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This free crochet crab appliqué pattern is a simple and versatile design that works beautifully on blankets, beach bags, and nautical-themed projects. The pattern uses basic stitches, includes detailed instructions, and works up quickly with minimal yarn.
- Purchase the ad-free download/printable PDF on Etsy.
- PIN it to your Pinterest boards for later.
- View the free crochet pattern below on my blog
You can make this crabby little crab as part of the Ocean Granny Square Afghan or on its own. It makes a great addition to any ocean or beach themed project.
If you are interested in making the entire Ocean Granny Square Afghan or the other sea animals, you can find the pattern(s) here.
Free Crochet Crab Applique Pattern
Materials
Worsted weight yarn in red, white, and black
G/4.00mm crochet hook
(2) 6mm safety eyes
Scissors
Pattern Notes
You can substitute the safety eyes by making french knots with black yarn instead.
Video tutorial on sewing applique onto granny square: https://youtu.be/CRpGMPp0ALc?si=YP3VcWdPK-sQcJdt
Magic ring video tutorial: https://youtu.be/XXgcW2ZiGaI?si=vWmYsnCNZSdDYwvN
Foundation single crochets will be used in this pattern.
Abbreviations: (US terms)
Ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, st = stitch(es), sl st = slip stitch, sp = space, YO = yarn over
Crab Applique Pattern
Body
Use red yarn.
The body will start with a chain but will ultimately be worked in rounds
Round 1: Ch 8, sc into 2nd chain from hook and into next 5 st, 3 sc into last st, continue to work on other side of the chain, sc into next 5 st, 3 sc into last st, join to first sc (17)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc into next 7 st, 3 sc in next st, sc into next 8 st, 3 sc into last st, join to first sc (21)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc into next 9 st, 3 sc in next st, sc into next 10 st, 3 sc into last stitch, join to first sc (25)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 9 st, 2sc into each of the next 3 st, sc in next 10 stitches, 2sc into each of the last 3 st (31)
Do not fasten off. We will move onto the eyes without cutting off the yarn.
Eyes
Continuing to use the red yarn, sl st in next st, insert your hook into the next st, YO, pull through the st, YO, pull through one loop, YO, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet. Foundation single crochet 4 more times and fasten off.
For the second eye stalk, attach yarn 3 sp to the left of the first one. Ch 1, insert hook into next st, YO, pull through the st, YO, pull through one loop, YO, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet. Foundation single crochet 4 more times and fasten off.
Next, we will work on the white eye balls separately with white yarn.
Round 1: Magic Ring, ch 1, 8 hdc into ring, join to first hdc, fasten off.
Place safety eye in the middle. Do not attach the backing yet.
Attach the eye with the safety eye into the last foundation sc of the eye stalk. Attach backing of safety eye.
Claws
Use red yarn.
Right Claw
Count 6 st to the right of the right eye. Attach yarn, ch 1, insert hook into next st, YO, pull through the st, YO, pull through one loop, YO, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet. Foundation single crochet 5 more times.
Ch 2, hdc and sl st into last foundation sc, sl st into next st, ch 2, hdc into same sp. Fasten off.
Left Claw
Count 4 st to the left of the left eye. Attach yarn, ch 1, insert hook into next st, YO, pull through the st, YO, pull through one loop, YO, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation sc. Foundation single crochet 5 more times.
Ch 2, hdc and sl st into last foundation sc, sl st into next st, ch 2, hdc into same sp. Fasten off.
Legs
Use red yarn.
Left side
Attach yarn 3 st to the left of the left claw. Ch 6, fasten off.
Attach yarn 2 st left of last leg. Ch 6, fasten off.
Right side
Attach yarn 3 st to the right of the right claw. Chain 6, fasten off.
Attach yarn 2 st to the right of last leg. Chain 6, fasten off.
Mouth
Use black yarn.
Sew mouth with tapestry needle and black yarn in a zig zag pattern.
What’s Next?
Click back to the Ocean Blanket above to make the entire blanket! OR here are some more fun free crochet patterns you may enjoy:
Sorry you are having trouble with the pattern. I'm not sure how to further explain row 1. Start with chaining 8, make a single crochet in the second chain from the hook and single crochet in the next 5 Chain spaces. There will be one chain space left where you will make 3 single crochets all into that last stitch. Once that is complete you will be working on the other side of the chain so you will need to turn your work 180 degrees to work on the other side of the chain. Then you will work single crochets in the next 5 stitches and in the last space work 3 single crochets all in last space before joining. It will make an oval. I'm not sure how else to write the pattern. I hope that explanation is helpful.