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Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.6★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
1.2K 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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Cute Companion

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

About This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates Cleo the Clam, a small amigurumi with a removable clam inside a two-part shell. Youll crochet two outer shells, inner shell liners, and a tiny clam body, then assemble them into a cute palm-sized toy. The design uses simple rounds of single crochet with shaping by increases and decreases. Detailed photos and notes guide you through finishing, stuffing, and sewing the smile and eyes.

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

Designed to be quick and satisfying, Cleo is ideal for stash-busting and quick handmade gifts. Two yarn-weight options for the clam are included so you can make either a tiny or slightly larger friend.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple crochet rounds into a tiny character with a big personality. I enjoy how quickly the pieces come together — you can see real progress fast, which is so satisfying. The little details like the embroidered "V" smile and removable clam make it playful and customizable. I also like that there are two yarn-weight options, so you can experiment and make multiple sizes to gift or collect.

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; try pastel shades for a soft nursery-friendly version.

Want a keychain? Use a smaller hook and lightweight yarn to make a tiny clam that fits on your keys.

For a chunkier, more huggable version, use bulky yarn and a larger hook to scale up the pattern easily.

I often add tiny crocheted accessories like a pearl or a bow to give each clam a unique personality.

Try embroidering different mouth shapes or adding tiny felt cheeks for extra expression.

You can swap the 12 mm safety eyes for embroidered eyes for a fully baby-safe toy option.

Experiment with variegated yarn for a fun, marbled shell effect that needs no extra embellishment.

If you want posable presentation, insert a small length of wire into the shell seam before sewing to keep it slightly open.

Create a mini series by varying eye sizes and yarn weights to make a family of clams for gifting.

I always recommend making a practice clam first to test tension, then adjust hook size for perfect fit.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch counts and not counting after each round can cause mismatched shaping; count your stitches after every round to ensure you have the correct number before continuing. ✗ Forgetting to leave yarn tails when instructed will make sewing the shells together difficult; follow the fasten off instructions and leave the specified tails for weaving and sewing. ✗ Overstuffing the clam or shell will distort the shape and make assembly tricky; stuff gradually and stop when the piece holds shape but remains slightly squishy. ✗ Placing safety eyes too late or too close can ruin facial placement; insert safety eyes between the recommended rounds and use the stitch counts provided (3 sts between eyes) for correct spacing. ✗ Pulling decreases too tight can create lumps and affect final shape; work decreases with consistent tension and shape gently with stuffing as you go.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Create Cleo the Clam, a tiny, charming amigurumi that fits in the palm of your hand. This pattern walks you through crocheting the shell and a sweet little clam with clear, photo-based instructions. Youll enjoy simple shaping and a bit of assembly to bring this friendly clam to life. Perfect for gifting or keeping as a whimsical handmade collectible.

Beginner Friendly 2-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium/worsted weight yarn (#4) - tan (outer shell), amount: small skein (as needed)
  • 02
    Medium/worsted weight yarn (#4) - cream (inner shell), amount: small skein (as needed)
  • 03
    Light/light worsted weight yarn - peach (clam) - small amount for Option 1 (recommended for tiny clam)
  • 04
    Medium/medium worsted weight yarn - peach (clam) - small amount for Option 2 (alternative for slightly larger clam)
  • 05
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing - small amount for stuffing clam and shells
  • 06
    One strand of black embroidery floss for mouth and eyebrows (small length)

— Tools Required

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

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Notes and Abbreviations :

Info :

Abbreviations: 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.

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.

— 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 (make 2) :

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 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 (with light/light worsted 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. Sew a horizontal stitch on the middle st between the eyes, and 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. Now 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. Finish making the clam:

Round 12 :

Dec 6 times. (6 sts)

Info :

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

— The Clam - Option 2 (with medium/medium worsted 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.

Info :

Finish stuffing the body as needed – you want the body to hold its shape but still be squishy.

Info :

Use the yarn tail and your yarn needle to weave through the 6 sts around the opening and pull tight to close, as pictured to the right. Secure with a knot and weave in your end.

Info :

Place the clam inside his shell, and… you are finished! Thank you so much for joining me in making a cute little clam!

Assembly Instructions

  • Insert your crochet hook through a stitch of the outer shell and a stitch of the inner shell and single crochet all the way around to join the inner and outer shell pieces, then fasten off leaving a yarn tail for sewing.
  • Use the saved yarn tail to align the top and bottom shells, matching the spots where you fastened off, then sew the two shells together with approximately 6-7 whip stitches to hide the seam.
  • For the clam, insert safety eyes between the specified rounds (Option 1: between R8-9; Option 2: between R7-8) with 3 stitches in between, then embroider the mouth using a strand of black floss to create a small V-shaped smile and knot ends inside.
  • Weave the yarn tail through the final 6 stitches of the clam opening, pull tight to close, secure with a knot, weave in the end, then place the finished clam inside the assembled shell.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is worked in continuous rounds — do not join at the end of each round unless otherwise noted.
  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round to keep track of rounds and shaping changes.
  • 💡Stuff pieces gradually and evenly to avoid lumps; the clam should be firm enough to hold shape but still slightly squishy.
  • 💡Leave yarn tails where instructed to allow for sewing pieces together and weaving in; trimming tails too early makes assembly difficult.

Cleo the Clam is a tiny, heartwarming amigurumi thats perfect for gifts and quick makes. Its compact size and cheerful face make it irresistible to crochet and share. Try making a whole family of clams in different colors for a playful display! 🧶🐚✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished shell will be about 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide and the little clam measures approximately 1.25 inches (3.25 cm) tall when using the recommended yarn and 3.75mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes — the pattern includes instructions for using light/light worsted for a tiny clam and medium/medium worsted for a slightly larger clam; changing yarn weight will alter the final size and may require a different hook.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is beginner friendly, but you should be comfortable with basic skills like single crochet, increases, decreases, and simple sewing; the pattern includes an explanation for the single crochet decrease.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this pattern in 2-4 hours, depending on experience level and whether you make both shell pieces and finish sewing right away.