say hello to the sea turtle
I’ve tried something a bit different for my latest design for the AquaAmi range. My sea turtle is made with two colours of yarn, but is still all worked in single crochet in the round (apart from a few rogue hdcs). He is one of my largest and most ambitious designs to date, at 11″ (28cm) long from nose to tail, with a 12.5″ (32cm) flipper-span!
I’ve designed him so his head and limbs appear to stick out of holes in his shell. The top and bottom of his shell are each formed from 10 hexagons. Yes, that is a lot of stitching together, but I think it was worth it!
Some fun sea turtle facts I discovered while researching for this design:
- Sea turtles, unlike other turtles, cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells
- Sea turtles have evolved streamlined shells and large front flippers so they can ‘fly’ through the water
- Sea turtles spend almost their whole lives at sea, but females return to the same beach they were born to lay their eggs
- You can tell females from males as the females have a very short tail
Here’s his belly:
Once I have finished writing up and illustrating all the steps that go into making him, you’ll be able to make your own Sea Turtle! Join my mailing list if you’d like to know when the pattern is available.
What do you think of him? I hope you love him as much as I do!
UPDATE: Looking for the pattern? You can find the AquaAmi Sea Turtle crochet pattern in my shop.
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TerriLee said
This is so great. I have a 7 year old grandson that just had a little brother. Being the only child for so long has had it’s initial problems but he has been so great. For some reason I thought it would be great to make him a big brother Turtle pillow for TV viewing to make him feel special and logged on to search. I love what you are doing but need it to be around 4′ or so. I’ll post what I do, thanks for the idea.
Kitty said
Hi, I absolutely LOVE this sea turtle. I’ve been looking for a sea turtle crochet pattern, and up until now I’ve only been able to find very stylized ones (more like teddies).
Will your pattern be available to the general public? If so I would be hugely appreciative!
Kitty 🙂
Monica said
This Sea Turtle is SO much fun to make!!! I’ve made 5- so far. June’s instructions are so easy to follow with a lovely turn out! I hope you will enjoy him too!!! Here is June’s Sea Turtle!
www.planetjune.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_16&products_id=26
melissa said
i love him, the best ive seen, im making one for my bf, just 2 circles but i need the legs/head urs is the only accurate one ive found
June said
Melissa, I’m glad you like my design – you can find my sea turtle pattern in my shop 🙂
Diana said
I just found your turle and would love to know if you have the pattern to share!!! He is beautiful!!! Thank you so much. Diana
June said
Thanks Diana, you can find my sea turtle pattern here in my shop 🙂
zoe said
I am a 4th-6th grade teacher at a Montessori school. We are doing a save the sea-turtles project, and want to make crocheted sea turtles to sell to raise money for the sea turtles. Also, we want to try crocheting them with plastic bags (which often harm turtles when they get into the ocean, so using them keeps them out of nature!) as a recycling project.
Please, please, please can we get the pattern so we can start practicing?
Thanks! Zoe
June said
Zoe, your project sounds like a great idea! You can buy the pattern from my shop 🙂 (Please remember that you’re buying a single-user licence for the pattern – if you want to arrange something privately so that more of you can use the pattern in order to raise money for the sea turtles, I’m willing to discuss that – email me so we can arrange something.)
June said
Olivia: I’m so sorry, I just don’t have the time to make any more sea turtles. It is my most time-consuming pattern, with 26 pieces to crochet and stitch together! (Worth it, though 🙂 )
Olivia said
Would it be possible for me to purchase one of your turtles? Email me, also what price would it be?
Suzanne said
I loooooovvvveeeeee IT
Jennie said
This is so adorable! I’m a beginner now but once I get some more crochet under my belt I’d love to make this.
Jess said
This turtle is too cute for words. Absolutely adorable! I don’t know if I’d have the patience for Amigurumi at that size, but he’s way way cute!
Katie said
I believe I DO love him as much as you! I am in love with turtles, and this one is extremely adorable!!
Kristen said
I can’t wait until the turtle pattern is out! I already know I want to buy it! : ) He is the cutest and most detailed ami turtle I have ever seen! Thanks for thinking him up! I am looking forward to him!
Kristen
Bev said
Add my name to the long list of people who are thrilled with your designs. I’ll be waiting for the sea turtle pattern and hope you can find the time to work on an elephant pattern. Thanks for your creativity!
Bev
Kristen said
I am looking forward to your turtle pattern! Can’t wait! Your stuff is so cute! Thanks!
futuregirl said
What an excellent turtle! Great design. 🙂
Mary said
Your turtle is just beautiful, I would love the crochet pattern, I amjust beginning to crochet and am wondering if it is a hard pattern to follow?
Amanda said
Amazing ! Love it !!
Gail E said
Wonderful! When will we see the pattern? I love her. At least I assume she’s a “her” due to her short tail . . . ?
I hate joining and weaving in ends, but just may have to make an exception for this one!
~~~hugs~~~
Rachael said
Wow, love that sea turtle… looking forward to the pattern. I am also amazed by the daffs – gorgeous! Definitely on my to do list, but just about to start an afghan so who knows when?!
Keep that hook flying to inspire us!
Donna said
OMG. … speechless… WOW!
naida said
wow, he is too cute!!!
IdaDown said
It is fabulous. Love the leg detail. Waiting eagerly for the pattern. What ply did you use?
Lauraslefthook said
I love that you share facts about the topic of your crochet in your blog!! As a former teacher, I love learning more about things and love those who help to educate others!!
Angela said
amigurumi even… *g*
Angela said
Wow! You’ve truly caught the essence of the sea-turtle there, it’s so realistic. I’ve only just started arigurumi, and I find your site truly inspirational.
val said
this is one of my favs that you have done……but I admit, I am partial to turtles!
val said
this is one of my favorites you’ve done……but I adore turtles!
Lallee said
You did a beautiful job with this design! I grew up where I could watch the sea turtles lay their eggs. Fun memories. You captured the sea turtle very well, and I love how you made the pattern on the bottom shell too. Great job!
Jana said
Hi, June!
Awesome! I will have to make it as a companion to the “regular” turtle that I made my daughter!
I FINALLY got high speed DSL! Yay! So I was checking out the crochet videos on You Tube and found out they DON’T have a video on the “magic ring”! I don’t have the means to make a video (I don’t THINK, anyway) and your picture tutorial on it is SO good, that I thought maybe you, or maybe one of your readers could make one! I didn’t really see anything about amigurumi, either.
Just a suggestion! 🙂
Jana in Saudi
Misha said
You did an amazing job! I can’t go on enough! I simply loooove this creation. And I am so jealous. I wish I could have a quarter of your skills. WAY TO GO!!!!
Kristy said
Wow I can’t wait to see it written up in pattern form! My daughter loves sea turtles! I am sure you would just be over joyed to come home from school and find one on her bed! After mommy sneakingly made it for her while she was off getting smart. *smiles*
Kristy
LadyDayDreamer
Clare said
So sweet! 🙂
Melody said
He is wonderful! Every design gets better and better. I’ve seen many designs but you seem to capture the very essence of the animal. The shaping and character are just right (‘cept the kittens’ ears). I will continue to await new designs eagerly!!! (need a cow! lol)
firesheep67 said
He’s fabulous! I want to make him too! =:)
c.Rachel said
The details of your sea turtle is gorgeous! Love how you did the belly too. Amazing work!
Robyn said
Aww he’s cute!
Saralah said
Wow, I love this! It is making me want to drop all my WIP/UFOs immediately, and pick up a crochet hook 🙂
Cynthia said
More than cute, no words!