Knitted Sea Turtle Stack

The Knitted Sea Turtle Stack is a delightful and whimsical creation that brings together the charm of sea creatures with the cozy warmth of knitted designs. Each intricate stitch adds personality to these lovable turtles, making them a sweet addition to any home decor or a perfect gift for a sea life enthusiast. Their soft texture and fun colors are sure to bring smiles and a touch of playfulness to any room. Whether you're a knitting enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade crafts, the Knitted Sea Turtle Stack is a wonderful choice that is as heartwarming as it is adorable.

SIZE

One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Shell: 6 inches/15.25 cm

Length: 8 inches/20.25 cm from flipper to flipper

MATERIALS

Yarn

Knitpicks Wool of the Andes Worsted [100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 110yd/100m per 50g skein];

spacer [MC] Jalapeno; 1 skein

spacer [CC1] Calypso Heather; 1 skein

spacer [CC2] Evergreen; 1 skein

spacer [CC3] Blackberry; 1 skein

Note: Each turtle uses about 25 yds of the MC and about 40 yds of the CC, so this pattern works well with partial skeins.

Recommended needle size

[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]

spacer US #5/3.75mm needles for small circumference in the round – DPNs, 1 long or two short circulars

Notions

spacer six 9mm animal safety eyes in orange (two eyes per turtle)

spacer yarn needle

spacer polyester fiberfill

spacer pins

GAUGE

20 sts/24 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch

Note: gauge is not crucial as long as you like the fabric that results. Typically, for a stuffed toy, you’d work a little tighter than usual for a yarn, to ensure the stuffing doesn’t show through or come out. Working at a different gauge will change finished size, and yarn usage.

For Head, Flippers and Tail, there’s a relatively small number of stitches. If you’re using DPNs, and find it easier, you can indulge in a little cheat: distribute the stitches across two DPNs, and work with a third. This technique can create ladders, but in this context it won’t matter.

Work one Shell in each of the three CC colors; for each, the rest of the turtle is worked in MC.

DIRECTIONS

Shell Top

The shell top is worked from the outer edges toward center.

CO 54 stitches in a CC. Distribute sts across needles as you prefer and join for working in the round.

Rounds 1-4: P.

Round 5: K.

Round 6: (K2tog, k4) around. 45 stitches.

Round 7-8: K.

Round 9: (K2tog, k3) around. 36 stitches.

Round 10-11: K.

Round 12: (K2tog, k2) around. 27 stitches.

Round 13: K.

Round 14: (K2tog, k1) around. 18 stitches.

Round 15: K.

Round 16: (K2tog, k1) around. 12 stitches.

Round 17: (K2tog) around. 6 stitches.

Break yarn and pull through stitches to fasten off.

SHELL BOTTOM
The ShellBottom is worked from the center to the outer edge. Make the shell bottom in the same color as the shell top.

CO 3 stitches in the same CC as shell top.

Row 1: Working as if for i-cord, pulling the yarn across the back, (Kfb) 3 times. 6 stitches.
Distribute sts across needles as you prefer and join for working in the round.

Round 2: K.
Round 3: (Kfb) around. 12 stitches.
Round 4: K.
Round 5: (Kfb, k1) around. 18 stitches.
Round 6: K.
Round 7: (Kfb, k1) around. 27 stitches.
Round 8: K.
Round 9: (Kfb, k2) around. 36 stitches.
Round 10: K.
Round 11: (Kfb, k3) around. 45 stitches.
Round 12: K.
Round 13: (Kfb, k4) around. 54 stitches.
Round 14: K.
BO, leaving 24-inch/60-cm tail for sewing.