Ok, well I don't guess this guy needs any real explanation or introduction. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles just recently celebrated their '27th' anniversary as some of the most beloved and well-known characters in our world. I had intentions of making this doll a few years ago, but just kept putting it off for one reason or another....and finally just had to do it.
Those of you who are followers of my FaceBook Page saw the 'sneak peek' a few days ago, and the response was, to say the least, incredible. Turtles are something most of us can relate to, since they've been around for so long. I hope that this doll and pattern will please the 'hardcore' turtle fans who have been there since the beginning through all their 'changes'.... since this doll was mostly patterned after the 'old-school' original series.
Having been a fan of TMNT since the beginning myself, I'm most fond of the 'original' series - thus the reason this doll is made that way. The basic pattern can easily be made to create all four of the turtles, by simply changing the colors of the bandana and the weapons to represent the turtle of your choice. If I had enough greens to make them all I would... but I'll leave that up to all the wonderfully creative crocheters out there! :D
As always, if you find any typoes or mistakes in the pattern, please let me know, I'll correct them ASAP.
Mikey
MATERIALS:
WW yarn in choice of green (with smaller amounts of brown, tan and colors for bandana)
G crochet Hook
Fiberfill
yarn needle
Small scraps of white and black felt for eyes/mouth
NOTES:
Gauge isn't important, as long as your yarn, hook and tension result in stitches that are even and don't allow the stuffing to show through.
Numbers at the end of each round or row indicate the total number of stitches that should be in that round or row.
Magic ring instructions can be found easily by a websearch for 'crochet magic ring' . YouTube also has some very good video instructions by searching for 'crochet magic ring' on YouTube.
HEAD:
Rnd 1: 7 sc in magic ring (7)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (14)
Rnd 3: sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc around (21)
Rnd 4: sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (28)
Rnd 5: sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (35)
Rnd 6-10: sc in each sc around (35)
Rnd 11: sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in each of next 15 sc, sc in remaining 10 sc (50)
Rnd 12-13: sc in each sc around (50)
Rnd 14: sc in next 3 sc, dec over next 2 sc around (40)
Begin stuffing here if you haven't already. Stuff firmly, without overstuffing, while shaping the 'face' as you go. Continue stuffing as you progress.
Rnd 15: sc in next 2 sc, dec over next 2 sc around (30)
Rnd 16: sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sc around (20)
Rnd 17: dec over next 2 sc around (10)
Rnd 18: sc in each sc around (10)
F/O leaving a tail. Finish adding any stuffing needed to shape head properly. Weave the tail through the last row of 10 sc, tug gently to 'close up' the opening. Secure and weave in end.
BODY:
Rnd 1: 7 sc in magic ring (7)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (14)
Rnd 3: sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc around (21)
Rnd 4: sc in each sc around (21)
Rnd 5: sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (28)
Rnd 6: sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 3 sc, sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in each of remaining 3 sc (34)
Rnd 7: sc in next 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 16 sc, 2 sc in last sc (36)
Rnd 8-9: sc in each sc around (36)
Rnd 10: sc in next 15 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in next 15 sc, 2 sc in each of last 3 sc (42)
Rnd 11-20: sc in each sc around (42)
Rnd 21: sc in next 15 sc, dec over next 2 sc (repeat decrease 2 more times), sc in next 15 sc, dec over next 2 sc (repeat decrease 2 more times) (36)
Rnd 22: sc in each sc around (36)
Rnd 23: sc in next 12 sc, dec over next 2 sc (repeat decrease 2 more times), sc in next 12 sc, dec over next 2 sc (repeat decrease 2 more times) (30)
Rnd 24: sc in each sc around (30)
Begin stuffing at this point if you haven't already. Stuff body firmly while shaping but avoid overstuffing. Continue stuffing as you progress.
Rnd 25: sc in next 9 sc, dec over next 2 sc (repeat decrease 2 more times), sc in next 9 sc, dec over next 2 sc (repeat decrease 2 more times) (24)
Rnd 26: sc in next 2 sc, dec over next 2 sc around (18)
Rnd 27: sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sc around (12)
F/O. Add any stuffing needed to finish shaping the body. Secure end and weave in. Leave neck opening as is.
ARMS (make 2):
Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic ring (8)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (16)
Rnd 3-6: sc in each sc around (16)
Rnd 7: dec over next 2 sc around (8)
Begin stuffing at this point, do not overstuff but stuff moderately firmly to shape the 'muscles' of the shoulder, upper arm and lower arm as you progress.
Rnd 8: sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc around (12)
Rnd 9-11: sc in each sc around (even)
Rnd 12: sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sc around (8)
Rnd 13: sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc (10)
Rnd 14-18: sc in each sc around (10)
Rnd 19: dec over next 2 sc around (5)
Flatten end, sc across opening through all layers (3 sc)
Rnd 20: chain 3, sc in second chain from hook and next chain, slip stitch to next sc along 'top' of hand (rnd 19). chain 3, sc in second chain from hook and next chain, slip stitch to next sc along 'top' of hand - two fingers made. Chain 3, sc in second chain from hook and next chain, slip stitch along 'side' of hand (between rnd 18 and 19) to create 'thumb'
F/O and weave end in.
LEGS (make 2):
Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic ring (8)
Rnd 2: working in back loops only for this round, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc around (12)
Rnd 3-7: (working again through both loops) sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 8: dec over next 2 sc around (6)
Rnd 9: 2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 10-15: sc in each sc around 12)
Rnd 16: sc in next 7 sc, chain 7, Join chain to first sc of this round. (7 sc, 7 chs)
Rnd 17: sc in each sc and chain around (14)
Rnd 18: sc in each sc around (14)
Rnd 19: dec over next 2 sc around (7)
F/O. Weave in ends.
Stuff the leg (while shaping). Stuff moderately firm without overstuffing. 'Hip' is either not stuffed (flattened) or *very* lightly stuffed. Leg is pinned to side/bottom of body as shown, with 'hip' cape/flap to the outside and 'opening' at top of leg underneath. Very small amounts of stuffing can be added to the cape at the 'hip' to provide more shape if needed.
FEET (make 2):
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2-3: sc in each sc around (6)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 5-8: sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 9: Flatten 'foot', sc across top through all layers (6 sc). Turn.
sc in next 3 sc, turn, sc in next 3 sc, turn slip stitch across the 3 sc, and down the side to the main part of the foot, slip stitch to next sc of row 9. Sc in next 3 sc, turn, sc in next 3 sc, turn slip stitch across the 3 sc, and down the side to the main part of the foot, slip stitch to row 9 (between the two 'toes').
F/O, secure and weave in end.
(NOTE: Feet in the doll shown were not stuffed, just flattened. If you wish to add a *very* small amount of stuffing to the feet to give them a little more 'size' do this before you close the opening by sc across the top, then proceed as is written from there)
Feet are sewn as shown to the bottom of the legs. Make sure that you have the feet facing in the correct direction . (I find that pinning the legs to the doll and then pinning/sewing the feet to the bottom of the legs is most helpful as it ensures you have the right direction on both of the feet, and the best angle as well)
BELLY PLATE:
(using tan)
Row 1: chain 6, sc in second chain from hook and each chain across , turn (5)
Row 2: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (7)
Row 3: sc in each sc across (7)
Row 4: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (9)
Row 5: sc in each sc across (9)
Row 6: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (11)
Row 7: sc in each sc across (11)
Row 8: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (13)
Row 9: sc in each sc across (13)
Row 10: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (15)
Row 11-24: sc in each sc across (15)
Row 25: sc in first sc, dec over next 2 sc, sc in next 4 sc, slip stitch to next sc, sc in next 4 sc, dec over next 2 sc, sc in last sc
Row 26: sc in first sc, dec over next 2 sc, sc in next 3 sc, slip stitch to next stitch, sc in next 3 sc, dec over next 2 sc, sc in last sc
Row 27: sc in first sc, dec over next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, slip stitch to next stitch, sc in next 2 sc, dec over next 2 sc, sc in last sc
F/O. Weave in ends. Using brown yarn and yarn needle, add the detailing to the plate as shown in photos.
SHELL:
(Using brown)
Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic ring (8)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (16)
Rnd 3: 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 4 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in each of last 2 sc (24)
Rnd 4: sc in each sc around (24)
Rnd 5: 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 4 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in each of last 2 sc (32)
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (32)
Rnd 7: 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 4 sc, sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in each of last 2 sc (40)
Rnd 8: sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (48)
Rnd 9-10: sc in each sc around (48)
SHELL RIM:
Rnd 1: ch 6, join to make ring, sc in each chain around (6)
Rnd 2-?: sc in each sc around (6 sc each round) until the tube will easily reach around the outside of the shell (the number of rounds will vary from person to person due to yarn, hook and tensions differences) Tube does not need to be stuffed, but if you wish, you can VERY lightly stuff the tube to give it more rigidity. When the tube will easily fit around the outside edge of the shell, F/O and sew ends of tube together. Pin and sew tube to outside edge of shell. Shell will be stuffed when sewn to the back of the turtle.
ELBOW/KNEE PADS:
Elbow pads (make 2):
Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic ring (8)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (16)
Do not fasten off, continue with strap as follows:
Sc in next 2 sc, turn
Sc in 2 sc, turn
Repeat rows of 2 sc until strap will reach around arm at elbow (exact number of rows will vary from person to person due to yarn, hook and tension differences). F/O leaving tail. Sew end of strap to opposite side of 'pad'. Weave in ends.
KNEE PADS (make 2):
Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic ring (8)
Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each sc around (16)
Do not fasten off, continue with strap as follows:
Sc in next 2 sc, turn
Sc in 2 sc, turn
Repeat rows of 2 sc until strap will reach around leg at knee (exact number of rows will vary from person to person due to yarn, hook and tension differences) F/O leaving tail. Sew end of strap to opposite side of 'pad'. Weave in ends.
BANDANA:
Using color of choice:
Chain 2. Sc in second chain from hook, turn.
Sc in sc, turn
2 sc in sc, turn (2)
Continue with rows of 2 sc for approx. 20 rows (more if you want a longer tail on the bandana)
Next row: 2 sc in each sc across, turn (4)
Continue with rows of 4 sc until this section of the bandana will just wrap around the head above the 'nose' as shown.
Next row: Decrease over next 2 sc, twice, turn (2)
Continue with rows of 2 sc for the same length as before (2)
Decrease over next 2 sc, turn (1)
Sc in sc.
F/O, weave in ends.
"EYEBROWS":
Chain about 20 (check and see if you want more or less 'brow') Place in the shape of the brows over the top of the bandana. (this is probably best done after construction of the doll and eyes are in place so that you can see how much or how little 'brow' you want on your turtle)
BELT:
Chain 3, sc in second chain from hook and next sc , turn (2)
Continue rows of 2 sc for length desired for belt. Belt goes around the shell, so it's probably best to wait until doll is fully assembled before making the belt so that you can try it around the doll as you make it to ensure it's the length you want.
NUNCHUCKS:
(make 2)
Row 1: Chain 11, sc in second chain from hook and each chain across, turn (10)
Row 2-3: sc in each sc across, turn (10)
F/O leaving tail. With yarn needle, fold in half long ways and sew together with whip stitch.
Weave in tail.
Chain (make 1):
Chain approx 20 (or length desired). Attach each end to one of the 'chucks'.
FINAL ASSEMBLY:
I recommend pinning all the parts together before sewing to ensure you're happy with everything befoe making it permanent.
Head is sewn to top of body at neck opening. Belly Plate is sewn to front of body. Arms and legs are sewn to body positioned as desired.
Elbow and knee pads are placed on arms and legs as shown, they can be tacked on with a few stitches if you want.
Eyes are made by cutting pieces of felt and sewing/gluing them to the bandana. Mouth is made by cutting a piece of felt and sewing/gluing to the face as desired. Facial expressions can vary from turtle to turtle to give them each their own personality.
The doll can be made to represent any of the Turtles, by changing the color of the bandana, weapons and even facial expressions.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the character Michaelangelo are copyright/trademarked of their original creators.
This pattern is an original crochet pattern and is © by Linda Potts (March 2011). Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint/repost it on your site. You may print and keep a copy for your own personal use but you may not add it to any collection on cd/dvd, sell or distribute it, or sell items made from this pattern.