You know that feeling when a Pokemon idea sticks in your head for years? This Squirtle crochet crop top does exactly that. It turns the little water turtle into a wearable crop top with his face, shell, stubby arms, and that curly tail. Grab your hook—this free pattern walks you through every stitch so you can make your own Tiny Turtle Top.
Why This Squirtle Crop Top Wins Hearts
This design captures Squirtle’s full charm without looking cartoonish or stiff. You get the sweet face right up front, the classic shell texture on the sides, little arms, and a tail that curls around the hem. People will stop you at conventions, parties, or even the grocery store just to ask about it.
It is not a weekend project. Plan on 25 to 40 hours depending on how fast you work and how much detail you add. The payoff? You walk around looking like the coolest trainer in the room.
The construction stays smart. Two flat panels form the body. You seam the sides, add thin straps, then attach all the fun applique pieces. The magic lives in those details.
This pattern fits a size Small/Medium for a 32 to 36 inch bust with about 12 to 13 inches of ease. Finished measurements sit around 28 inches at the hem and 7 inches from hem to underarm. Want a different size? The notes at the end give you easy ways to tweak it.
Materials You Need Before You Start
Nothing slows a project faster than running out of the right color halfway through. Gather everything first.
Yarn (all worsted weight):
- Color A Light sky blue: 450 to 500 yards for the main body
- Color B Cream or off-white: 80 yards for the belly
- Color C Tan or caramel brown: 60 yards for the shell panels
- Color D Dark brown or chocolate: 20 yards for shell outlines and embroidery
- Color E Yellow: 10 yards for the snout
- Color F Red-brown or brick red: 15 yards for the eyes
- Color G White: 15 yards for eye highlights and toe tips
- Color H Black: 10 yards for pupils and facial details
Hooks:
- US Size H-5 / 5.0 mm for the main body
- US Size G-6 / 4.0 mm for applique pieces and straps
Extra supplies:
- Yarn needle for seaming
- At least 8 stitch markers
- Scissors
- Small amount of fiberfill stuffing
- Straight pins
- Blocking mats and rust-proof pins
- Measuring tape
Budget-friendly options like Lion Brand Pound of Love work great. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK gives crisp stitch definition at a tighter gauge. Cascade 220 Superwash offers nice drape if you want to splurge. Skip fuzzy or textured yarns—they hide the applique details.
Gauge and Why You Should Not Skip It
16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet using the H-5 hook.
Swatching feels boring. Do it anyway. Even half a stitch off multiplies across 70 stitches and ruins the fit. Make the swatch, block it, measure it, then start the real work.
Abbreviations and Stitches You Will Use
Here is every stitch that shows up in this pattern.
- ch chain: Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook.
- sl st slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sc single crochet: Insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
- hdc half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops.
- dc double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.
- sc2tog single crochet two together: Insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops.
- inc increase: Work two single crochets into the same stitch.
- BLO back loop only: Insert the hook only under the back loop of the V.
- RS right side: The side that faces outward when worn.
- WS wrong side: The inside of the garment.
Special Techniques Worth Knowing
Ribbing Stitch: Work single crochet in the back loop only across every row. This creates stretchy ridges that look like knitted ribbing. You use it on the hem bands and strap edges.
Surface Slip Stitch: With right side facing and yarn behind the work, insert your hook from front to back through the fabric. Pull up a loop of the new color, then work slip stitches across the surface to create raised outlines. Keep tension relaxed so the fabric does not pucker. This technique forms the hexagon shell pattern.
Single Crochet Join: Hold two panels with wrong sides together. Insert your hook through both layers at once and single crochet through both. The ridge lands on the inside of the garment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time to build the top. Work the hem first, then the body panels, then the fun applique pieces.
Section 1: Hem Ribbing
The hem works sideways first. Then you pick up stitches along the long edge to build the body upward. Make two identical strips.
Hem Ribbing Strip (make 2)
Using Color A and your H-5 hook:
Row 1: Ch 9. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (8 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO across, turn. (8 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in BLO across, turn. (8 sc)
Repeat Row 2 until your strip measures 14 inches long. This takes approximately 63 rows.
Do not fasten off. Rotate the strip 90 degrees to work along the long edge.
Checkpoint: Each ribbing strip should measure 14 inches long and about 2 inches wide.
Picking Up Stitches for the Body
With the long edge facing you and right side up, sc evenly along the long edge. Place 1 sc per row end. You should have approximately 56 sc across the 14-inch edge.
If your count sits a little off, add or skip pickup points every few inches until you hit exactly 56 stitches. This becomes Row 1 of your body panel.
Section 2: Body Panels (Make 2)
Both front and back panels work the same way at this stage.
Rows 1 through 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (56 sc)
Work straight for 32 rows total. Fasten off on the front panel. You can fasten off on the back panel too or leave a live stitch for seaming.
Checkpoint: Each panel should measure approximately 14 inches wide and 7 inches tall above the ribbing. Total height including the ribbing band is about 9 inches.
Section 3: Seaming the Panels
Turn both panels right sides together (wrong sides facing out). Seam only the lower 5 inches of each side edge using the single crochet join method or mattress stitch. Leave the upper portion open for the arms. The straps will bridge the front and back at the top corners.
Turn right side out when finished.
Section 4: Straps (Make 2)
Switch to your G-6 hook for a firmer texture.
Using Color A:
Row 1: Ch 5. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (4 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (4 sc)
Repeat Row 2 until the strap measures 11 inches long, approximately 50 rows.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew one end to the top front corner and the other end to the corresponding back corner. Try the top on or use a dress form to adjust length before you secure it permanently.
Section 5: Upper Trim Band
Join Color A at any point along the top opening. Ch 1, then sc evenly around the entire neckline opening. Aim for about 1 sc per row end on the sides and 1 sc per stitch across the top edges. Slip stitch to the first sc to join. Fasten off.
This gives you a clean, polished edge around the chest opening.
Applique Pieces That Bring Squirtle to Life
This is the fun part. Take your time. These pieces turn a plain crop top into Squirtle.
Squirtle Face
Using Color A and your G-6 hook:
Ch 20.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (19 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (21 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (23 sc)
Rows 4 through 11: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (23 sc)
Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (21 sc)
Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (19 sc)
Row 14: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (19 sc)
Fasten off with a long tail. Work one row of sc around the entire perimeter, placing 3 sc in each corner to round the shape. This creates a smooth oval.
Center the face on the front panel about 1 inch below the top edge. Pin and sew around the perimeter. You can lightly stuff it for a puffed look or leave it flat.
Squirtle Eyes (Make 2)
Using Color F and G-6 hook:
Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Fasten off with a sewing tail.
For the eye highlights, use Color G:
Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Fasten off. Sew one white circle onto each eye at the upper right area.
Using Color H, embroider solid pupils in the center using satin stitch or clustered French knots.
Sew both eyes onto the face, spaced about 1.5 inches apart from center to center.
Squirtle Snout
Using Color E and G-6 hook:
Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (24 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 sc)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) 6 times, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Stuff lightly with fiberfill.
Rnd 8: Ch 1, (sc in next st, sc2tog) 6 times, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, (sc2tog) 6 times, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Fasten off and close the gap. Sew centered on the face below the eyes. Use Color H to embroider two small curved nostrils above the snout.
Belly Patch
Using Color B and H-5 hook:
Ch 14.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (13 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (15 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (17 sc)
Rows 4 through 8: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (17 sc)
Row 9: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (15 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (13 sc)
Row 11: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (13 sc)
Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (11 sc)
Fasten off with a tail. Work an sc border around the entire piece. Sew onto the lower center front, about 1 inch below the face.
Using Color D, embroider 2 to 3 curved lines across the belly to suggest Squirtle’s characteristic arc markings.
Shell Side Panels (Make 2)
Using Color C and G-6 hook:
Ch 14.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (13 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (15 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (17 sc)
Rows 4 through 11: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (17 sc)
Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (15 sc)
Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (13 sc)
Fasten off. Work an sc border around the perimeter.
Adding hexagon outlines: Using Color D and the surface slip stitch method, create hexagonal cell shapes across each shell panel. Each hexagon should span about 1 to 1.25 inches across. Arrange 4 to 6 hexagons per panel in a honeycomb pattern. Slight irregularity looks charming here.
Sew one shell panel to each side of the crop top, between the side seam and back center, about 1 to 1.5 inches above the hem.
Squirtle Arms (Make 2)
Using Color A and G-6 hook:
Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnds 3 and 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts) 2 times, sl st to join. (10 sc)
Rnds 6 through 9: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (10 sc)
Stuff lightly. Flatten the open end and seam closed.
Using Color G, sew or embroider 3 small oval bumps at the rounded end for toe tips.
Sew one arm to each side of the front panel, angled slightly downward, about 1 inch to each side of the belly.
Squirtle Tail
Using Color A and G-6 hook:
Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnds 3 through 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts) 2 times, sl st to join. (10 sc)
Rnds 7 through 10: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (10 sc)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts) 2 times, sl st to join. (8 sc)
Rnds 12 through 14: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (8 sc)
Rnd 15: Ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts) 2 times, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnds 16 and 17: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sl st to join. (5 sc)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (5 sc)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, sl st to join. (4 sc)
Fasten off and close the tip. Stuff very lightly throughout.
Creating the curl: Wrap the tail around a pen or dowel and steam block or mist with water. Let it dry in place to set the curled shape. Alternatively, sew the tip to a point about two-thirds down the tail’s length to force a permanent curl.
Sew the open base of the tail to the left side seam at the lower edge, with the curl spiraling outward.
Finishing Touches
Weave in all your ends. Block the entire garment gently to even out your stitches. Then take photos—you just made something pretty special.
FAQ’s
Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Not really. It sits at intermediate to advanced. You need solid experience with flat panels, seaming, colorwork, surface embroidery, and 3D applique. If you have made garments and some amigurumi, you can handle it.
How long does it take to finish?
Most people spend 25 to 40 hours. The body panels move fairly fast. The applique pieces and embroidery slow things down in the best way.
Can I change the size?
Yes. Add or subtract stitches in multiples of the gauge for a wider or narrower fit. Adjust the number of body rows for length. Try the top on before you attach the straps so you can tweak them.
What yarn works best?
Worsted weight with good stitch definition is key. Avoid fuzzy or highly textured yarns because the shell hexagons and face details will disappear. Cotton blends or smooth acrylics show everything clearly.
Do I have to stuff the face and arms?
No. Light stuffing gives a soft 3D look, but you can leave everything flat if you prefer a smoother surface. The snout benefits most from a little fill.
Where should I place the shell panels?
Sew them between the side seam and the back center, about 1 to 1.5 inches above the hem. That placement keeps the classic Squirtle silhouette without covering the belly patch.
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Final Thoughts
You just crocheted a wearable piece of Pokemon art. This free Squirtle crochet crop top pattern rewards patience with a one-of-a-kind top that shows off both your skills and your love for a childhood favorite. Wear it proud. Tag your finished makes so the rest of us can cheer you on. Happy stitching from Sumara Patterns!
