
Knit Your Own Adorable Little Crab! 🦀
I’m excited to share this free little crab knitting pattern with you! This tiny crustacean is quick to knit, full of charm, and perfect for using up leftover yarn. Whether you’re making a playful ocean-themed set, a cute desk buddy, or a fun gift, this little crab will add a splash of joy to your knitting.
Designed to be simple yet detailed, this Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern is beginner-friendly with a touch of shaping to bring the crab’s character to life. I hope you enjoy knitting it as much as I enjoyed designing it!
Skill Level
Beginner
Techniques
Knit in the round / Simple increase and decrease stitches
Finished Size
Approx. 7 cm / 2 3/4 in.
Needles
Double-pointed needles US 2 (3.00 mm)
Gauge
28 sts x 35 rows = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm
Notions
A tapestry needle, stitch holders
Yarn
(Sport) 100% Wool (50 g/ 175 m/ 191 yds)Â
Yarn Amount
Approx. 3-4 g each
Other Materials
A little bit of toy filling / Embroidery floss (for the face) / Wire (optional)
Abbreviations
CO | cast on | k2tog | knit 2 stitches together |
---|---|---|---|
rnd(s)Â | round(s) | ssk | slip, slip, and knit |
st(s)Â Â | stitch(es) | k | knit |
RS | right side | p | purl |
WS | wrong side | m1 | make 1 stitch |
RLI | right-lifted increase | LLI | left-lifted increase |
Crab's Body
Circular cast on 12 sts on 3 needles (always use a working needle to knit)
Rnd 1: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 2: k2, m1, repeat * (18 sts)
Rnd 3: knit
Rnd 4: k3, m1, repeat * (24 sts)
Rnd 5: knit
Rnd 6: k4, m1, repeat * (30 sts)
Rnd 7-13: knit 7 rnds
Rnd 14: k2, ssk, k7, k2tog, k2, repeat * (26 sts)
Rnd 15: knit
Rnd 16: k2, ssk, k5, k2tog, k2, repeat * (22 sts) Rnd 17: knit
Rnd 18: k2, ssk, k3, k2tog, k2, repeat * (18 sts)
Rnd 19: knit
Rnd 20: k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2, repeat * (14 sts)
Rnd 21: knit, and stuff the body.
Gather bind-off.

Crab's Claw
Long tail cast on 9 sts, join in a round.
Rnd 1-5: knit 5 rnds
Rnd 6: RLI, k6, LLI, place the next 3 sts on the stitch holder (8 sts)
Rnd 7-10: knit 4 rnds
Gather bind-off.
Place the rest 3 sts on the needle.
Rnd 1: RLI, k3, LLI (5 sts)
Rnd 2-3: knit 2 rnds
Gather bind-off.
Crab's Legs
Long tail cast on 6 sts, join in a round.
knit 7 rnds, gather bind-off.
Make 6.

Crab's Eyes
Long tail cast on 4 sts, join in a round.
knit 3 rnds, gather bind-off.

Sewing the parts together
Sew the crab's claws on the side of the body by using the Mattress stitch.
Then, sew the legs around the bottom, 3 legs on each side. I sewed each center leg a bit higher.
Sew the eyes onto the top of the body, positioned slightly behind and between the claws.
Embroidering the Crab's Face
I used four strands of sewing thread to sew the eyes, but you can use embroidery floss for an easier option. To embroider the eyes, stitch vertically with white thread, repeating until the yarn is fully covered. Then, use black thread to add a few horizontal stitches for the pupils.
For its little smile, I used orange cotton yarn and sewed a little V in front of the eyes. Tie a knot and weave in loose ends.

Adding Wire in the Crab
I decided to add wire to Pinchy the Crab after knitting it to give it the ability to pose. I used 20 gauge wire (which is used for making jewelry).

First, measure and cut the wire, leaving an extra 2 cm on each side. Insert the wire through the front two legs.
Then, bend the wire at the end of each leg and tuck the bent end back inside the leg. Ensure the wire grips a bit of yarn at the bend to keep it secure.
Lastly, twist the wires inside the legs to secure them in place. Repeat the same process for the other legs and claws.
And there you have it—Pinchy the Crab!
With its poseable legs and claws, you can position it in different ways for extra charm.

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