Free Crochet Snake Pattern: Craft a Stunning Velvet Coral Serpent

A warm welcome to you, my dear creator,

There are some projects that feel different from the moment we first envision them. They are not merely objects to be made, but stories to be told and personalities to be captured. The creation we embark on today is one such project. We are not just crocheting a snake; we are weaving a piece of art, a study in contrasts. We will take the bold, striking power of a coral snake's pattern and render it in the softest, most tactile velvet yarn.

This is a testament to the alchemical power of our craft: to turn humble yarn into an heirloom, and to create something that is at once elegant and comforting. Let us begin.

🎨 The Artisan's Vision: Why This Project is Special

The Velvet Coral Serpent is designed as a "statement piece." Imagine it coiled gracefully on a dark wood bookshelf, its vibrant crimson catching the light. Picture it adding a touch of sophisticated whimsy to a minimalist desk, or becoming a treasured, posable sculpture in a modern living room. Its significant length and flexible body invite interaction, making it a dynamic piece of decor that you can style in countless ways. This is more than a toy; it is a conversation starter, a piece of handcrafted art that speaks of your skill and creative spirit.

✨ Skills You'll Master (And Why They Matter)

Every creation is an opportunity for growth. With this serpent, you will not only practice but truly refine several key artisan skills:

• Tapestry Crochet: This is the heart of the project. You will master carrying yarn to create crisp, seamless color changes. This technique is invaluable for creating intricate patterns and professional-grade amigurumi.
• Seamless Construction: We will craft the head, body, and tail as one continuous piece. This builds your understanding of amigurumi architecture and results in a stronger, more elegant final form without tedious sewing.
• Sculptural Shaping: Through strategic increases and decreases, you will learn to sculpt a three-dimensional head with personality, transforming a simple tube into a lifelike creature.

🧶 The Alchemist's Trove: Materials & Tools

Gathering your materials is the first ritual. For this project, the texture is paramount, so I highly recommend a plush, chenille-style yarn.

• Yarn: Super Bulky (6) weight chenille or velvet yarn in three colors:
• Jet Black (Color A)
• Crimson Red (Color B)
• Bright White (Color C)
• Crochet Hook: 5.0mm (or size appropriate for your yarn).
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 10mm red or orange safety eyes.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: For your sacred snips.

💡 The Language of the Craft: Stitches & Abbreviations

This pattern is written in US terminology. Let's ensure we speak the same language.

• mr: magic ring
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: invisible decrease (insert hook into front loop of first st, then front loop of second st, yarn over and pull through both loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops)
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• [...]: repeat instructions within brackets the specified number of times
• (...): total number of stitches at the end of the round

💡 The Artisan's Advisor: Pro Tips & FAQs

How do I get clean color changes with plush yarn?▼

This is the secret of tapestry crochet. To change color, complete the final yarn over of the stitch *before* the change with the *new* color. Then, crochet over the unused color, carrying it inside your stitches until it's needed again. With plush yarn, be gentle and keep your tension consistent to prevent the carried yarn from showing through. It takes practice, but the result is a masterpiece of precision.

My snake is too stiff. How should I stuff it?▼

For this creation, less is more. We want a flexible, posable body, not a rigid tube. Stuff the snake lightly as you go, adding small amounts of fiberfill every 15-20 rounds. The stuffing should give it form but still allow it to bend and coil with ease. The head should be stuffed more firmly to hold its sculpted shape.

Can I use a different yarn, like cotton or acrylic?▼

Of course, you are the artist! However, be aware that changing the yarn will significantly alter the final creation. Using a standard worsted weight yarn (like cotton or acrylic) will result in a much smaller snake with more visible stitch definition. The "velvet" essence of this specific design comes from the plush yarn, but feel free to experiment to create your own unique version!

The full, step-by-step pattern begins below.

📖 Woven into Being: The Complete Velvet Coral Serpent Pattern

A note on our technique: The head, body, and tail are worked as one continuous piece. We will use tapestry crochet for the color changes. When a color is not in use, carry it along inside the stitches. Change to the new color on the last yarn over of the stitch before the indicated change.

Part 1: The Head

Start with Color A (Black).

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)

Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)

Rnd 4: sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] 5 times, sc (24)

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)

Rnd 6: 2 sc, inc, [4 sc, inc] 5 times, 2 sc (36)

Rnds 7-12: sc in all 36 sts (36) - 6 rounds

Pause here to place the eyes. Insert the 10mm safety eyes between Rnds 9 and 10, about 10 stitches apart. Ensure they are symmetrical before securing the backs.

Rnd 13: 2 sc, dec, [4 sc, dec] 5 times, 2 sc (30)

Rnd 14: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)

Rnd 15: sc in all 24 sts (24)

Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue to stuff as you work the next few rounds.

Rnd 16: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)

Rnd 17: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)

Rnd 18: [2 sc, inc] 4 times (16)

Rnd 19: [3 sc, inc] 4 times (20)

Rnd 20: sc in all 20 sts (20). Finish stuffing the head. The body will be stuffed lightly as you go.

Part 2: The Body (Colorwork Section)

We will now begin the repeating color pattern. For the first stripe, you will introduce Color B (Red) and carry Color A (Black). For the second stripe, you will carry Color B and introduce Color C (White), and so on. Only ever carry one extra color at a time.

First Stripe Section (still in Black)

Rnds 21-26: With Color A, sc in all 20 sts (20). At the end of Rnd 26, change to Color B (Red). Cut Color A, leaving a tail to weave in. (6 rounds)

Begin Repeating Pattern Block:

• Reds (6 rounds): With Color B (Red), sc in all 20 sts. At the end of the 6th round, change to Color C (White). Carry Color B. (20)
• Whites (3 rounds): With Color C (White), sc in all 20 sts. At the end of the 3rd round, change back to Color B (Red). Cut Color C. (20)
• Reds (6 rounds): With Color B (Red), sc in all 20 sts. At the end of the 6th round, change to Color A (Black). Cut Color B. (20)
• Blacks (8 rounds): With Color A (Black), sc in all 20 sts. At the end of the 8th round, change to Color B (Red). Cut Color A. (20)

Repeat this entire pattern block (Red-White-Red-Black) a total of **4 times**. Remember to stuff lightly every 15-20 rounds. This will create a long, striped body.

Part 3: The Tail

After your final Black stripe, we will create one last Red stripe and then taper the tail in Black.

Final Red Stripe: With Color B (Red), sc in all 20 sts for 6 rounds. At the end of the 6th round, change to Color A (Black). Cut Color B.

Now, we finish with Color A (Black).

Next Rnd: [3 sc, dec] 4 times (16)

Next Rnd: sc in all 16 sts (16)

Next Rnd: [2 sc, dec] 4 times (12)

Finish stuffing the last part of the body and the beginning of the tail.

Next Rnd: sc in all 12 sts (12)

Next Rnd: [dec] 6 times (6)

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Using your tapestry needle, weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

🧵 The Final Flourish: Assembly & Embellishment

Our creation is nearly complete; it only needs our final, thoughtful touches.

1. Secure All Ends: With your tapestry needle, meticulously weave in any remaining yarn tails from your color changes. This is the mark of a true artisan—a clean finish, inside and out.
2. Pose Your Creation: This is where the serpent's personality truly comes to life. Coil its body gracefully. Does it wrap around a favorite book? Does it peek out from behind a plant pot? Its light stuffing and seamless design make it wonderfully posable. Shape it until it tells the story you wish to tell.

💌 From Patricia's Hook & Heart: A Final Word

And there it is. From a simple thread, you have woven a creature with presence and soul. You have balanced boldness with softness, precision with passion. This Velvet Coral Serpent is now a testament to your skill and your patience.

I hope you treasure this piece, and that it brings a touch of handcrafted elegance to your space. Please do share your finished creations with me; it brings immeasurable joy to my heart to see these patterns come to life through your talented hands.

Until our next project, be well and create beautifully.

With warmest regards,
Patricia Poltera