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Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
3.8K 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 Cleo, a tiny hand-crocheted clam with a removable little clam inside his shell. You will make two layered shells and a small stuffed clam, finishing with embroidered facial details and safety eyes. The pattern focuses on simple rounds and easy assembly so you can create a polished miniature amigurumi.

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

Perfect for using up small yarn scraps, Cleo is quick to make and adorable to gift. The instructions include two yarn-weight options and full finishing tips for neat results.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple crochet rounds with a playful finished result that always makes me smile. I enjoy how quickly a completed Cleo comes together, making it a satisfying project between larger works. The tiny size is perfect for using leftover yarn, and I love adding small personal touches like different eye styles or blush. Building the two-shell assembly is a fun little finishing puzzle that gives Cleo a lovely, professional look.

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 experimenting with color to change Cleo's personality; try pastel shades for a soft look or bright colors for a playful vibe.

If you want a larger Cleo, I often switch to a bulkier yarn and a larger hook to make a chunky, cuddly version that still uses the same stitch pattern.

For an even tinier keychain version, use finer yarn and a smaller hook, then attach a small split ring before finishing.

I sometimes replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes for a safer toy suitable for babies or to give Cleo a handmade, stitched look.

Try adding blush with a small amount of pastel chalk on the cheeks or embroider tiny eyebrows for different expressions.

Make a set of clams in coordinating yarn colors to create a little undersea family or a gift set.

Consider adding a small felt accessory like a tiny bow or a crocheted star to give Cleo extra charm and personality.

For posable displays, I experiment with inserting a short piece of floral wire into the shell seam (securely wrapped) to slightly adjust how the shell opens.

Change eye sizes to alter Cleo's look: larger eyes make a cuter expression, while smaller eyes look more delicate or subtle.

I also enjoy embroidering tiny freckles or a blush gradient on the clam for a whimsical touch that makes each Cleo unique.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to wait to fasten off on the outer shell can make assembly difficult; follow the pattern and leave the outer shell attached until inner shells are joined. ✗ Placing safety eyes too early or in the wrong round changes facial placement and expression; insert the eyes between the rounds specified (R8-9 for option 1 or R7-8 for option 2) with the recommended number of stitches between them. ✗ Overstuffing the small clam causes distortion and makes it hard to close the opening neatly; stuff gradually and aim for a squishy but firm shape to retain the round profile. ✗ Not leaving yarn tails for sewing after fastening off will make joining pieces awkward; save the instructed yarn tails for sewing and weaving so seams are tidy and secure.

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Make Cleo the Clam, a tiny, adorable amigurumi perfect for gifting or keeping as a cute desk companion. This pattern guides you through crocheting a petite clam shell and a sweet little clam with step-by-step rounds and finishing instructions. You will learn simple shaping, joining shell pieces, and adding facial details for charming results. Enjoy a relaxing, creative project that yields an irresistible tiny treasure.

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) - recommended for the small clam
  • 04
    Optional: Use medium/worsted weight yarn for the clam and shell if preferred (pattern includes option for medium weight)

— 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 the mouth and eyebrows

Progress Tracker

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— Notes :

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.

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.

— 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. 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 in the pattern photos.

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 in the pattern.

— The Clam - Option 1 (with light/light worsted yarn) :

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 (with medium/medium worsted yarn) :

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, as pictured in the pattern. Secure with a knot and weave in your end.

Info :

Place the clam inside his shell, and... you are finished! Thank you so much for joining me in making a cute little clam!

Assembly Instructions

  • After crocheting inner and outer shell pieces, 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 them, then fasten off leaving a yarn tail for sewing.
  • Using the saved yarn tail, sew the top and bottom shell pieces together, matching spots where you fastened off so the seam is hidden, and make approximately 6-7 whip stitches to secure the shells.
  • Insert safety eyes into the clam between the rounds specified (Option 1: between R8-9 with 3 sts between; Option 2: between R7-8 with 3 sts between) and firmly press the safety backings onto the eyes.
  • Use a strand of black embroidery floss to stitch a horizontal stitch between the eyes, then bring the needle up one round lower and secure in the same spot to create a 'V' smile; tie the ends inside the clam and knot so the smile cannot be pulled out.
  • Use the yarn tail on the clam to weave through the final 6 sts around the opening, pull tight to close, secure with a knot and weave in the end before placing the clam into the assembled shell.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is crocheted in continuous rounds; do not join rounds or you will change the stitch count and shaping.
  • 💡If you prefer, begin circles with a magic ring instead of ch 2 and 6 sc in first ch; adjust the start method but keep the stitch counts the same.
  • 💡Wait to fasten off the outer shell after R8 until you have crocheted and joined the inner shell, so you can join the inner and outer shells by single crocheting them together.

Cleo the Clam is a tiny, charming amigurumi that makes the perfect small gift or desk companion. Make a pair to share with friends or personalize each with different colors and expressions. Love small, quick projects? This little clam delivers big charm in a tiny package. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished shell measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide and the little clam inside measures about 1.25 inches (3.25 cm) tall using the recommended yarns and hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights. The pattern includes an option for light/light worsted and an option for medium/medium worsted yarn; changing yarn weight will affect the final size so adjust hook size accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is beginner friendly and uses basic stitches like single crochet and simple decreases, but familiarity with working in continuous rounds and basic sewing will help for the finishing steps.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this tiny clam in about 2-3 hours, though time may vary depending on experience and whether you add extra decorative details.