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Finished crochet clam.
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Crochet Clam Pattern

Summer is the perfect time to dive into ocean-inspired crochet, and I’m so excited to share my newest design with you — a crochet clam pattern that’s as easy as it is adorable! Whether you're heading to the beach, setting up for a summer craft market, or just love all things under the sea, this quick and beginner-friendly project is perfect for you.
Author: Kimberly Arenas

Materials

Abbreviations (US terms)

  • Magic ring - mr
  • Single crochet - sc
  • Increase - inc
  • Decrease - dec

Notes

  1. Size: When using a 4.5mm hook and worsted weight yarn, your finished amigurumi clam will measure approximately 2 to 2.5 inches wide when closed — the perfect palm-sized project for keychains, bag charms, or even play food.
  2. Yarn Flexibility: This pattern is super versatile when it comes to yarn! While I used worsted weight acrylic for a sturdy finish, you can easily swap in cotton, velvet, or even blanket yarn for different textures, looks, and sizes. Just adjust your hook size accordingly to keep those stitches nice and tight.
  3. Beginner-Friendly: If you're new to crochet or amigurumi, don't worry — this project is very approachable! It uses basic stitches like single crochet, increases, and decreases, with no complicated shaping. It’s a great confidence booster for newer crocheters.

Instructions

Crochet Clamshell:

  • Inner Shell:
  • Make x2 before starting the outer shells.
  • Round 1: Using the light raspberry yarn, make a mr and make sc x6 in the circle. If you find it difficult making a magic ring you can chain 2 and then crochet sc x6 in the second chain from the hook. (6)
  • Round 2: Inc in every sc. (12)
  • Round 3: Inc, sc. Then repeat until the end of round (18).
  • Round 4: Inc, sc x2. Then repeat until the end of round (24). Fasten off and then weave in the tails.
  • Outer Shell:
  • Make x2 but one at a time since you will be crocheting the inner and outer shells together.
  • Round 1: Using the light blue yarn, make a mr and make sc x6 in the circle (6).
  • Round 2: Inc in every sc. (12)
  • Round 3: Inc, sc. Then repeat until the end of round (18).
  • Round 4: Inc, sc x2. Then repeat until the end of round (24).
  • Round 5: Sc in every stitch (24).
  • Round 6: Crochet the inner shell and outer shell together - make sure the right side of the stitches are facing outward for both pieces. For this round you will be using the light blue yarn and making a sc in each stitch - go through both loops of the inner and outer shell.
  • Then fasten off and weave in the tail.
  • Finish off the second shell and leave a tail.

Sewing:

  • Sew the clam shells together - blue side facing outward, then sew 5-6 stitches together from both the top and bottom shell to connect them. Weave in the tail.
    Now the shell crochet pattern part is done! Set aside :)

Pearl:

  • Round 1: Using the white yarn, make a mr and make sc x6 in the circle. (6)
  • Round 2: Inc in every sc. (12)
  • Round 3: Inc, sc. Then repeat until the end of round (18).
  • Round 4-5: Sc in every stitch (18). Place safety eyes between rounds 4 and 5 here.
  • Round 6: Dec, sc. Then repeat until the end of the round (12). Stuff with polyfill.
  • Round 7: Dc in every stitch (6). Then fasten off and weave in the tail.
  • Thanks so much for joining me in making this adorable crochet clam pattern! Whether you turned it into a sweet keychain and added it to your favorite summer bag, or whipped up a few for your next market booth, I hope this little amigurumi clam brought some ocean magic to your day.
Tried this pattern?Mention @thecaffeinatedsnail or tag #thecaffeinatedsnail!
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