Ochre Snail with Olive Shell: Free Crochet Pattern
Ochre Snail with Olive Shell: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little ochre snail with its olive spiral shell is the perfect first amigurumi project for anyone who wants something quick, cute, and a little bit grunge. It is worked entirely in single crochet, so you only need one stitch in your toolkit, and the whole snail uses just 50 yards of worsted weight yarn. The body tapers from a wide middle into a narrow head and a small tail, while the flat shell is a simple spiral disc with alternating olive and ochre rings that looks like a real snail shell once it is sewn on. At about 4 inches long and 3 inches tall, it fits in your palm, feels soft and squishy, and makes a charming desk buddy or a handmade gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 30 yards ochre and 20 yards olive.
- Hook: 3.75 mm (F/5) crochet hook.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and polyester fiberfill stuffing.
- Finished size: Approximately 4 inches long and 3 inches tall.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull another loop through it.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
- dec — decrease: work 2 stitches together into 1 single crochet.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
- R / Rnd — round: one complete circle of stitches worked in continuous rounds.
Gauge
20 stitches and 20 rounds = 4 inches in single crochet. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in single crochet and measure it; if you have more stitches than 20 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Work in continuous rounds without joining or turning, and place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place.
- Stuff the body lightly as you go — a little at a time keeps the tapered shape smooth and prevents lumps.
- When changing colors on the shell, change on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of the round so the new color starts cleanly.
- Keep your tension even and slightly firm so the stuffing does not show through the stitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (ochre)
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
R3: [sc, inc] around (18 sts).
R4–12: sc in each st around (18 sts).
R13: [sc, dec] around (12 sts).
R14: dec around (6 sts).
R15: sc in each st around (6 sts).
R16: [sc, inc] around (9 sts).
R17: sc in each st around (9 sts).
R18: [sc, inc] around (13 sts).
R19–20: sc in each st around (13 sts).
R21: [sc, dec] around (9 sts).
R22: dec around (5 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the body lightly and evenly.
Antennae (ochre, make 2)
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).
R2–3: sc in each st around (6 sts).
R4: dec around (3 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Shell (olive and ochre)
With olive, ch 2.
R1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
R3: [sc, inc] around (18 sts).
R4: [2 sc, inc] around (24 sts).
R5: [3 sc, inc] around (30 sts).
R6: [4 sc, inc] around (36 sts).
R7: [5 sc, inc] around (42 sts).
Change to ochre.
R8: [6 sc, inc] around (48 sts).
Change to olive.
R9: [7 sc, inc] around (54 sts).
Change to ochre.
R10: [8 sc, inc] around (60 sts).
Change to olive.
R11: [9 sc, inc] around (66 sts).
Change to ochre.
R12: [10 sc, inc] around (72 sts).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
1. Sew the antennae to the top of the head (the narrow end of the body) using the long tails, spacing them slightly apart.
2. Sew the shell to the side of the body, positioning it so it covers about half the body length.
3. Weave in all remaining ends securely. Lightly shape the snail with your fingers and steam or mist block it gently, then let it dry fully before displaying.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the olive and ochre for any two colors you love — mustard and charcoal give an even moodier grunge look.
- Add a tiny embroidered eye on each side of the head for extra personality.
- Make a mini version with sport weight yarn and a 3.0 mm hook for a keychain-sized snail.
