The genial garden snail, otherwise known as the European Brown Garden Snail, is native to the Mediterranean region. They were introduced to other countries as food or perhaps imported on plants, and have since become a pest of crops and gardens in many countries. They are present on all continents, except Antarctica.

Their shells coil to the right – except in rare cases. A ‘lefty’ snail, known as a sinistral snail, found by biologists in England (and named Jeremy) set off a world-wide search for other left coiling snails to mate with Jeremy in order to study the genetics of shell coiling. It’s an interesting internet search to do in your spare time.

This pattern is knitted for a right-coiling shell and is not reversible.

It is knitted back and forth in rows, but on circular needles, to accommodate the large number of closely packed stitches required to get the coil. It’s an experienced level pattern, with many increases, decreases and short rows. The foot is joined to the shell as you go, so there are also lots of stitches to pick up. The only sewing is to tack down the coils of the shell so that they stay in place better.

There is no reinforcing necessary, so it is a softie that is suitable for all ages.

Yarn:
Main Color (MC) for the shell: fingering weight, 80 yds / 73 m
Contrast Color (CC) for the mantle, head and foot: fingering weight 62 yds / 57 m
Use any yarn, but yarn that includes at least 50% wool will hold the shape better.
You may use any weight yarn, so long as you use a needle size to give a tight weave so that the stuffing does not show through. If you use a heavier weight yarn the final size will be larger and you will need more yarn.