Mossy Glen Turtle Amigurumi Keychain: A Free Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

Bring a touch of woodland charm to your everyday carry with this adorable Mossy Glen Turtle Amigurumi Keychain! Crocheted in earthy moss and fern tones, this tiny turtle is the perfect project for nature lovers, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a delightful bag charm. Using simple amigurumi techniques, you'll create a soft, squishable companion that's as fun to make as it is to show off. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using basic stitches and clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you from start to finish.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight tension to prevent the stuffing from showing through your stitches.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Moss Green (MC) – for the shell
  • Fern Green (CC1) – for the body, head, legs, and tail
  • Warm Cream (CC2) – for embroidered details (optional)
• Hook: 3.5mm crochet hook (or size needed to achieve tight tension)
• Safety Eyes: 6mm (optional – you can embroider eyes instead)
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
• Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
• Hardware: Keychain ring or lobster clasp

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard crochet abbreviations before starting:

• MR: Magic ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: Decrease (invisible decrease – insert hook in front loop of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• ch: Chain
• st(s): Stitch(es)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turtle Shell (make 1, in Moss Green – MC)

The shell is worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.

1. R1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. R3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18 sts)
4. R4: (sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24 sts)
5. R5: (sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30 sts)
6. R6-9: Sc in each st around for 4 rounds even. (30 sts)
7. R10: (sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. (24 sts)
8. R11: (sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18 sts)
9. R12: (sc in next st, dec) around. (12 sts)
10. Stuff the shell firmly with fiberfill, shaping it into a dome.
11. R13: Dec around. (6 sts)
12. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close, and secure. Set the shell aside.

Turtle Body (make 1, in Fern Green – CC1)

1. R1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. R3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18 sts)
4. R4: (sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24 sts)
5. R5-7: Sc in each st around for 3 rounds even. (24 sts)
6. R8: (sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18 sts)
7. R9: (sc in next st, dec) around. (12 sts)
8. Stuff the body lightly, leaving a small opening. Do not fasten off yet – you will use this opening to attach the head later.

Head (make 1, in Fern Green – CC1)

1. R1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. R2: (sc in next st, inc) around. (9 sts)
3. R3-5: Sc in each st around for 3 rounds even. (9 sts)
4. R6: (sc in next st, dec) around. (6 sts)
5. Stuff the head lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 10 inches) for sewing.

Legs (make 4, in Fern Green – CC1)

1. R1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. R2: (sc in next st, inc) around. (9 sts)
3. R3-4: Sc in each st around for 2 rounds even. (9 sts)
4. R5: (sc in next st, dec) around. (6 sts)
5. Stuff lightly – do not overstuff so the legs remain flexible. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches) for sewing.

Tail (make 1, in Fern Green – CC1)

1. R1: Make a magic ring, work 4 sc into the ring. (4 sts)
2. R2: Sc in each st around. (4 sts)
3. R3: Sc in next st, dec. (3 sts)
4. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 6 inches). Do not stuff the tail.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your turtle to life! Follow these steps carefully for a polished finish.

1. Attach the eyes: If using safety eyes, position them on the head between R4 and R5, about 3 sts apart. Push the safety eyes through from the outside and secure the backs on the inside. If you prefer embroidered eyes, use CC2 (Warm Cream) to stitch small crosses or French knots in the same position.
2. Sew the head: Using the long tail from the head, sew the head to the front of the body. Position it centered between R5 and R8 of the body. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch, weaving the needle through the edges of the opening. Weave in the end securely.
3. Sew the legs: Using the long tails from each leg, sew the legs to the sides of the body. Position them slightly forward and backward for a natural stance – two legs near the front (just behind the head) and two near the back. Ensure they are evenly spaced. Weave in the ends.
4. Sew the tail: Using the long tail from the tail, sew it to the back of the body, directly opposite the head. Weave in the end.
5. Attach the shell: Place the shell on top of the body, aligning it so it covers the back and sits evenly. Using the long tail from the shell, sew the shell to the body by stitching around the edge. Leave a small opening (about 1 inch) to add extra stuffing if needed, then close the opening and weave in the end.
6. Attach the keychain: To attach the keychain ring, thread a small loop of yarn (use a scrap piece of MC) through the top of the shell, between R6 and R7. Use a yarn needle to pull the loop through, then thread the keychain ring through the loop and pull tight to secure. Alternatively, you can sew a small fabric loop and attach the ring to it.
7. Finish: Weave in all remaining ends and trim excess yarn. Gently shape the turtle, adjusting the stuffing as needed to ensure a plump, even appearance.

Finishing Touches

Your Mossy Glen Turtle Keychain is complete! Give it a final squeeze to fluff it up, and attach it to your keys, bag, or backpack for a touch of woodland charm. This pattern is perfect for using up scrap yarn, and you can easily customize the colors to match any season or style. Happy crocheting!