Want to crochet something that's both cute and practical? Here's the perfect little project you can whip up in one sitting! It's the TURTLE MUG RUG, and I'm sharing the crochet pattern for free!
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The Turtle Mug Rug is a cute cup coaster that works up quickly. This sea turtle has a circle coaster “shell” and two curved front flippers, with two round back flippers and a pointy little tail.
It can be made with no-sew techniques, or with simple sewing if you don’t feel comfortable doing no-sew. I recommend beginner crocheters to sew the pieces on, as it's honestly quite easy to position and attach them that way. The no-sew method would be suitable for experienced crocheters.
It’s both a functional desk buddy and cute office decor to make your workspace more cozy! Crochet it as a last-minute present for turtle lovers or coffee or tea lovers, and bundle it with something like this adorable turtle mug as the perfect gift set.
This project also makes a great craft fair product for Spring and Summer markets since it's fast to work up and get stocked up with!
About the Pattern
- Easy
- Fast
- Can be completely no-sew if desired (or sew the pieces on with simple sewing skills!)
- Size: Body is a 4” diameter circle to serve as a standard cup coaster
Recommended Yarn
This pattern was designed using faux fur yarn for a soft and furry finishing result. I used Lion Brand Yarn's Feels like Bliss Yarn, and really enjoy how silky it feels when crocheting. Other yarn options like blanket yarn or chenille velvet yarn can also be used with this pattern to create a plush look.
More Mug Rugs
Want other cute mug rugs to make? I have a collection growing! Check out my Mug Rug Pattern Roundup here to see them all, including lots of free cup coaster patterns.
PDF Pattern
The PDF pattern is printable, ad-free, easy to read, and helps support Sweet Softies! (If you enjoy my free patterns, you can consider it as a donation to me when you buy one of my pattern PDFs! It allows me to maintain my blog and continue sharing more free patterns.)
TURTLE MUG RUG
Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
Terms of Use & Copyright Notice © 2024 Sweet Softies (www.sweetsofties.com). You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but you must credit Sweet Softies as the owner/creator of this pattern by linking to my website (www.sweetsofties.com). No wholesale. You may not translate, copy, alter, or sell my patterns in part or in whole in any way. My patterns may not be used in video tutorials or teaching online classes. My patterns may be used in teaching in-person classes ONLY with written consent from me. You may link to this pattern but you may not copy any part of the pattern instructions on other websites.
Pattern Info
Size:
Length from head to tail: 6.5”
Level of Difficulty:
★★☆☆☆ Familiar Beginner. Requires familiarity with stitches used (below) and changing yarn colors.Stitches/Terms Used:
- FO = fasten off
- YO = yarn over
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (insert 2 sc in same st)
- dec = decrease (sc 2 sts together)
Materials:
- Bulky weight “5” yarn in green and brown (I used Feels like Bliss Yarn from Lion Brand Yarns)
- 4mm hook for the head (I use these)
- 6mm hook for the flippers/shell/tail (I use these)
- 12mm plastic safety eyes (I use these)
- Stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Crochet Instructions
Notes:
- The free version of the pattern comes in written instructions (below) as well as a step-by-step video tutorial. If you want an ad-free printable version of the written instructions, please download the low-cost PDF pattern.
- Use the 4mm hook for the head only.
- Use the 6mm hook for the rest of the turtle (flippers, shell, tail).
- Stuff only the head. All other pieces remain unstuffed.
HEAD
Use the 4mm hook and green yarn.R1: In a MR, insert 8 sc. Pull the ring tight. (8)
R2: Inc around. (16)
R3: (Sc 3, inc) x 4. (20)
R4-R6: Sc around. (20)
R7: (Sc 3, dec) x 4. (16)
Insert 12mm eyes between R5-R6, about 8-9 sts apart. Stuff the head and continue working as you work along.
R8: (Sc 2, dec) x 4. (12)
R9: (Sc, dec) x 4. (8)
R10: (Sc 2, dec) x 2. (6)
FO with a tail for weaving in later.
FRONT FLIPPERS (x2)
Use the 6mm hook and green yarn.R1: In a MR, ch 2 and insert 12 dc. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (12)
R2: Fold the circle in half. In this round, you will be sc around the folded semi-circle, going through both the front and back layers. Ch 1 and insert 2 sc in each of the 6 pairs of sts. (12)
FO with a tail for sewing later.
BACK FLIPPERS (x2)
Use the 6mm hook and green yarn.R1: In a MR, ch 2 and insert 8 dc. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (8)
R2: Ch, dec around. Join with a sl st to the first st. (4)
FO with a tail for sewing later.
SHELL
Use the 6mm hook and brown yarn.R1: In a MR, ch 2 and insert 12 dc. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (12)
R2: Ch 2, insert 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (24)
R3: Ch 2. (Dc, insert 2 dc in the next st) x 12. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (36)
No-Sew Option for Experienced Crocheters: To join the head/flippers to the shell without sewing, insert your hook through the shell’s layer and two layers of the individual pieces while completing the sc stitches in R4 below. You will need to plan out the desired position of your turtle’s head and flippers before crocheting them together.
See video tutorial if you need help with this section.
R4: Ch. (Sc 2, inc) x 12. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (42)
FO with a tail and weave in the ends.
FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS
- SEWING PARTS: (If you did not do the no-sew option of crocheting the turtle’s parts to the shell in R4 of the shell, you’ll simply sew the pieces to the shell.) Position each piece around the turtle’s shell as desired. Use a yarn needle and the long yarn tails from the pieces to sew them to the shell. Weave in all ends.
- TAIL: Attach green yarn between the two hind flippers. (Ch 2, tr, ch 2, sl st) all in the same st. FO and weave in the ends.
Video Tutorial
Want to crochet along with me? Let's get started with the video tutorial below!
Want to share your finished turtle mug rug?
I'd love to see what you make on Instagram, @SweetSofties!
Thank you for reading, and hope you had a fun time crocheting this project! If you'd like to help out my blog, feel free to check out my post, "5 Ways to Support my Blog!"
You might like my other designs if you enjoyed this one! Simply click on the image below for the pattern, or check out all my free patterns here.
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Best wishes,
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
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