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Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern

Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern
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!




Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern

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) 


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) 

round(s)

ssk

slip, slip, and knit

st(s)  

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.

Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern
Crab's Body


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.

Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern
Crab's Legs


Crab's Eyes

Long tail cast on 4 sts, join in a round.

knit 3 rnds, gather bind-off.

Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern
Crab's Eyes


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.

Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern
Crab's Face


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).

Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern

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.


Free Pinchy the Crab Knitting Pattern
Pinchy the Crab

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