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Looking for the perfect handmade Valentine’s Day gift or a charming addition to your amigurumi collection? Meet Shelva, an adorable snail with a heart-shaped shell that’s sure to melt hearts! This delightful crochet pattern combines whimsy with romance, featuring a sweet snail character complete with antennae, a lovely heart shell, and even Cupid’s arrow. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or looking to expand your skills, this pattern offers a fun and rewarding project that results in a truly unique creation.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin your crochet journey with Shelva, gather these essential supplies:
- Yarn: White, red, pink, and beige yarn (worsted weight recommended)
- Crochet hook: Size appropriate for your yarn choice
- Safety eyes: 7mm
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Chenille wire (pipe cleaner) for the bow structure
- Wooden skewer for the arrow support
- Yarn needle for sewing pieces together
- Scissors
Head and Body Instructions
Start with white yarn to create Shelva’s adorable head and body.
R1. 6sc in a magic ring
R2. Sc 2 in each sc around (12)
R3. Sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, rep 6 times (18)
R4. Sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, (sc 2, 2 sc in next sc, rep 5 times) sc 1 (24)
R5 – R7. Sc 24
R8. Sc 1, dec 1, (sc 2, dec 1, rep 5 times) sc 1 (18)
R9. Sc 18
R10. Sc 1, dec 1, rep 6 times (12)
R11. Sc 4, dec 1, rep 2 times (10)
Fill the head at this point.
R12 – R27. Sc 10
Fill only the top part of the body, as indicated. The body creates a long neck-like structure.
R28. Sc 3, dec 1, rep 2 times (8)
R29. Sc 2, dec 1, rep 2 times (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. You’ll notice one side has more of a bulge—this is the back of the head.
The Heart Shell
Create Shelva’s signature heart-shaped shell using red yarn.
R1. 6sc in a magic ring
R2. Sc 2 in each sc around (12)
R3. Sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, rep 6 times (18)
R4 – R5. Sc 18
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing together.
Repeat rows 1 to 5 but do not fasten off this time. Connect the two parts together with a stitch to form the heart shape.
R6 – R7. Sc 36
R8. Sc 4, Dec 1, rep 6 times (30)
R9. Sc 30
R10. Sc 3, Dec 1, rep 6 times (24)
R11. Sc 24
R12. Sc 2, Dec 1, rep 6 times (18)
R13. Sc 18
R14. Sc 1, Dec 1, rep 6 times (12)
R15. Dec 1, rep 6 times (6)
Fill the heart with fiberfill. Fasten off and weave in the end.
The Antenna (Make 2)
Start with red yarn to create the distinctive heart-topped antennae.
R1. 6sc in a magic ring
R2. Sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, rep 3 times (9)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing together.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 but do not fasten off this time. Connect the two parts together with a stitch.
R3. Sc 18
R4. Sc 1, Dec 1, rep 6 times (12)
R5. Dec 1, rep 6 times (6)
Continue with white yarn for the antenna stem.
R6 – R8. Sc 6
Fill the antenna before closing. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing together.
The Arrow
Using pink yarn, create Cupid’s arrow to complete the Valentine theme.
R1. 6sc in a magic ring
R2. Sc 1, 2 sc in next sc, rep 3 times (9)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing together.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 but do not fasten off this time. Connect the two parts together with a stitch.
R3. Sc 18
R4. Sc 1, Dec 1, rep 6 times (12)
R5. Sc 12
R6. Dec 1, rep 6 times (6)
Fill the arrow lightly and flatten it slightly. Fasten off and weave in the end. Leave the bottom open and place the heart on top of the skewer for support.
The Fletching
Create the arrow’s fletching detail using pink yarn.
R1. Ch 6
Start in second chain from the hook.
R2. Sc 2, 3 sc in next sc, sc 2 + ch 1, turn your work and crochet the next round in the backloops.
R3. Sc 3, 3 sc in next sc, sc 3
Fasten off. You can either use the tail to secure the fletching onto the arrow or use glue for a quicker attachment. Do this after putting the arrow through the bow.
The Bow
Using beige yarn, create the charming bow detail.
R1. 5sc in a magic ring
R2 – R23. Sc 5
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing together. Insert the chenille wire into the bow and shape it into decorative curls as desired. Use the tail to secure the curled ends in place.
Assembly Instructions
Now it’s time to bring Shelva to life!
- Attach the eyes: Place the 7mm safety eyes between rows 5 and 6 of the head
- Connect head to shell: Sew the head and body onto the heart shell
- Add the antennae: Sew both antennae onto the top of the head
- Attach the bow: Sew the shaped bow onto the heart shell
- Add the arrow: Insert the skewer through the heart with the arrow attached, and secure the fletching
Frequently Asked Questions
Worsted weight yarn (category 4) works perfectly for this pattern and will create a snail approximately 4-5 inches tall. You can use different yarn weights, but remember to adjust your hook size accordingly for best results.
Make sure to fold or bend the ends of the chenille wire inward before inserting it into the crocheted bow tube. This creates safe, rounded ends that won’t pierce through the yarn. You can also wrap the wire ends with a small piece of tape for extra protection.
Absolutely! Simply omit the arrow and skewer entirely, or crochet a soft stuffed arrow without the skewer support. This makes Shelva completely child-safe while maintaining the adorable Valentine theme.
Use small amounts of fiberfill at a time, pushing it down gently with the eraser end of a pencil or a chopstick. Fill only the top portion as indicated in the pattern to maintain the proper snail shape and allow the body to curve naturally.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing Shelva the Valentine Snail! This charming amigurumi makes a wonderful handmade gift for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion when you want to share a little love. The combination of the heart-shaped shell and Cupid’s arrow creates a truly unique piece that showcases your crochet skills and creativity. Don’t forget to share your finished Shelva with fellow crafters and inspire others to create their own lovable snail companions. Happy crocheting, and may your Valentine’s Day be filled with handmade love!
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