Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

APRIL GIVEAWAY – WEEK #1

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Do you like old crochet and craft books?  I do!  I have a house full of them.  When I find them at a garage sale or thrift store, I grab them and buy the whole lot.  When I get home, I  discover duplicates.  So, this week, I’m offering a DOZEN of my authentically elderly books for the April Giveaway.

First is this little Coats and Clark book from 1967.  It’s mostly knit, but has several crochet patterns, including some lovely afghan stitch mittens.  The other 11 books are old copies of Workbasket Magazine.  These are not in mint condition – NOT.  But, they are intact and full of amazing patterns, recipes, gardening tips, etc.  If you’re not familiar with Workbasket, you’ve been missing out!

READ THE RULES BELOW THEN ANSWER THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO CROCHET FOR SPRING, 2010?

Here are the rules:

Each item will be mailed to the winner by USPS – books by media mail.  For now, this contest will only be open to participants with a U.S. mailing address.

This is how it will work.  Each Monday, I’ll pose a question on my blog.  Everyone who answers the questions will be entered in the drawing on the last day of that month.  Some ‘answers’ may require you to post a link to a specific pattern or site.  The winner will be announced along with the next Monday’s question.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with mailing information.  If the winner doesn’t contact me, the prize will be offered on another occasion.

RESPONSES MUST BE POSTED HERE AND NOT EMAILED TO ME PRIVATELY OR POSTED ELSEWHERE FOR ENTRY.

TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE DAY OF EACH MONTH (OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER) AND THE WINNER MUST EMAIL ME ([email protected]) WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.  So, for sanity’s sake, that deadline will really mean that I need to hear from you no later than 8 PM the following Monday (so you have plenty of time to email me and I’ll get the email for sure even if I don’t sign on to my email on a Sunday).

Simply enter to win by leaving a comment on this post answering the question posed.

Comments

  1. (Ooh, vintage crochet!)

    I’m planning to crochet a few doilies this spring. I’m almost finished with my first one ever, and I’m already excited to try another. (I know some people think doilies are old-fashioned– but that’s actually part of the reason I like them!) I think they’ll be great warm-weather projects, since they’re so small and lightweight.

  3. I am very excited to be crocheting bamboo, linen and rafia hats for this Spring/Summer 2010. Switching over to light weight, unique fiber yarns so we can keep out UV rays and stay cool!!! I just made pink bamboo aviator cap – unique and beautiful.

  4. Ideally.. a jellyfish with pink blue and purple for my daughter. Maybe a matching set of rabbits, one for her, and one for my son. I’d also really like to make some bibs for a friends upcoming baby to be. I haven’t quite found something to make for myself though, unfortunately, lol. 🙂

  5. There’s a bundle of joy coming in June. I’m planning on crocheting a onesie & booties, of course both in cotton yarn!

  7. I’ve found some great patterns for crocheted swimsuits and am hoping that if I start in Spring then I’ll have one ready for summer. It requires a little bit of sewing (lining) though and I’m not too good with that yet so we’ll just have to see.

  8. I’m crocheting socks! I made some heavier, furry socks for winter and now I want to branch out into lighter, spring socks.

    I also am crocheting a doormat out of hemp string (like you might use for macrame) and acrylic yarn in rainbow colors. It’s not specifically for spring, but it’s spring and I’m making it for now, so I think it counts.

  9. I am making a scarf for a new friend of mine. She just celebrated her 86th birthday and is a lovely lady. I am also double crocheting all my odd ends of yarn into a multiple color afghan to be given to displaced families at an Indian reservation in Tucson, AZ.

  11. I have a feeling my entire spring and most of my summer will be spent crocheting a Christmas present for my brother 🙂 It’s a huge picture afghan with a golf theme – I am SO excited!

  12. I’m going to crochet a bird’s nest that’ll hold some old mercury glass eggs I have. After that, it’ll be time to start working on a blanket for my first grandchild.

  13. I’m finishing up a couple of baby blankets. After that, I’m planning to make 2 cute crochet dresses for the youngest 2 baby grands.

  14. I plan to make a little “pocket purse” for my 13-yo granddaughter. And I want to make a doily. Of course more dishcloths. LOL! And whatever else catches my eyes. Plus, my dgd asked me to make her an afghan. It will be my first ripple pattern, and I am looking forward to that.

  15. Right now I’m crocheting a broomstick lace scarf without a pattern. I can’ decide whether to sell it, keep it, or give it away.

  17. I want to try crocheting recycled strips of the ubiquitous thin plastic grocery/shopping bags into a sturdy reusable bag.

  20. I am finishing up a baby outfit, dress, bloomers and hat for my first great-grandchild due in July, and I am also starting a lavender coat for her. Yes, we know it is a girl. Can’t wait, first great-grandchild from first grandchild’s wife.

  21. I am going to make a shawl to wear in stores and restaurants and church. I am also going to make a light weight blanket to use while watching TV.

  22. I’m working on my monsterous afghan project for my grandparents 50th anniversary, hopefully I’ll be done in time- only three more months.

  23. I want to crochet myself a shell top and skirt to match using a lightweight boucle yarn. I also am in the process of teaching myself to do fine crochet as I want to make edgings for pillowcases, towels, sheets, etc. and some crochet motifs and flowers for embellishments on crazy quilt blocks and other projects I am working on at this time.

  24. Hi, this is not an entry for the contest but I am looking for knitting clothing pieces that were popular during the mid 1960’s and early 1970’s particularly for skirt, long/short sleeved tops, cardigans and dresses using lightweight boucle yarn…I knitted quite a few clothing pieces but am unable to find the pattern books…If you happen to run across a magazine/patterns/pattern book that is from the time period and has patterns for clothing, please let me know. I have turned my house upside down trying to find the patterns but so far have had no luck. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks, Marilynne

  26. OH MY! I just got 3 large show boxes of old Workbaskets that were my grandmother’s (she past this last Sept)! I love those books. About 5 years ago I bid, and won, an E-Bay auction of a large box of them too. I still haven’t gotten through them all because I keep crocheting coasters & doilies from them! LOL

  27. I will be crocheting baby hats to be donated to military hospitals. The hats are for the newborns of military personnel who are deployed, about to be deployed or just returning.

  30. hi marilynne,
    have you visited the knitting blog on craftgossip to ask about the knitting patterns? terrye kinch is the editor there and might offer more help than any of the crocheters – altho’ many people both knit and crochet. good luck with your search!
    jd

  31. lovely things and stuff, i can remrmber the magazine from years ago, my mother and my aunts used this book alot. it would be nice to have one in my own hands. thank you…

  32. i’m kniting and crocheting infant hats for a local hospital. love to have one those books, they bring back alot of memories. thank you…

  33. At times I test patterns, and am now using one of the patterns to crochet a stole for my daughter. Haven’t decided if she will get it for her birthday or Christmas.

Have you read?

Turtle Crochet Patterns That Are Slow, Sweet, And Totally Worth Making

There is something about turtle crochet patterns that makes me instantly happy. Maybe it is the little round shells, maybe it is the flappy sea turtle fins, or maybe it is because turtles have that calm “I’ll get there when I get there” energy that I very much relate to after a long week of deadlines, dishes, teenagers needing lifts, and Aloo looking at me as if I have personally failed him by not opening the back door fast enough.

Crochet turtles are one of those lovely projects that work for almost every kind of maker. If you love quick market makes, a no sew crochet turtle is the kind of pattern you can work up in an evening with a cup of tea beside you. If you prefer baby gifts, turtle loveys and soft turtle amigurumi are gentle, meaningful handmade presents. And if you are a scrap-yarn saver — and really, what crocheter isn’t? — turtle appliques are a brilliant way to use up those little green, blue, brown, cream, and coral leftovers hiding in the basket.

This roundup includes a mix of free crochet turtle patterns, sea turtle crochet patterns, no sew turtle amigurumi, turtle appliques, loveys, and practical turtle-themed crochet projects. Some are wonderfully beginner-friendly, some are better suited to confident amigurumi makers, and a few are perfect if you are looking for something a little different from the usual plushie. I have also included a couple of CraftGossip and CraftBits turtle crochet links because we have had some sweet turtle projects over the years that deserve another little swim around the craft pond.

One quick note before you start: if you are making crochet turtles for babies or toddlers, skip plastic safety eyes and embroider the features instead. Safety eyes are not always safe for little ones, especially once a handmade toy is loved, tugged, chewed, and dragged around the house.

FREE Chunky Crochet Turtle Pattern – CraftBits

This free crochet turtle pattern from CraftBits is a lovely one to add if you are looking for a soft, chunky amigurumi turtle that feels modern but still very handmade. The plush-style shape makes it a great choice for gifts, market tables, or a sweet little comfort toy for older children. I especially like this one for crocheters who want a free turtle crochet pattern that looks cuddly without being overly complicated.

Chunky Crochet Turtle Amigurumi Pattern – CraftGossip Store On Etsy

If you would rather have the polished printable version, this chunky crochet turtle pattern is also available through the CraftGossip Store on Etsy. It is a handy option for makers who like having a tidy PDF pattern saved in their crochet library, especially if you plan to make several turtles for gifts, craft fairs, or grandkids who suddenly all “need” one in a different colour. The chunky yarn style gives the finished turtle that squishy, modern amigurumi look that is so popular right now.

Free And Easy Turtle Crochet Patterns For Amigurumi Lovers

No Sew Crochet Turtle Amigurumi Plush – The Friendly Red Fox

This no sew crochet turtle pattern is a great one for anyone who loves the look of plush amigurumi but does not love sewing on tiny limbs. It is designed to work up quickly, making it a lovely option for craft markets, birthday gifts, or those “I need something cute by tomorrow” moments. The chunky yarn gives it a squishy modern look that younger makers and kids tend to adore.

Crochet Turtle Pattern – The Mary Jay

This sweet crochet turtle pattern has a cheerful, beginner-friendly feel and includes video support, which is always helpful when you are making amigurumi shapes for the first time. It is a lovely fast project for using plush yarn and would make a cute desk buddy, backpack friend, or handmade gift topper. I especially like this one for crocheters who want a turtle pattern that feels approachable rather than fiddly.

Fred The Sea Turtle – CJ Design Blog

Fred is one of those crochet sea turtle patterns that has proper personality. This free pattern includes a video tutorial and is designed as a quick make, so it is a good choice if you want a sea turtle amigurumi that does not turn into a week-long commitment. The finished shape has that lovely flat sea-turtle look, making it especially nice for ocean-themed gifts or nursery decor.

No-Sew Crochet Turtle Pattern – Stitch By Fay

This no sew turtle crochet pattern is a newer design and a nice option if you want something fresh for market prep or gifting. The pattern uses separate pieces that are joined as you work the body, so you get the benefit of a neat finish without the dreaded sewing pile at the end. It has a sweet little trim detail on the flippers that gives the finished turtle a bit of extra charm.

Nala The No Sew Turtle – The Nicole Chase

Nala is a clever no sew turtle crochet pattern with a removable shell, which gives it a little extra play value and personality. It works beautifully as a garden turtle or sea turtle depending on your colour choices, and the optional shell variations make it easy to customize. This is a great choice for crocheters who want a turtle amigurumi pattern that feels a little more special than a basic plushie.

Amigurumi Turtle – All About Ami

This crochet amigurumi turtle has a classic handmade look with a beautifully rounded shell and contrast details. It is a lovely project if you enjoy neat shaping and want a turtle that looks sweet in a whole rainbow of colours. The surface crochet shell detail adds just enough texture to make it interesting without feeling overcomplicated.

No Sew Mini Turtle Amigurumi – Okie Girl Bling ’n’ Things

This mini turtle amigurumi is perfect for anyone who loves tiny, quick crochet makes. Because it is no sew, it is also a nice choice for batch-making little turtles for markets, party favours, classroom rewards, or stocking stuffers. Use chenille yarn for a plush version or cotton for a smaller keychain-style turtle.

Mini Turtle Amigurumi – DIY Fluffies

This mini turtle crochet pattern is beginner-friendly and can be made with different yarn weights depending on the size you want. It is a handy scrap yarn project and works well when you want a small amigurumi that does not require a huge amount of stuffing or finishing. I like this one for little gifts tucked into care packages or beach-themed gift baskets.

Small Amigurumi Turtle – Knits And Knots By Ame

This small crochet turtle pattern is a good pick if you prefer a more traditional amigurumi style with minimal seaming. It uses two colours, one for the body and one for the shell, which makes it easy to personalize with soft naturals, brights, pastels, or ocean blues. It is a sweet pattern for confident beginners who want to practise shaping without taking on a large plushie.

Turtle Lovey Crochet Patterns For Baby Gifts

Turtle Lovey Pattern – Swecraftcorner

This crochet turtle lovey is soft, snuggly, and made for little hands to hold. It combines a turtle amigurumi head and body with a comforter-style blanket, making it a thoughtful handmade baby shower gift. If you are making it for a baby, embroidered eyes are the safer option and still look beautifully sweet.

Pebbles The Turtle Lovey CAL – Sarah Dee Crochet

Pebbles is a turtle lovey crochet-along, which is lovely if you enjoy being guided through a project in stages. The design has that handmade heirloom feeling, especially if you choose soft nursery colours or beachy tones. It is a good option for adventurous beginners who want to try a larger baby gift without feeling completely on their own.

Crochet Turtle Applique Patterns For Blankets, Bags, And Nursery Decor

Ocean Friends Crochet Appliqués – Repeat Crafter Me

This ocean applique set includes a crochet turtle along with a starfish, jellyfish, and seahorse, making it a lovely choice for under-the-sea projects. The turtle applique would be adorable stitched onto a baby blanket, beach bag, cushion, or classroom display. This is also a great pattern to keep in your stash if you like quick crochet pieces that can dress up a plain project.

Crochet Sea Turtle Applique And Granny Square – Maria’s Blue Crayon

This sea turtle applique is especially nice if you are planning an ocean-themed crochet blanket. The post includes both the turtle applique and a granny square idea, so you can turn one small motif into a much bigger project. I love this kind of pattern for baby blankets because it feels playful without being overly bright or busy.

Baby Sea Turtle Appliqué Crochet Pattern – PlanetJune

This baby sea turtle applique is a paid crochet pattern, but it is beautifully suited to polished projects where you want the turtle to sit flat and neat. Appliques like this are perfect for decorating blankets, wall hangings, tote bags, or framed nursery art. It is a good option if you want your finished project to look a little more detailed and professional.

Turtle Applique Free Pattern – Rebekah Haas

This free crochet turtle applique has a simple, friendly shape that works well for children’s projects. It would be cute on a library bag, beach towel, baby blanket, or handmade card front if you like mixing crochet with paper crafts. Patterns like this are also brilliant for using up the oddments of green yarn that never seem quite big enough for anything else.

Crochet Turtle Appliques – Natalina Craft

This turtle applique pattern gives you a sweet family of turtles in different sizes, which makes it especially useful for blankets and nursery decor. You can make a whole little turtle parade across the corner of a blanket or add one small turtle to a hat, jumper, or tote. It is a cheerful scrap yarn project and a nice way to add personality to plain crochet pieces.

Turtle Crochet Patterns From CraftGossip And CraftBits

Turtle Memory Game Crochet Pattern – CraftGossip

This CraftGossip feature is a fun turtle crochet idea with a playful twist. Instead of being just a plushie, it turns the turtle theme into a memory game, which makes it a lovely handmade gift for children. It is a good reminder that crochet turtle patterns do not always have to be softies — they can be interactive, useful, and clever too.

Free Crochet Pattern – Christmas Pudding Turtle – CraftGossip

This Christmas pudding turtle is wonderfully quirky and very CraftGossip in the best possible way. It combines festive crochet with a kawaii turtle shape, making it a sweet little holiday make for anyone who likes their Christmas crafts with a wink. It would be adorable as a handmade ornament, stocking stuffer, or tiny festive shelf sitter.

Sea Turtle Soap Saver – CraftBits

This CraftBits sea turtle soap saver is a practical crochet turtle project rather than a plushie, which is why I love having it in the mix. It is a simple handmade bathroom item and would be lovely paired with handmade soap for a gift basket. If you enjoy crochet projects that are cute but still useful, this is the turtle pattern to try.

Tips For Choosing The Best Turtle Crochet Pattern

If you want a quick make, choose a no sew crochet turtle pattern in plush or chenille yarn. These usually work up faster and have that soft, modern squish factor that sells well at markets.

If you are making a baby gift, look for a turtle lovey or soft amigurumi pattern and embroider the eyes instead of using plastic safety eyes. Soft cotton or baby-safe yarns are lovely choices, and washable yarn is always a blessing because babies are beautifully messy little creatures.

If you are decorating a blanket, bag, or nursery wall hanging, a crochet turtle applique is often the best choice. Appliques are flatter, faster, and easier to stitch onto finished projects.

If you are using scrap yarn, mini turtles and turtle appliques are your best friends. You can make shells in greens, browns, rainbow colours, florals, speckles, or even holiday colours if you fancy a turtle with a bit of attitude.

Final Thoughts On Crochet Turtle Patterns

Turtle crochet patterns are one of those happy little corners of the crochet world where cute, calming, and practical all meet. You can make a tiny turtle in an hour, a turtle lovey for a new baby, a sea turtle applique for an ocean blanket, or a squishy no sew turtle for your next market table.

And honestly, there is something rather lovely about a handmade turtle. They are slow, steady, comforting, and full of character — a bit like the best kind of craft project. Not rushed, not fussy, just quietly adorable and very satisfying to finish.