Welcome back to the PEGNIX Free Pattern Library! Today’s featured design is Squirtle, the adorable water-type starter Pokemon from the classic Generation 1 series. This free fuse bead pattern brings the beloved Tiny Turtle Pokemon to life in charming pixel art form, perfect for Pokemon crafts, gaming pixel art, and fun art projects for kids who love water-type Pokemon adventures.
About This Squirtle Pokemon Pattern
This free pattern recreates Squirtle, the fan-favorite water-type starter Pokemon from Generation 1. With its distinctive blue body, brown-yellow turtle shell, adorable round tail, and signature cheerful smile, this design captures the charm of the classic Pokemon that has won the hearts of trainers worldwide since 1996.
The 35×31 grid allows for excellent detail, including subtle blue gradients on the body, carefully shaded shell segments, dimensional tail highlights, and expressive facial features that bring personality to your finished piece. Using 2.6mm mini fuse beads ensures smooth color transitions and professional-quality results perfect for keychains, magnets, or display pieces.
What You’ll Need for This Pokemon Pattern
Required Supplies
- Fuse beads in 17 colors (see detailed bead count chart below)
- 35×31 rectangular pegboard (for 2.6mm mini beads)
- Precision tweezers for accurate placement
- Ironing paper or silicone mat
- Mini fuse bead iron (low-medium heat)
- Heavy book or acrylic press for cooling
- Optional: Keychain ring and jump ring for wearable project
All these supplies are included in PEGNIX premium fuse bead kits, which come with pre-sorted colors, the correct pegboard size, and bonus accessories for immediate use.
Detailed Bead Count by Color
This Squirtle Pokemon pattern uses 17 carefully selected colors to achieve the authentic water-type look with dimensional shading. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Color Code | Color Name | Quantity Needed |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | White/Light Background | ×513 |
| R15 | Light Sky Blue (Body Base) | ×138 |
| H7 | Black Outline | ×117 |
| H2 | Dark Gray Shadow | ×96 |
| C26 | Medium Blue (Body Shading) | ×71 |
| G7 | Brown (Shell Base) | ×39 |
| C12 | Navy Blue (Deep Shadow) | ×38 |
| R10 | Yellow (Shell Pattern) | ×28 |
| A26 | Light Brown/Tan | ×13 |
| P11 | Pale Cream Highlight | ×8 |
| H14 | Medium Gray | ×8 |
| C29 | Teal/Turquoise Accent | ×7 |
| F7 | Pink/Red (Mouth) | ×3 |
| H6 | Charcoal Detail | ×3 |
| R22 | Bright Red Accent | ×3 |
| R7 | Blue Accent | ×2 |
| G21 | Light Brown Detail | ×1 |
| G5 | Dark Brown Accent | ×1 |
Total beads required: Approximately 1,085 beads. PEGNIX kits include all colors in sufficient quantities, plus extras for mistakes and future projects.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Organize your beads by color using the chart above, paying special attention to the multiple blue shades (R15, C26, C12) which create Squirtle’s dimensional body. Having all colors sorted before you begin saves time and reduces placement errors.
2. Follow the Pattern Grid
The pattern grid uses a coordinate system (rows 1-31, columns 1-35) with color codes in each cell. Start from the top-left corner or work section by section:
- Recommended approach: Complete the black outline (H7) first to establish the shape, then fill in the blue body sections (R15, C26, C12) from light to dark, add the brown-yellow shell pattern (G7, R10), and finish with facial features and small accent details
- Use tweezers to place each 2.6mm bead precisely—the gradient shading on Squirtle’s body requires careful color placement
- Double-check the shell pattern sections every few rows; the yellow (R10) and brown (G7) create the iconic turtle shell design
- Pay special attention to the tail curl and facial expression—these define Squirtle’s personality
3. Iron Both Sides Carefully
This Squirtle design has detailed gradients and small accent areas, so careful ironing is essential:
- Cover with ironing paper and preheat your mini iron to low-medium heat
- Iron the front for 60-75 seconds using gentle circular motions, paying extra attention to the edges and tail
- Let cool for 2 minutes, carefully remove paper, flip the design
- Iron the back for another 60-75 seconds to ensure even melting
- Place under a heavy book while cooling to prevent warping, especially important for keychain use
Display and Use Ideas for Your Pokemon Creation
Once your Squirtle is complete, here are creative ways to display or use it:
- Keychain: Punch a small hole near the top of the head or shell and attach a keyring—perfect for Pokemon trainers on the go!
- Backpack charm: Attach to a zipper pull with a lobster clasp for portable Pokemon flair
- Magnet: Glue a small magnet to the back for fridge or locker display
- Frame it: Mount in a shadow box frame with Bulbasaur and Charmander to complete the Kanto starter trio
- Ornament: Add ribbon for a Pokemon-themed tree decoration or car mirror charm
- Badge/Pin: Add a pin back for wearable flair at Pokemon conventions or cosplay events
Why Choose PEGNIX for Pokemon Patterns?
PEGNIX specializes in high-quality 2.6mm mini fuse bead kits perfect for detailed Pokemon pixel art and gaming designs. Our kits include:
- Pre-sorted beads in 24-48 colors (all you need for Pokemon patterns including rare shades)
- Precise 2.6mm pegboards in multiple sizes for any pattern
- Premium-quality beads that melt evenly, bond firmly, and maintain vibrant colors
- Detailed instructions, tweezers, and ironing accessories
- Bonus keychain rings and findings for wearable projects
Follow the PEGNIX blog for new free Pokemon patterns every week, including more Generation 1-9 Pokemon, legendary creatures, evolved forms, and gaming pixel art projects.
Download This Free Squirtle Pattern
This Squirtle Pokemon pattern is completely free for personal use. Save the pattern image above and print it for easy reference while you work, or view it on a tablet beside your workspace for convenient color-checking.
Pattern Usage Terms: This free pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only. You may create and sell finished items made from this pattern, but please credit PEGNIX and do not redistribute the pattern itself. Pokemon is a trademark of Nintendo/Game Freak/Creatures Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use 5mm Standard Beads Instead of 2.6mm?
You can, but the final piece will be significantly larger (about 6.5 inches wide instead of 3.5 inches) and will lose the fine shading detail on the body and shell. The gradient blues that make Squirtle look dimensional work best with 2.6mm mini beads. For results matching the pictured keychain example, use 2.6mm mini beads.
Where Can I Buy These Specific Bead Colors?
PEGNIX 2.6mm mini fuse bead kits include all the colors needed for this Squirtle pattern and hundreds of other Pokemon designs. Our comprehensive color sets ensure you have every shade of blue, brown, and yellow needed for authentic water-type Pokemon.
Is This Pattern Suitable for Beginners?
This is an intermediate pattern due to its size (1,085 beads), color count (17 colors), and gradient shading requirements. Beginners should start with simpler 15×15 patterns first to build placement and ironing skills. However, if you’ve completed 1-2 smaller projects successfully, this Squirtle pattern is an excellent next step. Check our blog for beginner-friendly Pokemon patterns.
How Long Does It Take to Complete?
Expect 2.5-3.5 hours total: 2-2.5 hours for bead placement (depending on experience and attention to gradient shading) and 30-45 minutes for ironing, cooling, and adding keychain hardware if desired. Work at your own pace and take breaks to avoid eye strain, especially when working with similar blue shades.
Can I Sell Items Made From This Free Pattern?
Yes! You may create and sell finished fuse bead items made from PEGNIX free patterns. Please credit PEGNIX as the pattern source and do not redistribute or resell the pattern file itself. Note that Pokemon is a trademark of Nintendo/Game Freak/Creatures Inc.
How Do I Add a Keychain Ring?
After ironing both sides and cooling completely, use a 1mm drill bit or sharp craft punch to carefully make a small hole near the top of Squirtle’s head or upper shell area. Thread a small jump ring through the hole, then attach your keychain ring. Make sure the hole is at least 3-4 beads away from the edge to prevent tearing.
Get Started on Your Pokemon Collection Today
Ready to create your own Squirtle Pokemon pixel art keychain? Grab your PEGNIX 2.6mm mini fuse bead kit, download this free pattern, and start placing beads. Don’t forget to follow the PEGNIX blog for fresh free Pokemon patterns every week, including Charmander to complete your Kanto starter collection!