Free Crochet Clam Shell Pattern (Soft Pearl Clam)

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Looking for a cute ocean friend that works as a keychain, ring holder, or desk mascot? This free crochet clam shell pattern gives you a chubby blue shell with ridges, a full bobble rim, and a smiling pearl tucked inside. It’s quick, squishy, and perfect if you love kawaii sea creatures and easy amigurumi projects.

In this step-by-step crochet clam shell pattern, we’ll use soft chenille yarn, simple stitches, and clear photos so even a confident beginner can follow along. You’ll crochet two textured shell halves, add the pearl, join them at the back so the clam can “bite”, and customize colors for beach décor, kids’ rooms, or ocean-themed keychains.

Quick Answer: This crochet clam shell pattern is a free, beginner-friendly amigurumi using velvet/chenille yarn and a 4.0 mm hook. You’ll crochet a round pearl, make two ridged shell halves with a bobble edge, then sew them together at the back so the clam opens and closes while safely holding the pearl.

If this is one of your first amigurumi, start by checking how to form a neat magic ring and read stitch counts correctly in my guides: Magic Ring vs Chain Circle in Amigurumi and How to Read an Amigurumi Pattern (Step-by-Step). They’ll make this little sea treasure even easier.

Before You Start (Skill Level & What to Expect)

This crochet clam shell pattern is perfect if you’re already comfortable with basic stitches and want something that looks advanced without being stressful.

• Skill level: Confident beginner / easy-intermediate
• You should know: magic ring (or adjustable start), single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, increases, invisible decreases, working in back loops only.
• Yarn choice: Soft chenille or velvet yarn gives that plush, puffy clam look. If you use standard acrylic or cotton, your clam will be smaller and a bit firmer, but the pattern and stitch counts stay the same.
• Time estimate: Around 1–2 hours once you’re familiar with the steps.
• Size: With chenille + 4.0 mm hook, your finished clam is small enough for a keychain but chunky enough to hold a tiny pearl or ring.

Chenille can hide stitches, so count carefully in each row and keep your tension even. Once you feel good about that, you’re ready to gather your materials and start hooking your first soft pearl clam. 🌊🐚

Materials for Your Crochet Clam Shell Pattern

To get the same soft, puffy look as the photos, stick close to these materials. Using chenille yarn here really makes this crochet clam shell pattern pop.

• Yarn: Super soft chenille / velvet yarn
  • Blue – for both shell halves
  • White – for the pearl
• Hook: 4.0 mm (or size that gives a dense, gap-free fabric with your yarn)
• Stuffing: Fiberfill
• Safety eyes: 2 × 8–10 mm (for the pearl’s cute face)
• Details: Pink blush yarn or embroidery thread (cheeks / smile)
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors
• Optional: Keychain ring or lobster clasp if you want a clam keychain

If you’re unsure which hook size works best with your yarn, check my Yarn Weight, Gauge & Hook Size Guide so your clam shell stays firm and keeps its shape.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

We’ll use standard US crochet terms in this crochet clam shell pattern:

• MR – magic ring
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• ch – chain
• inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec – invisible decrease
• BLO – back loop only
• (… ) × n – repeat the instructions inside the brackets n times

Pearl Pattern (Cute Chubby Center)

We’ll start with the pearl so it’s ready to tuck inside your crochet clam shell pattern.

Pearl (White)

Use white chenille / velvet yarn.

R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: inc ×6 (12)
R3: (sc, inc) ×6 (18)
R4: (2 sc, inc) ×6 (24)
R5–R7: sc around (24)
R8: (2 sc, dec) ×6 (18)
R9: (sc, dec) ×6 (12)
R10: dec ×6 (6)

• Stuff firmly before closing to keep the pearl nicely round.
• Fasten off and weave the yarn tail into the ball.

Face (Optional but Adorable)

• Add safety eyes between R4–R5, about 5 stitches apart.
• With pink yarn or thread, add a tiny blush stitch or two under each eye.
• You can embroider a small smile if you want your pearl to look extra happy.

Now your pearl is ready to sit inside the shell and turn this crochet clam shell pattern into a full kawaii ocean friend. 🐚✨

Shell Halves – Textured Clam Shell (Make 2)

Now we build the signature shells that make this crochet clam shell pattern look like a real, puffy clam: ridged top, curved shape, and a dense bobble rim around the edge.

Use blue chenille / velvet yarn.

Part 1 – Base Shape with Ridges

This section creates the curved shell and vertical ridges.
Important: Work Rows 2–11 in BLO (back loop only) to form those raised lines.

R1: Ch 13.
Starting in 3rd ch from hook:
7 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st (11). Turn.

R2: Ch 1, BLO: 11 sl st (11). Turn.
R3: Ch 3, BLO: 8 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st (12). Turn.
R4: Ch 1, BLO: 12 sl st (12). Turn.
R5: Ch 3, BLO: 9 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st (13). Turn.
R6: Ch 1, BLO: 13 sl st (13). Turn.
R7: Ch 3, BLO: 9 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st (13). Turn.
R8: Ch 1, BLO: 12 sl st (12). Turn.
R9: Ch 3, BLO: 8 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st (12). Turn.
R10: Ch 1, BLO: 11 sl st (11). Turn.
R11: Ch 3, BLO: 7 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st (11). Do not turn.

You should see:

• A gentle curve,
• 3 clear vertical ridges from the BLO rows,
• An outline that already feels like a clam shell.

Make sure both shell pieces match—this keeps the crochet clam shell pattern neat and symmetric.

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Part 2 – Bobble / Ruffle Edge (The Tiny “Roses”)

This edging is what gives your shell that pretty, wavy, finished look all around the curve.

Rotate your work so you can crochet along the curved outer edge.

Edging Round:

Repeat across the curve:

1. sl st into the next edge / loop
2. (3 dc) into the same spot
3. sl st into the next spot

Work this sequence all along the curved edge only.

• Each (3 dc) cluster makes a tiny puff/ruffle.
• Keep them close together so there are no big gaps—you want a tight decorative rim that frames the pearl.

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

✅ Make 2 identical shell halves with this method.

Assembly – Turning Pieces Into a Real Clam 🐚

You’ve got your pearl and two pretty shells; now we bring this crochet clam shell pattern to life.

Step 1 – Align the Shell Halves

• Place the two blue shell halves wrong sides together, with:
  • Ridges facing outward,
  • Bobble/ruffle edges lined up neatly.
• Make sure both curves match. This keeps your crochet clam shell pattern looking clean and professional.

Step 2 – Create the Hinge

Use the long tail from one shell.

1. Start at one side of the back center.
2. Sew or sl st through both layers across about 7 stitches along the straightest part of the back.
3. Fasten off securely.

You’ve just made a hinge:

• The back is closed.
• The front stays open so the clam can “bite” and show the pearl.

Step 3 – Add the Pearl

Place the pearl inside the shell:

• Option A – Loose Pearl:
  Simply sit the pearl in the center. With this crochet clam shell pattern, the shape usually hugs it enough to stay in place for display photos and decor.
• Option B – Secured Pearl (Recommended for Kids / Keychains):
  Use a bit of white or blue yarn to sew one small point of the pearl to the bottom shell only. Just 2–3 stitches—tight enough that it won’t escape, but still looks like it’s resting naturally.

Step 4 – Safety & Finishing Touches

• Hide all yarn tails inside the shell.
• Pinch the front slightly so it curves around the pearl—your clam will look extra chubby and alive.
• For gifts to young children, avoid safety eyes and beads. Embroider eyes instead and secure everything well. For more guidance, check the American Academy of Pediatrics advice on age-appropriate toy safety at healthychildren.org.

Your crochet clam shell pattern is now a finished, squishy sea treasure—perfect on its own or as part of an ocean-themed set.

Optional Variations – Make Your Crochet Clam Shell Pattern Unique

You’ve finished the main crochet clam shell pattern, now let’s turn it into cute, useful little treasures.

1. Clam Shell Keychain

Perfect for bags, backpacks, or ocean-themed gifts.

• Before closing the hinge completely, attach a jump ring or keychain ring through one of the back hinge stitches.
• Slightly understuff the shell so it isn’t too heavy.
• Secure the pearl (Option B from assembly) so it doesn’t pop out while hanging.

This keeps the original crochet clam shell pattern shape but makes it functional and travel-friendly.

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2. Mini Ring Dish / Jewelry Holder

Use your clam as a tiny “treasure box” on your desk or dresser.

• Work the same pattern with a smaller hook or thinner yarn to make a firmer shell.
• Lightly stuff only the back if needed, or leave it unstuffed so the bottom shell lies flatter.
• Leave the front more open and place the pearl slightly to the back, so there’s room for a ring or tiny earrings.

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3. Color & Style Ideas

You can transform this crochet clam shell pattern with simple color changes:

• Pastel pink shell + cream pearl → soft kawaii aesthetic.
• Ombre blue shell → ocean depths vibe.
• Sparkly yarn for the pearl → “magical treasure” look.
• Match it with your other sea friends like the Free Whale Crochet Pattern or Molly the octopus for a full under-the-sea set.

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Tips for a Perfect Crochet Clam Shell Pattern

A few adjustments make a big difference in how your crochet clam shell pattern turns out:

• Count every row: Chenille hides stitches. Use a stitch marker at the start of rows if needed.
• Don’t skip BLO: Those BLO rows are what create the raised ridges. If you work both loops, you’ll lose the clam texture.
• Tight bobble rim: Keep your (3 dc) clusters close, with small gaps between sl sts, for a dense, pretty edge.
• Shaping: After assembly, gently pinch and bend the shell so it cups around the pearl. Minimal stuffing + good shaping = cutest result.
• Face details last: If you’re giving your pearl a face, adjust it once everything is assembled so it peeks out nicely when the clam is slightly closed.

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FAQ – Crochet Clam Shell Pattern