Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a project that combines whimsy, charm, and a whole lot of love, you are going to fall head over heels for this adorable crocheted snail. Featuring a sweet little body and a puffy heart-shaped shell, this project blends the gentle, patient nature of a snail with the universal symbol of affection.
Whether you want to stitch up a heartfelt gift for a special someone, decorate a cozy reading nook, or simply add a unique piece to your amigurumi collection, this little snail is a joy to make. Let’s grab our hooks and get started!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Medium-weight (Worsted / Aran) yarn in two colors—one for the body (e.g., beige or green) and one for the heart shell (e.g., pink or red).
- Crochet Hook: Size 3.5mm (E-4) or 4.0mm (G-6), depending on your tension, to keep stitches nice and tight.
- Fiberfill Stuffing: For giving your snail and shell lovely volume.
- Safety Eyes: 6mm or 8mm (alternatively, you can embroider the eyes with black embroidery floss).
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, and scissors.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Rnd: round
- Note: Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- The Heart Shell (Make 2 identical pieces in shell color):
Part 1 (First bump): Start with a magic ring, ch 1, and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: [inc] around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] around. (18 sts)
Fasten off the first bump and weave in ends.
Part 2 (Second bump & joining): Make a second identical piece up to Rnd 3, but do not fasten off. Chain 2, then join with a sc to the first bump to combine them. Work 18 sc around the first bump, 2 sc along the ch-2 chain, 18 sc around the second bump, and 2 sc along the other side of the ch-2. (40 sts)
Rnd 4-6: sc around evenly. (40 sts)
Rnd 7-12: Begin decreasing symmetrically on the sides to shape the bottom point of the heart. Work dec evenly across each round until you reach a small opening. Stuff firmly with fiberfill and sew closed. - The Snail Body (Make 1 in body color):
Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: [inc] around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3-10: sc around evenly to form the head and neck. (12 sts)
Rnd 11: Gently stuff the head. Flatten the open end of the body tube and sc across both sides to close, creating a wider base for the snail to sit on. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. - Assembly:
Attach the safety eyes to the upper front of the head (around Rnd 4-5). Position the flat base of the snail body underneath the bottom point of the heart-shaped shell. Using your yarn needle and the tail from the body, securely whipstitch the shell to the top of the snail’s body. Weave in any remaining loose ends.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Maintain Tight Tension: Keep your stitches snug so the polyester stuffing doesn’t peek through the gaps in your fabric. Going down a hook size from what the yarn label recommends is a great trick for amigurumi!
- Embroider Extra Charm: If you are gifting this to a baby or young child, skip the plastic safety eyes and embroider sleepy eyelashes or a sweet smile with black thread.
- Play with Colors: Don’t feel limited by traditional colors—pastel pinks, mint greens, or even variegated rainbow yarns make gorgeous, whimsical shells!
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: