Thank you for purchasing this pattern. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know!

Drop me an email to cuteashook@hotmail.co.uk

If you make a Darwin, show me! Share on Instagram using the tag #darwinthetortoise and tag me
too @cuteashook

Feel free to sell tortoises made using this pattern; please credit me as the author of the pattern and
direct people to my Ravelry if they request a copy. Please do not sell this pattern as your own or use
the text or photos in any manner.

This pattern is written using US terms.

This pattern was inspired by the creations of Heidi Bears on Ravelry, and was spurred on at the
request of a customer who loves Tortoises. Thank you very much to my pattern testers for their
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help.
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 I have included written patterns for the motifs, however I would suggest looking up Heidi Bears on
either Ravelry or Google as she includes full instructions on how to make the motifs

Items required

Yarn of your choice - this can be all one colour, or different colours for each round – I use DK yarn

Black yarn/embroidery thread – small amount

Crochet Hook – this needs to be at least 1mm smaller than the hook recommended for your yarn, for
example I use a 3mm hook when using DK yarn

2 x 15mm safety eyes

Scissors

Yarn needle

Toy stuffing

I would suggest you read the whole pattern before starting to make Darwin, and make sure that you
understand what you need to do before you start.

I always make all my motifs before joining them, and this is how to put them together to make a
Darwin of your own. I like to Single Crochet them together on the inside of the body, which means
holding each motif with their right sides together and crocheting through the back loops of each
side. This leaves a nice smooth surface on the right side of the tortoise. If you would like the shell to
have ridges between the motifs, you can join them with wrong sides touching instead. Some parts of
this pattern do differ however, so please make sure you are aware of whether you are joining right
or wrong sides before you start that step.

These are the instructions for making the motifs required. If you are going to do the join as you go
method, I would suggest you have a read of some tutorials online as I have not used this method so I
would not like to provide any advice on it.

If you are doing Join as you go, only make up to and including step 4 of each shape.

This pattern is written using US terms and is started with a magic circle, alternatively, you can chain
5 and join with a slip stitch.
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 Stiches used
US Terms Abbreviation UK Terms
Chain Ch Chain
Stitch St Stitch
Slip Stitch Slst Slip Stitch
Single Crochet Sc Double Crochet
Half Double Crochet HDC Half Treble Crochet
Double Crochet DC Treble Crochet
Treble Crochet Trb Double Treble

Motifs needed: 19 – Remember each side of the motif MUST have 9 stitches.

Hexagons – 9

1. Chain 3 (counts as 1st stitch) , 1 dc in ring , ( ch 1 , 2 dc in ring ) 5 times , chain 1 , slip stitch
to top of chain 3. (6 sets of 2dc, chain 1 made)
2. Take next colour and work into the chain spaces that we made in the previous round. Chain
3, 1dc, chain 1, 2dc, all in same chain space. (2dc, chain 1, 2dc) 5 times, slip stitch to top of
chain 3. (6 sets of 2dc, chain 1, 2dc)
3. In same colour, slip stitch into the 1st chain 1 stitch. Chain 3, 6dc in same chain space (7dc
made), in the next chain space make 7dc, repeat around and slip stitch into the top of the
chain 3. (6 sets of 7dc made)
4. Take next colour and join in the top of the chain 3 from the previous round. Chain 1 (counts
as first sc) and make a sc in each of the 6 dc from the previous round. In the space between
each cluster of 7dc make a dc into round 2. Continue this around and slip stitch to first sc. (6
sets of 7sc and 1 dc)
5. Take next colour and join at the first sc of the previous round. Chain 3 (counts as first dc) and
make 3 dc in the sc from the round below, chain 1 and make another dc in the same stitch.
(Make 7 more dc and then make 1dc, chain 1, 1dc into the same stitch) repeat around and
slip stitch into the top of chain 3. (6 sets of 9dc, chain 1)

Finish of and weave in all ends

Pentagons – 7 – When making the 2 pentagons for the eyes, remember you have to be able to insert
your safety eyes, so make sure the centre of the motif is not pulled too tight.

Start with a magic circle or chain 5 and join with a slip stitch

1. Chain 3 (counts as 1st stitch) , 1 dc in ring , ( ch 1 , 2 dc in ring ) 4 times , chain 1 , slip stitch
to top of chain 3. (5 sets of 2dc, chain 1 made)
2. Take next colour and work into the chain spaces that we made in the previous round. Chain
3

3, 1dc, chain 1, 2dc, all in same chain space. (2dc, chain 1, 2dc) 4 times, slip stitch to top of
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chain 3. (5 sets of 2dc, chain 1, 2dc)

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 3. In same colour, slip stitch into the 1st chain 1 stitch. Chain 3, 6dc in same chain space (7dc
made), in the next chain space make 7dc, repeat around and slip stitch into the top of the
chain 3. (5 sets of 7dc made)
4. Take next colour and join in the top of the chain 3 from the previous round. Chain 1 (counts
as first sc) and make a sc in each of the 6 dc from the previous round. In the space between
each cluster of 7dc make a dc into round 2. Sc in the next 7 dc of the previous round and
make a dc into round 2. Continue this around and slip stitch to first sc. (5 sets of 7sc and 1
dc)
5. Take next colour and join at the first sc of the previous round. Chain 3 (counts as first dc) and
make 3 dc in the sc from the round below, chain 1 and make another dc in the same stitch.
(Make 7 more dc and then make 1dc, chain 1, 1dc into the same stitch) repeat around and
slip stitch into the top of chain 3. (5 sets of 9dc, chain 1)

Finish of and weave in all ends

Triangles – 1

Start with a magic circle or chain 5 and join with a slip stitch

1. Chain 3 (counts as 1st stitch) , 1 dc in ring , ( ch 1 , 2 dc in ring )2 times , chain 1 , slip stitch to
top of chain 3. (3 sets of 2dc, chain 1 made)
2. Take next colour and work into the chain spaces that we made in the previous round. Chain
3, 1dc, chain 1, 2dc, all in same chain space. (2dc, chain 1, 2dc) 2 times, slip stitch to top of
chain 3. (3 sets of 2dc, chain 1, 2dc)
3. In same colour, slip stitch into the 1st chain 1 stitch. Chain 3, 6dc in same chain space (7dc
made), in the next chain space make 7dc, repeat around and slip stitch into the top of the
chain 3. (3 sets of 7dc made)
4. Take next colour and join in the top of the chain 3 from the previous round. Chain 1 (counts
as first sc) and make a sc in each of the 6 dc from the previous round. In the space between
each cluster of 7dc make a dc into round 2. Sc in the next 7 dc of the previous round and
make a dc into round 2. Continue this around and slip stitch to first sc. (3 sets of 7sc and 1
dc)
5. Take next colour and join at the first sc of the previous round. Chain 3 (counts as first dc) and
make 3 dc in the sc from the round below, chain 1 and make another dc in the same stitch.
(Make 7 more dc and then make 1dc, chain 1, 1dc into the same stitch) repeat around and
slip stitch into the top of chain 3. (3 sets of 9dc, chain 1)

Finish of and weave in all ends

This is the shape that your triangles will come out. They will curl but that
is OK
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Square – 2

Start with a magic circle or chain 5 and join with a slip stitch

1. Chain 3 (counts as 1st stitch) , 1 dc in ring , ( ch 1 , 2 dc in ring ) 4 times , chain 1 , slip stitch
to top of chain 3. (4 sets of 2dc, chain 1 made)
2. Take next colour and work into the chain spaces that we made in the previous round. Chain
3, 1dc, chain 1, 2dc, all in same chain space. (2dc, chain 1, 2dc) 3 times, slip stitch to top of
chain 3. (4 sets of 2dc, chain 1, 2dc)
3. In same colour, slip stitch into the 1st chain 1 stitch. Chain 3, 6dc in same chain space (7dc
made), in the next chain space make 7dc, repeat around and slip stitch into the top of the
chain 3. (4 sets of 7dc made)
4. Take next colour and join in the top of the chain 3 from the previous round. Chain 1 (counts
as first sc) and make a sc in each of the 6 dc from the previous round. In the space between
each cluster of 7dc make a dc into round 2. Sc in the next 7 dc of the previous round and
make a dc into round 2. Continue this around and slip stitch to first sc. (4 sets of 7sc and 1
dc)
5. Take next colour and join at the first sc of the previous round. Chain 3 (counts as first dc) and
make 3 dc in the sc from the round below, chain 1 and make another dc in the same stitch.
(Make 7 more dc and then make 1dc, chain 1, 1dc into the same stitch) repeat around and
slip stitch into the top of chain 3. (4 sets of 9dc, chain 1)

Finish of and weave in all ends

Construction

1. The Shell - Take your first Pentagon and attach a Hexagon to each side. Join the hexagons
together on their touching sides also. Each hexagon should have 3 sides left unworked on
the edges.

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 2. The Head – Take the 2 pentagons with the looser centre holes, and join them together on 3
sides leaving 2 edges unworked. Attach the eyes to the centre point of each flower and
secure the back into place.

Open out the head you have

just made, and attach to the shell. Connect on the

same colour lines
6 2

1
5 3

3. Legs – take 1 hexagon and 1 pentagon and join them on 3 sides with the RIGHT SIDES facing,
leaving 2 sides of the pentagon unworked and 3 sides of the hexagon unworked. Turn right
side out. This makes a little pocket – make 4 in total.

Attach the WRONG SIDES of the 2

remaining sides of the pentagon to
the green lines, and 1 of the Leg 1 Leg 4
WRONG remaining sides of the
hexagon to the blue line

Leg 2 Leg 3
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 That is the top of Darwin complete!

Now to do his belly!

4. Flip Darwin’s body upside down.

I. Connect a square to the two remaining sides of the head (red lines)
II. Connect onto the sides of the front leg hexagons (orange lines)
III. Now attach the square, this will be very tight and it might be better to whip
stitch it through both loops of each motif (green lines)

5. Nearly there! You need to start stuffing Darwin now. It needs to be nice and firm, but make
sure you do not stretch out the flowers too far so any stuffing could pop out.
6. Finally we need to add the last triangle. Attach one side to the red line; this will be on the
unworked side of the shell hexagon. You then need to sew/whip stitch the other two sides of
the triangle half way down the remaining side of the leg hexagons. This is a bit fiddly, but it
will make the tail pop out. Put some stuffing in the tail, and any other stuffing you think you
need then close this last hole up. Finish off your yarn and hide the end of the yarn in the
body.

Shell hexagon

Back leg hexagons

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 Congratulations! You have made the body!!

Now go to page 9 for the finishing touches

Join as you go

This is not a technique I use when making these creatures, however if you wish to use this
technique, have a look at the Heidi Bears tutorial here:
http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/african-flower-hexagon-join-as-you-go.html

Keep in mind that you will need to join EVERY stitch to avoid any toy stuffing falling out.

Thank you to Carly Bryan for her help.

Shell
1. Pentagon - Complete round 5 all around
c 2. Hexagon - Complete 5 sides of round 5 and join 1 side
6 2 to motif 1
3. Hexagon - Complete 4 sides of round 5 and then 1 side
to motif 1 and 1 side to motif 2
1 4. Hexagon - Complete 4 sides of round 5 and then join 1
5 3 side to motif 1 and 1 to motif 3
5. Hexagon - Complete 4 sides of round 5 and then join 1
side to motif 1 and 1 to motif 4
4
6. Hexagon - Complete 3 sides of round 5 and then join 1
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side to motif 2, 1 side to motif 1 and the final side to

motif 5
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Head
7. Pentagon - Complete 4 sides of round 5, and join 1
side to motif 6 (green line)
8. Pentagon – Complete 1 side of round 5, join 1 side
7 8
to motif 2 (red line), and 3 sides to motif 7 (orange
lines – this will be a bit fiddly)

6 2

1
5 3

Outside legs
9. Pentagon - Complete 3 sides of round 5,
join 1 side to motif 2, and 1 side to motif 3
7 8 10. Pentagon - Complete 3 sides of round 5,
join 1 side to motif 3, and 1 side to motif 4
11. Pentagon - Complete 3 sides of round 5,
join 1 side to motif 4, and 1 side to motif 5
12. Pentagon - Complete 3 sides of round 5,
6 2
9 join 1 side to motif 5, and 1 side to motif 6
12

1
5 3

10
11

Flip over Darwin’s body

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Inside legs

13. Hexagon – Complete 2 sides of round 5,

join 1 side to the remaining side of motif 2
7 8 (pink dotted line), and then join 3 sides of
hexagon, to the 3 remaining sides of motif
9 creating a pocket.
13 14. Hexagon – Complete 2 sides of round 5,
join 1 side to the remaining side of motif 3
6 2
9 (purple dotted line), and then join 3 sides
12
of hexagon, to the 3 remaining sides of
motif 10 creating a pocket.
1
15. Hexagon – Complete 2 sides of round 5,
5 3
join 1 side to the remaining side of motif 5
(light blue dotted line), and then join 3
4 14 sides of hexagon, to the 3 remaining sides
of motif 11 creating a pocket.
10
11 16. Hexagon – Complete 2 sides of round 5,
join 1 side to the remaining side of motif 6
(blue dotted line), and then join 3 sides of
hexagon, to the 3 remaining sides of motif
12 creating a pocket.

Belly
17. Join to the remaining side of motifs 8,9,16 and
13. This will pull the neck in.
18. Join to the remaining side of motifs 16,15,14 and
8 9 13. This will pull the belly in to make a waist.

17

13 16

18

14 15

You need to start stuffing Darwin now. It needs to be nice and firm, but make sure you do not
10

stretch out the flowers too far so any stuffing could pop out.
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Tail 19. Complete 2 sides of the triangle, and join to
Shell hexagon the remaining side of hexagon 4. Finish off.
4 You then need to sew/whip stitch the other
two sides of the triangle half way down the
remaining side of the leg hexagons. This is a
19 bit fiddly, but it will make the tail pop out. Put
15 14 some stuffing in the tail, and any other
stuffing you think you need then close this
last hole up. Finish off your yarn and hide the
end of the yarn in the body.
Back leg hexagons

Now we just need to add some details.

1. Single crochet around the base of the shell, start at the back of the head and work all the
way around. In the apex of the leg/waist joins, make 3 single crochet. You can the go all the
way around again, maybe in an alternative colour, or add a shell stitch (7 double crochet in
one stitch, skip 3 stitches make 1 sc, skip 3 stitches, repeat around – I do not make these
behind the head though).
2. I think Darwin looks better when his eyes have been “pinched in” a little. To do this, thread a
long piece of yarn on your yarn needle and work it through both sides of the head, either
above or below the eye a few times and gently pull it so that his eyes move in a little closer.
Finish off by hiding the yarn in the body.
3. Finally we need to add some nostrils! Take a small amount of black yarn/embroidery thread
and make two small lines on his nose.

All done! I hope you have enjoyed making Darwin as much as I did!

Give him a big squeeze and don’t forget to feed him!! 11

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