How to Crochet a Plushie Snail: Slow, Squishy, and Adorably Handmade 🐌✨


Crochet plushies (amigurumi) are already cute—but a plushie snail? That’s next-level adorable. With its squishy body, spiral shell, and those funny little antennae, this project will have you smiling the whole way through. And the best part? Unlike real snails, this one won’t eat your plants or leave a slimy trail on your table. 😉

Let’s take it slow (just like a snail would) and walk through how to crochet your new soft and snuggly garden buddy.

What You’ll Need 🧶

Before we get stitching, gather these supplies:

  • Yarn: Medium-weight yarn in two colors—one for the body (cream, beige, or bright pastels work great) and another for the shell (think earthy browns, rainbow stripes, or candy-colored swirls).

  • Hook: 4mm–5mm (check the yarn label for the best fit).

  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill for that plushie squish.

  • Safety eyes: 6mm–10mm, or use black yarn to embroider sleepy eyes.

  • Tapestry needle: For sewing the shell and details.

  • Scissors: For snipping ends.

Optional: Blush or fabric paint to give your snail rosy cheeks.

Step 1: The Snail Body 🐌

Our snail starts with a long, rounded body.

  1. Magic ring: Begin with 6 single crochets.

  2. Increase: Work in rounds until you have about 18–24 stitches.

  3. Build the body: Crochet in the round without increasing to form a long oval “slug” shape—around 15–20 rows.

  4. Stuff as you go: Soft and squishy, but not overfilled.

  5. Taper: Decrease at the end to close off the tail.

✨ Tip: Add your safety eyes about 4–5 rows down from the top. Place them close together for a cute, cartoonish look.

Step 2: The Shell 🐚

Now, let’s give your snail its iconic spiral home.

  1. Chain 25–30 (depending on how big you want the shell).

  2. Single crochet into the chain, increasing a few stitches every couple of rows so it starts to curl naturally.

  3. Keep crocheting until your strip curls into a spiral.

  4. Roll it into a shell shape and sew it securely onto the snail’s back.

✨ Fun idea: Use variegated yarn for a rainbow swirl shell—it looks like magic without extra work!

Step 3: Antennae 👀

What’s a snail without those quirky little eye stalks?

  • Chain 7–8.

  • Single crochet back down the chain.

  • Make two, then sew them onto the head above the eyes.

  • If you want extra charm, add tiny knots or embroidered dots at the tips.

Step 4: Finishing Touches 🌸

This is where your snail gets its personality!

  • Embroider a little smile under the eyes.

  • Add rosy cheeks with blush or pink yarn.

  • Sew on a tiny flower or leaf to the shell for a whimsical cottagecore vibe.

  • Make a whole family of snails in different sizes and colors—because who wouldn’t want a snail squad?

And There You Have It! 🎉

Your crochet plushie snail is complete—slow, steady, and oh-so-squishy. Perfect as a desk buddy, a gift, or even a whimsical pincushion.

Remember: snails don’t rush, and neither should you. Take your time, enjoy each stitch, and let your snail grow at its own pace. By the end, you’ll have a little friend who proves that slow and steady really does win the race. 🐌💚


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