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Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern
4.6★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
2.4K 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.

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

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

🧸

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 small, charming garden snail amigurumi with a textured ridge shell and ruffled body skirt. It features a worked-through-back-loop ridge technique to give the shell its distinctive look. You will make the body, shell, frill and embroidered eyes and attach them securely for a neat finish. The pattern includes both UK and US terms so you can follow the version you prefer.

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

Designed for scrap yarn and small amounts of yarn, these snails are quick to make and great for practice. Step-by-step shaping and finishing notes are included to help you assemble tidy, long-lasting pieces.

Why You'll Love This Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a few simple stitches into a character full of personality. I enjoy the tactile ridge work on the shell — it adds dimension and a playful look that really pops. The body skirt is a fun finishing flourish that makes each snail feel unique and finished. I also love that the pattern uses very small amounts of yarn, so you can make several from scraps and experiment with colour combinations.

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 to change the shell colours to make a set that coordinates or contrasts — try ombre shades or mismatched pastels for a playful set.

You can make the snails larger or smaller by using a different yarn weight and adjusting hook size; bulky yarn with a larger hook creates a chunky friend while finer yarn makes a tiny keychain pal.

I sometimes embroider tiny patterns on the shell before assembly to make each snail unique — small stars, spirals or initials work beautifully.

For safety with babies, replace embroidered eyes with securely sewn French knots or use sewn-on felt for features instead of oddments to avoid loose threads.

If you want a posable snail, I add a short length of floral wire inside the neck before stuffing so it keeps a curved pose.

Try swapping the frill for a smoother base by skipping the body skirt and finishing with a simple round to create a sleeker snail silhouette.

Use sparkly or metallic contrast yarn for the shell to make special occasion or party snails — the ridged texture really shows off novelty yarns.

I often make festive versions by using tiny bell or ribbon accessories attached beneath the shell for a seasonal twist.

Mix and match body and shell colours from different yarn brands — the pattern is forgiving and perfect for experimenting with leftovers.

To give as gifts, package a trio in a small box with matching tags and a mini care instruction card explaining materials and washing advice.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers in continuous rounds can make you lose track of the last stitch; place a marker at the start of each round to maintain correct stitch counts. ✗ Stuffing too tightly early on will distort shaping and ridge definition; stuff gradually, checking shape frequently and adding small amounts at a time. ✗ Not working through the correct loop for ridge rows will ruin the shell texture; ensure you work through the BLO and third loop of the stitch below where instructed. ✗ Changing colour mid-stitch or failing to secure colour changes can create loose loops; change colours behind work and avoid changing mid-stitch, securing ends as described. ✗ Failing to thread and gather the shell front loops tightly will leave the shell loose; use the specified 25cm running end to gather through the front loops of the last 6 sts and secure with small stitches. ✗ Attaching the shell off-centre will mis-shape the snail; follow the placement instructions to thread through the middle of the outer edge and position the shell along the BLO ridge one row out from centre.

Garden Snails Amigurumi Pattern

Create a trio of adorable garden snails with this compact amigurumi pattern. You will enjoy shaping the distinctive ridged shell and the curled body skirt while practicing simple increases and decreases. Perfect for gifting, charity makes, or adding a handmade touch to your home. Clear step-by-step instructions guide you through shaping, assembly and facial features.

Intermediate 2-3 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
  • 03
    Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Black 1002 – oddment for eyes
  • 04
    Hi-Loft quality toy stuffing – small amounts per snail

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Wool needle (for sewing)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Stitch marker
  • 05
    Pins for assembly (optional)
  • 06
    Small amount of black yarn or oddment for embroidered eyes

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) :

Info :

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 (UK) :

Row 1 :

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

Info :

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 (UK) :

Row 1 :

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.

Info :

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.

Info :

Pick up the shell and thread through the middle of the outer edge of shell, between the 2 central ridges.

Info :

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.

Info :

Catch in a single st and then pull tight to create the iconic shape of the snail's body.

Info :

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.

Info :

Secure end with a couple of small sts. Weave end through shell/body and cut flush to finish.

— Body Skirt (UK) :

Info :

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

Using Main Row 1 :

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.

Info :

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

— Features (UK) :

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 :

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.

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 :

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

Info :

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 :

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.

Info :

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.

Info :

Pick up the shell and thread through the middle of the outer edge of shell, between the 2 central ridges.

Info :

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.

Info :

Catch in a single st and then pull tight to create the iconic shape of the snail's body.

Info :

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.

Info :

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.

Using Main Row 1 :

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.

Info :

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

— Features (US) :

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

  • Using the 60cm tail from the body, thread through the front loops of the last 6 stitches and gather tightly to close the body opening; secure with a couple of small stitches to avoid distortion.
  • Thread the shell tail through the middle of the outer edge of the shell between the two central ridges and bring the end out at the opposite side of the shell diameter to remain central on the same ridge.
  • Thread the shell end into the body at the centre back of the neck, two rows down from the base of the head, catch in a single stitch and pull tight to create the snail's iconic curved body shape, then secure with small stitches.
  • Attach the shell to the body along the BLO ridge, one row out from the centre, securing with a couple of small stitches and weaving the ends through the shell and body before cutting flush to finish.
  • For the body skirt, place a stitch marker at centre front 8 rows down from the neck, work frill sides with 3trinc/3dcinc as instructed, then secure both ends and weave through frill and body to finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated and mark the last stitch of each round with a stitch marker to maintain accurate counts.
  • 💡When stuffing, avoid overstuffing so the stuffing does not show through; fill parts just enough that they compress slightly when pinched.
  • 💡When changing colours, slip stitch to join and change colour behind the work without creating knots; ch1 and pull the first colour tight if required.

These little Garden Snails are a delightful scrap-busting project that make perfect gifts and charity items. Each snail features a textured ridge shell and a playful frill that brings so much character to a tiny toy. Make a trio in different colours and display them on a shelf or gift them to someone special. 🐌🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 6-8 cm tall depending on yarn and tension when using the recommended Scheepjes Chunky Monkey and 4.5mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but the final size will change; use an appropriate hook size for your chosen yarn and adjust stuffing and placement accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate due to working through BLO and third loop techniques, increases and decreases, and assembly instructions; basic knowledge of stitches is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete a single snail in about 2-3 hours, though time may vary with experience and customisation choices.

Are both UK and US terms included?

Yes, the pattern includes both UK and US term versions of the rounds so you can follow the version you prefer.