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Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern
4.3★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
3.9K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Bite-Sized Project

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

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Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates small, charming garden snails with a ridged shell and a ruffled body skirt. The design includes both UK and US term versions so you can follow the instructions you prefer. You'll make shells worked through a back-loop ridge and a simple sewn-on body with antennae and embroidered eyes.

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for gifting or decorating, these snails are quick to make and use small amounts of chunky yarn. The pattern includes clear assembly notes to help you secure and shape the shell and body.

Why You'll Love This Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple stitches into a textured, characterful snail with very little yarn. I enjoy the distinctive ridge on the shell and the playful ruffled skirt that give each snail personality. The pattern is compact but satisfying, letting me make a few snails in an afternoon to gift or decorate. I also love that both UK and US term versions are included, so I can share the pattern with friends who prefer different terminology.

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easily this pattern adapts to different looks by simply changing the contrast color of the shell.

I often make a trio of snails with pastel, bold and variegated shells to create a charming set for gift-giving.

If you want a miniature keyring, I switch to a finer yarn and smaller hook to make tiny versions perfect for bags.

For a chunkier, cuddlier snail I use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook, then increase stuffing slightly for a plush finish.

I sometimes embroider little spots or stripes on the shell before attaching it to create personality and variation.

Try adding a tiny crocheted flower or leaf to the shell to make a themed seasonal snail.

I recommend experimenting with embroidery for facial expressions—moving the eye placement changes the snail's mood dramatically.

For more durable play toys, consider stitching shell edges more firmly and using child-safe eyes instead of embroidered ones.

I also like to create matching sets by crocheting several shells in coordinating colors and swapping them onto plain bodies for mix-and-match fun.

Don't be afraid to add small accessories like a mini scarf, hat, or a bell—these little touches really make each snail unique.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping a stitch marker when working in continuous rounds can cause you to lose track of the start of the round; place a marker at the last stitch of each row as instructed and move it each round. ✗ Overstuffing the shell or body will make the seams bulge and spoil the profile; stuff gradually and only firm enough so the piece can be squeezed when pinched firmly. ✗ Changing colour mid-stitch will leave loose ends and visible joins; change colours by slip stitching to join or threading up from the back, then ch1 and pull the first colour tight. ✗ Failing to pick up the correct loops (BLO or 3rd loop) will alter the ridge pattern; be sure to work in the specified back loops and 3rd loop where indicated to create the distinctive ridges. ✗ Not gathering the final stitches tightly when closing rounds can leave a hole in the shell or body; use the running stitch through the front loops of the last 6 sts and pull tightly before securing with small stitches. ✗ Attaching the shell off-center will distort the snail silhouette; thread the shell through the middle of the outer edge between the two central ridges and anchor at the centre back of the neck exactly as described.

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

Make a delightful set of tiny garden snails with this easy-to-follow crochet pattern. You will create a textured shell and a cute ruffled body skirt that give each snail charming personality. Perfect as a small gift, keychain, or whimsical decoration for your home or garden-themed projects. Follow the detailed UK and US term versions included for your preferred stitch language.

Intermediate 2-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Main (Stone 2017) - 20g
  • 02
    Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Contrast (Wild Orchid / Amethyst / Baby Pink) - 10g
  • 03
    Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Black 1002 - oddment for eyes
  • 04
    Hi-Loft quality toy stuffing - small amount
  • 05
    Small amounts of contrast colours for different shell swirls

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Hi-Loft quality toy stuffing
  • 03
    Wool needle (for sewing)
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Tapestry needle for weaving ends
  • 07
    Oddment black yarn for embroidered eyes (or small safety eyes if preferred)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Shell (UK) :

Row 1 :

Using Contrast ch2, htr6 into 2nd st from hook (alternatively htr 6sts into magic ring) (6)

Info :

From this point on the shell is worked through the BLO and 3rd LOOP of the st below in order to create the distinctive ridge pattern.

Info :

If you wish to make the shell as a lollipop type swirl change colour after every row, swapping colours up behind work with no sl st joins. Do not change colour mid stitch.

Row 2 :

htrinc x6 (12)

Row 3 :

(htr into next st, htrinc) x6 (18)

Row 4 :

(htr into next 2sts, htrinc) x6 (24)

Rows 5 - 6 :

dc (24) (2 rows)

Row 7 :

(htr into next 2sts, htrdec) x6 (18)

Row 8 :

(htr into next st, htrdec) x6 (12)

Info :

Stuff shell

Row 9 :

htrdec x6 (6)

Info :

F/O leaving a 25cm end

Info :

Using 25cm end, and running sts, thread through front loops of last 6sts and gather tightly. Secure end with a couple of small sts.

— Body (UK) :

Row 1 :

Using Main ch2, dc6 into 2nd st from hook (alternatively dc 6sts into magic ring) (6)

Row 2 :

inc x2, 1st Antennae: ch6, sl st into 5th and 6th ch from hook, inc x3, 2nd Antennae: ch6, sl st into 5th and 6th ch from hook, inc into last st (12)

Row 3 :

(dc into next st, inc) x6 (18)

Rows 4 - 6 :

dc (18) (3 rows)

Row 7 :

(dc into next st, dec) x6 (12)

Row 8 :

(dc into next 2sts, dec) x3 (9)

Info :

Stuffing throughout, as you work on the next section:

Rows 9 - 26 :

dc (9) (18 rows)

Row 27 :

(dc into next st, dec) x3 (6)

Row 28 :

dc (6)

Info :

Stuff remainder of body.

Info :

F/O leaving a 60cm end

Info :

Using 60cm end, and running sts, thread through front loops of last 6sts and gather tightly. Secure end with a couple of small sts.

Info :

Making sure that the antennae are central to top of head, thread through body and come out 4 rows in front of the tail end.

Info :

Secure end with a couple of small sts being careful not to distort body. Pick up the shell and thread through the middle of the outer edge of shell, between the 2 central ridges. Come out at the opposite side of shell diameter, making sure that you remain central and on same ridge as previously used.

Info :

Thread end into body at the centre back of neck, 2 rows down from the base of the head. Catch in a single st and then pull tight to create the iconic shape of the snail's body.

Info :

Making sure that the antennae are central at top of head and the shape of the shell has not been distorted, secure end with a couple of small sts. Attach the shell to the body along BLO ridge, 1 row out from the centre. Secure end with a couple of small sts. Weave end through shell/body and cut flush to finish.

— Body Skirt (UK) :

Info :

Place a stitch marker at centre front of body, 8 rows down from the neck.

Using Main Row 1 :

leaving a 10cm end, sl st into the base of body 1 row down from bottom of shell on the furthest side from you, the base should be facing towards you and the head should be facing left, 1st Side: ch3 and then 3trinc into 1st in every row up to the stitch marker, 2nd Side: turn so you are working down the opposite side and 3trinc into every row, keeping in line with the 1st st down from shell 3trinc until you get to point of tail, 1st Side: turn and 3trinc in every row down 1st side until you are back at the start, sl st to join at top of ch3 to finish.

Info :

F/O leaving a 10cm end.

Info :

Secure both ends with a couple of small sts before weaving through frill and body. Cut flush to finish.

— Features (UK) :

Eyes :

Using black oddment, thread through head 2sts from the centre of face and 1 row down from the antennae.

Info :

Do 5 small back sts 1 row in depth. Thread through to opposite side of face and repeat. Weave through head and cut flush to finish.

— Shell (US) :

Row 1 :

Using Contrast ch2, hdc6 into 2nd st from hook (alternatively hdc 6sts into magic ring) (6)

Info :

From this point on the shell is worked through the BLO and 3rd LOOP of the st below in order to create the distinctive ridge pattern.

Info :

If you wish to make the shell as a lollipop type swirl change colour after every row, swapping colours up behind work with no sl st joins. Do not change colour mid stitch.

Row 2 :

hdcinc x6 (12)

Row 3 :

(hdc into next st, hdcinc) x6 (18)

Row 4 :

(hdc into next 2sts, hdcinc) x6 (24)

Rows 5 - 6 :

sc (24) (2 rows)

Row 7 :

(hdc into next 2sts, hdcdec) x6 (18)

Row 8 :

(hdc into next st, hdcdec) x6 (12)

Info :

Stuff shell

Row 9 :

hdcdec x6 (6)

Info :

F/O leaving a 25cm end

Info :

Using 25cm end, and running sts, thread through front loops of last 6sts and gather tightly. Secure end with a couple of small sts.

— Body (US) :

Row 1 :

Using Main ch2, sc6 into 2nd st from hook (alternatively sc 6sts into magic ring) (6)

Row 2 :

inc x2, 1st Antennae: ch6, sl st into 5th and 6th ch from hook, inc x3, 2nd Antennae: ch6, sl st into 5th and 6th ch from hook, inc into last st (12)

Row 3 :

(sc into next st, inc) x6 (18)

Rows 4 - 6 :

sc (18) (3 rows)

Row 7 :

(sc into next st, dec) x6 (12)

Row 8 :

(sc into next 2sts, dec) x3 (9)

Info :

Stuffing throughout, as you work on the next section:

Rows 9 - 26 :

sc (9) (18 rows)

Row 27 :

(sc into next st, dec) x3 (6)

Row 28 :

sc (6)

Info :

Stuff remainder of body.

Info :

F/O leaving a 60cm end

Info :

Using 60cm end, and running sts, thread through front loops of last 6sts and gather tightly. Secure end with a couple of small sts.

Info :

Making sure that the antennae are central to top of head, thread through body and come out 4 rows in front of the tail end.

Info :

Secure end with a couple of small sts being careful not to distort body. Pick up the shell and thread through the middle of the outer edge of shell, between the 2 central ridges. Come out at the opposite side of shell diameter, making sure that you remain central and on same ridge as previously used.

Info :

Thread end into body at the centre back of neck, 2 rows down from the base of the head. Catch in a single st and then pull tight to create the iconic shape of the snail's body.

Info :

Making sure that the antennae are central at top of head and the shape of the shell has not been distorted, secure end with a couple of small sts. Attach the shell to the body along BLO ridge, 1 row out from the centre. Secure end with a couple of small sts. Weave end through shell/body and cut flush to finish.

— Body Skirt (US) :

Info :

Place a stitch marker at centre front of body, 8 rows down from the neck.

Using Main Row 1 :

leaving a 10cm end, sl st into the base of body 1 row down from bottom of shell on the furthest side from you, the base should be facing towards you and the head should be facing left, 1st Side: ch3 and then 3dcinc into 1st in every row up to the stitch marker, 2nd Side: turn so you are working down the opposite side and 3dcinc into every row, keeping in line with the 1st st down from shell 3dcinc until you get to point of tail, 1st Side: turn and 3dcinc in every row down 1st side until you are back at the start, sl st to join at top of ch3 to finish.

Info :

F/O leaving a 10cm end.

Info :

Secure both ends with a couple of small sts before weaving through frill and body. Cut flush to finish.

— Features (US) :

Eyes :

Using black oddment, thread through head 2sts from the centre of face and 1 row down from the antennae.

Info :

Do 5 small back sts 1 row in depth. Thread through to opposite side of face and repeat. Weave through head and cut flush to finish.

Assembly Instructions

  • Thread the 60cm end from the gathered body through the middle of the outer edge of the shell between the two central ridges, then bring the end out the opposite side of the shell diameter to remain central.
  • Thread the end into the body at the centre back of the neck, two rows down from the base of the head, catch in a single stitch and pull tight to create the snail's iconic body shape.
  • Ensure the antennae are central at the top of the head and the shell shape is not distorted, then secure the end with a couple of small stitches and weave the tail through to finish.
  • Attach the shell to the body along the BLO ridge one row out from the centre with small secure stitches, then weave ends through shell/body and cut flush to finish.
  • For the antennae: position them central to the top of the head before threading through the body so they emerge four rows in front of the tail end, then secure with small stitches.
  • When finishing shell and body gathers, use running stitches through the front loops of the last six stitches and pull tightly before securing with a couple of small stitches to avoid distortion.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds; mark the last stitch of each row before proceeding to the next to avoid losing the start of the round.
  • 💡When stuffing parts make sure that you do not overstuff them as stuffing showing through will distort the outline; each part should be filled just enough that it can be easily squeezed when pinched firmly.
  • 💡Where there are multiple repeats the section to be repeated is highlighted in yellow in the original pattern for clarity.
  • 💡To change colours, slip stitch to join, change colour (without a knot if first time, or by threading up from the back of work), then ch1 and pull first colour tight; attach second colour with a knot at back if required.

These tiny Garden Snails are full of charm and personality, perfect for gifts, decorations, or a playful shelf display. Make a colorful set using different contrast yarns for shells to create unique characters. Share them with friends or keep a few as whimsical handmade treasures. 🧶🐌✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished snail measures approximately 6-8 cm tall depending on yarn tension and shell contrast choices when using the recommended chunky yarn and 4.5mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the final size; using a thicker yarn and larger hook will give a chunkier snail while thinner yarn will create a smaller version—adjust stuffing and assembly accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses stitches like htr/hdc, increases, decreases and working in BLO/3rd loop; familiarity with these techniques is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete a single snail in about 2-4 hours depending on experience, assembly speed, and whether you are making multiple snails or customizing shells.