket to add turtles to it!!! If I had the patience for crocheting in thread it’s what I would do! Maybe even make a border for the jacket similating the beach meeting the water? I love ALL your patterns, and your scietntific way of approching design work!
Hermione Impett said
The sea turtles are beautiful. i especially like working in thread, make my own dresses in crochet thread. I bet a nice denim jacket with thread turtles would look fantastic. I love all your work. Stay safe ❤
Meg Platis said
Future appliques? Christmas designs like a candy cane, a tree, an ornament — and perhaps an applique poinsettia, in keeping with the PlanetJune holiday tradition? Of course, I don’t expect any of them for THIS year’s holidays, but I’m putting in my request early for next year! You are so creative and talented — thanks for sharing it with the wider crochet community.