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Crab Granny Square Pattern

Crab Granny Square Pattern
4.3★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Crab Granny Square Pattern

This pattern creates a charming Crab Granny Square with a round crab body and crocheted eyes, legs, and claws. It uses lightweight acrylic yarn with a simple color change and an invisible finishing stitch for a neat edge. You will work basic and intermediate stitches including double crochet, half double crochet, and triple crochet clusters. The finished square is a fun applique that can be sewn onto blankets, bags, or used as a decorative motif.

Crab Granny Square Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full round-by-round instructions, eye and limb pieces, and detailed assembly directions. Photos and finishing tips are provided to help you place and attach the pieces accurately.

Why You'll Love This Crab Granny Square Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a classic granny square border with a playful crab applique that adds instant personality. I enjoy how the crab's movable legs and simple embroidered mouth let you customize the expression and pose. The rounds are structured so you can easily track stitch counts, and the invisible stitch option gives a clean, professional finish. Making a set of these squares is always satisfying and they make delightful gifts or accents for baby blankets and seaside-themed projects.

Crab Granny Square Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crab Granny Square Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crab Granny Square Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crab Granny Square Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love using different color palettes for this crab square; try pastel tones for a nursery-friendly design or bright neons for a playful look.

I sometimes swap the lightweight yarn for a worsted weight and a larger hook to create a chunky, cozy square perfect for bigger blankets.

I often change the eye style by embroidering pupils or using small buttons or safety eyes for a different character effect.

I like to stitch a set of four different sea creature squares and join them into a themed throw for beachy decor.

I also experiment with adding sequins or small beads to mimic sand or sparkle on the crab's body for a decorative accent.

I recommend trying felt for the eyes or mouth if you prefer non-crochet applique details for faster assembly.

I sometimes omit the claws or make them shorter to create a friendlier, simpler crab for baby projects.

I like to turn this square into a coaster by adding a thin backing and felting the edges for extra durability.

I often make mini versions by using fingering yarn and a smaller hook to create keychains or ornaments from the same pattern.

I encourage you to play with embroidery to change the crab's expression — a straight mouth, wink, or blushing cheeks all add personality.

I also enjoy joining multiple squares with a decorative join such as a crab-stitch or puff-stitch border to make a unique blanket edge.

I sometimes attach the crab squares to bags or hats for charming, seaside-themed accessories that stand out.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch count at the end of each round leads to uneven shaping; always check the number in parentheses after each round and recount if needed. ✗ Changing color without following the recommended method can leave loose ends or visible joins; use the invisible stitch at the end of Round 4 or change color on the last dc for a neater finish. ✗ Not tightening the magic ring leaves a loose center in the round; pull the tail firmly and sl st in the first dc to close the ring securely. ✗ Forgetting to leave long tails when finishing the eyes or legs makes stitching them to the square difficult; always leave a long tail for sewing and weave in excess after assembly.

Crab Granny Square Pattern

Make a cheerful Crab Granny Square to brighten your crochet projects. This playful square features a smiling crab applique with movable legs and claws, perfect for blankets, bags, or home decor. The pattern includes step-by-step rounds, eye and leg instructions, and clear assembly guidance so you can follow along easily. Ideal for adding a splash of seaside charm to your handmade creations.

Intermediate 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Crab Granny Square Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Lightweight acrylic yarn - Red (main crab color)
  • 02
    Lightweight acrylic yarn - Black (eye centre and mouth)
  • 03
    Lightweight acrylic yarn - White (eye highlight)
  • 04
    Lightweight acrylic yarn - Beige (square background)
  • 05
    Finished square measures approximately 11 cm x 11 cm

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4 mm hook
  • 02
    Yarn Needle
  • 03
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

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— Notes :

Infos :

The ( ) at the end of each round/row indicates the total number of stitches that should be completed for that round/row. When working through the rounds/rows, work through the entire stitch (back loop and front loop); unless stated otherwise. The ch1 or ch2 at the beginning of each round/row do not count as stitches unless stated otherwise. You can use any yarn to make this square. For example, if you use a smaller hook and a suitable yarn, the square will be smaller.

— Square :

Round 1 :

MR, ch2, 12dc inside MR (12)

Info :

Tighten the MR by pulling on the tail and then sl st in the 1st dc (skip the ch2).

Round 2 :

ch2, *dc inc* all around (24)

Round 3 :

ch2, *dc, dc inc* all around (36)

Round 4 :

ch2, *2dc, dc inc* all around (48)

Info :

Invisible stitch: after you are done with Round 4, cut the yarn, leave a long tail, and pull it all the way through. With your needle, go into the 2nd dc from the back to the front through both loops, and then go through the center of the last dc towards the back. Pull the tail tight enough to create a stitch on top of the 1st dc and then weave in the excess yarn to secure it.

Info :

Color Change: at the end of Round 4, you will need to do a color change. Method 1: change color at the last dc of Round 4. Method 2: finish off with an invisible stitch and then attach the new color.

Info :

Insert your hook into any stitch and attach the new yarn by pulling it through the stitch.

Round 5 :

ch1, *3sc, 2hdc, 2dc, [2tc + ch2 + 2tc] in the same stitch, 2dc, 2hdc* all around (68)

Info :

Sl st in the first sc that you did at the beginning of Round 5.

Round 6 :

ch2, *dc* all around and [2dc + ch2 + 2dc] in the ch2 space (84)

Info :

At the end of the round, finish off and weave in any excess yarn. You can finish off using the invisible stitch method or sl st in the 1st dc and then yarn over and pull it all the way through.

— Eyes :

Round 1 :

Using the black yarn. MR, ch1, 5sc in MR (5)

Info :

Change color to white at the last sc.

Round 2 :

*inc* all around (10)

Info :

Change color to red at the last sc.

Round 3 :

*sc, inc* all around (15)

Info :

Cut the yarn and finish off. Leave a long tail for stitching.

— Legs x6 :

Row 1 :

Using the red yarn. slip knot, ch6, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, sc, 2sc in 1 st, 2sc (6)

Info :

Cut the yarn and leave a long tail for stitching.

— Claw (Right) :

Row 1 :

Using the red yarn. slip knot, ch8, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, 2sc, inc, 3sc (8)

Row 2 :

Then ch7, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, hdc dec, hdc dec, sc (4), sl st in the claw.

Row 3 :

Then ch5, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, hdc inc, hdc inc, sc (6)

Info :

Sl st in the claw and finish off while leaving a long tail for stitching.

Info :

To hdc dec, start a hdc in a st (yarn over and insert your hook, then yarn over and pull through), then before finishing the normal hdc, do a second hdc in the following stitch. Then yarn over and pull through the 5 loops on your hook.

— Claw (Left) :

Row 1 :

Using the red yarn. slip knot, ch11, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, 2sc, 2dec, 3sc (8)

Row 2 :

Then ch7, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, hdc dec, hdc dec, sc (4), sl st in the claw.

Row 3 :

Then ch5, sc in the 2nd ch away from the hook, hdc inc, hdc inc, sc (6)

Info :

Sl st in the claw and finish off while leaving a long tail for stitching.

— Assembly :

Info :

You can either stitch the legs/claws completely to the square, or only stitch them at the edge that is closest to the circular base so that they can be moved back and forth. Use the black yarn to stitch a mouth on Round 2. Place the face components on the square and align them similar to the image provided; use the tails to stitch the pieces securely to the beige square.

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the red crab body centered on the beige square and align the eyes above the body; use long tails from the eyes to stitch them in place securely.
  • Position the six legs evenly around the lower sides of the circular crab body and sew using the long tails, or attach only at the base so the legs can move.
  • Arrange the two claws symmetrically at the top sides of the body and secure them with the tails; make sure they mirror each other for a balanced look.
  • Use the black yarn to stitch a smiling mouth on Round 2 of the crab body, following the photo as a placement guide and stitching firmly to avoid gaps.

Important Notes

  • 💡The numbers in parentheses at the end of rounds show the stitch total for that round; count stitches regularly to avoid mistakes.
  • 💡When working through rounds, work through both loops unless the pattern specifies BLO or FLO for shaping.
  • 💡Change colors at the end of Round 4 using one of the two methods provided for a clean join and minimal ends to weave in.
  • 💡Leave long tails when finishing the eyes, legs, and claws; these tails are used for stitching pieces onto the square reliably.

This cheerful Crab Granny Square is perfect for seaside-themed blankets, bags, and decor projects. Add a collection of squares to make a playful throw or stitch a single square as a unique patch or coaster. Have fun customizing colors and expressions to suit your style. 🦀🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished square measures approximately 11 cm x 11 cm when using the suggested lightweight acrylic yarn and a 4 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but the final size will change; use an appropriate hook for your chosen yarn and expect a larger or smaller square.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so a basic knowledge of stitches like dc, hdc, sc, and increases is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 2-4 hours, though time may vary based on experience level and how many embellishments you sew on.