written by threadslinger

I started to make crochet animals (also called amigurumi) a few weekends ago. I just envisoned what kind of animal I wanted to make and there it was. I think that this is the best way to do this since the animals you dream up should have your own creative flare. However, I will write a tutorial for the mouse I made as well as the turtle so you have an idea of how to get your creative juices going.

You will need:

Yarn
crochet hook (k101/2-6.50MM)
Felt
Thread/needle

Mouse directions (this is really easy so its good for beginners)

1. Start your crochet with the usual slip knot. Then do a single crochet stitch and then just loop the fabric over without going through the loop for the second stitch. Repeat these steps for 9 rows, it should start to grow out like a circle.
2. Once you are satisfied with size of your mouse go back to a single crochet stitch. After 4 rows start to drop 1 stitch until it forms the point for the mouse nose. Just before it gets to the point where it will close put stuffing into your mouse. I used toilet paper and it worked fine though I am sure cotton would be better.
3. Cut out a strip of felt and then stitch to the end of the mouse. Then cut out two ears (half circles of felt) and stitch to mouse head, take a little dot of felt and stitch on for a nose. Now you have a little mouse friend (I’m planning on using mine as a kitten toy.)

Turtle instructions

1. Start with the head the same way that the mouse started; a single crochet stitch, then a stitch without going through the loop. Do this for 6 rows and then switch to doing only a single crochet stitch. Once you get to the 6th row drop 2 stitches each row. When you get about halfway make sure to put stuffing in your animal. The key with amigurumi’s is to shape as you go along, yarn is very pliant so take your fingers and bend it the way you want it to. If you think about how you want your animal to look as you go along it makes it easier.

2. Once the head is small enough that the two ends touch it is finished and set it aside. Now, for the shell do the start the same way you did with the head but this time do that for 15 rows. At the 15th row do a single crochet stitch dropping 2 stitches a row until you get to the end. Stuff shell before it closes up. Don’t forget to shape as you go along.

3. After the shell is finished you stitch the head to the top of the shell using thread that doesn’t easily show.

4. All you have to do now are the feet and tail. Flip turtle over and do a single crochet stitch in a small circle for about 6 rows or until the legs seem long enough. Repeat this in four places on the bottom of the shell to form all the legs. For the tail do a crochet chain about 4 rows long and tie onto turtle. Now you are done and you have your own ninja turtle.