🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern
4.0★Rating
8-10 HoursTime Needed
3.1KMade This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crocheting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Charming Critter

Delightful animal designs with sweet details that capture the essence of your favorite woodland and farmyard friends.

About This Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

This interactive set makes a deeply thoughtful baby shower or birthday gift that families will cherish for years. It is a wonderful way to use up colorful yarn scraps while creating a playful learning tool.

Why You'll Love This Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely adore how this project combines stash-busting with clever utility! Crocheting all those tiny baby turtle bellies is the ultimate satisfying way to clear out your colorful scrap basket. Plus, watching the mama turtle's shell turn into a functional, buttoning storage pouch feels like pure magic as it comes together.

Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 1 Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 2 Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 3 Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

I still remember the first time I made this turtle memory game for a friend's toddler. I wanted to create something that wasn't just another toy to be tossed into a toy box, but an interactive experience that would actually bring the family together. As I sat on my couch surrounded by a rainbow of tiny yarn scraps, watching each little baby turtle pop to life, I realized this project is pure joy from start to finish.

My favorite part of the process is choosing the belly colors. It is the ultimate stash-buster! I went through my scrap basket and picked out the brightest, happiest shades of pink, yellow, teal, and purple. There is something so incredibly satisfying about turning those tiny leftover yarn tails into a functional, educational game.

When you are putting your set together, don't worry about making everything look absolutely flawless. Handmade toys have so much character because of their little quirks. Your stitches might not be perfectly even, but that is exactly what makes your turtle family unique and filled with love.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ When joining the baby turtle shell to the bottom, it is easy to accidentally skip the front loops of Round 3, which will make the legs look uneven or misaligned.✗ If you do not count your stitches carefully on Mama's bottom shell, the leg placements will be off, causing her to sit lopsided instead of resting flat on her feet.✗ Inserting the safety eyes too high on Mama's head can give her an expression that looks a bit startled rather than sweet, so make sure to place them exactly between rows 9 and 10.✗ Forgetting to work the first row of Mama's legs into the back loops only will leave the front loops hidden, making it much harder to cleanly attach the top shell later.

Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Bring a splash of handmade joy to game night with this incredibly sweet turtle memory game! You will love crafting a cozy mama turtle whose shell opens up to store a whole family of colorful baby turtles. It is a brilliant, tactile matching game that kids and adults alike will fall in love with, making it as fun to play with as it is to crochet.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Mama and Baby Turtle Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight (category 4) acrylic yarn in forest green, using less than 7 ounces
  • 02
    Medium weight (category 4) acrylic yarn in warm tan, using less than 7 ounces
  • 03
    Small scraps of medium weight yarn in 10 different bright colors to create the matching pairs of baby bellies

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4.0mm (US G/6) crochet hook for the shells and baby turtles
  • 02
    3.5mm (US E/4) crochet hook specifically for Mama's head
  • 03
    Two 12mm plastic safety eyes with secure backings
  • 04
    One medium-sized wooden or plastic button for the shell closure
  • 05
    High-quality polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 06
    Sturdy yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 07
    Sharp scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 1. Baby Bottom (Make 2 of each match color - 20 total) :

Info :

Use your 4.0mm crochet hook for this section. Do not worry about weaving in or hiding your yarn tails, as they will be tucked safely inside the turtle shell.

Round 1 :

Using your chosen match color, start with a mc and ch 2. Work 12 dc into the mc. ss to the top of your first dc. ch 1 and cut your yarn. (12)

Round 2 :

Join your tan yarn to any st of the previous round. ch 2, then work a dc inc into that same st and into each st around. ss to the first dc. (24)

Round 3 :

This round forms the head and legs of the baby turtle and is worked entirely into the FLO. ch 2. Work a dc and a tr into the same st as your ss. Work a tr and a dc into the next st, then ch 2 and ss into that same st. ss into the next 2 st. Work (ss, ch 1, 2 hdc, ch 1, ss) into the next st to make a leg. ss into the next 5 st. Work (ss, ch 1, 2 hdc, ch 1, ss) into the next st for the second leg. ss into the next 4 st. Work (ss, ch 1, 2 hdc, ch 1, ss) into the next st for the third leg. ss into the next 5 st. Work (ss, ch 1, 2 hdc, ch 1, ss) into the next st for the fourth leg. ss into the final 2 st. Fasten off and pull the tail through to the other side.

— 2. Baby Shell (Make 20) :

Info :

Use your 4.0mm crochet hook and green yarn. The piece will naturally start to cup into a bowl shape as you work.

Round 1 :

Start with a mc, ch 1, and work 6 sc into the ring. ss to the first st, then ch 1. (6)

Round 2 :

Work a hdc inc in each st around. ss to the first st, then ch 1. (12)

Round 3 :

Work (1 hdc, hdc inc) 6 times around. ss to the first st, then ch 1. (18)

Round 4 :

Work (2 hdc, hdc inc) 6 times around. ss to the first st, then ch 1. (24)

Info - Joining Option 1 :

For the no-sew finish, ch 1 and line up the shell with the baby bottom, ensuring the right sides face outwards. Work through both loops of the shell and the FLO of the bottom (these are the exposed loops from Round 3). sc all the way around, pausing near the end to stuff with polyfil, then ss to join and weave in your tail.

Info - Joining Option 2 :

If you prefer to sew the pieces together, fasten off your green yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread your needle and sew through both loops of the shell and the FLO of the bottom. Work your way around, stuffing with polyfil before closing completely.

— 3. Bottom of Mama's Shell :

Info :

Use your 4.0mm crochet hook and tan yarn. Remember that the starting ch 2 does not count as a dc. Always begin your round by working into the same st as your ss, and ss to the beginning ch after each round.

Round 1 :

Start with a mc, ch 2, and work 12 dc into the ring. ss to the first dc to join. (12)

Round 2 :

ch 2, work a dc inc in each of the 12 stitches around, then ss to join. (24)

Round 3 :

ch 2, work (1 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (36)

Round 4 :

ch 2, work (2 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (48)

Round 5 :

ch 2, work (3 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (60)

Round 6 :

ch 2, work (4 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (72)

Round 7 :

ch 2, work (5 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (84)

Round 8 :

ch 2, work (6 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (96)

Info :

ss to the top of the first dc but do not cut your yarn. You will immediately proceed to crocheting the tail.

— 4. Mama's Tail :

Row 1 :

ch 1, work 4 sc, then ch 1 and turn. (4)

Row 2 :

Work 4 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (4)

Row 3 :

Work 2 sc dec, then ch 1 and turn. (2)

Row 4 :

Work 2 sc, then ch 1 and turn. (2)

Row 5 :

Work 1 sc dec. (1)

Info :

ch 1, cut your yarn leaving an 8-inch tail. This tail will be used to sew on the closure button later.

— 5. Mama's Legs (Make 4) :

Info :

All four legs are worked into the BLO of Row 1. Turn the piece so the wrong side is facing up before you begin joining the legs for a cleaner finish. Leg 1: Count 9 st to the left of the tail. Leg 2: Count 16 st to the left of Leg 1. Leg 3: Count 14 st to the right of the tail. Leg 4: Count 21 st to the right of Leg 3. There should be 15 unworked stitches between the front and back legs, and 8 unworked stitches between the back legs and the tail.

Row 1 :

Join your tan yarn in the BLO of the designated placement st, ch 1, work sc in the same st, then work 5 sc. ch 1 and turn. (6)

Row 2 :

ch 1, work 6 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (6)

Row 3 :

ch 1, work 6 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (6)

Row 4 :

ch 1, work 6 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (6)

Row 5 :

ch 1, work 1 sc dec, 2 sc, then 1 sc dec. ch 1 and turn. (4)

Row 6 :

Work 2 sc dec, then ch 1 to secure your yarn. Cut and weave in all ends.

— 6. Mama's Head (Make 2) :

Info :

Switch to your 3.5mm crochet hook and tan yarn for the head pieces.

Row 1 :

ch 9. Starting in the second ch from your hook, work 8 sc across. ch 1 and turn. (8)

Row 2 :

Work 8 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (8)

Row 3 :

Work 8 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (8)

Row 4 :

Work 1 sc inc, 6 sc, then 1 sc inc. ch 1 and turn. (10)

Row 5 :

Work 1 sc inc, 8 sc, then 1 sc inc. ch 1 and turn. (12)

Row 6 :

Work 12 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (12)

Row 7 :

Work 12 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (12)

Row 8 :

Work 12 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (12)

Row 9 :

Work 12 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (12)

Row 10 :

Work 1 sc dec, 8 sc, then 1 sc dec. ch 1 and turn. (10)

Row 11 :

Work 10 sc across, then ch 1 and turn. (10)

Row 12 :

Work 1 sc dec, 6 sc, then 1 sc dec. ch 1 and turn. (8)

Row 13 :

Work 1 sc dec, 4 sc, then 1 sc dec. ch 1 and turn. (6)

Info - Finishing Head Pieces :

On the first piece, ch 1, cut your yarn and weave in the ends. On the second piece, insert the 12mm safety eyes between Rows 9 and 10, spacing them 4 stitches apart. Place the piece with the eyes directly on top of the plain piece.

Row 14 - Joining Head :

Join your tan yarn at the right side of the neck, working through both pieces: work 3 sc, 1 sc inc, (2 sc, sc inc) 3 times, 4 sc across the top of the head, (sc inc, 2 sc) 3 times, 1 sc inc, then 3 sc down the other side of the neck. Leave a long tail for sewing the head to the bottom shell, stuff the head firmly with polyfil, and fasten off.

— 7. Top of Mama's Shell :

Info :

Switch back to your 4.0mm crochet hook and use green yarn. The starting ch 2 does not count as a stitch; always work into the same st as your ss and ss to the first stitch at the end of each round.

Round 1 :

Start with a mc, ch 2, and work 12 dc into the ring. ss to the first dc to join. (12)

Round 2 :

ch 2, work a dc inc in each of the 12 stitches around, then ss to join. (24)

Round 3 :

ch 2, work (1 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (36)

Round 4 :

ch 2, work (2 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (48)

Round 5 :

ch 2, work (3 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (60)

Round 6 :

ch 2, work (2 dc, dc inc, 2 dc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (72)

Round 7 :

ch 2, work (5 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (84)

Round 8 :

ch 2, work (6 dc, dc inc) 12 times around, then ss to join. (96)

Round 9 :

ch 2, work 96 dc around, then ss to join. (96)

Round 10 (Optional) :

If you plan to make extra baby turtle matches and need more storage room, work an extra round of 96 dc around, then ss to join. (96)

Info - Joining Shells :

ch 1 but do not cut your yarn. Place the green top shell directly over the tan bottom shell. Align the pieces starting at the first stitch of the back right leg. Working through both loops of the top shell and the FLO of the bottom shell, work 76 sc. This will leave 20 unworked stitches at the front to create the pocket opening where the babies will go. Cut your yarn and weave in the ends.

Assembly Instructions

  • After completing the two head pieces for Mama, position the piece with safety eyes on top of the plain piece, join tan yarn at the neck, and sc around to join, stuffing firmly with fiberfill before closing.
  • Locate the middle of Mama's front legs on the bottom shell, ensuring there are 7 unworked stitches on each side, then sew the head to the back loops only of the middle 8 stitches.
  • Line up Mama's green top shell over the tan bottom shell, starting at the first stitch of the back right leg, and join the yarn.
  • Work sc through both loops of the top shell and the front loops only of the bottom shell for 76 stitches, leaving a 20-stitch opening at the front for baby storage.
  • Sew the button securely to the tip of Mama's tail using the leftover yarn tail, positioning it so it can slip through a double crochet stitch on the top shell to close.

Important Notes

  • 💡Keep your tension consistent, especially when making the baby turtles, so that all twenty babies turn out exactly the same size and fit comfortably inside the shell.
  • 💡Do not worry about weaving in every single tail on the baby turtles; you can simply tuck them inside the shells before joining the pieces together.
  • 💡Ensure you work the first row of Mama's legs in the back loops only, as this preserves the front loops of the bottom shell for joining the top shell later.
  • 💡The starting chain at the beginning of each round or row does not count as an active stitch throughout this entire pattern.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a big, beautiful project like this. Watching this little turtle family come to life stitch by stitch is such a rewarding experience. I hope this memory game brings endless smiles, cozy game nights, and lots of playful memories to your home. Happy crocheting, my lovely friends! 🧶🐢✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I make fewer baby turtles for this game?

Absolutely! While the pattern is designed for 10 matching pairs (20 babies total), you can easily make 6 or 8 pairs if you want a quicker project or a simpler game for younger children.

What size button should I use for Mama's tail?

A button that is about 15mm to 20mm in diameter works best. It needs to be large enough to stay secure but small enough to easily slip through the double crochet stitches of the top shell.

Do I have to use safety eyes for the baby turtles?

The baby turtles in this pattern do not use safety eyes at all to keep them simple and safe for toddlers. If you want to add eyes to the babies, I highly recommend embroidering small French knots with black yarn instead.

How do I make the shell storage area larger?

If you want to fit more than 20 babies inside Mama's shell, follow the optional Round 10 instruction for the top shell. This extra round adds height to the shell, giving you plenty of extra pocket space.