Slither into fun with this Free Crochet Snake Pattern, ideal for making cute, playful toys that add charm and excitement to any collection.
A tiny ripple of inspiration once sparked the idea of a slithering companion that could charm and delight in miniature form. Through careful stitching, it transformed into a playful crochet snake full of personality and movement. The Free Crochet Snake pattern allows crafters to bring these whimsical figures to life, offering a delightful way to make toys, décor accents, or collectibles that spark curiosity and creativity.
How to Crochet Snake Pattern to Make Personalized Gifts
Each stitch builds a flexible yet structured form, giving the snake a realistic yet huggable quality. Working on this pattern enhances fine motor skills, concentration, and patience, turning a simple crocheting session into a satisfying and meditative experience. Finished pieces can be customized with colors, patterns, or small details, giving each snake a unique character and personality.
Lightweight and durable, these amigurumi snakes are perfect for play, display, or as quirky gifts that surprise and charm. Multiple figures can be combined to create themed collections or imaginative scenes, adding a playful touch to shelves, desks, or children’s rooms. The Free Crochet Snake pattern transforms simple materials into engaging, tactile companions that offer both skillful satisfaction and decorative appeal for crafters of all levels.
Materials Required
- Plush Yarn: Any color of your choice (mustard was used in the video).
- Crochet Hook: 5.5mm.
- Snake Safety Eyes: Special snake eyes or regular plastic security eyes.
- Scissors: To cut the yarn.
- Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of rounds.
- Fiberfill Stuffing: To give the snake a soft, plushy shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Starting the Snake with a Base Chain
- Create a slip knot using your preferred method.
- Chain 5 stitches.
- Skip the first chain and create an increase (work 2 single crochets) in the second chain from the hook.
- Work 2 single crochets in the next two stitches.
- In the final stitch, work 3 single crochets to turn the corner and work along the base.
- At the base, single crochet in the next 3 stitches to complete the round. This brings the stitch count to 10.
Step 2: Building the Head (Increasing Rounds)
- For the next round, increase in the first stitch, followed by 4 single crochets. Repeat this pattern until the end, achieving a round of 12 stitches.
- Continue rounds with slight increases. For example:
- Round 3: Work 3 single crochets, then an increase. Repeat to achieve 15 stitches.
- Round 4: Work 4 single crochets, then an increase, bringing the count to 18 stitches.
- Keep working in this pattern, adding single crochets between increases, until the snake’s head reaches the desired shape.
Step 3: Adding Security Eyes
- Flatten the crocheted head, identifying the appropriate placement for the eyes.
- Insert the safety eyes at rows 7 and 8, ensuring they are equidistant and aligned with the head center.
- Attach the eye backings from inside the head for security.
Step 4: Forming the Body
- Once the head is shaped, start working even rounds of 16 single crochets to form the body.
- Continue crocheting for 80 rounds in total to achieve the snake’s long tubular shape.
- Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill while lightly stuffing the body as you stitch, ensuring it is flexible yet plush.
Step 5: Shaping the Tail (Decreasing Rounds)
- Gradually decrease stitch counts to taper the tail:
- Work combinations of single crochet and decreases to shape the body end.
- For example, work 3 single crochets followed by a decrease in one round, then reduce to 2 single crochets and a decrease in the next.
- Continue reducing stitches until the stitch count is 4.
- Work two rounds of 4 stitches, then finish off with a slip stitch.
Step 6: Finishing the Tail
- Fasten off the yarn and thread the tail through the remaining stitches for a neat finish.
- Tuck any yarn tails inside the snake’s body and trim excess.
Special Features
- Customizable Length and Color: You can make the snake in various colors and adjust the length depending on your preference.
- Realistic Touch: Special snake safety eyes give it personality, but alternatives like embroidered eyes work equally well.
- Long Tubular Design: Perfect as a playful toy for kids, a quirky draught excluder, or simply a decorative piece.
Level of Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
- This project is great for beginners who are familiar with basic stitches like single crochet and increases/decreases. Intermediate crocheters will find it relaxing.
Tutor’s Suggestions
- Take Your Time on Even Rounds: The 80 rounds for the body can feel repetitive, but working in smaller sessions ensures precision.
- Use Stitch Markers: Marking the start of each round is crucial to maintaining accurate stitch counts and the snake's symmetry.
- Stuff Gradually: Lightly stuff as you work on the body to keep its shape uniform and ensure flexibility.
Uses
- Children’s Toy: A soft and safe plush toy loved by kids.
- Draught Excluder: Perfect for decorating windowsills, door frames, or chilly drafts.
- Home Decor: A fun addition to children’s rooms, themed parties, or even as a standout piece for crochet exhibitions.
Tip
Before you start decreasing for the tail, use pins to align the stuffing uniformly along the snake’s body. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a sleek, professional finish.
Conclusion
This crochet snake plushy is not just a fun project but also a great way to sharpen your skills in shaping and repetition. With just a handful of materials and the patience to work through its length, you’ll have a playful creation with endless uses.
