Mossy Glen Turtle Keychain Crochet Pattern – Free & Beginner Friendly

Carry a pocket-sized piece of the forest with you wherever you go! This charming moss-green turtle keychain is the perfect quick amigurumi project for using up scrap yarn. With its textured shell, delicate stitched details, and woodland-inspired aesthetic, it makes a delightful handmade gift for nature lovers, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a touch of whimsy. Best of all, this pattern is completely beginner-friendly—if you can crochet a magic ring and work single crochet stitches, you can create this adorable little turtle in an afternoon.

Whether you're looking for a fun stash-busting project, a cute accessory for your keys or bag, or a thoughtful handmade token, this Mossy Glen Turtle delivers. Let's dive into the pattern and bring this little forest friend to life!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses small amounts of yarn, making it ideal for using up leftovers from other projects.

Yarn

• Moss green – worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn (small amount, approximately 20-30 yards) for the head, legs, tail, and top shell
• Cream – worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn (small amount, approximately 10-15 yards) for the bottom shell
• Dark brown – worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn (tiny amount) for embroidered details (eyes, mouth, and shell scutes)

Hook & Notions

• 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook – this size works perfectly with worsted weight yarn to create a tight, firm fabric
• Stitch marker – essential for keeping track of your rounds when working in continuous spirals
• Tapestry needle – for sewing pieces together and weaving in ends
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing – a small amount for the head and shell
• Keychain ring – a small silver or gold split ring, approximately 1 inch in diameter
• Scissors

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project. However, aim for a tight tension to prevent the stuffing from showing through your stitches. If your stitches are loose, consider using a 3.25 mm hook instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous spirals unless otherwise noted. Do not join rounds with a slip stitch—simply continue working in the round. Use a stitch marker to keep track of where each round begins.

Abbreviations

• sc – single crochet
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 together (decrease)
• ch – chain
• rnd – round

HEAD

Worked in moss green yarn.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)
Rounds 4-6: Sc in each stitch around. (18 sts)
Round 7: (Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) repeat around. (12 sts)

Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill. Make sure it's well-stuffed but not so much that it distorts the shape.

Round 8: (Sc2tog) repeat around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing the head to the shell. Set aside.

TOP SHELL

Worked in moss green yarn. This piece forms the domed top of the turtle's shell.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30 sts)
Rounds 6-8: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 18 inches) for sewing the top shell to the bottom shell. Set aside.

BOTTOM SHELL

Worked in cream yarn. This piece forms the flat underside of the turtle.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing. Set aside.

LEGS (make 4)

Worked in moss green yarn. These are small, unstuffed tubes.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Rounds 2-3: Sc in each stitch around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 8 inches) for sewing. Do not stuff. Set aside.

TAIL

Worked in moss green yarn. A tiny, unstuffed point.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 4 sc into the ring. (4 sts)
Round 2: Sc in each stitch around. (4 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 6 inches) for sewing. Do not stuff. Set aside.

Assembly

Now comes the fun part—bringing all the pieces together! Take your time with the sewing to ensure a neat, professional finish.

Step 1: Attach the Head

Position the head at the front edge of the bottom shell (the cream piece). The head should sit so that it peeks out slightly beyond the edge of the shell. Using the long tail from the head, sew it securely to the bottom shell. Make several passes through both the head and the shell to ensure it's firmly attached. Weave in the end.

Step 2: Attach the Legs

Position the four legs along the sides of the bottom shell—two on each side, evenly spaced. The legs should be placed roughly at the "equator" of the shell, pointing outward. Using the long tails from each leg, sew them securely to the bottom shell. Make sure they're attached firmly but don't pull them too tight, or they'll pucker. Weave in the ends.

Step 3: Attach the Tail

Position the tail at the back edge of the bottom shell, directly opposite the head. Using the long tail from the tail piece, sew it securely to the bottom shell. Weave in the end.

Step 4: Join the Shell Pieces

Place the top shell (moss green) over the bottom shell (cream), aligning the edges. The right sides should be facing out. Using the long tail from the top shell, begin whip stitching the two pieces together. Work your way around, but leave a small opening of about 1.5 inches for stuffing.

Step 5: Stuff the Shell

Through the opening, stuff the shell lightly with fiberfill. You want it to be plump and rounded but not overly firm—the turtle should feel soft and squishy. Distribute the stuffing evenly, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges.

Once you're happy with the stuffing, continue whip stitching the opening closed. Weave in the end securely.

Step 6: Embroider the Shell Scutes

Using the dark brown yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider a simple cross-stitch pattern on the top shell to mimic turtle shell scutes. Make 5-6 small X's in a hexagonal arrangement:

• Place one X in the center of the shell
• Place 5 X's around the center, evenly spaced, forming a rough hexagon

Each X should be about 2-3 stitches wide. Keep them small and neat for a polished look. Weave in the ends on the inside of the shell.

Step 7: Embroider the Face

Using the dark brown yarn, embroider two small French knots for eyes on the head. Position them about 2-3 rounds down from the top of the head, spaced about 4 stitches apart. To make a French knot:

1. Bring the needle up through the head at the eye position
2. Wrap the yarn around the needle 2-3 times
3. Insert the needle back down through the same hole
4. Gently pull tight to form a small knot

Then, using a straight stitch, embroider a small smile below the eyes. Bring the needle up at one corner of the mouth, insert it down at the other corner, and gently pull to create a slight curve. Weave in the ends.

Step 8: Attach the Keychain Ring

Thread the keychain ring through a few stitches at the very center top of the shell. You may need to gently pry the ring open slightly to slide it through. If the ring doesn't sit securely, use a small stitch with matching moss green yarn to secure it in place. Make sure the ring is firmly attached so your turtle doesn't fall off your keys!

Step 9: Weave in All Ends

Take a final pass through your work and weave in any remaining loose ends using your tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Mossy Glen Turtle Is Complete!

Congratulations! You've just created an adorable, pocket-sized forest friend. This little turtle measures approximately 2 inches in diameter—perfect for attaching to keys, backpacks, or zipper pulls. The moss green and cream color combination gives it a cozy, woodland-inspired aesthetic that's sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.

Pro tip: This pattern is incredibly versatile! Try experimenting with different color combinations—a pink shell with a cream belly, or a blue turtle with a yellow shell—to create a whole family of turtles. They also make wonderful gift toppers, package decorations, or even ornaments during the holiday season.

Since this is a free pattern, feel free to share it with friends and fellow crocheters. Happy crafting, and may your hooks always be busy!