This pattern is for a realistic tortoise. Aren’t they the most interesting creatures?

The sample toys in my photos were knitted in BC Garn Allino (1x50g ball of CL03 and 1x50g ball of CL1806). Unfortunately this wool no longer is available, but there are plenty other tortoisy wools out there. one ball of Rico Creative Melange, 50g Beige/Brown 007, and for tan sections one ball of Rico Essentials Merino, 50g, Ivory 22.

The shell of the tortoise is made from individual pieces, stuffed and patchworked together. They are a little like hexipuffs, but they are knitted with a top and bottom and seamed around the edges, as this was the best way to get the different shapes needed. (Did you know that the proper name for the upper shell of a tortoise is a carapace?)

The pattern contains a chart showing you how to arrange these pieces to make the shell.

I would love to see your tortoises, so please link any projects to the pattern.