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Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern
4.1★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.1K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to make a mother crab and TEN coordinating baby crabs using standard US crochet terminology. You will make multiple parts — tops, bottoms, legs and eyes — then assemble them into a cute memory-game set. Techniques are kept simple and well-illustrated to support beginners.

Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes complete stitch-by-stitch rounds, helpful photos, and simple charts to guide assembly. Perfect for gifts, classroom activities, or playtime.

Why You'll Love This Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple crochet stitches into a delightful family of crabs that kids and grown-ups both adore. I enjoy the variety — making one large mother crab and ten small babies keeps the project engaging without overwhelming repetition. The pattern is beginner friendly so I can share it with newer crocheters and watch them succeed. I also love how the finished set makes a fantastic tactile memory game and a colorful handmade gift.

Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this crab set by changing the color palette — try soft pastels for baby crabs and a neutral mother crab for a modern look.

You can make the babies smaller by using thinner yarn and a smaller hook to create mini keychain versions.

For a chunkier, cuddlier mother crab use bulky yarn and a larger hook to scale the whole set up for a plush pillow-like toy.

I sometimes embroider different facial expressions to give each baby a unique personality — simple changes in mouth placement make a big difference.

Swap safety eyes for embroidered eyes to make the toys suitable for very young children or baby-safe gifts.

I like to add little felt stickers or tiny crocheted shells on a few babies as matching set markers for the memory game.

Try adding wire inside the large legs for posability so the mother crab can 'hold' a baby crab for imaginative play.

Make themed sets by changing the baby center colors to match holidays or seasons — green and orange for autumn, pastels for spring.

If you want sturdier game pieces, insert a small cardboard disc inside each bottom part before closing to keep them flat and easy to pick up.

I often attach a small loop to one baby and hang it as an ornament — this pattern is surprisingly versatile and fun to remix.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not counting stitches carefully during increases and decreases; count after each round to keep the correct stitch total and avoid shaping issues. ✗ Skipping the placement of safety eyes before closing the top; insert safety eyes between the specified rounds to ensure correct placement and secure fastening. ✗ Stuffing too tightly or too loosely when joining parts; stuff gradually and evenly so the body keeps a smooth, rounded shape without distorting the stitches. ✗ Using inconsistent tension throughout the project; practice a steady, moderate tension to ensure all pieces match in size and assemble neatly. ✗ Fastening off too early and leaving short tails for sewing; leave long tails when fastening off to make assembly and sewing easier and more secure.

Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

Create an adorable mother crab and ten baby crabs with this approachable amigurumi crochet pattern. You will find clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful photos so you can follow along easily. This set is perfect for gifts, classroom activities, or a playful memory game for kids. Enjoy making cuddly sea creatures one stitch at a time.

Beginner Friendly 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Crab Memory Game Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    5 ply, 100% cotton yarn - Approx 10 g from pink color (for mum inner center)
  • 02
    4 ply, 100% cotton yarn - Approx 250 g from Dark Red or Maroon (main color for mother and babies)
  • 03
    Assorted colors - 2 yards each from 5 different colors (for baby crab centers)
  • 04
    Black yarn - Approx 5 g (for mouth and embroidered details)
  • 05
    White yarn - Approx 5 g (for eyes details)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.00 mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm
  • 03
    Black safety eyes 15 mm (1 pair)
  • 04
    Black safety eyes 4 mm (10 pairs)
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Tapestry needle
  • 07
    Fiber filling (polyester stuffing)
  • 08
    1 cm button
  • 09
    Stitch marker

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Instructions for baby crabs :

Bottom part of the body :

Bottom part of the body - Make 10 in 5 different colors. (2 crabs from each color)

Infos :

Starting with any random color. Make 6 foundation chs. Work from the 2nd ch. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

1 sc inc. 3 sc.1 sc inc. Now work into the other side of the chs. 1 sc inc. 3 sc. 1 sc inc (14)

Rnd 2 :

2 sc inc. 3 sc. 4 sc inc. 3 sc. 2 sc inc (22)

Info :

Change the color into Dark Red

Rnd 3 :

22 sc (22)

Rnd 4 :

(1 sc, 1 sc inc)x11 (33)

Rnd 5 :

33 sc (33)

Info :

Fasten off.

Top part of the body :

Top part of the body - Make 10 Dark red

Infos :

Make 6 foundation chs. Work from the 2nd ch. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

1 sc inc. 3 sc.1 sc inc. Now work into the other side of the chs. 1 sc inc. 3 sc. 1 sc inc (14)

Rnd 2 :

2 sc inc. 3 sc. 4 sc inc. 3 sc. 2 sc inc (22)

Rnd 3 :

22 sc (22)

Rnd 4 :

(1 sc, 1 sc inc)x11 (33)

Rnd 5 to 7 :

33 sc (33)

Info :

Fasten off. Attach safety eyes (4mm) between rnd 4 and 5. 3 sts in between. Embroider the mouth with black color on rnd 6.

Let's join top and bottom parts together :

Insert the hook into the st in the last rnd (from top part to bottom part) and attach the dark red yarn with a sl st. Work into both parts together. 1 sl st to every st. Before you complete the round fill inside.

— Baby crab legs :

Small legs :

Small legs - Make 60 in Dark red

Infos :

Work into a magic ring. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

5 sc into the magic ring (05)

Rnd 2 to 5 :

5 sc (05)

Info :

Fasten off. Leave the tail.

Large front legs :

Large front legs - Make 20 in Dark red

Infos :

Work into a magic ring. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

6 sc into the magic ring (06)

Rnd 2 :

2 sc inc. 4 sc (08)

Rnd 3 :

8 sc (08)

Rnd 4 :

4 sc inc. 4 sc (12)

Rnd 5 to 7 :

12 sc (12)

Rnd 8 :

2 sc. 2 inv sc dec. 6 sc. (10)

Rnd 9 :

2 sc. 1 inv sc dec. 6 sc (09)

Rnd 10 :

1 inv sc dec. 1 sc. 1 inv sc dec. 4 sc (07)

Rnd 11 to 14 :

7 sc (07)

Info :

Fasten off. Leave the tail. Embroider V shape in the inner side of the leg.

Let's join legs :

Join all legs into the bottom part of the body.

— Instructions for mum crab :

Bottom :

Starting with 5 ply pink color yarn. Make a magic ring. ch 3. 3 mm hook

Rnd 1 :

12 dc into the magic ring (Total 12 sts)

Info :

Close the magic ring. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc.

Rnd 2 :

ch 3. 1 dc inc to every st. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 24 sts)

Rnd 3 :

ch 3. *1 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 36 sts)

Rnd 4 :

ch 3. *2 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 48 sts)

Rnd 5 :

ch 3. *3 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 60 sts)

Rnd 6 :

ch 3. *4 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 72 sts)

Rnd 7 :

ch 3. *5 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 84 sts)

Info :

Change the yarn into 4 ply Dark red

Rnd 8 :

ch 3. *6 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 96 sts)

Rnd 9 :

ch 3. *7 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 108 sts)

Info :

Fasten off.

Top :

Starting with 4 ply Dark Red color yarn. Make a magic ring. ch 3. 3 mm hook

Rnd 1 :

12 dc into the magic ring (Total 12 sts)

Info :

Close the magic ring. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc.

Rnd 2 :

ch 3. 1 dc inc to every st. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 24 sts)

Rnd 3 :

ch 3. *1 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 36 sts)

Rnd 4 :

ch 3. *2 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 48 sts)

Rnd 5 :

ch 3. *3 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 60 sts)

Rnd 6 :

ch 3. *4 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 72 sts)

Rnd 7 :

ch 3. *5 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 84 sts)

Info :

Change the yarn into 4 ply Dark red

Rnd 8 :

ch 3. *6 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 96 sts)

Rnd 9 :

ch 3. *7 dc, 1 dc inc**. Rep from * to ** for another 11 times. Sl st to the top of the 1st dc. (Total 108 sts)

Info :

Fasten off.

Let's join top and bottom parts together :

Insert the hook into the st in the last rnd (from top part to bottom part) and attach the dark red yarn with a sl st. ch 1. Work into both parts together. 1 sc to every st for next 81 st. Now work into the top part only. 13 sl st. ch 8. 14 sl st. Fasten off.

— Mum crab legs and attachments :

Small legs :

Small legs - Make 6 in Dark red

Infos :

Work into a magic ring. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

6 sc into the magic ring (06)

Rnd 2 :

6 sc (06)

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, 1 sc inc)x3 (09)

Rnd 4 :

9 sc (09)

Rnd 5 :

(2 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (12)

Rnd 6 and 7 :

12 sc (12)

Rnd 8 :

(2 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (09)

Rnd 9 and 10 :

9 sc (09)

Rnd 11 :

(2 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (12)

Rnd 12 :

(3 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (15)

Rnd 13 :

(4 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (18)

Rnd 14 to 16 :

18 sc (18)

Rnd 17 :

(4 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (15)

Rnd 18 :

(3 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (12)

Rnd 19 :

(2 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (09)

Rnd 20 and 21 :

09 sc (09)

Info :

Rep again from rnd 11 to 21. Fasten off. Leave the tail.

Large front legs - Part A :

Large front legs - Make 2 in Dark red. Work into a magic ring. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

6 sc into the magic ring (06)

Rnd 2 :

6 sc (06)

Rnd 3 :

3 sc inc. 3 sc (09)

Rnd 4 :

9 sc (09)

Rnd 5 :

3 sc. 3 sc inc. 3 sc (12)

Rnd 6 :

12 sc (12)

Rnd 7 :

4 sc. 4 sc inc. 4 sc (16)

Rnd 8 :

16 sc (16)

Info :

Fasten off.

Large front legs - Part B :

Work into a magic ring. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

6 sc into the magic ring (06)

Rnd 2 :

6 sc (06)

Rnd 3 :

3 sc inc. 3 sc (09)

Rnd 4 :

9 sc (09)

Rnd 5 :

3 sc. 3 sc inc. 3 sc (12)

Rnd 6 :

12 sc (12)

Rnd 7 :

4 sc. 4 sc inc. 4 sc (16)

Rnd 8 and 9 :

16 sc (16)

Rnd 10 :

6 sc. 4 sc inc. 6 sc. (20)

Rnd 11 :

20 sc (20)

Rnd 12 :

11 sc. Insert the hook into the part A. Make 16 sc around part A. Again Make 9 sc tp the part B. (36)

Info :

Fasten off.

Rnd 13 :

(4 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x6 (30)

Rnd 14 :

(3 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x6 (24)

Rnd 15 :

2 inv sc dec. 16 sc. 2 inv sc dec (20)

Rnd 16 and 17 :

20 sc (20)

Rnd 18 :

2 inv sc dec. 12 sc. 2 inv sc dec (16)

Rnd 19 :

(2 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x4 (12)

Rnd 20 :

(2 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (09)

Rnd 21 and 22 :

9 sc (09)

Rnd 23 :

(2 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (12)

Rnd 24 :

(3 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (15)

Rnd 25 :

(4 sc , 1 sc inc)x3 (18)

Rnd 26 to 28 :

18 sc (18)

Rnd 29 :

(4 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (15)

Rnd 30 :

(3 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (12)

Rnd 31 :

(2 sc , 1 inv sc dec)x3 (09)

Rnd 32 and 33 :

09 sc (09)

Info :

Rep rnd 23 to 33 one more time.

Let's join legs :

Join all legs into the bottom part of the body.

— Eyes :

Eyes :

Make 2 in 4 ply White yarn

Infos :

Work into a magic ring. 3.5 mm hook.

Rnd 1 :

6 sc into the magic ring (06)

Rnd 2 :

6 sc inc (12)

Rnd 3 to 5 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

Attach safety eyes (15mm) between rnd 3 and 4.

Rnd 6 :

6 inv sc dec (06)

Info :

Fasten off. Close the open. Attach on the top part.

Assembly Instructions

  • Join the top and bottom parts of each baby crab by inserting the hook into the last round stitch (top to bottom) and attach dark red yarn with a slip stitch; work both parts together with 1 slip stitch to every stitch and stuff before finishing the round.
  • For the mother crab, join the top and bottom parts by inserting the hook into the last round stitch (top to bottom), attach dark red yarn with a slip stitch, ch 1 and work 1 single crochet to every stitch for the next 81 stitches; then work the additional slip stitches and chain as instructed and fasten off.
  • Sew and attach all small and large legs securely to the bottom part of the body; arrange legs evenly around the body and tack into place before sewing with a tapestry needle for a neat finish.
  • Attach eyes after closing the eye pieces: secure 15 mm safety eyes between the specified rounds on the top part and sew the eye pieces to the top of the mother or baby crabs in the locations shown in the photos.
  • Attach the 1 cm button to the bottom part of the mother crab where indicated to act as a closure point inside the body opening if desired, and weave in all ends neatly.

Important Notes

  • 💡Exact gauge is not critical for this pattern; keep tension normal and do not work with a loose tension to avoid floppy shapes.
  • 💡Follow the steps given under the instructions to complete the project; read each round fully before working so increases and decreases are correct.
  • 💡When you work rounds, beginning chains do not count as a stitch unless specified otherwise; follow the round counts provided.
  • 💡Place safety eyes between the rounds specified (baby: between rnd 4 and 5; eyes: between rnd 3 and 4) to ensure correct placement and symmetry.

This cheerful Crab Memory Game set includes a cuddly mother crab and ten playful baby crabs to stitch and enjoy. Perfect for gifting or imaginative play, the set is made with simple amigurumi techniques and bright cotton yarn. Get ready to create a charming underwater family that will delight children and crafters alike. 🦀🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished mother crab measures approximately 8.5 inches in diameter for the body (legs extend further), and each baby crab body is approximately 3 inches across when using the recommended yarn and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the final size and texture; choose an appropriate hook size for your chosen yarn and make a gauge swatch if exact size matters.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly, so basic knowledge of single crochet, increases and decreases is recommended; the pattern includes clear rounds and photos to guide you.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the full mother-and-baby set in about 8-10 hours total, though time may vary based on experience and how many baby crabs you make.

How are the legs attached to the body?

All legs are joined into the bottom part of the body: pin them into position, then sew securely using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, tacking them in place first to ensure even spacing.