Feeling a bit crabby about summer? Why not make yourself an amigurumi kindred spirit with my crochet crab pattern to tell people how you really feel!
This free crab crochet pattern is adorable and easy to make! And did I mention there's no sewing involved? Yes that's right this crab amigurumi is a no sew crochet pattern. When you are crocheting the 2 ovals together for the body of the crab, you also make the legs and claws! Soon you can have the crochet crab made and finished in less than an hour!
I was inspired to make this crochet crab pattern because of summer! I also have a friend from Maryland who detests seafood, so I might have made this for her so she can also enjoy a little crustacean friend without the smell.
When I showed the finished crochet crab pattern to my sister she said she wanted to make one for herself! But she is going to make it a heating pack by making it out of cotton, filling it up with rice, and embroidering the eyes. She's going to call it her menstruation crustacean and use it to ease cramps, which honestly is a brilliant idea.
If you are looking for some other easy amigurumi patterns check out my crochet smores pattern, and if you are wanting to add onto the camping theme, also gander at my crochet marshmallow pattern where you can make plain marshmallows, marshmallows on fire and a campfire!
If you are looking for more summer crochet patterns to make to sell at markets or just gift - check out my crochet strawberry keychain, which takes almost no time to complete, or my crochet blueberry pattern, a perfect amigurumi friend for summer.
Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s celebrate the season with this delightful crochet crab pattern that’s sweet and not so crabby!
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✏️ Things To Note:
- Size & Yarn Options: The finished crochet crab amigurumi measures around 6 inches wide when made with worsted weight acrylic yarn. You can use any yarn type or weight you prefer—just note that using bulky yarn will give you a much larger version, perfect as a 10-inch plush pillow!
- Beginner Friendly: The crochet crab pattern is great for new crocheters. It’s simple and a fast crochet pattern that requires only basic stitches and techniques, making it a fun and stress-free project for all skill levels.
- Construction Details: The crochet crab pattern is made in the round using mostly single crochet (sc) stitches. The shape is smooth and easy to work with, perfect for building confidence with amigurumi.
🪡 Materials Needed
- Caron One Pound - Light Terracotta (or any orange or red yarn would work)
- 4.5 mm Hook
- Polyfill
- 8mm safety eyes
- Tapestry needle
💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)
- Chains (ch)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Triple crochet (tr)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Increase (inc)
* If you see a stitch abbreviation with "x" after it, it means how many times you do that stitch in the following amount of stitches. For example: sc x6 would mean you make a single crochet in the next 6 stitches. Inc x2 means you make an inc in the next 2 stitches.
🍵Instructions for Crochet Crab Pattern
For this crochet crab pattern, we will be working in rounds but start with a chain.
Round 1: Ch x6, then in the 2nd ch from the hook make a sc. Sc in the next 3 chains. In the last stitch sc x3, all the while turning to the underside of the chain. Now working on the unworked side of the chain, sc x3. Sc inc in the last stitch. Then sl st to the next stitch. This sl st marks the end of the round (12).
Round 2: In the following stitch make a sc, then sc x2. Inc x3 (in the 3 stitches you made at the end), sc x3, inc x3 (18).
Round 3: Sc x3, (inc, sc) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (24).
Round 4: Sc x3, (sc x2, inc) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (30).
Round 5: Sc x3, (inc, sc x3) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (36).
Round 6: Sc x3, (sc x4, inc) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (42).
Round 7: Sc x3, (inc, sc x5) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (48). Fasten off and weave in the end.
Make x2.
Sewing:
After you make 2 ovals, DO NOT FASTEN OFF THE SECOND OVAL, you will crochet the 2 OVALS TOGETHER following this sequence of steps from where you left off:
sc x7, sl st, ch x7.
In the second ch from the hook make a sl st, then a hdc, tr x2, dc, sc in the rest of the chains. Then sl st in the next stitch in the ovals. This is the first closed claw. You will need to shape the claw a bit by wiggling the stitches, but you can do that now or later.
Sc x4, sl st, *ch x4, then in the second ch from the hook make a hdc. Hdc 2 more times for the other 2 chains, 1 in each chain. Sl st to the base of the crab in the next available stitch. Then sl st in the next stitch. Repeat from * 2 more times for the other 2 legs.
Sc x13, sl st, *ch x4, then in the second ch from the hook make a hdc. Hdc 2 more times for the other 2 chains, 1 in each chain. Sl st to the base of the crab in the next available stitch. Then sl st in the next stitch. Repeat from * 2 more times for the other 2 legs. If you are going to add eyes to the crab you may want to do it now. I added my safety eyes between the 4th and 5th rounds about 5 stitches apart.
Sc x4, sl st, ch x7. In the second ch from the hook make a sl st, then a hdc, tr x2, dc, sc in the rest of the chains. Then sl st in the next stitch in the ovals. This is the second closed claw.
Sc x4 and fasten off. Weave in any ends that you have.
If you want you can embroider a mouth and any other details for the crab.
Thanks so much for checking out this crochet crab pattern—I hope you had a blast making your own sweet little crustacean! Whether you crafted it as a quick summer project, a cute gift, or a market best-seller, this simple amigurumi pattern is sure to bring smiles all around.
If you're in the mood for more summer-inspired crochet fun, don’t miss my crochet strawberry pillow—a big, squishy statement piece that’s just as fun to make as it is to show off. You’ll also love my crochet watermelon coasters, which add a bright, juicy touch to your summer table setup. They're quick, colorful, and perfect for seasonal decor or gifts.
Got leftover terracotta yarn? If you’ve also got some white and some black yarn available, you can make my crochet spam musubi pattern! Another fun crochet food pattern.
So grab your yarn, keep those summer vibes going, and explore all the crochet food patterns and seasonal projects I’ve got waiting for you. Happy hooking, and enjoy every stitch!
🐌Expert Tips
- Use a smaller hook for tighter stitches: To keep your stuffing from showing through, go down a hook size from what your yarn recommends. This gives your crochet crab a neater, firmer shape.
- Stuff as you go: Don’t wait until the end to add stuffing to the crochet crab pattern. Gently stuff your crab as you work, especially once the shape starts to close, to avoid lumps or uneven filling.
- Use stitch markers: Since the crochet crab pattern is worked in the round, it’s easy to lose track of where a round begins. A stitch marker will keep you on track and help your rounds stay even.
🧵Pattern FAQs
Worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn is commonly used because it's affordable, durable, and comes in a wide range of colors. However, plush or velvet yarn is great if you want a softer, chunkier plushie. Choose yarn based on the texture and size you want.
Use a hook that’s one or two sizes smaller than the recommended size for your yarn. This ensures tight stitches so the stuffing doesn’t show through the crochet crab pattern.
Spot clean with mild soap and water. If machine washing, place the plushie in a mesh laundry bag and use the gentle cycle. Always let it air dry.
🧶More Crochet Amigurumi Patterns
If you tried this Crochet Crab Pattern (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Crochet Crab Pattern
Materials
- Caron One Pound - Light Terracotta or any orange or red yarn would work
- 4.5 mm Hook
- Polyfill
- 8 mm safety eyes
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
- Chains - ch
- Single crochet - sc
- Half double crochet - hdc
- Double crochet - dc
- Triple crochet - tr
- Slip stitch - sl st
- Increase - inc
Notes
- Size & Yarn Options: The finished crochet crab amigurumi measures around 6 inches wide when made with worsted weight acrylic yarn. You can use any yarn type or weight you prefer—just note that using bulky yarn will give you a much larger version, perfect as a 10-inch plush pillow!
- Beginner Friendly: This pattern is great for new crocheters. It’s simple and a fast crochet pattern that requires only basic stitches and techniques, making it a fun and stress-free project for all skill levels.
- Construction Details: The crochet crab pattern is made in the round using mostly single crochet (sc) stitches. The shape is smooth and easy to work with, perfect for building confidence with amigurumi.
Instructions
- For this crochet crab pattern, we will be working in rounds but start with a chain.
- Round 1: Ch x6, then in the 2nd ch from the hook make a sc. Sc in the next 3 chains. In the last stitch sc x3, all the while turning to the underside of the chain. Now working on the unworked side of the chain, sc x3. Sc inc in the last stitch. Then sl st to the next stitch. This sl st marks the end of the round (12).
- Round 2: In the following stitch make a sc, then sc x2. Inc x3 (in the 3 stitches you made at the end), sc x3, inc x3 (18).
- Round 3: Sc x3, (inc, sc) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (24).
- Round 4: Sc x3, (sc x2, inc) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (30).
- Round 5: Sc x3, (inc, sc x3) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (36).
- Round 6: Sc x3, (sc x4, inc) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (42).
- Round 7: Sc x3, (inc, sc x5) x3. Then repeat for the other side of the round (48). Fasten off and weave in the end.
- Make x2.
Sewing:
- After you make 2 ovals, DO NOT FASTEN OFF THE SECOND OVAL, you will crochet the 2 OVALS TOGETHER following this sequence of steps from where you left off:
- sc x7, sl st, ch x7.
- In the second ch from the hook make a sl st, then a hdc, tr x2, dc, sc in the rest of the chains. Then sl st in the next stitch in the ovals. This is the first closed claw. You will need to shape the claw a bit by wiggling the stitches, but you can do that now or later.
- Sc x4, sl st, *ch x4, then in the second ch from the hook make a hdc. Hdc 2 more times for the other 2 chains, 1 in each chain. Sl st to the base of the crab in the next available stitch. Then sl st in the next stitch. Repeat from * 2 more times for the other 2 legs.
- Sc x13, sl st, *ch x4, then in the second ch from the hook make a hdc. Hdc 2 more times for the other 2 chains, 1 in each chain. Sl st to the base of the crab in the next available stitch. Then sl st in the next stitch. Repeat from * 2 more times for the other 2 legs. If you are going to add eyes to the crab you may want to do it now. I added my safety eyes between the 4th and 5th rounds about 5 stitches apart.
- Sc x4, sl st, ch x7. In the second ch from the hook make a sl st, then a hdc, tr x2, dc, sc in the rest of the chains. Then sl st in the next stitch in the ovals. This is the second closed claw.
- Sc x4 and fasten off. Weave in any ends that you have.
- If you want you can embroider a mouth and any other details for the crab.
- Thanks so much for checking out this crochet crab pattern—I hope you had a blast making your own sweet little crustacean! Whether you crafted it as a quick summer project, a cute gift, or a market best-seller, this simple amigurumi pattern is sure to bring smiles all around.
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