Adorable Funny Crochet Snail Pattern: Easy Amigurumi DIY

There is something undeniably charming about pulling a specific yarn from the stash that has been waiting for its moment. For this project, I reached for a plush, soft fiber that begged to be shaped into something whimsical. The decision to pair a rich brown with a creamy off-white wasn’t just about contrast; it was about capturing that classic garden snail look with a modern, cuddly twist. The texture of the plush yarn adds a layer of depth that makes the spiral shell pop, while the cream body keeps the overall silhouette light and airy. This isn’t just a toy; it is a small, intentional piece of joy that feels good in the hands to make and even better to hold.

Yarn and Color Notes

The choice of yarn plays a huge role in the final personality of this amigurumi. The source pattern recommends Himalaya Dolphin Baby, a plush yarn known for its softness and slight halo, which gives the snail a cozy, textured appearance. The colorway Brown (80337) provides a warm, earthy tone for the shell, while Cream (80333) offers a gentle, neutral base for the body. For the extra-large eyes, Yarnart Sport White is suggested, which is slightly thinner and smoother, allowing for better definition around the safety eyes. Using these specific fibers ensures the snail maintains its structural integrity while remaining soft enough for hugging. The plush nature of the main yarn also helps hide minor tension inconsistencies, making this a forgiving project for beginners.

Project Overview

This adorable funny crochet snail pattern is designed to be a very easy entry into amigurumi. The project is constructed in distinct components: a spiral shell, a head and body, antennae, and optional large eyes. The design allows for two variations: a standard look using ready-made safety eyes, or a funnier, exaggerated look by creating large white eye domes with the safety eyes embedded inside. The shell is worked flat and joined, while the body is worked in continuous rounds. The entire piece stands approximately 12 cm tall.

Materials

• Plush yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby
• Colors: Brown (80337) and Cream (80333)
• White yarn: Yarnart Sport White (for large eyes)
• Crochet hook: 5 mm
• 8 mm plastic safety eyes
• Stitch markers
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Small amount of black thread for mouth
• Scissors
• Yarn needle for assembly

Gauge and Finished Size

There is no specific gauge provided for this pattern. The finished size of the snail is approximately 12 cm.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• St: stitch
• Slst: Slip stitch
• Sc: Single crochet
• Ch: Chain
• Inc: Increase
• Dec: Decrease
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only

Pattern Notes

When making this crochet snail, you first start with the shell. Then you will make the head and body. Both snails are made using the same body pattern; the only difference is in the eye patterns. You can attach the snail’s eyes as ready-made eyes, or you can make a larger eye with white yarn around the eye. In this way, the crochet snail will look funnier. If you want to create the second snail with bigger eyes, follow the specific steps for the eyes provided in the instructions below. Design by: chancecrochett.

Pattern Instructions

Shell

Use brown yarn.

• R1. 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2. inc in each st around (12)
• R3. inc in each st around (24)
• R4. (1sc,inc)*12 (36)
• R5. sc in each st around (36)
• R6. BLO, sc in each st around (36)

Crochet a second piece following the same steps as above. Using cream yarn, embroider with the slip stitch method as desired. Place the two pieces on top of each other with the backs facing inwards. Take one stitch from each of the back loops (BLO) of both pieces and join them together with a slip stitch. (Alternatively, you can sew them together using a needle and thread). Fill the inside with stuffing before completely closing.

Head and Body

Use cream yarn.

• R1. Make 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2. inc in each st around (12)
• R3. (1sc,inc)*6 (18)
• R4. sc in each st around (18)
• R5. (1sc,dec)*6 (12)
• R6. 8sc, dec, dec (10)
• R7-16. sc in each st around (10)
• R17. 8 sc, dec (9)
• R18-22. sc in each st around (9)
• R23. 7 sc, dec (8)
• R24-25. sc in each st around (8)
• R26. (dec,sc)*4 (4)
• R27. Join the remaining 4 sc together.

Attach the eyes on row 4, leaving 6 single crochets between them. Sew the head to the shell, starting from the 5th row from the back of the head.

Antenna: Make 2

Use cream yarn.

• Make chain 7, make a single crochet in the 4th chain from the hook, and work slip stitches back down to the starting point.

Sew the antennas on row 2, leaving a space of 5 single crochets between them. Using black thread and a needle, embroider a smiling mouth on row 5.

Eyes: Make 2 (Optional Large Eyes)

Use yarnart sport white yarn.

• R1. Make 6 sc in MR (6)
• R2. inc in each st around (12)
• R3. sc in each st around (12)
• R4. sc in each st around (12)
• R5. dec, around (6)

Attach the safety eyes, close the remaining 6 stitches with a needle, and sew the eyes side by side on row 2.

Assembly

1. Shell Construction: Using cream yarn, embroider with the slip stitch method as desired on the second shell piece. Place the two shell pieces on top of each other with the backs facing inwards. Take one stitch from each of the back loops (BLO) of both pieces and join them together with a slip stitch. (Alternatively, you can sew them together using a needle and thread). Fill the inside with stuffing before completely closing.
2. Head Attachment: Attach the eyes on row 4 of the head, leaving 6 single crochets between them. Sew the head to the shell, starting from the 5th row from the back of the head.
3. Antennae: Sew the antennas on row 2 of the head, leaving a space of 5 single crochets between them.
4. Facial Details: Using black thread and a needle, embroider a smiling mouth on row 5.
5. Large Eyes (Optional): If using the large eye variation, attach the safety eyes to the white eye domes, close the remaining 6 stitches with a needle, and sew the eyes side by side on row 2 of the head.

Tips

You can attach the snail’s eyes as ready-made eyes, or you can make a larger eye with white yarn around the eye. In this way, the crochet snail will look funnier. The plush yarn used for the body helps create a soft, inviting texture that is perfect for children or as a decorative piece.

FAQs

Can I use a different yarn weight?

While the pattern is designed for plush yarn like Himalaya Dolphin Baby, you can substitute with other yarns. However, changing the yarn weight may affect the finished size and the drape of the shell. Stick to a 5 mm hook if you change yarns to maintain similar tension.

How do I make the shell look more spiral-like?

The shell is made of two flat pieces joined at the back loops. To enhance the spiral effect, you can embroider additional cream-colored slip stitches or chain stitches in a spiral pattern on the top piece before joining the two halves together.

What if I don’t have 8 mm safety eyes?

You can substitute with smaller safety eyes or embroider the eyes entirely using black thread. If you choose to embroider, ensure the stitches are secure and use a backing knot or fabric stiffener if making a toy for a young child.

How do I keep the shell from gaping open?

Ensure you are joining the back loops (BLO) of both pieces tightly with slip stitches. If the shell still gapes, you can add a few hand-stitched connections through the center of the shell to hold the two halves together firmly.

Can this pattern be made into a keychain?

Yes, you can attach a keychain ring to the top of the head or the shell before closing the final stitches. Just ensure the stuffing is firm enough to support the weight of the hardware.