Throughout my childhood, my aunt Marina gave me turtle-themed gifts to wish me good luck in my studies; Happy the Turtle is inspired by her constant encouragement and gentle spirit. The modular shell is based on the soothing geometry of a polyhedron and designed to showcase colorful variegated yarns, especially hand-dyed skeins with speckles, streaks, or a bold pop of color.

The entire body is fully hollow and knit completely in the round, in one join-as-you-go piece, using pick-ups through purl bumps as well as cast-on edges. The pattern begins with the outer ring of the shell, with a pause to complete the head, followed by the legs and tail. An i-cord edging is added to the shell when all appendages are complete; the belly and final shell section close off the form. Stuffing happens at the very end, as the shell is closed off. The head is the fiddliest bit, with increases, decreases, and short rows in rapid succession, ending with an unusual inside-out bind-off that creates a distinctive mouth with plenty of personality. Aside from a smidge of kitchener stitch and weaving in ends, there is zero sewing.

While links to external tutorials are included where applicable, this written pattern assumes working knowledge of: German short rows, i-cord, how to pick up stitches, Kitchener stitch, and both long tail and backward loop cast-ons.

Materials
• Yarn:
MC (shell): Kim Dyes Yarn—Cannoli Worsted in
Mushroom Hunting, 210 yds / 103g— 1 skein (sample used 85g)
CC (body): Kim Dyes Yarn—Cannoli Worsted in
Herbaceous, 210 yds / 103g— 1 skein (sample used 40g)
-Or worsted weight equivalents
• Needles: US size 4 DPNs (8”) for the body/shell and US size 7 DPNs (or larger, for i-cord only), or circulars for Magic Loop; aim for a tight fabric
• Locking stitch markers, at least 12 (or scrap yarn)
• Safety eyes (12mm) or the ability to embroider eyes

• Optional but super, super useful:
small crochet hook, elastic band

Gauge: No specific gauge - aim for a tight fabric
Dimensions: Sample is approx. 11” x 8” x 8”

Yarn/Needle substitutions:
• For Sport/DK weight yarn, use US size 2 and US size 5 (or larger, for i-cord)
• For Bulky weight yarn, use US size 6 and US size 9 (or larger, for i-cord)

SAFETY: I don’t know what official designation or standard is required to call this a “toy,” but please use your best judgment and an abundance of caution for the safety of your children and pets.

Special thanks to Kim Dyes Yarn, Edwina, Yeon Gyeong, and the Knitty City family!