🐌 Amigurumi Snail – Free Crochet Patterns for a Cute, Cozy Friend
Amigurumi snails are the perfect blend of charm, color, and creativity. With their spiral shells and smiling faces, these little crocheted creatures make excellent gifts, desk buddies, nursery decor, or additions to a whimsical amigurumi collection. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned crocheter, this tutorial will walk you through creating your own adorable snail using free and easy-to-follow crochet techniques.
🧵 Materials Needed
- Worsted weight or DK yarn in two or more colors (one for the body, one for the shell)
- Crochet hook (2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, depending on yarn)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Safety eyes or embroidery thread for eyes
- Tapestry/yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
✨ Key Crochet Stitches
- Magic ring (MR)
- Single crochet (SC)
- Increase (INC) – 2 SC in one stitch
- Decrease (DEC) – SC two stitches together
- Slip stitch (SL ST)
- Chain (CH)
🐌 How to Crochet a Basic Amigurumi Snail
✅ Part 1: Snail Body
- Start at the tail end:
- Round 1: Magic ring, 6 SC (6)
- Round 2: INC around (12)
- Round 3: 1 SC, INC repeat (18)
- Rounds 4–10: SC around to form the body
- Gradually shape the body into a long oval, continuing SC in rounds up to desired length (approx. 20–30 rounds)
- Shaping the head:
- Start decreasing: 1 SC, DEC repeat until small opening remains
- Stuff firmly as you go
- Finish with a few slip stitches and fasten off
✅ Part 2: Spiral Shell
- Chain 25–30 (depending on desired size)
- Row 1: In second chain from hook, work 3 SC in each chain across to create the spiral effect
- Roll into a spiral, sewing the shape in place as you go
- Attach the shell securely to the middle of the snail’s body
✅ Part 3: Eyes and Antennae
- Option A – Separate Eye Stalks:
- Chain 6
- Turn, SC in each chain back
- Add a small puff at the tip or attach safety eyes
- Option B – Embroidered or Flat:
- Use safety eyes or embroider black dots
- Add small felt circles for extra cuteness
- Sew the eyes on top of the head, spaced evenly
✅ Finishing Touches
- Use pink yarn or blush to add rosy cheeks
- Embroider a smile using black thread
- Add accessories like a tiny flower, bow tie, or hat for extra personality
🌈 Free Pattern Variations
Here are a few ideas for customizing your snail:
- Rainbow Snail: Use a gradient or multi-colored yarn for a magical shell
- Miniature Snail: Use thread and a 1.5 mm hook for a keychain-sized version
- Snail Family Set: Make a mama snail with smaller baby snails
- Holiday Snails: Santa hat for Christmas, bunny ears for Easter!
💡 Helpful Tips
- Keep your tension consistent to avoid holes
- Use stitch markers to track your rounds
- Don’t overstuff the shell to keep its spiral shape defined
- Use soft cotton yarn for a neat and tight finish
🎁 Perfect For…
- Gifting to kids and friends
- Adding to your amigurumi garden or bug-themed collection
- Making cute decor for spring or summer displays
- Fun weekend projects or stash busters!
🧶 Final Thoughts
Amigurumi snails are a simple yet adorable project for all skill levels. They’re fast to make, highly customizable, and endlessly delightful. Whether you want to practice your shaping skills, use up scrap yarn, or just add some sweetness to your shelf, this little snail is a crochet winner.
Happy Crocheting, and may your stitches spiral with joy! 🐌💖
