Description
Make a cuddly splash!
Imagination can take you Anywhere!
A variety of fabrics work well for this project, my favorite for optimum softness and shape is 3mm smooth minky by Shannon Fabrics. However, due to the easy potential for the seams to get thick quickly, quality cotton is my first choice and works great, too!
This sewing project is rated for the intermediate to advanced sewist (due primarily to the potential for thick seams), but has options for the adventurous beginner. I walk you through each step with detailed instructions and photos to illustrate each step. I also give tips for reducting/mitigating the thickness of the seams.
Your creativity is encouraged with variations to help you customize your stuffed animal. Variations can also help you plan for the skill level and time commitment of your project.
This turtle can go from very basic and adorable to more elaborate, embellished and fantastically detailed.
- Deceptively easy to make
- Detailed step by step instructions
- Photos accompany each step
- Full size pattern pieces
- Tips for best results
- Variations included
- PDF digital download, available instantly after purchase
- List of vendors for various materials
- Print only the pages you need, instructions can be followed on your computer or mobile device (or printed if desired)
- Make them for a special child, event or even sell your finished plush
- Prints on standard 8.5″ x 11″ printer paper.
BONUS! Variations to customize your plushie:
- Two Nostril Options
- Includes Optional Shell Scute (hexagon shapes) Applique Templates
- Includes Optional Detailed Spot Applique Templates
- Design Your Own Applique/Embroidery
Experience Level Intermediate to Advanced with Adventurous Beginner Variation
Language: English
Measurements: US Standard Units
Digital Download
Size When Complete
~24 inches wide from front flippers – tip to tip
~12 inches wide across widest part of shell
~19 inches long from nose to tail
This pattern and tutorial is copyright protected. It cannot be shared, sold, redistributed, copied, etc, in any manner in whole or in part. A full copyright statement is in the tutorial. You may make items from this pattern to sell on a small ‘home crafter’ scale. I request that credit be given to Rustic Horseshoe for the design on any items sold. This is detailed in the tutorial. I greatly appreciate your honesty and adherence to my copyright and terms, I have put a lot of hard work into not only the creation of my design, but the creation of this pattern and tutorial. Learn more here.
Katie West –
Another amazing pattern with options for all skill levels! Destined to be a favorite. You will love making this turtle. Take it slow and follow the steps. This is a fun project!
Kelli Greaves –
The Savvy Sea Turtle pattern is an absolute delight!! Rena’s thoughtful pattern drafting produces a charming sea turtle that can be incredibly true to life while being chock full of personality and character. Rena includes options for you to use achieve to very realistic details with any fabric or you can use your fabric choices to create similar effects. Plus you can choose simpler options as a blank canvas on which to let your creative juices run wild. Check out the tester gallery to be gobsmacked and inspired by all the amazing turtles! The pattern is not that difficult but can be challenging with some of the thicker fabric choices. Luckily, true to form, Rena’s instructions in the pattern are very thorough, well illustrated, and full of helpful tips (and turtle facts!). They will walk you through everything you need to know if you take it one step at a time. I had so much fun with this pattern….it was so satisfying watching my turtles come to life….and I have so many more ideas I want to try!!!!
Kim Kass –
This pattern I had thought might be a little challenging, but it all went together so easy, just like all her other patterns. You will want to make this pattern for sure. Fun to do. Can’t wait to make more with different fabrics choices. Great job again Rustic Horseshoe.
Chris Mills –
Amazing pattern with clear and precise instructions! Daunting at first but the turtle comes together beautifully and easily once you start! Easy to follow with little progress stops along the way! Can’t wait to make more turtles!
Diene Patterson –
Savvy Sea Turtle is a wonderful pattern with many options. The instructions are easy to follow and well written. Rena also shows pictures of what your progress should look like. Rustic Horseshoe is one of the best patterns to sew from beginners to pros.
Karla Wert –
The Savy Sea Turtle pattern has so many options that make any turtle you sew a one of a kind treasure. The pattern is well written and easy to follow, as are all the patterns by Rustic Horseshoe. It was a perfect excuse to purchase fabric while I was vacationing in Hawaii. My Honu (Hawaiian Sea Turtle) is an extra special souvenir because it was hand sewn on the beaches of Hawaii.
kelly-ann Horsburgh –
An enjoyable make of this characterful sea turtle with clear and concise instructions and allowing plenty of room for your own creativity or customisation , It was both a fun and rewarding make .
Tracy Pitt –
I was a tester for this pattern and I am honestly saying that I absolutely loved making this turtle. 🐢 You can choose a variety of different styles with the fins and shell, so let your imagination shine ✨
Sarah Adamson –
This is a unique pattern, that has endless possibilities, a fact that can ‘seem’ a little daunting if you’re new to making plushies. Don’t be put off though, by the various options that are available, when deciding how to make your turtle because they are meant for people with a little more experience.
Beginners can make the sea turtle in its simplest form and still create a really cute, special plushie, with tons of character.
Then, as you learn and develop your plushy making skills, what’s really amazing, is that the pattern grows with you and when you revisit it, suddenly you can decide if you want to add eyelids, a trim for the shell, appliqué pieces on the shell and so on.
The possibilities are endless. The only limit is your imagination, with this pattern.
So wether you’re a beginner who wants a pattern that grows with you or an experienced plushy maker, who wants something that encourages creativity, imagination and personal flair, the Savvy Sea Turtle, is the perfect pattern. It really is that versatile.
And as far as using the pattern to make gifts, this pattern has so many possibilities. You could make a memory sea turtle, a themed one, a realistic one, a silly one, a one based on someone’s character, a one with initials, dates, names, places. You could even create a one where the shell tells a story, perhaps even a person’s story.
Of course the instructions are vital too and thankfully, walk the reader through the entire process, step by step, with written instructions and loads of photos illustrating each of those steps. I love that the pattern walks you through everything, explaining what choices can be made and which ones are easier and which are more difficult.
The pattern really is suitable for anyone who knows the basics of sewing because it clearly explains how to create the sea turtle, at every step and even has a planning sheet and includes a guide for what pieces you can choose.
The detail is incredible but I expect nothing less from a Rustic Horseshoe pattern and recommend it without hesitation.
The Savvy Sea Turtle really is a rare gem of a pattern and has everything and more.
Shawna Brooks –
I love the sea turtle’s realistic shape, a little different from many of the pudgy plushies. The spot applique option is definitely time consuming, but when I was done it was worth it for the unique style it adds. This pattern is overflowing with tips to help you succeed and options to give your turtle just the flair you want. There are plenty of pictures to support the instructions, and even a video tutorial available if you want that extra level of support.
candi keates –
I was lucky enough to be a tester for this pattern. It’s a fantastic pattern, well written and clear to understand. It has so many creative options and makes the most adorable sea turtle. You won’t be disappointed!
Sherry Bristol –
Rena has knocked it out of the sea. Savvy Sea Turtle has such realistic features and I love how my turtle turned out. This pattern was my first Rustic Horseshoe project, which had a couple of challenges for me in a good way. This pattern had detailed step by step instructions with photos. The instructions also allow me to customize my turtle, which allows for my creativity to flow. I chose cotton polyester fabrics to create my turtle. I love my turtle! Thank you Rena Dearden for your wonderful design. I see more turtles in my future.☺️💗
K P –
Love this turtle! So life like, super easy to follow along on the detailed pattern description, and so fun to customize! (I used a quilt Block for the shell). I will be making this again!
Vikki Handyside –
Rena designs the most amazing patterns, and this new Savvy Sea Turtle pattern is another masterpiece. Very well written and very detailed with lots of images, and plenty of creative options to decide upon.
I had the privilege of being one of the pattern testers, and I had so much creative fun with this pattern. The options are endless, and it’s a great scrap buster………
This pattern is an absolute must buy, and a perfect addition to an already never ending pattern stash.
Get our creative cogs turning, and get your mitts on this Savvy Sea Turtle. You won’t be disappointed……….
Mardi Clifford –
This pattern was so much fun, it has plenty of options to make a unique turtle everytime. There are a couple of challenges that made me slow down and really enjoy the process. Rena has so many photos that it’s easy enough for a confident beginner to make an awesome turtle everytime. Make sure to get yourself a copy and have a go.
Alice Perales –
Vinny is his name and swimming is his game!!! I have to admit that when I first started looking at this pattern, I was very overwhelmed. I was thinking to myself, what have I gotten myself into. But I took it one step at a time. Did the seam ripper come out? Why, yes it did! But that’s ok. It all worked out in the end and I can’t wait to make another one. Let your imagination run wild, or swim carefree!! Picking out the fabric and then seeing this little guy come to life was so much fun. Challenging, yes, but Rena had so many photos and detailed instructions that helped out so much. Really made me slow down, but I needed to slow down. Enjoy this pattern for yourself and make a few.
Elizabeth Moore –
Another great pattern.
Dont let the pattern intimidate you. If you get over whelmed start with the simple version. You will quickly realize how easy the pattern comes together. And definitely make the intermediate version. It is well worth it once you see how the beautiful it is with all the added details.
Jilayne –
True to form for Rena-
The Rustic Horseshoe!! I am so impressed with this pattern, which delivers so much instructional detail. It provides an opportunity to let your creativity flow! You will not be disappointed and will love the challenge! This is a must make!
Jessica Ingram –
I rarely read directions when sewing, so when I first read the instructions, I was a little overwhelmed. But once I got sewing, everything fell into place.
I do recommend using a walking foot.
You wont be disappointed in this pattern.
Natalie Stalcup –
I absolutely loved making the Sea Turtle sew much…I made 2 !!
At first I felt a little daunted when I saw the pieces but after cutting them out and choosing fabric, it went smoothly. I really appreciated the project list to help check off what I was using & where.
If you follow along & complete each step, compare to pictures, you will be surprised how easily it can be done.
Thank you sew much, Rena, for making these wonderful plushies.
Amanda Blood –
This pattern was so much fun!! I encourage you to buy this and make it if you or someone you know loves sea turtles.
I just loved this pattern!! There are so many different ways you can make the sea turtle and lots of different fabrics that can be used. This pattern also have so many options and is great for any level of sewer. I love how the sea turtle came together!!
My daughter loves the sea turtle that I made for her!! ❤️
Jennifer Epp –
I love how versatile this pattern is! Jeans, quilts, minky, faux leather and cotton are some of the substrates that make this turtle so amazing! There are a lot of great tips in this pattern that will make sewing it easier. Please read the instructions so sewing this will be enjoyable! It is so tempting to skip reading and if reading isn’t you strong suit I recommend purchasing the video!
Katie Leeck –
It turns out so well and to have the options is nice to have as well. My little turtle fan is plotting more and so am I.. it was an easy to follow pattern from start to finish…
Lois Stanley –
This pattern was an absolute joy to work with! The shell and flippers are perfect canvases for creative quilting exploration, and I am very much looking forward to making more of these 🙂 I made my sample using quilting cotton and cotton batting, my old workhorse of machine powered through just fine. I did switch out to a zipper foot when sandwiching the tail in the body layers.
Aleisha B –
This pattern is such a rewarding make. It is great for using up any spare bits of fabric you have to make a beautiful patchwork shell. It is a challenging make at times depending on what fabrics you choose but well worth it to see the end result!!
Tracy –
This was such a fun pattern to make! The possibilities are endless. It took me a bit to get started because I kept changing the direction I wanted to go. That means, I have more to make to make my visions come to life. I went with denim from discarded jeans, a sweatshirt no one wanted and a thrifted puffer vest (for the undershell). I showed it to my nearly 11 year old great nephew and he immediately said he wanted one! So, it’s beinig shipped to him!
The pattern is easy to follow. It has some parts that are a bit challening, but completely doable. Each step is explained well with detailed pictures. Hints and tips on how to get it done is throughout the instructions. Fabric choices and design elements can cause some seams to get quite bulky. Tips for mitigating this are included in the pattern. The fun facts sprinkled throughout are fun to read.
Since making this turtle, sea turtles keep popping up everywhere!
Gavy Swan-Mansfield –
I had the honour of testing the Savvy Sea Turtle, and it is my favourite Rustic Horseshoe Pattern yet!
I love the shape, I love the versatility, and I found the photo tutorial clear.
I will say that the seams can be bulky, so listen to Rena’s advice about how to mitigate the bulky seams—she will not lead you astray!
Off to make more turtles!
Ally Pedder –
A gorgeous and incredibly realistic pattern by Rustic Horseshoe. I love how this project turned out and it was challenging in all the right ways. Definitely recommend it to give it a go!