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Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern
4.8★ Rating
5-6 Hours Time Needed
4.0K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

This Ninja Turtle amigurumi pattern celebrates the beloved heroes in a half shell with authentic details and customizable features. Each turtle is crafted with chunky chenille yarn, creating a soft and huggable texture that's perfect for display or play. The pattern includes instructions for the signature shell, belly patch, colored mask, and waist strap, allowing you to create all four turtles in their unique colors. Whether you're a longtime TMNT fan or creating a gift for someone who is, this pattern brings nostalgic fun to your crochet collection.

Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Working in continuous rounds with chenille yarn creates a plush, squishy texture that makes these turtles irresistibly cuddly. The pattern offers two arm attachment options, giving you flexibility to create either action-ready poses or a classic standing position.

Why You'll Love This Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines childhood nostalgia with the joy of creating something handmade. There's something magical about watching a simple ball of green yarn transform into a recognizable character that brings smiles to faces of all ages. The chunky chenille yarn works up quickly, so you'll see progress fast, which keeps the motivation high throughout the project. I especially enjoy how you can personalize each turtle with different mask colors to create the entire team. The two arm options let you get creative with poses, and the satisfying assembly process where everything comes together is truly rewarding. It's one of those patterns that looks impressive but is actually quite approachable once you get into the rhythm of the rounds.

Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different yarn types to give each turtle its own unique personality and texture. While the pattern calls for chunky chenille, I've had amazing results using velvet yarn for an ultra-plush finish that makes the turtles even more huggable. You could also try variegated green yarn to add subtle depth and dimension to the turtle's body, creating a more dynamic look without changing the pattern.

For those who want to add extra character details, consider embroidering small mouth lines or adding fabric paint details to create more expressive faces. I sometimes add tiny felt pieces for the belt buckle or create miniature weapons using wire and polymer clay to make each turtle truly authentic to their character. You could even crochet tiny pizza slices as accessories!

Another fun variation is sizing up or down by changing your hook size—use a 10mm hook with super bulky yarn for a giant turtle perfect as a floor pillow, or go down to a 3mm hook with sport weight yarn for adorable keychain-sized versions. Each size brings its own charm and functionality to your creation.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

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Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

Bring the heroes in a half shell to life with this adorable Ninja Turtle amigurumi pattern! Create your favorite crime-fighting turtle with customizable mask colors representing Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael. This charming pattern features a detailed shell, cute belly patch, and iconic waist strap, perfect for TMNT fans of all ages. Standing at approximately 11 inches tall, this cuddly companion makes a wonderful gift or collectible for anyone who loves these classic characters.

Intermediate 5-6 Hours

Materials Needed for Ninja Turtle Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Blanket chenille yarn in forest green (approximately 80m)
  • 02
    Blanket chenille yarn in chocolate brown
  • 03
    Blanket chenille yarn in beige
  • 04
    Blanket chenille yarn in one mask color: red, purple, orange, or blue
  • 05
    Brand recommended: Porta craft chenille yarn

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 7mm
  • 02
    Safety eyes 15mm
  • 03
    Fiberfill or hobbyfill stuffing
  • 04
    Yarn needle
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Stitch markers
  • 07
    4mm knitting needles (optional, for positioning during assembly)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Head :

Starting in Green

R1 :

6 sc in MC (6)

R2 :

inc x6 (12)

R3 :

sc, inc x6 (18)

R4 :

2 sc, inc x6 (24)

R5 :

3 sc, inc x6 (30)

Info :

This is where you choose your Ninja turtle mask colour

R6-9 :

CC sc around (30) (4 rounds)

R10-11 :

CC sc around (30) (2 rounds)

Info :

Attach safety eyes in between rounds 7-8, 5 stitches apart

R12 :

3 sc, dec x6 (24)

R13 :

sc around (24)

Info :

STUFF AS YOU GO!

R14 :

2 sc, dec x6 (18)

R15 :

sc, dec x6 (12)

Info :

Use your needle now to weave in and out the FLO to close the circle and fasten off

— Arms (make 2) :

Green

R1 :

6 sc in MC (6)

R2 :

sc, inc x6 (9)

R3 :

sc around (9)

R4 :

CC sc around (9)

R5-7 :

CC sc around (9) (3 rounds)

Info :

Lightly stuff the arm

Infos :

2 ARM OPTIONS: READ CAREFULLY! R8 Option 1: Fold the top in half a SC closed (4). R8 Option 2: Do NOT sc closed if you would like your arms to stick out of the body. Fasten off and leave tail for sewing

— Legs (make 2) :

Green

R1 :

sc 6 in MC (6)

R2 :

inc x6 (12)

R3 :

sc around (12)

Info :

Changing colour to same as mask colour

R4-5 :

CC sc around (12) (2 rounds)

R6-7 :

CC sc around (12) (2 rounds)

Info :

Fasten off first leg. CH 2 after finishing second leg but DO NOT cut the yarn. Insert you crochet hook into any stitch on first leg and continue with BODY instructions

— Body :

Green

R7 :

sc around (12 in first leg, 2 sc in the ch, 12 sc second leg, 2 sc in ch) (28)

R8 :

6 sc, inc x3, 6 sc (30)

R9-15 :

sc around (30) (7 rounds)

Info :

Stuff firmly

R16 :

3 sc, dec x6 (24)

R17 :

sc around (24)

R18 :

2 sc, dec x6 (18)

R19 :

sc around (18)

R20 :

sc, dec x6 (12)

Info :

Slst and leave a tail for sewing. DO NOT close circle

— Shell :

Brown

R1 :

sc 8 in MC (8)

R2 :

inc x8 (16)

R3 :

sc, inc x8 (24)

R4 :

3 sc, inc x8 (30)

R5-6 :

sc around (30)

R7 :

FLO hdc around (30)

Infos :

Slst and leave a long tail for sewing. Roll up the last row of HDC to create a lip of the shell

— Belly :

Beige

R1 :

6 sc in MC (6)

R2 :

inc x6 (12)

R3 :

sc, inc x6 (18)

R4 :

2 sc, inc x6 (24)

R5 :

sc around (24)

Infos :

Slst and leave a long tail for sewing. If you crochet tightly: using light motions loosen up the belly by stretching it out, this will help it lay flat against your turtle when it comes to sewing

— Waist Strap :

Brown

R1 :

ch 46

R2 :

turn chain and sc into 2nd stitch from hook, all the way down

Info :

Fasten off and weave in ends

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the head to the body using the tail from the body, sewing all around until secure. Use 4mm knitting needles to hold pieces in place while sewing.
  • Position arms on Row 2 under the neck. For Option 1, sew the top half of the arms. For Option 2, sew all the way around the arm.
  • Secure the shell onto the back of the body using knitting needles for positioning. Sew halfway around using back loops of the last row.
  • Stuff the shell lightly, then continue sewing around until completely secured to the body.
  • Attach the belly to the front of the body, using knitting needles to hold in place while sewing until secured.
  • Tie the waist strap around the turtle between the belly and shell to complete the signature look.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds, especially during color changes between green and mask colors
  • 💡Stuff the head and body firmly but not too tightly to maintain the proper shape and structure
  • 💡Stretch out the belly piece gently before sewing to ensure it lays flat against the turtle's body
  • 💡Position safety eyes between rounds 7-8 with 5 stitches apart before stuffing the head
  • 💡Use knitting needles as pins to hold pieces in place during assembly for more accurate positioning
  • 💡Choose your mask color early (red, purple, orange, or blue) to represent your favorite turtle character
  • 💡Roll up the last row of the shell to create the characteristic lip detail before attaching

This charming Ninja Turtle pattern captures the spirit of everyone's favorite pizza-loving heroes in the most huggable form! Whether you create Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael, each turtle brings its own personality and nostalgic charm. The chunky chenille yarn creates an irresistibly soft and squishy texture that's perfect for cuddling or display. With customizable arm options and authentic details like the shell and waist strap, you'll have a turtle that's ready for action or relaxation. Cowabunga, dude! Happy crocheting! 🐢✨🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I make all four turtles with different colored masks?

Absolutely! Simply follow the pattern and change the mask color during rounds 6-11 and the leg stripes during rounds 4-7. Use red for Raphael, blue for Leonardo, purple for Donatello, and orange for Michelangelo to create the whole team.

What's the difference between the two arm attachment options?

Option 1 creates arms that lay flat against the body by sewing only the top half, giving a more relaxed pose. Option 2 attaches the arms completely around, making them stick out from the body for a more action-ready stance. Choose based on your preferred look!

Can I use regular yarn instead of chenille yarn?

Yes, you can substitute with regular worsted weight yarn, but your finished turtle will be smaller and have a different texture. Adjust your hook size accordingly (typically 4-5mm for worsted weight) and expect a final height of around 6-7 inches instead of 11 inches.

How do I make the shell sit properly on the turtle's back?

Use knitting needles or pins to position the shell before sewing, and make sure to use the back loops of the last row when attaching. Sew halfway around, add light stuffing, then complete the sewing. Rolling up the HDC row creates a natural lip that helps it sit correctly.

Why does my belly piece look puckered when I attach it?

The belly needs to be gently stretched before sewing to help it lay flat. Use light pulling motions to loosen the stitches slightly, which will prevent puckering when attached to the curved surface of the body.