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Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.8★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.7K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

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Bite-Sized Project

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

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Tiny Treasure

Small, sweet, and gift-worthy creations that fit perfectly in the palm of your hand with detailed charm.

About This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a small, charming clam named Cleo with a soft outer shell and a tiny stuffed clam inside. It uses basic single crochet shaping and simple joining techniques to form the shell and body. The pattern includes two size options for the clam depending on the yarn weight you choose.

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

Clear step-by-step rounds and helpful photos make it easy to follow along. Perfect for quick makes, gifts, or practicing amigurumi basics.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a few simple rounds into a delightful little character that feels instantly satisfying to finish. I enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for gifting or small craft markets. The combination of a soft shell and an expressive face gives so much personality to a tiny piece of crochet. I also appreciate that it offers two yarn-weight options so you can choose the size and texture that suit your project best.

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 changing yarn colors to give Cleo a whole new personality; try soft pastels for a delicate look or bright colors for a playful version.

I sometimes make a mini keychain version by using thinner yarn and a smaller hook, then attaching a keyring before closing the clam.

I often substitute safety eyes with embroidered eyes for a baby-safe version; use embroidery floss to stitch eyes and lashes for added expression.

You can add tiny blush spots by needle felting a bit of pink or by stitching small satin-thread circles for extra cuteness.

I like to make a set of sea friends by crocheting multiple clams in different sizes and colors to display together.

Try using a bulkier yarn and a larger hook for a chunky, squishier cleo; adjust stuffing accordingly to keep proportions nice.

I sometimes add a small loop of yarn at the top of the shell to hang Cleo as an ornament or mobile decoration.

For a playful touch, embroider tiny eyebrows in different positions to change Cleo's expression from shy to surprised.

I enjoy adding small crochet accessories like a tiny starfish or a shell hat to accessorize Cleo for seasonal themes.

If you want posable features, try adding a small piece of wire inside the clam body before stuffing to gently shape the pose.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to wait to fasten off outer shells can make joining inner shells difficult; leave your outer shell live until inner pieces are ready and follow the joining steps. ✗ Not leaving a yarn tail for sewing when instructed will make assembly awkward and messy; always leave the specified tail lengths for sewing and weaving in ends. ✗ Forgetting to insert safety eyes between the correct rounds will place eyes too high or too low; carefully count rounds and place the eyes between the rounds called out in the pattern. ✗ Overstuffing the clam body can distort the shape and make closing the opening hard; stuff gradually until the body is firm but still slightly squishy so shaping remains neat.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Create Cleo the Clam, a tiny, whimsical amigurumi perfect for gifting or keeping as a cute desk companion. This pattern guides you through crocheting a soft shell and an adorable clam with clear, friendly steps. You will learn simple shaping, joining shell pieces, and adding facial details to bring Cleo to life.

Beginner Friendly 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 yarn - peach (clam body)
  • 04
    One strand black embroidery floss for mouth and eyebrows
  • 05
    Polyester fiber fill stuffing
  • 06
    One pair of 12 mm safety eyes

— 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

0% Complete

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

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 :

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 to the right. 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 to the right.

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 to the right.

— 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 a 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 a yarn tail for sewing.

Info :

Finish stuffing the body as needed - you want the body to hold its shape but still be squishy.

Info :

Use the yarn tail and your yarn needle to weave through the 6 sts around the opening and pull tight to close. Secure with a knot and weave in your end.

Info :

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

Assembly Instructions

  • Insert your crochet hook through a stitch of the outer shell and a stitch of the inner shell and single crochet all the way around to join the inner and outer pieces; fasten off leaving a yarn tail for sewing when instructed.
  • Weave in the yarn tails from the inner shell pieces before completing the second outer shell so the shell edges look neat and finished.
  • Match up the two spots where you fastened off on the top and bottom shells when sewing them together so the seam will be hidden; use the saved yarn tail to sew them together securely.
  • Make approximately 6-7 whip stitches with your yarn needle to sew the top and bottom shell together for the finished clam shell look.
  • Insert the stuffed clam into the shell, then use the yarn tail to close the clam opening by weaving through the 6 stitches around the opening and pulling tight; knot and weave in the end to secure.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is worked in continuous rounds; do not join or chain up between rounds unless specified.
  • 💡Wait to fasten off outer shell pieces until inner shells are attached so joining the pieces is easier and cleaner.
  • 💡When sewing the two shells together, align the spots where you fastened off so that the seam hides naturally.
  • 💡Stuff the clam firmly but not overstuffed so the shape remains cute and squishy; finish stuffing before closing the final rounds.

This tiny Cleo the Clam pattern brings a little pocket-sized friend to life with simple stitches and sweet detailing. Make one for a gift, a keychain, or a small collection of sea-themed amigurumi. Happy stitching and enjoy creating a cute companion that fits in the palm of your hand! 🧶🐚

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished shell will be 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 hook size.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, the pattern includes two clam options for light/light worsted yarn and medium/medium worsted yarn; using different yarn weights will change the final size and texture.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly and uses basic stitches like single crochet, increases, and decreases; familiarity with continuous rounds and basic finishing will help.

How should I place the safety eyes and embroider the smile?

Place safety eyes between the rounds specified for your chosen option (between R8-9 for Option 1 or between R7-8 for Option 2) with 3 stitches in between, then sew a small 'V' shaped smile with embroidery floss as described.