The soft, plush texture of Himalaya Dolphin Baby yarn creates a snake that is as delightful to hold as it is to make. This pattern for Nelya the Snake relies on consistent single crochet stitches to build a long, sinuous body, with careful shaping at the head and tail to give the amigurumi its character. The interplay of color changes and the gentle stuffing levels from tight to loose allow the maker to sculpt the snake’s form, while the final embroidered details bring the face to life. It is a project that rewards patience with a cuddly, oversized companion.
Texture and Stitch Notes
One of the defining features of Nelya is the luxurious feel of the yarn. Using a plush yarn like Himalaya Dolphin Baby or Lavita Yarn Velur results in a snake that is incredibly soft and slightly bulky, which helps hide minor tension inconsistencies. Because the body is worked in continuous rounds of single crochet, the fabric remains dense yet flexible. Pay attention to the stuffing instructions: the head requires a firm pack to support the face and eyes, while the body is stuffed loosely. This difference in density allows the snake to drape naturally rather than standing rigidly upright. The alternating color scheme from rows 25 to 156 creates a visual rhythm that draws the eye along the length of the toy, making the significant length of 136 cm feel like a journey rather than a chore.
Project Overview
Nelya is a large-scale amigurumi snake, measuring approximately 136 cm in length. The pattern is designed to be worked in one continuous piece from the head down through the body and tail, eliminating the need for sewing multiple parts together. This “no-sew” approach simplifies the construction process, allowing you to focus on the color changes and the final facial details. The design is credited to @kharitoshkiny_kroshki.
Materials
- Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby or Lavita Yarn Velur (1 skein of main color, 1 skein of additional color)
- Accent Yarns: Small amounts of white plush yarn and black cotton yarn for the muzzle details
- Crochet Hook: Size 5
- Eyes: Safety eyes with a diameter of 17 mm (safe fastening)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker
- Filling: Hollow fiber or synthetic fluff
Gauge and Finished Size
Finished Size: Approximately 136 cm in length.
Note: Specific gauge measurements (stitches per inch/cm) are not provided in the source pattern. Due to the plush nature of the recommended yarn and the large size of the project, it is recommended to use the specified hook size to ensure the fabric remains dense enough to hold the stuffing without showing gaps.
Abbreviations
- MR: Magic ring
- Ch: Chain
- Sc: Single crochet
- Dec: Decrease
- Inc: Increase
Pattern Notes
- The head and body are crocheted as one continuous piece.
- Eyes are inserted between rows 11 and 12.
- Color changes occur starting at row 25.
Pattern Instructions
Head
Work in continuous rounds using the main color. Place a marker in the first stitch of each round.
- 1. 6 sc in MR
- 2. 6 inc (12)
- 3. (2 sc, inc)*4 (16)
- 4. (3 sc, inc)*4 (20)
- 5. (4 sc, inc)*4 (24)
- 6. (3 sc, inc)*6 (30)
- 7. 2 sc, inc (4 sc, inc)*5, 2 sc (36)
- 8. (5 sc, inc)*6 (42)
- 9 – 17. 42 sc Insert eyes between rows 11 and 12 at a distance of 8 sc.
- 18. (5 sc, dec)*6 (36)
- 19. 36 sc
- 20. 2 sc, dec (4 sc, dec)*5, 2 sc (30)
- 21. (3 sc, dec)*6 (24) Stuff your head tightly.
Body
- 22 – 24. 24 sc in main color.
- 25 – 156. 24 sc, alternating the main and additional colors. Stuff loosely as you crochet.
Tail
- 157. (2 sc, dec)*6 (18)
- 158. 18 sc
- 159. (1 sc, dec)*6 (12)
- 160. 12 sc
- 161. 6 dec (6) We fill it. We tighten the hole.
Assembly
Since the head, body, and tail are worked in one piece, assembly is limited to the final detailing:
- Ensure the tail hole is tightly closed and the stuffing is secure.
- Tighten the muzzle area gently to shape the face.
- Using black cotton yarn, embroider the nostrils.
- Using white plush yarn, embroider the whites of the eyes and eyelashes to add expression.
Tips
- Color Management: When alternating colors for the body (rows 25–156), carry the unused color up the inside of the work to avoid cutting yarn frequently. Ensure you do not twist the carried yarn, or the snake may curl unevenly.
- Eye Placement: Insert the safety eyes firmly between rows 11 and 12. The source specifies a distance of 8 sc between the eyes, which helps create a friendly, wide-set gaze.
- Stuffing: The contrast between the tight head and loose body is crucial. If the body is stuffed too tightly, the snake will look stiff and may not drape well. If the head is too loose, the face may sag.
FAQs
Can I use a different yarn?
While Himalaya Dolphin Baby or Lavita Yarn Velur are recommended for the specific plush texture and size, you can use other bulky or plush yarns. Keep in mind that changing yarn weight may alter the final length and the density of the fabric.
How do I prevent the snake from unraveling at the tail?
After completing row 161 (6 dec), pull the tail end of the yarn through the remaining 6 loops to close the hole. Use a tapestry needle to weave the end securely into the stuffing and the surrounding stitches before trimming.
What if I don’t have 17mm safety eyes?
You can substitute with embroidered eyes or smaller safety eyes, but the proportions of the face may change. If using smaller eyes, you may need to adjust the stuffing around the eye area to ensure they sit securely.
Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
This pattern requires comfort with basic amigurumi techniques (MR, sc, inc, dec) and managing a very long project. While the stitches are simple, the length (156+ rounds) requires patience and consistency in tension.
How do I wash the finished snake?
Due to the plush nature of the recommended yarn and the use of safety eyes, hand washing is generally recommended. Lay flat to dry to maintain the shape and prevent the stuffing from clumping.
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