My easy crochet tortoise pattern is based on the wonderful leopard tortoise species. They are adorable pets, and a creature that’s absolutely in my future reptile plans.

The markings on the shell are simple to achieve using variegated yarn. And the distinctive tortoise-like expression is helped by using rimmed eyes, as well as a couple of stitches to raise the chin and give a tilt of the head.

You will need:

• 50g King Cold Yummy chenille yarn in liquorice
• 50g King Cold Yummy chenille yarn in champagne
• 50g Jubilee chenille yarn in zen
• 5.5mm crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Safety eyes
• Toy stuffing

Find the full pattern for free on the Lucy Kate Crochet website.