🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern
4.8★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

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

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Bite-Sized Project

Complete in under 2 hours—quick, fun, and perfect for a little creative escape.

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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

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

The finished shell measures just 3 inches wide, making it a perfect pocket-sized companion or decorative piece. This pattern includes two options for creating the clam body, allowing you to choose between light worsted or medium worsted yarn depending on your preference and yarn stash.

Why You'll Love This Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it's one of those projects that makes you smile from start to finish! The hinged shell design is so clever and interactive—it's not just a static amigurumi, but something you can actually open and close to reveal the sweet little clam inside. I love how Cleo challenges the stereotype of shy clams by greeting everyone with that adorable embroidered smile. The pattern is quick enough to complete in an afternoon, but the result looks impressive and detailed. It's perfect for gift-giving because who wouldn't want their own friendly ocean companion? Plus, the combination of the textured outer shell with the smooth inner shell creates such a satisfying contrast. Every time I make one, I can't help but give Cleo a little personality and imagine all the underwater adventures he might have!

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 different color combinations for Cleo! While the pattern calls for tan and cream, I've had so much fun creating rainbow shells using bright pinks, purples, and blues for a more whimsical look. You could even try ombre yarn for the outer shell to create a stunning gradient effect.

For the clam body itself, I sometimes swap the peach for coral pink or even a soft lavender to match different shell color schemes. Adding tiny pearl beads or iridescent sequins to the inner shell gives it that realistic mother-of-pearl shimmer that catches the light beautifully.

I've also played with making Cleo's expression different - sometimes I embroider sleepy eyes with curved lines instead of using safety eyes, or create a surprised expression with wider eyes and an O-shaped mouth. For special occasions, I've added tiny felt accessories like a small bow tie or flower crown.

The size is easily adjustable too! Using a smaller hook and thinner yarn creates an adorable miniature version perfect for keychains, while sizing up with bulky yarn and a larger hook makes a huggable pillow-sized shell. I've even made a whole family of clams in different sizes, which makes for the sweetest display piece or gift set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to leave yarn tails for sewing when joining shell pieces, which makes assembly difficult and messy later on ✗ Stuffing the clam body too firmly before closing, resulting in a hard texture instead of the intended soft and squishy feel ✗ Placing safety eyes too close together or too far apart, throwing off Cleo's adorable facial proportions and expression ✗ Sewing the top and bottom shells together with the seams misaligned, creating an awkward hinge that doesn't open smoothly

Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

Create your own adorable ocean friend with this charming clam amigurumi pattern! Cleo is a shy but friendly little clam who's ready to break out of his shell and greet the world with a cheerful smile. This delightful pattern features a hinged clamshell design with a sweet peach-colored clam nestled inside, complete with safety eyes and an embroidered smile. Perfect for ocean lovers, beach-themed decor, or as a unique handmade gift, this project combines simple techniques with creative assembly to bring this underwater character to life in miniature form.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Cleo the Clam Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium/worsted weight yarn in tan color for outer shell
  • 02
    Medium/worsted weight yarn in cream color for inner shell
  • 03
    Light/light worsted weight yarn in peach color for clam body (Option 1)
  • 04
    Medium/worsted weight yarn in peach color for clam body (Option 2)

— Tools Required

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

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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

— 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

Infos :

Insert your crochet hook back into the outer shell right where you left off at the end of Round 8. 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. Weave in the white yarn tail ends.

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

Info :

Using the yarn tail you have saved, sew the 2 shell pieces 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. Make approximately 6-7 whip stitches to sew the top and bottom shell together.

— 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)

Infos :

Begin stuffing the clam. Insert the safety eyes between Round 8-9, 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, 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. 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

— 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 :

Insert the eyes between Round 7-8, 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

— Finishing :

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. Secure with a knot and weave in your end. Place the clam inside his shell.

Assembly Instructions

  • After completing Round 8 of the outer shell, crochet the inner shell pieces and join them together by single crocheting around both pieces simultaneously.
  • Create both the top and bottom shell halves following the same process, remembering to leave a yarn tail on the top shell for sewing.
  • Match up the fastened-off spots on both shells to hide the seams, then use approximately 6-7 whip stitches to create the hinge.
  • For the clam body, insert safety eyes between indicated rounds with 3 stitches between them before stuffing.
  • Embroider the smile using black embroidery floss by creating a horizontal stitch between the eyes, then forming a V-shape one round lower.
  • Finish stuffing the clam body until it holds its shape but remains squishy, then close the opening by weaving through the final stitches.
  • Place the completed clam inside the hinged shell and position it so it peeks out adorably when the shell is opened.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is worked in continuous rounds without joining, so use a stitch marker to track your rounds
  • 💡You can start each circle with either chain 2 method or magic ring method, whichever you prefer
  • 💡Two yarn weight options are provided for the clam body - lighter yarn creates a smaller clam while medium weight creates a slightly larger one
  • 💡Leave yarn tails for sewing when specified, as these are essential for assembly and cannot be added later
  • 💡The shell pieces should be sewn together with seams aligned to create a smooth hinge that opens and closes easily
  • 💡Stuff the clam body to be squishy rather than firm for the best texture and appearance
  • 💡Secure the embroidered smile by knotting the floss inside the body to prevent it from being pulled out

This adorable Cleo the Clam pattern brings an underwater friend to life with personality and charm! The clever hinged shell design makes this amigurumi interactive and fun, perfect for ocean lovers of all ages. With clear instructions and simple techniques, you'll create a sweet companion that's ready to break out of his shell and make new friends. The finished clam measures just 3 inches wide, making it an ideal pocket pal or decorative piece. Happy crocheting and welcome Cleo into your handmade collection! 🐚✨

You ask,

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FAQs

Can I use a magic ring instead of the chain 2 method to start?

Yes! The pattern notes that you can substitute a magic ring for the chain 2 beginning. Simply work 6 sc into your magic ring instead of 6 sc in the first chain.

What's the difference between Option 1 and Option 2 for the clam body?

Option 1 uses light/light worsted yarn and creates a slightly smaller, more detailed clam body with more rounds. Option 2 uses medium/worsted yarn (matching the shell weight) and creates a slightly larger clam with fewer rounds. Choose based on your yarn preference and desired size.

How do I make the shell open and close properly?

The key is to align the fastened-off seams when sewing the top and bottom shells together. Use 6-7 whip stitches to create the hinge, making sure not to sew too tightly so the shell can still open smoothly.

Can I make the clam without safety eyes for a baby-safe version?

Absolutely! You can embroider eyes using black yarn or embroidery floss instead of using safety eyes. This makes the amigurumi completely safe for babies and young children.

How do I create the V-shaped smile correctly?

First, sew a horizontal stitch on the middle stitch between the eyes. Then bring your needle up one round lower, catch that horizontal stitch, and insert the needle back into the same spot to form the V shape. Knot the floss inside the body to secure it.