Charming Garden Snails & Morning Glory Vines – Free Crochet Pattern

Pattern Instructions

1. Materials and tools prepared for this project.
2. Row 1: Closed Base (Plum)
3. Start with a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the ring and continue by making sure your stitches are snug. You should have a small round and your work may feel slightly bulbous at this stage (6 sts).
4. Row 2: Increase Round
5. In this round, work 2 sc in each stitch around. This will increase your stitches evenly, creating the base's circular shape. You should feel your base becoming flatter and wider as you complete the row (12 sts).
6. Row 3: Further Increases
7. Continue the increase pattern by working (1 sc in the first stitch, 2 sc in the next) around. This will create a gentle expansion of the base. Your work will begin to flatten out more prominently as you stitch (18 sts).
8. Row 4: Consistent Increases
9. Repeat the increase pattern as follows: (2 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next two). With each round, your base will become progressively larger and more stable (24 sts).
10. Row 5: Steady Round
11. Work 1 sc in each stitch around without increasing. This round stabilizes the base and allows it to take shape. You should see your work begin to feel more tubular as the foundation is laid out (24 sts).
12. Row 6–10: Continue to Increase
13. For rows 6 through 10, continue the increase pattern as follows: (2 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next three). This will yield a steadily enlarging form, creating a solid structure for the bag dispenser (30, 36, 42, 48, 60 sts).
14. Row 11: Back Loop Only (BLO) Sc
15. Switch to BLO, sc around to create a textured effect on the top edge. You will notice a slight ridge forming as you crochet. Continue until you complete the round, keeping it neat and even (60 sts).
16. Row 12–15: Straight Sc Rounds
17. For these four rounds, simply sc around. This part will give the body a solid structure so your bag dispenser maintains its shape. Your work will feel firm yet pliable, allowing it to hold the bags (60 sts each).
18. Step 1: Dispensing Slot
19. Mark 20 centered front stitches. Sc to the marker, then ch 20 and sk the next 20 stitches. Finish the round by joining back into the marked stitches. This creates a slot for bag dispensing, and you should see a clear opening form between your sc and chains.
20. Step 2: Reinforce the Slot
21. In the next round, work 1 sc in the chains and remaining stitches. This reinforces the dispensing slot, making it sturdy. Your work should feel more robust at this point as you ensure the integrity of your design (60 sts).
22. Step 1: Sage Mesh Body
23. Begin by chaining 5 and skipping the next 2 dc. Repeat the pattern of chaining 2 and skipping 2 dc around. This creates a lovely mesh texture, and you will see 20 squares forming as you go (20 squares).
24. Step 2: Continue Mesh Rounds
25. Join with a sl st to the first space, then ch 5 and dc in the next space followed by ch 2; repeat around. The mesh will grow cohesively, and you’ll notice the lovely scalloped edges starting to take form (60 sts).
26. Repeat this row until the piece measures 17 inches long. This ongoing repetition creates the body of the bag dispenser and enhances its aesthetic.
27. Step 1: Upper Rim (Plum)
28. With plum yarn, work 3 sc in each mesh space. This adds definition and contrast to the top edge of your bag dispenser, and you’ll see it become fuller and rounder (60 sts).
29. Step 2: Additional Rounds
30. Work 4 more rounds of sc, maintaining the open top. This structure ensures your bag dispenser is ready for functional use and neatly finished.
31. Step 1: Hanging Tab
32. Chain 7 with plum, then sc back across for 12 rows. This tab will be attached to your wooden ring. You should see a sturdy strip forming that serves as the holder for hanging the bag dispenser.
33. Step 2: Finishing the Tab
34. Fold the completed tab through the wooden ring and sew it securely to the back of the dispenser. This will solidify the structure and allow for easy hanging.
35. Body of Garden Snails (Beige)
36. Begin the snail bodies using a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. This starts crafting the plump forms of the snails, ensuring a solid base (6 sts).
37. Row 2: Increase the Snail Body
38. Work 2 sc in each stitch around to create volume in the snail bodies. Your work should feel rounded and soft as it begins to expand, providing a nice shape (12 sts).
39. Row 3–6: Forming the Body
40. For rows 3 to 6, sc around for each row. This establishes the snail body and gives a continuous feeling of bulk as you create the classic snail silhouette (12, 12, 12, 12 sts).
41. Row 7: Decrease
42. In this round, work (1 sc in the first stitch, 1 dec) around. This allows the body to taper as you prepare to close it off. Your snail should begin to curl as you make this transition (6 sts).
43. Finalizing the Body
44. Stuff the snail’s body firmly and close off using the remaining stitches. You should see a rounded, chubby snail ready for a shell.
45. Step 1: Head (Beige)
46. Using the same magic ring method, make 6 sc into the ring for the snail heads. This continues the cohesive design of your snails (6 sts).
47. Row 2: Head Increase
48. Increase by working 2 sc in each stitch around. This little head will be adorably plump, setting up the face for further detailing (12 sts).
49. Row 3: Sc Around
50. Simply sc around to provide stability to the head. This should feel neat and maintain the structure of the head.
51. Row 4: Decrease for the Head
52. Work (1 sc, 1 dec) around to start tapering the head down. Your work will become more defined and compact, leading to a closing point (6 sts).
53. Stuff and Finalize the Heads
54. Stuff the heads, then close them off securely. Position and sew the heads upright to the snail bodies for a charming look.
55. Step 1: Spiral Shells
56. For the shells, use cinnamon for the large and dusty rose for the small snail. Start with chaining 28 and then sc across the chain (27 sts).
57. Step 2: Shell Rows
58. Continue working for 3 more sc rows to give depth to the shells. You’ll notice a thick strip forming that will be rolled into spirals.
59. Finishing the Shells
60. Roll the strips into flat spirals, creating a shell shape. Sew the coils together and attach them to the snail bodies securely.
61. Step 1: Antennae (Beige)
62. For each snail, chain 7 to form the body of the antennae, then sl st back to create a loop. You will make 4 antennae in total, providing a cute detail.
63. Step 2: Attach Antennae
64. Attach 2 per snail by sewing them onto the heads. For finishing touches, embroider black eyes and smiles to add whimsy to your garden snails.
65. Step 1: Morning Glories (Ivory)
66. To begin the morning glories, make a magic ring with 5 sc into the ring. This creates the center of your beautiful trumpet flower (5 sts).
67. Row 2: Increase for Petals
68. Increase by working 2 sc in each stitch around to form a fuller flower. Your petals should start looking plump and vibrant (10 sts).
69. Change Yarn for Rounds 3-6
70. Switch to lavender, periwinkle, or violet for rounds 3 through 6. This gives a lovely varied color effect as you continue to build out your flower.
71. Row 3: Sc and Increase
72. In round 3, work (1 sc, 1 inc) around. This will further enhance the petals, giving them a blossoming appearance (15 sts).
73. Row 4: More Petal Definition
74. For round 4, do (2 sc, 1 inc) around, leading to a pronounced petal shape. Your flowers will look increasingly delightful (20 sts).
75. Row 5: Expanded Petal Shape
76. Increase by working (3 sc, 1 inc) around in row 5 to add volume, creating a lovely fluted aspect typical of morning glories (25 sts).
77. Row 6: Finalize Flowers
78. In the final round, work 2 dc in each stitch for a total of 50 stitches. These double crochets will help create the broad trumpet shape, resulting in beautiful blooms.
79. Shape and Finish Flowers
80. Shape into flared trumpet flowers and embroider ivory centers for an extra touch of charm. Each flower should look vibrant and lively.
81. Step 1: Heart-Shaped Leaves (Green)
82. Begin leaves with a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. This sets you up for crafting the heart shape of the leaves (6 sts).
83. Step 2: First Leaf Stitches
84. Establish the leaf shape with the following stitch pattern: sc, hdc, dc for the first three sts. Your work will start to indicate the leaf’s form.
85. Step 3: Heart Shape Formation
86. Continue with (2 dc) in the next stitch. Follow by adding a hdc and sc in the following pair of stitches. Your leaf will form a defined shape as you progress.
87. Step 4: Reverse Stitches
88. To complete the leaf, follow the sequence from the last: sc, hdc, and again, 2 dc. The final strokes are a dc, hdc, and sc to shape the notch of the heart.
89. Wrap Up the Leaves
90. Sl st towards the center to form a beautiful heart notch. Your leaves should now look vibrant and ready to pair with flowers.
91. Step 1: Curling Vines (Green)
92. Chain 24 for each vine, which will add a lovely framing aspect around your snails and flowers. These will enhance the project’s organic theme.
93. Step 2: Curling Technique
94. Work 2 sc into each chain from the second chain. Allow the vines to curl naturally as you finish them, creating a whimsical, playful aspect.
95. Step 1: Assembly
96. Place the cinnamon-shell snail in the upper left position and the dusty rose-shell snail in the middle right. This arrangement creates visual balance.
97. Step 2: Morning Glory Placement
98. Arrange the 5 morning glory flowers between the snails, adding delightful pops of color to the scene. Ensure it feels symmetrically inviting.
99. Step 3: Leaves and Vines
100. Add 7 heart-shaped leaves and 4 curling vines around the snails. This helps create a lush feel in the overall design, sewing them securely into the mesh junctions.
101. Final Assembly Check
102. Ensure the refill top and lower oval slots are clear for bag dispensing as you finalize your crocheted masterpiece. Your assembly should look beautifully balanced and cohesive.
103. Step 1: Finishing Touches
104. Weave in any ends to create a neat finish. Shape the shells and flowers gently to enhance their forms.
105. Step 2: Reinforce the Ring
106. Lastly, reinforce the wooden hanging ring to prepare for functionality. This project is now ready for use, showcasing your beautiful craftsmanship.
107. Step 3: Final Usage
108. Fill with clean grocery bags through the open top, and for extra care, pull each bag individually through the lower slot. Your GARDEN SNAILS & MORNING GLORY VINES — FREE CROCHET PATTERN 🧶 is now completed, ready to charm your home!