🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.5★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.5K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

🎁

Tiny Treasure

Small, sweet, and gift-worthy creations that fit perfectly in the palm of your hand with detailed charm.

About This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam is a small amigurumi pattern that includes instructions for crocheting the outer shell, inner shells, and the tiny clam that lives inside. The pattern uses simple single crochet rounds and provides clear assembly guidance so you can sew the shell pieces together neatly. This design is compact and quick to make, ideal for gifting or creating a cute desk companion.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern offers options for yarn weight and includes tips for using a lighter yarn to achieve the tiny size shown. Full step-by-step rounds and finishing notes make assembly straightforward and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it captures so much personality in a very tiny package. I enjoy designing small projects that are quick to stitch yet full of charm, and Cleo is one of those creations that always makes me smile. I love how the shell construction creates a neat, realistic clam look while hiding seams when sewn correctly. Making Cleo is a delightful, relaxing project that gives instant results and makes a lovely handmade gift.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love changing up the yarn colors to create different personalities for Cleo; try pastel peaches, mint greens, or even sparkly yarn for a playful look.

I sometimes make a miniature keychain by using thread or very fine yarn and a 2.25mm hook to create a tiny pocket pal version.

I often swap the safety eyes for embroidered eyes for a softer, baby-safe version that is great for nursery decor.

To make Cleo larger, I use worsted weight yarn with a 4.5mm or 5mm hook for a chunkier, huggable clam.

For a flattened, display-only shell, I will stuff minimally and sew the halves closer together to keep a compact silhouette.

I like adding tiny crocheted accessories like a little pearl (a small white bead or crocheted ball) to glue inside the shell for extra charm.

Try embroidering expression variations with black floss; a tiny smile, surprised 'o' mouth, or eyebrows give Cleo different personalities.

I also experiment with textured stitches on the outer shell edge — bobble or picot rows add a decorative scalloped rim.

For gifting, I make a tiny felt tag or attach a ribbon to the seam so Cleo can hang on a hook or be presented in a small gift box.

When making multiples, I mix and match shell and clam colors to create a little family of clams — it’s fun to display them together and compare color combos.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to wait to fasten off until inner shells are made; always follow the order to avoid leaving insufficient yarn tails for sewing and weaving in. ✗ Forgetting to leave a yarn tail when instructed on the inner shell; leave the tail to weave in and to join pieces securely when instructed. ✗ Not stuffing the clam before inserting the safety eyes can make placement difficult; begin stuffing early and insert eyes between the specified rounds to ensure correct placement. ✗ Using the wrong hook size or inconsistent tension will change finished size; use the recommended hook and keep tension consistent while checking stitch counts frequently.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Bring a tiny ocean friend to life with Cleo the Clam — a sweet, pocket-sized amigurumi that fits perfectly in your hand. This pattern walks you through crocheting both the shell and the little clam inside, with clear rounds and helpful assembly notes. Perfect for gifting or adding a whimsical touch to your handmade collection.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium/worsted weight yarn: tan (outer shell) - amount as needed
  • 02
    Medium/worsted weight yarn: cream (inner shell) - amount as needed
  • 03
    Light/light worsted yarn: peach (clam) - amount as needed
  • 04
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing - small amount for a tiny clam
  • 05
    One strand black embroidery floss for the mouth and eyebrows

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.75mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    One pair of 12 mm safety eyes
  • 04
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Stitch markers (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Notes and Welcome :

Info :

Welcome! I hope you will enjoy the creation of this clam! Please don't hesitate to contact me at hello@theresascrochetshop.com with any questions that you may have as you make it. Have fun!

Info :

Final measurement for the finished shell will be 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide and the little clam inside will be 1.25 inches (3.25 cm) tall.

Info :

Note #1: This pattern is crocheted in continuous rounds (you will not join each round).

Info :

Note #2: In my patterns, I begin each circle with "ch 2, 6 sc in first ch." Another way of beginning is to start with a magic circle. If you are more familiar with this method, just do 6 sc into your magic circle.

— Materials :

Info :

Materials You Will Need: Crochet hook size: 3.75mm. Medium/worsted weight yarn: tan (outer shell) and cream (inner shell). Light /light worsted: peach (clam). Yarn needle. One pair of 12 mm safety eyes. Polyester fiber fill stuffing. One strand of black embroidery floss for the mouth and eyebrows.

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

ch(s) – chain(s). sc – single crochet. sts – stitches. dec – sc decrease st*

Info :

*Single crochet decrease stitch explanation: Insert the hook into the next stitch and yarn over. Pull a loop through so that there are now 2 loops on the hook. Insert the hook into the next stitch and yarn over. Pull a loop through so that there are now 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull the loop of yarn through all 3 loops on the hook.

— Outer Shell :

Round 1 :

Ch 2, 6 sc in first ch. (6 sts)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3 :

(Sc 1, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 4 :

(Sc 2, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (24 sts)

Round 5 :

(Sc 3, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (30 sts)

Round 6 :

(Sc 4, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (36 sts)

Round 7 :

(Sc 17, 2 sc in next st), 2 times. (38 sts)

Round 8 :

Sc 38. (38 sts)

Info :

Wait to fasten off until you have made the inner shell pieces. (Also – wait to crochet the 2nd outer shell until you have made both inner shells.)

— Inner Shell :

Info :

Make 2. With cream yarn,

Round 1 :

Ch 2, 6 sc in first ch. (6 sts)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3 :

(Sc 1, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 4 :

(Sc 2, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (24 sts)

Round 5 :

(Sc 3, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (30 sts)

Round 6 :

(Sc 4, 2 sc in next st), 6 times. (36 sts)

Round 7 :

(Sc 17, 2 sc in next st), 2 times. (38 sts)

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail for weaving in. You will now be crocheting the shell pieces together.

— Shell Assembly :

Info :

Insert your crochet hook back into the outer shell right where you left off at the end of R8. Then insert your hook through a stitch of the outer shell and a stitch of the inner shell, as pictured to the right. Single crochet all the way around the 2 shell pieces to join them. Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail for sewing.

Info :

Weave in the white yarn tail ends. Your shell will now look as pictured to the right.

Info :

Now crochet the 2nd outer shell, wait to fasten off as before, and repeat the above steps to crochet the outer and inner shell pieces together (the only difference between the top and bottom shells is that you do not need to leave a yarn tail for sewing on the bottom shell, just for weaving in).

Info :

Using the 1 yarn tail you have saved, sew the 2 shell pieces together – when sewing them together, match up the 2 spots on the top and bottom shell where you fastened off so that seam will be hidden when you stitch them together.

Info :

With your yarn needle, make approximately 6-7 whip stitches to sew the top and bottom shell together, as pictured to the right.

— The Clam (Option 1) :

Info :

Option 1 - with light/light worsted yarn. With peach yarn,

Round 1 :

Ch 2, 6 sc in first ch. (6 sts)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3 :

(Sc 3, 2 sc in next st), 3 times. (15 sts)

Round 4 :

(Sc 4, 2 sc in next st), 3 times. (18 sts)

Round 5 :

(Sc 5, 2 sc in next st), 3 times. (21 sts)

Round 6-7 :

Sc 21. (2 total rounds)

Round 8 :

(Sc 6, 2 sc in next st), 3 times. (24 sts)

Round 9 :

Sc 24. (24 sts)

Round 10 :

(Sc 2, dec 1), 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 11 :

(Sc 1, dec 1), 6 times. (12 sts)

Info :

Begin stuffing the clam. Then insert the safety eyes between R8-9, with 3 sts in between. Firmly press the safety eyes into place and secure the washers.

Assembly Instructions

  • Insert your crochet hook back into the outer shell at the end of R8, then single crochet through an outer shell stitch and an inner shell stitch all the way around to join the two pieces.
  • Weave in the white yarn tail ends before completing the second outer shell to keep a neat finish and hide ends.
  • Use the saved yarn tail from the top shell to sew the top and bottom shell pieces together, matching up the spots where you fastened off so the seam is hidden.
  • Make approximately 6-7 whip stitches with a yarn needle to securely sew the top and bottom shell together.
  • Insert the safety eyes between rounds R8 and R9 of the clam with 3 stitches between them, stuff the clam before final closing, and embroider the mouth with one strand of black embroidery floss.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is crocheted in continuous rounds; do not join each round to avoid an unwanted seam.
  • 💡Begin circles with "ch 2, 6 sc in first ch" or use a magic ring if preferred for a tighter center.
  • 💡Wait to fasten off outer shells until you have made the inner shell pieces to ensure you have yarn tails for sewing.
  • 💡Leave a yarn tail on the inner shell for weaving and for joining shell pieces together when instructed.

This tiny Cleo the Clam is a delightful little project that brings a whimsical ocean friend into your hands. It combines simple single crochet rounds with easy assembly steps for a polished finished piece. Whether you make one for yourself or gift it to someone special, Cleo is sure to bring smiles and a bit of handmade joy. 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished shell measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide and the little clam inside will be about 1.25 inches (3.25 cm) tall using the suggested yarn and hook.

Can I use a different yarn weight or hook size?

Yes, you can use a different yarn weight or hook size, but this will affect the final dimensions; use a larger hook with bulky yarn for a bigger clam or a smaller hook with lighter yarn for a tinier version.

When should I insert the safety eyes and how far apart?

Insert the safety eyes between rounds R8 and R9 of the clam, leaving 3 stitches between them, and firmly press and secure the washers while the piece is lightly stuffed.

Do I need to join rounds or use continuous rounds?

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds and you should not join rounds; this keeps a seamless look for the shell and clam.