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Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.1★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
2.8K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

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

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Bite-Sized Project

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

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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

This pattern creates a small, charming clam with a two-piece shell and a tiny knitted clam tucked inside. It uses simple single crochet rounds and basic decreases to shape both the shell and the clam. The design includes clear assembly steps to join the shell pieces and simple embroidery instructions for a sweet smiling face. Perfect for making as a delicate gift, keychain-sized keepsake, or a pocket pal.

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

The pattern offers two size options for the clam (light/light worsted or medium/worsted yarn) so you can make the inner clam slightly different sizes. Full materials, abbreviations and step-by-step rounds are included so you can follow along easily.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it takes minimal materials and creates an instant smile with very little time investment. I enjoy how the two-piece shell gives a realistic clam feeling and the tiny clam inside is endlessly customizable. I love that it teaches basic joining and finishing techniques that are useful across many amigurumi projects. This pattern is a sweet, portable project that I find perfect for gifting or making multiples for a display of tiny sea friends.

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 how easy it is to customize Cleo by changing yarn colors, so try pastel shades for a softer look or bright colors for a quirky companion.

You can change yarn weight and hook size to make mini keychain versions or larger plush versions; thicker yarn will give a chunkier clam.

I often add tiny felt cheeks or blushed embroidery for extra cuteness — a couple of small pink satin stitches can change the whole expression.

Try different eye types: safety eyes, embroidered eyes, or French knots for varied styles and safety levels for kids.

I sometimes add tiny accessories like a crocheted starfish or a mini pearl bead to tuck next to Cleo in the shell for a playful vignette.

For display, make a set of three clams in coordinating colors and stitch them to a small felt base for a seaside scene.

If you want a posable version, consider adding a short wire armature inside the clam before stuffing to adjust the head angle.

I recommend experimenting with the mouth placement to change Cleo's personality — higher or lower smiles make him cheekier or shy.

You can also embroider tiny eyebrows or lashes for expressions; a few extra stitches make a big difference in character.

If making multiple as gifts, package them in tiny organza bags and tag with the yarn used and a care note — they make lovely stocking stuffers.

I like to use variegated yarn for a marbled shell effect; it creates a unique texture and color shift without extra work.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to keep your rounds continuous can create a visible seam; use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and crochet in continuous spirals. ✗ Overstuffing the small clam body will distort the shape and make closing difficult; stuff gradually and stop when the body holds form but remains slightly squishy. ✗ Inserting safety eyes too late may be awkward and mispositioned; place the eyes between the specified rounds (R8-R9 for option 1) with the exact number of stitches between them. ✗ Not matching shell seam points when sewing the two shells together will leave a lopsided join; match the fasten-off spots on top and bottom before stitching so the seam hides neatly.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Make a tiny, adorable Cleo the Clam with this easy-to-follow crochet pattern. You will create a small clam shell and a sweet little clam friend to nest inside, perfect for gifting or keeping on your shelf. The pattern includes step-by-step rounds, handy assembly tips, and simple embroidery instructions to finish the face. Enjoy a cozy, satisfying mini project that brings a lot of charm in a small package.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium/worsted weight yarn (#4): tan - outer shell (as specified)
  • 02
    Medium/worsted weight yarn (#4): cream - inner shell (as specified)
  • 03
    Light / light worsted weight yarn: peach - clam (option 1; alternative medium/worsted option included)
  • 04
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing - amount sufficient to stuff a small clam and shell
  • 05
    One strand black embroidery floss for mouth and eyebrows
  • 06
    One pair 12 mm safety eyes (for the clam)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size: 3.75mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle
  • 03
    One pair of 12 mm safety eyes
  • 04
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing
  • 05
    Black embroidery floss

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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 inner shell pieces 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.

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. 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. 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 for the bottom shell is 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.

— The Clam (Option 1) :

Info :

Option 1 uses light/light worsted yarn for a very small clam. 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 backs onto the eyes. Cut a strand of black embroidery floss, thread it onto your yarn needle, and insert it through the opening at the bottom of the clam.

Info :

Sew a horizontal stitch on the middle st between the eyes, then bring your yarn needle up one round lower, grab the previous stitch and insert your needle back into the exact same spot to create a "V" smile. Tie the 2 ends of the embroidery floss in a knot on the inside of the shell's body so the smile cannot be pulled out.

Round 12 :

Dec 6 times. (6 sts)

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail for sewing. Jump to "Finish stuffing and closing" below to finish making your clam.

— The Clam (Option 2) :

Info :

Option 2 uses medium/medium worsted yarn for a slightly larger clam. 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 5-7 :

Sc 18. (3 total rounds)

Round 8 :

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

Info :

Here, insert the eyes between R7-8, with 3 sts in between. Then refer to the above instructions for stuffing and sewing on the smile and eyebrows.

Round 9 :

Dec 6 times. (6 sts)

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail for sewing.

— Finish stuffing and closing :

Info :

Finish stuffing the body as needed – you want the body to hold its shape but still be squishy. Use the yarn tail and your yarn needle to weave through the 6 sts around the opening and pull tight to close. Secure with a knot and weave in your end.

Final :

Place the clam inside his shell, and you are finished!

Assembly Instructions

  • Join each inner cream circle to its matching outer tan circle by inserting your hook through a stitch of the outer shell and a stitch of the inner shell and single crocheting all the way around; fasten off leaving a yarn tail for sewing the top shell.
  • Make the second outer shell and inner shell assembly as above and match up the 2 assembled shell pieces (top and bottom) so the fasten-off points align; sew them together using the saved yarn tail and about 6-7 whip stitches.
  • Insert the safety eyes into the clam between the specified rounds (Option 1: between R8 and R9 with 3 sts in between; Option 2: between R7 and R8 with 3 sts in between) and firmly press the safety backs on the inside.
  • Embroider the mouth by inserting a strand of black embroidery floss through the bottom opening, sew a horizontal stitch between the eyes, then bring the needle up one round lower and insert back into the same spot to form a "V" smile; knot the ends inside to secure.
  • Finish stuffing the clam, weave the closure through the 6 sts at the opening, pull tight to close, knot and weave in ends, then place the finished clam inside the sewn shell.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is crocheted in continuous rounds (do not join each round) so use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
  • 💡Stuff gradually and evenly for the best shape; overstuffing will distort the little clam and make finishing difficult.
  • 💡Match up the fasten-off spots when sewing the top and bottom shell so the seam will be hidden and symmetrical.

This tiny Cleo the Clam is a sweet little project that fits in the palm of your hand and makes a wonderful handmade gift. The two-piece shell and tiny embroidered smile give tons of personality in just a few rounds. Make a whole colony of tiny clams for display or gift-giving — they are addictive to crochet! 🧶🐚

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, Option 1 uses light/light worsted for a smaller clam and Option 2 shows medium/worsted for a slightly larger clam. Changing yarn weight will affect final size.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is beginner friendly and uses basic single crochet, increases and decreases, but familiarity with continuous rounds and basic decreases is helpful.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this tiny amigurumi in about 2-3 hours, though time may vary by experience level and chosen yarn.