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Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
2.1K 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 Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern guides you through crocheting a tiny clam with a two-piece shell and a cute little clam body. It uses continuous rounds and simple shaping to create a neat, compact toy. The instructions include two size options for the clam so you can choose a smaller or slightly larger finished friend. Photos and sewing tips are included to help assemble the shell and secure facial details.

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

You'll make two inner shell pieces and two outer shell pieces, join them, then sew the top and bottom shells together. The clam body is crocheted separately and sewn closed before placing inside the shell.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns basic stitches into a tiny, characterful friend that is quick to make. I enjoy how a few rounds of increases and decreases can create such a perfectly shaped little body. The two-shell assembly is satisfying and gives the clam a neat, finished look that I find very rewarding. It is also versatile — I like offering two yarn-weight options so you can choose the size that suits your project.

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 change the personality of Cleo by swapping yarn colors; try pastel shades for a softer look or bright tones for a playful clam.

Want a larger version? Use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook to make a more squishy, cuddle-sized clam.

I often add tiny felt cheeks or a glittery sequin for a sparkly accent on special gifts.

If you prefer not to use safety eyes, embroider eyes with black yarn or floss for a fully handmade, child-safe version.

Try adding a tiny crocheted pearl or bead inside the clam for a cute 'pearl in a shell' look that makes a great gift.

Make a family of clams by crocheting multiple sizes using different yarn weights — they look adorable displayed together.

I sometimes stitch on tiny eyebrows or different mouth shapes to change expressions; experiment before securing them permanently.

For a keychain version, attach a small keyring to the top shell before closing and use fingering weight yarn to keep it compact.

I also enjoy combining textures — use a boucle or slightly fuzzy yarn for the clam to give it a plush feel inside the smooth shell.

Consider adding a small loop of ribbon to the shell seam to hang the clam as an ornament or bag charm.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to wait to fasten off outer shells can leave you without the yarn tail needed for sewing; keep the tail until you have attached the inner shells. ✗ Not stuffing the clam gradually causes lumps and uneven shaping; add small amounts of stuffing while shaping to keep the body smooth and consistent. ✗ Placing safety eyes too close together changes the expression of the clam; follow the placement between the specified rounds and count stitches to keep the eyes evenly spaced. ✗ Failing to weave in yarn tails and fasten seams securely can cause the shell to come apart during play; sew the top and bottom shells with 6-7 whip stitches and knot securely. ✗ Using a different hook size without adjusting tension may change finished measurements; check gauge visually by comparing to the stated finished sizes and adjust hook if needed.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Make a tiny, adorable clam named Cleo with this friendly crochet pattern. You will create a two-piece shell and a squishy little clam that fits perfectly inside. The pattern includes step-by-step rounds, assembly tips, and finishing instructions so you can complete a charming handmade gift. Perfect for gifting, keychains, or adding to your amigurumi collection.

Intermediate 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium/worsted weight yarn: tan (outer shell)
  • 02
    Medium/worsted weight yarn: cream (inner shell)
  • 03
    Light/light worsted weight yarn: peach (clam)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.75mm
  • 02
    Yarn needle
  • 03
    One pair of 12 mm safety eyes
  • 04
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing
  • 05
    One strand of black embroidery floss for mouth and eyebrows

Progress Tracker

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— Welcome :

Info :

I hope you will enjoy the creation of this clam! Please don't hesitate to contact me at hello@theresascrochetshop.com with any questions that you may have as you make it. Have fun!

— Materials :

Info :

Crochet hook size: 3.75mm. Medium/worsted weight yarn: tan (outer shell) and cream (inner shell). Light/light worsted: peach (clam). Yarn needle. One pair of 12 mm safety eyes. Polyester fiber fill stuffing. One strand of black embroidery floss for the mouth and eyebrows.

— Notes & Abbreviations :

Infos :

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. 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.

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.

— The Clam (Option 1) :

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.

Round 12 :

Dec 6 times. (6 sts)

Info :

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

— The Clam (Option 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 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 yarn tail for sewing.

Info :

Finish stuffing the body as needed – you want the body to hold its shape but still be squishy. Use the yarn tail and your yarn needle to weave through the 6 sts around the opening and pull tight to close, as pictured. Secure with a knot and weave in your end.

Info :

Place the clam inside his shell, and you are finished!

Assembly Instructions

  • After crocheting the inner and outer shell pieces, insert your hook through a stitch of the outer shell and a stitch of the inner shell and single crochet all the way around to join them; fasten off leaving a tail for sewing where instructed.
  • Match up the two completed shell pieces (top and bottom) aligning the spots where you fastened off so the seam will be hidden, then sew them together using the saved yarn tail with approximately 6-7 whip stitches.
  • Sew facial features on the clam by inserting the embroidery floss through the bottom opening, making a horizontal stitch between the eyes, then bringing the needle up one round lower and back into the same spot to form a V-shaped smile, knotting on the inside to secure.
  • Insert safety eyes between the specified rounds (Option 1: between R8-9; Option 2: between R7-8) with 3 stitches in between, and firmly press the safety backs onto the eyes.
  • After finishing and closing the opening of the clam, place the stuffed clam body inside the assembled shell and adjust positioning so it sits centered and visible when the shell is propped open.
  • Weave in all remaining yarn tails securely and trim excess ends after ensuring all seams and attachments are tight and hidden.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is crocheted in continuous rounds; do not join rounds unless you prefer a visible seam.
  • 💡Begin each circle with 'ch 2, 6 sc in first ch' or use a magic circle if you are comfortable with that method.
  • 💡Do not fasten off the outer shell until you have attached the inner shell piece so you retain the tail for joining and sewing.

Thank you for making Cleo the Clam — a tiny, cheerful companion perfect for gifting or brightening your day. This pattern combines simple shaping and a sweet assembly to create a polished little toy everyone will adore. Enjoy the process and share your finished clams for smiles and compliments! 🧶😊

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, the pattern includes two clam size options: a light/light worsted option for a smaller clam and a medium/worsted option for a slightly larger clam. Changing yarn weight will affect final size and may require a different hook.

Do I need to join rounds or use continuous rounds?

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds and you will not join at the end of each round; use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round.

How are the eyes and smile attached?

Insert safety eyes between the specified rounds (Option 1 between R8-9, Option 2 between R7-8) with 3 stitches between them, and embroider the smile with a strand of black embroidery floss securing the knot on the inside.