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Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern
4.2★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
2.3K 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 a small, textured garden snail amigurumi with a ridged spiral shell and a frilly body skirt. The design uses back-loop work and a mix of increases and decreases to shape head, neck, and shell. You can make the shell as a solid swirl or a lollipop-type multicolour spiral by changing colours each row. Includes full instructions for both UK and US terms, plus finishing and assembly notes.

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

Perfect for gifting or making as a set, the snails are quick to stitch and charming in chunky yarn. Detailed assembly instructions help you attach the shell and place antennae for a polished finish.

Why You'll Love This Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple shaping with a playful textured shell that always looks impressive. I enjoy how quickly a snail can be finished, making it perfect for last-minute gifts or craft fairs. The shell worked in the BLO and third loop gives such a lovely ridge effect that adds real character to the toy. I also love that the pattern includes both UK and US terminology so more makers can follow it easily and adapt the colours to their own style.

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 easy it is to customise these snails by changing shell colours and striping patterns; try ombre or two-tone swirls for variety.

I often make a set in complementary shades so they look great displayed together — pastel shells for a soft look or brights for a playful set.

To make a mini keyring version use a lighter yarn and smaller hook, or to make a chunky cuddly snail use bulkier yarn and a larger hook.

I sometimes embroider tiny flowers or dots on the shell for extra detail, or add felt leaves glued under the shell for a seasonal twist.

If you want posable antennae, insert a short piece of craft wire inside the antennae before closing them off so they can be bent into shape.

I recommend trying different skirt styles — a short frill, longer ruffle, or none at all — to change the silhouette of the snail.

For a lollipop style shell, change colour every row and hide the unused yarn behind the work so the spiral is neat and continuous.

I also personalise snails with embroidered initials or tiny accessories like mini hats or scarves for gift versions.

If making multiple snails, vary stuffing amounts slightly to create different body firmness and personality among the set.

When swapping UK/US terms, double-check increases and decreases so your stitch counts match the instructions and your pieces assemble correctly.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during continuous rounds causes you to lose track of the start; place a stitch marker at the last stitch of each round to stay oriented. ✗ Overstuffing parts makes seams and joins bulge and look uneven; stuff gradually and only enough so the piece can be squeezed when pinched firmly. ✗ Changing colour mid-stitch creates messy joins and lumps in the spiral shell; always change colour at the end of a row and pull the first stitch tight. ✗ Forgetting to work through the BLO and 3rd loop for the shell removes the ridge texture; ensure you pick up the correct loops to achieve the distinctive ridge pattern. ✗ Using inconsistent tension for increases and decreases gives a warped body shape; maintain even tension and count stitches after shaping rounds to correct mistakes early.

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

Make a charming set of tiny garden snails with textured shells and a ruffled body skirt. This pattern uses simple shaping and back-loop ridges to create a delightful spiral shell and iconic snail silhouette. You will enjoy making a set in contrasting colours for gifts or decorations. Clear step-by-step instructions are included for both UK and US terms.

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 each (use one contrast colour per shell)
  • 03
    Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Black 1002 – oddment for eyes
  • 04
    Hi-Loft quality toy stuffing – small amount
  • 05
    Additional small oddments of contrast colours if making multicolour shells

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Wool needle for sewing
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Polyester toy stuffing (Hi-Loft recommended)
  • 06
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Materials :

Info :

Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Main (Stone 2017) – 20g. Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Contrast (Wild Orchid/Amethyst/Baby Pink) – 10g. Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Black 1002 – Oddment for Eyes. Hi-Loft Quality Toy Stuffing. 4.5mm Crochet Hook. Wool Needle (for sewing).

— Abbreviations (UK Terms) :

Infos :

ch – chain. dc – double crochet. htr – half treble crochet. tr – treble crochet. inc – 2 double crochet stitches into next stitch. htrinc – 2 half treble crochet stitches into next stitch. 3trinc – 3 treble crochet stitches into next stitch. dec – decrease over next two stitches in front loops only. htrdec – decrease over next two stitches in back loops only picking up the 3rd st at the back of the previous htr row to create a firmer stitch. BLO – htr in back loops only picking up the 3rd st at the back of the previous htr row to create a firmer stitch. sl st – slip stitch. f/o – fasten off by slip stitch in next stitch.

— Notes (UK) :

Infos :

A) Unless stated work in continuous rounds marking last stitch of each row with a stitch marker before proceeding with the next. B) When stuffing parts make sure that you don’t overstuff them as you don’t want the stuffing to show through when complete. Each part should be filled just enough that it can be easily squeezed when pinched firmly. C) Where there are multiple repeats the section to be repeated is highlighted in yellow. D) To change colours, slip stitch to join, change colour (without a knot if 1st time, or by threading up from the back of work), then ch1 and pull 1st colour tight. You can then attach 2nd colour with knot at back if required.

— Shell :

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. 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 :

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. 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. 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. 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.

Info :

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 :

Info :

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

Row 1 :

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

— Features :

Item Name (Eyes) :

Using black oddment, thread through head 2sts from the centre of face and 1 row down from the antennae. 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. 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. 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. F/O leaving a 60cm end. Using 60cm end, and running sts, thread through front loops of last 6sts and gather tightly. Secure end with a couple of small sts. 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. 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.

Row 1 :

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

— Features (US) :

Item Name (Eyes) :

Using black oddment, thread through head 2sts from the centre of face and 1 row down from the antennae. 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 tail from the body through the front loops of the last 6 stitches and gather tightly to close the tail, secure with a couple of small stitches so the body is not distorted.
  • Pick up the shell and thread through the middle of the outer edge of the shell between the two central ridges; come out at the opposite side of the shell diameter keeping central and even.
  • Thread the shell tail into the body at the centre back of the neck two rows down from the base of the head, catch in a single stitch then pull tight to create the snail silhouette and secure with a couple of small stitches.
  • Attach the shell to the body along the BLO ridge one row out from centre, sewing securely with small stitches and then weave ends through shell/body and cut flush to finish.
  • Position antennae centrally at the top of the head before final sewing; thread antennae through the head and body so they emerge four rows in front of the tail end and secure neatly.
  • Pin the body skirt in place around the base before sewing, then secure both skirt ends with a couple of small stitches and weave ends through frill and body.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated and mark the last stitch of each round with a stitch marker before proceeding to the next.
  • 💡Do not overstuff parts; fill each section just enough so it can be pinched firmly to shape without stuffing showing through.
  • 💡When making the shell ridge pattern work through the BLO and the 3rd loop of the stitch below to maintain the distinctive texture and shape.
  • 💡Change colours between rows only, slipping stitch to join and pulling the first stitch tight to avoid lumps or visible knots.

Create a trio of tiny garden snails perfect for gifts, decor, or a playful desk companion. They stitch up quickly and look adorable in bright or pastel contrast shells. Enjoy experimenting with lollipop swirls or solid shells to make each snail unique. 🐌🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can change yarn weight, but your finished size will vary; use an appropriate hook for your yarn and expect different stitch counts visually if you switch weights.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses increases, decreases, and back-loop/third-loop working; basic knowledge of these techniques is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most makers finish a single snail in about 2-4 hours, depending on experience, colour changes, and assembly time.

Are the instructions available in both UK and US terms?

Yes, the pattern includes full instructions in both UK and US terminology so you can follow whichever you prefer.