Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Does Anyone Else…..

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Find it frustrating to try to navigate around Pinterest?  There are lots of great pictures – but I often find it difficult to find the original pattern source for something that intrigues me!  There is a section entitled ‘People’ – but the people there are in no order, so it’s very difficult to find he same person twice, especially if I don’t remember the exact name.

I also find it to be a huge time waster!  Initially, I thought Pinterest would be a great source of crochet inspiration.  But, I find that I spend more time there just trying to source a pattern or find a crocheter than actually getting any kind of inspiration!  That’s a problem for me.

I think Pinterest could be a great resource.  But, the way it’s organized (or should I say disorganized), I have to spend too much time wandering sort of aimlessly there rather than being able to go directly to a person or pattern or project.  I have heard some rumblings of these same feelings from some other crocheters.  What about you?

More Crochet?

Comments

  2. I love Pinterest as a way to keep track of things that I’ve stumbled across on the internet, but I rarely spend time surfing through other people’s pins. Not only is it annoying to not be able to find the original source, but it drives me crazy when you search for something as generic as “crochet” you tend to end up with the same image 14 times.

  3. Its not necessarily a pinterest problem, it’s a problem with the pinners not sourcing the photos properly. It’s actually easy to do, but for some I guess they can’t figure it out. Google also has a way of searching for image sources that works pretty well. I’ll also try the link above as well.

  5. Once you find someone you like, or a board you like, follow it, and you’ll always be able to find it.

    I know what you mean with trying to find the source, though. That’s why I generally do not simply re-pin an item–I’ll open the link and pin it from the original site just to make sure it isn’t spam or a site that is copying from another site. I prefer the original creators! ^_^

    Also, http://thedailydigi.com/pinterest-101-a-tutorial/

  6. I look at it more as an stumble upon inspiration board type of experience. I’m sometimes disappointed when I can’t find the source, but I find that instead of following explicit instructions, I enjoy it more when I try to figure it out myself or talk with my friends about ways to do it.

    It’s become a really fun way to learn and try new things I haven’t thought of before.

  7. I have the same problem. I use pinterest a LOT, but usually just pinning things myself from the blogs I read, then the pins go directly to where I pinned them from.

  9. So happy. I thought it was only me. Pinterest gets me so confused. When I do find something I want, it turns out to be completely by accident. Do they have a page that explains all this stuff. Obviously not. Had a funny experience with ‘Pinterest’ that wasn’t.Kept asking to join. P.S. What is that about. Kept doing it for months (literally) then got an email from a blogI subscibe to saying that in Russia was a fake Pinterest (that appeared to have pirated the real Pinterest & that the only way to get to the real one was http://www.pinterest.com. Did that & received an invitation to become a member within 12 hours. Weird. Keep an eye out for this.

  10. My deal with the site is that when someone “pins” something and then you go to find it, you have to search and search for the original item pinned whether it be a craft item, recipe, or something else. It is not the easiest place to navigate and sometimes it is very frustrating BUT most of the time I eventually find what I am looking for.

  11. I don’t search it the way you do, which is maybe why I like it better :). I follow people who seem to have pins I like, and then I just periodically look at “Pinners You Folow” or search for crochet boards to find more people to follow!

  12. I never saw the advantages of Pinterest and it was a great time waster to me also. It never really piqued my interest. I was granted an account (that kind of irked me too) and just never logged in after that. I’d rather browse blogs and their blogrolls.

  13. Yes, it’s terrible. My followers get updates of a new pin I make, and it starts at the top, pushing everything else down. My pins of crochet/craft items is so long that it takes 4 min to scroll down to the first one I ever posted. I am now “creating” new boards to btrakit down a bit. “Crochet Blouses, L.S.”, (L.S.= Lang Sleves), S.S., Tank Tops, Doilies, Bags/Purses, Toys, Appliques/Frigies.
    All w/ Crochet in front. Same goes for recipes.

  14. Hum… There were some typos there. That’s Long Sleeves, and Short Sleeves. And “btrakit” was ontended to be “break it”.

  16. I have enough time consuming things now…..crochet, groups, blogs I follow, that I don’t need another so I never bothered with it. From what you’ve said, I’m glad I didn’t.

  17. I love pinterest. For me it’s a great way of using it to keep my bookmarks organised, bookmarks with pictures are easier to locate than bookmarks without. I never have a problem locating the source of the pattern or item that i want to see and if i repin, i always repin from the original page.

  18. I used to go down the bunny trails to get to the original website then my daughter told me how she does it. So simple 😛 Just tap or click on the picture and presto you are at the original post.
    Happy pinning! 🙂

  20. This is all very good for me to hear! I pin all the crochet patterns I write. Now after reading this, I think I need to go back into Pinterest and create more specific boards so it’ll be easier for people to navigate.

    In all honesty, I don’t have time to surf around on Pinterest much. The few times, I’ve had the whole “going down a rabbit trail” experience too.

  21. I get frustrated with pinterest. I don’t have the patience or time to wast trying to find what I am looking for.

  22. I don’t surf around to find stuff on Pinterest, because people (including myself) often don’t tag the pictures with good keywords.
    Instead I follow people’s boards, where they collect crochet stuff or other things I am interested in. It works great for me: When I open Pinterest, I see all the recent pins from many different crochet boards.

  23. I use it for myself as a bookmark with pictures. My frustration is when certain sites won’t let me pin a picture.

  24. Pinterest was taking up way to much of my CRAFTY TIME!! I would spend way to many hours looking and not crafting,so I deleted my account and I am so glad I did!!

  25. I don’t typically browse Pinterest for ideas. I just use it for pinning things I find on my own. So I can keep track of things I find. 🙂

  26. i find it such hard work to find or pin anything, I have 1 pin and then have been blocked everytime from pinning anything else, it’s a great idea, but a bit of a mess.

  27. I agree. I have never been able to get into pintrest because once I find an idea I like I expect to be able to quickly get to the instructions and get inspired! Instead I spend 5 min looking for the original and more often than not give up and decide to figure it out myself. While I don’t have a problem figuring things out myself, that was hardly why I was browsing pintrest.

  28. I am very disappointed in pinterest & I don’t know how to unsubscribe from them. I thought it was a place to keep my pictures of my crochet projects or whatever. Unfortunately, I find that something w/ the little icon can only be “pinned”. Otherwise, I have no time or use for this site. I’m very busy in other words. Anyway, it was later that my daughter pointed out Picasa to me. Like a personal photo album. Thanks! Sheri *c*

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.