{ "schema_version": "2.0", "page_type": "crochet_pattern_article", "source_id": null, "slug": "crab-granny-square", "title": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif)", "meta_description": "Free crab granny square crochet pattern with third-loop legs, ch-3 claws and an ocean border. Make a 3.3-inch DK motif in an afternoon", "published_at": "2026-07-25", "updated_at": "2026-07-25", "author": "Ruby", "thumbnail_url": "data/images/crab-granny-square-hero.webp", "meta": { "title": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif)", "pattern_name": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif)", "difficulty": "Intermediate", "time_needed": "2-3 Hours", "rating": 4.8, "made_count": "1.4K", "taxonomy": { "category": "Granny Squares", "skill_level": "Intermediate", "yarn_weight": "DK", "tags": [ "granny square", "crab granny square", "free pattern", "third loop only", "ocean crochet", "dk weight", "blanket square", "summer crochet", "motif pattern", "magic ring", "sea creature crochet", "beach decor" ] } }, "cards": [ { "order": 1, "card_type": "hero", "code": "hero", "title": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif)", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-1", "label": "Confident Beginner to Intermediate", "value": "You'll need a magic ring, treble crochet and third-loop joins — but every round is short", "raw_text": "You'll need a magic ring, treble crochet and third-loop joins — but every round is short", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-2", "label": "Afternoon Motif", "value": "2-3 hours per square, less once you've made your second one", "raw_text": "2-3 hours per square, less once you've made your second one", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-3", "label": "Ocean Collectible", "value": "A 3.3-inch crab that turns beach-themed blankets, totes and bunting into showstoppers", "raw_text": "A 3.3-inch crab that turns beach-themed blankets, totes and bunting into showstoppers", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 2, "card_type": "about", "code": "about", "title": "About", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-1", "label": "", "value": "This pattern turns a plain granny square into a wide-eyed little crab, complete with raised claws, six sculpted legs and a rippling ocean border. It starts as a magic ring with 16 sc, then builds outward with a clever 5dc/3tr sequence worked into the foundation ring so the crab's shell curves the way a real one does. It's perfect for anyone who loves motif crochet but is bored of plain squares, and for makers building a summer or sea-life blanket one creature at a time", "raw_text": "This pattern turns a plain granny square into a wide-eyed little crab, complete with raised claws, six sculpted legs and a rippling ocean border. It starts as a magic ring with 16 sc, then builds outward with a clever 5dc/3tr sequence worked into the foundation ring so the crab's shell curves the way a real one does. It's perfect for anyone who loves motif crochet but is bored of plain squares, and for makers building a summer or sea-life blanket one creature at a time", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-2", "label": "", "value": "You'll use a magic ring, single crochet increases, treble crochet, and — the star technique — third-loop-only (TLO) work, where you join new yarn into the horizontal bar behind each stitch so the claws and legs pop off the surface. The claws are shaped with ch-3 and ch-2 spaces plus slip-stitch travel, which sounds fussy but is just careful counting. If you can read a stitch and place a marker, you can do this. Expect two to three hours for your first square and closer to ninety minutes after that", "raw_text": "You'll use a magic ring, single crochet increases, treble crochet, and — the star technique — third-loop-only (TLO) work, where you join new yarn into the horizontal bar behind each stitch so the claws and legs pop off the surface. The claws are shaped with ch-3 and ch-2 spaces plus slip-stitch travel, which sounds fussy but is just careful counting. If you can read a stitch and place a marker, you can do this. Expect two to three hours for your first square and closer to ninety minutes after that", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-3", "label": "", "value": "Finished at roughly 3.3 by 3.3 inches in DK Sport yarn with a 3.00mm hook, this square is small enough to make in one sitting and dense enough to hold its shape without blocking gymnastics. The crab sits proud of the background thanks to the TLO layers, so the piece has real dimension in the hand. Line up nine of them for a pillow front, scatter them through a beach blanket, or gift a single framed square to someone who collects tiny handmade sea things", "raw_text": "Finished at roughly 3.3 by 3.3 inches in DK Sport yarn with a 3.00mm hook, this square is small enough to make in one sitting and dense enough to hold its shape without blocking gymnastics. The crab sits proud of the background thanks to the TLO layers, so the piece has real dimension in the hand. Line up nine of them for a pillow front, scatter them through a beach blanket, or gift a single framed square to someone who collects tiny handmade sea things", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 3, "card_type": "why_love", "code": "why-love", "title": "Why You'll Love This Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "why-love-1", "label": "", "value": "I have made a lot of granny squares in my life, and this one made me actually laugh out loud when the claws appeared. The magic behind it is that third-loop trick — you work Rounds 3 and 4 into the third loop of the stitches below, which means the crab's body layers sit on top of the square instead of being flattened into it. The moment you finish that first claw round with the ch-3 spaces and the little 4hdc curve, a crab is just there, staring back at you. I also love how the 5dc/3tr sequence in Round 2 does quiet structural work: the treble groups become the corners, and later those center trebles are exactly where you anchor the claws and legs, so the pattern basically tells you where everything goes. The slip-stitch travel between claw sections is my favorite low-effort detail — you're not fastening off six times, you're just walking the hook across the shell. And the optional ocean border? Worth it. Two rounds of dc in a wave-blue and the crab suddenly has a sea to sit in", "raw_text": "I have made a lot of granny squares in my life, and this one made me actually laugh out loud when the claws appeared. The magic behind it is that third-loop trick — you work Rounds 3 and 4 into the third loop of the stitches below, which means the crab's body layers sit on top of the square instead of being flattened into it. The moment you finish that first claw round with the ch-3 spaces and the little 4hdc curve, a crab is just there, staring back at you. I also love how the 5dc/3tr sequence in Round 2 does quiet structural work: the treble groups become the corners, and later those center trebles are exactly where you anchor the claws and legs, so the pattern basically tells you where everything goes. The slip-stitch travel between claw sections is my favorite low-effort detail — you're not fastening off six times, you're just walking the hook across the shell. And the optional ocean border? Worth it. Two rounds of dc in a wave-blue and the crab suddenly has a sea to sit in", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 4, "card_type": "switch_things_up", "code": "switch-things-up", "title": "Switch Things Up", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "switch-1", "label": "", "value": "Color is where this square gets addictive. The classic reads as a bright tomato-red or coral crab (Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Blood Orange is spot on) over a sandy cream body round, finished with the two-tone ocean border — try a pale aqua for the first border round and a deeper teal for the second so it looks like shallow water fading into deep. For a completely different mood, go pastel: dusty pink crab, oatmeal background, sage border, and the whole square reads as nursery decor rather than beach house. A charcoal crab on a sunshine-yellow ground gives you a bold graphic version that suits a modern tote panel. Size is easy to shift because the shape is built on stitch groups, not a fixed count: move to worsted weight with a 4.00mm hook and the square grows to roughly 4.25 inches with no pattern changes, while a 2.5mm hook and 4-ply cotton shrinks it to about 2.6 inches for brooches and keyrings. Want a bigger square without a bigger crab? Add a third and fourth border round, keeping (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) in each corner space, and each extra round adds about half an inch per side. Themed versions are fun too — a white crab on icy blue with silver sparkle yarn for a winter-sea square, a deep orange crab on rust for autumn, or swap the crab colorway to pale lilac and green for a whimsical 'space crab' that kids adore. Yarn substitutions that behave well: Scheepjes Catona (sport/DK-ish, crisp stitch definition for the TLO legs), Paintbox Cotton DK for solid color blocks, and DK acrylics like Stylecraft Special DK if you want a blanket that survives real life", "raw_text": "Color is where this square gets addictive. The classic reads as a bright tomato-red or coral crab (Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Blood Orange is spot on) over a sandy cream body round, finished with the two-tone ocean border — try a pale aqua for the first border round and a deeper teal for the second so it looks like shallow water fading into deep. For a completely different mood, go pastel: dusty pink crab, oatmeal background, sage border, and the whole square reads as nursery decor rather than beach house. A charcoal crab on a sunshine-yellow ground gives you a bold graphic version that suits a modern tote panel. Size is easy to shift because the shape is built on stitch groups, not a fixed count: move to worsted weight with a 4.00mm hook and the square grows to roughly 4.25 inches with no pattern changes, while a 2.5mm hook and 4-ply cotton shrinks it to about 2.6 inches for brooches and keyrings. Want a bigger square without a bigger crab? Add a third and fourth border round, keeping (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) in each corner space, and each extra round adds about half an inch per side. Themed versions are fun too — a white crab on icy blue with silver sparkle yarn for a winter-sea square, a deep orange crab on rust for autumn, or swap the crab colorway to pale lilac and green for a whimsical 'space crab' that kids adore. Yarn substitutions that behave well: Scheepjes Catona (sport/DK-ish, crisp stitch definition for the TLO legs), Paintbox Cotton DK for solid color blocks, and DK acrylics like Stylecraft Special DK if you want a blanket that survives real life", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 5, "card_type": "common_mistakes", "code": "common-mistakes", "title": "Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-1", "label": "Working Round 2 into the Round 1 stitches instead of into the foundation ring", "value": "Round 2 is meant to be worked into the foundation ring so it encases the Round 1 sc stitches — that's what gives the shell its raised, rounded body. If your center looks flat and the sc stitches are visible on top, you've worked into the stitch tops. Pull it back and insert your hook into the ring space itself, letting the sc round sit trapped underneath the new 5dc/3tr groups", "raw_text": "Round 2 is meant to be worked into the foundation ring so it encases the Round 1 sc stitches — that's what gives the shell its raised, rounded body. If your center looks flat and the sc stitches are visible on top, you've worked into the stitch tops. Pull it back and insert your hook into the ring space itself, letting the sc round sit trapped underneath the new 5dc/3tr groups", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-2", "label": "Losing track of which loop is the 'third loop' (TLO) when joining new yarn", "value": "The third loop is the horizontal bar sitting behind the back loop, visible when you tip the work away from you — it's most obvious on hdc and dc stitches. Tilt the square forward and look at the back side of the round: you'll see a distinct extra strand running horizontally. Put a stitch marker in the correct loop before you join, and check that all six leg joins use the same visual landmark so the legs sit at a consistent depth", "raw_text": "The third loop is the horizontal bar sitting behind the back loop, visible when you tip the work away from you — it's most obvious on hdc and dc stitches. Tilt the square forward and look at the back side of the round: you'll see a distinct extra strand running horizontally. Put a stitch marker in the correct loop before you join, and check that all six leg joins use the same visual landmark so the legs sit at a consistent depth", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-3", "label": "Misplacing the claw round because the 'sc above the center tr' wasn't identified", "value": "Both TLO rounds begin at the sc that sits directly above the center treble of a 3-tr group. Count your 3-tr groups first and mark the middle treble of each with a contrasting scrap of yarn as soon as you finish Round 2. Then when you get to the claw and leg rounds, you're not hunting for the anchor point — it's already flagged, and your crab stays symmetrical instead of drifting to one side", "raw_text": "Both TLO rounds begin at the sc that sits directly above the center treble of a 3-tr group. Count your 3-tr groups first and mark the middle treble of each with a contrasting scrap of yarn as soon as you finish Round 2. Then when you get to the claw and leg rounds, you're not hunting for the anchor point — it's already flagged, and your crab stays symmetrical instead of drifting to one side", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-4", "label": "Skipping or miscounting the slip-stitch travel between claw sections", "value": "The 'make 2 slst' and 'make 4 slst' instructions are spacers, not decoration — they carry your hook across the shell so the next claw section lands in the right place. Count them out loud and keep them loose; tight travel slip stitches pucker the shell and pull the claws inward. If your second claw ends up crowding the first, the travel count is almost always the culprit", "raw_text": "The 'make 2 slst' and 'make 4 slst' instructions are spacers, not decoration — they carry your hook across the shell so the next claw section lands in the right place. Count them out loud and keep them loose; tight travel slip stitches pucker the shell and pull the claws inward. If your second claw ends up crowding the first, the travel count is almost always the culprit", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-5", "label": "Working the ch-3 and ch-2 claw spaces too tightly", "value": "Those chain spaces are what open up the pincer shape. If you chain tightly, the claws close into little nubs instead of reading as open pincers. Chain with a relaxed hand, and if you naturally crochet tight, work the ch-3 and ch-2 over the shaft of your hook rather than the narrow point so the loops keep their size", "raw_text": "Those chain spaces are what open up the pincer shape. If you chain tightly, the claws close into little nubs instead of reading as open pincers. Chain with a relaxed hand, and if you naturally crochet tight, work the ch-3 and ch-2 over the shaft of your hook rather than the narrow point so the loops keep their size", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-6", "label": "Forgetting the sc-increase in every stitch on the round that shapes the body edge", "value": "That round calls for an sc-increase in each stitch — every single one, not alternating. Skipping increases makes the body cup and dome instead of lying flat, and the later dc round won't have enough stitches to square off. If your work is starting to curl into a bowl, count your stitches: you should end with exactly double the previous round's count before you fasten off", "raw_text": "That round calls for an sc-increase in each stitch — every single one, not alternating. Skipping increases makes the body cup and dome instead of lying flat, and the later dc round won't have enough stitches to square off. If your work is starting to curl into a bowl, count your stitches: you should end with exactly double the previous round's count before you fasten off", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-7", "label": "Uneven corners on the dc border rounds", "value": "Each corner needs a full (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) worked into the corner space, and the round must close with a slip stitch into the true dc after the beginning ch-3 — not into the ch-3 itself. Joining into the turning chain shifts your corner alignment a half-stitch each round, and by the second border round the square visibly leans. Find the real first dc and join there every time", "raw_text": "Each corner needs a full (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) worked into the corner space, and the round must close with a slip stitch into the true dc after the beginning ch-3 — not into the ch-3 itself. Joining into the turning chain shifts your corner alignment a half-stitch each round, and by the second border round the square visibly leans. Find the real first dc and join there every time", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 6, "card_type": "materials", "code": "materials", "title": "Materials", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [ { "order": 1, "group_code": "group-1", "group_name": "", "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-1", "label": "", "value": "Yarn of your choice —5 colors; the sample is made with DK Sports. The finished crab granny square is about 3.3 inches by 3.3 inches.", "raw_text": "Yarn of your choice —5 colors; the sample is made with DK Sports. The finished crab granny square is about 3.3 inches by 3.3 inches." }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-2", "label": "", "value": "Crochet hook- we are using a 3.00mm hook", "raw_text": "Crochet hook- we are using a 3.00mm hook" }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-3", "label": "", "value": "Darning Needle", "raw_text": "Darning Needle" }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-4", "label": "", "value": "Scissors", "raw_text": "Scissors" } ] } ], "rows": [] }, { "order": 7, "card_type": "abbreviations", "code": "abbreviations", "title": "Abbreviations", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-ch", "label": "ch", "value": "chain stitch", "raw_text": "ch = chain stitch", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "ch", "meaning": "chain stitch" }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-ch-sp", "label": "ch-sp", "value": "chain space", "raw_text": "ch-sp = chain space", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "ch-sp", "meaning": "chain space" }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-dc", "label": "dc", "value": "double crochet", "raw_text": "dc = double crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "dc", "meaning": "double crochet" }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sc", "label": "sc", "value": "single crochet", "raw_text": "sc = single crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sc", "meaning": "single crochet" }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-tr", "label": "tr", "value": "treble crochet", "raw_text": "tr = treble crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "tr", "meaning": "treble crochet" }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-hdc", "label": "hdc", "value": "half double crochet", "raw_text": "hdc = half double crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "hdc", "meaning": "half double crochet" }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-inc", "label": "inc", "value": "increase", "raw_text": "inc = increase", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "inc", "meaning": "increase" }, { "order": 8, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-rep", "label": "rep", "value": "repeat", "raw_text": "rep = repeat", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "rep", "meaning": "repeat" }, { "order": 9, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-st", "label": "st", "value": "stitch", "raw_text": "st = stitch", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "st", "meaning": "stitch" }, { "order": 10, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-slst-/-sl-st", "label": "slst / sl st", "value": "slip stitch for joining different rounds", "raw_text": "slst / sl st = slip stitch for joining different rounds", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "slst / sl st", "meaning": "slip stitch for joining different rounds" }, { "order": 11, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sk", "label": "sk", "value": "skip", "raw_text": "sk = skip", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sk", "meaning": "skip" }, { "order": 12, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-tlo", "label": "TLO", "value": "third loop only", "raw_text": "TLO = third loop only", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "TLO", "meaning": "third loop only" } ] }, { "order": 8, "card_type": "part", "code": "main-pattern", "title": "Main Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "subhead", "code": "main-pattern-round-1", "label": "", "value": "Foundation Ring", "raw_text": "Round 1- Foundation Ring Magic ring, ch1, 16sc, sl st to the first sc.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-1", "label": "Round 1", "value": "Magic ring, ch1, 16sc, sl st to the first sc.", "raw_text": "Magic ring, ch1, 16sc, sl st to the first sc.", "round_start": 1, "round_end": 1, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "subhead", "code": "main-pattern-round-2", "label": "", "value": "Enlarge Crab's Body", "raw_text": "Round 2- Enlarge Crab's Body Work in the foundation ring to encase the sc sts of the Round 1 : ch1, *5dc, 3tr* rep 2 times, sl st to the first dc.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-2", "label": "Round 2", "value": "Work in the foundation ring to encase the sc sts of the Round 1 : ch1, *5dc, 3tr* rep 2 times, sl st to the first dc.", "raw_text": "Work in the foundation ring to encase the sc sts of the Round 1 : ch1, *5dc, 3tr* rep 2 times, sl st to the first dc.", "round_start": 2, "round_end": 2, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-3", "label": "Round 3", "value": "ch1. sc-inc in each st, sl st to the first sc, fasten off.", "raw_text": "Round 3 ch1. sc-inc in each st, sl st to the first sc, fasten off.", "round_start": 3, "round_end": 3, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-4", "label": "Round 4", "value": "The Square TLO for this round . Join new yarn to the 1st sc that sits above the center tr of the right 3-tr group, ch1. 1sc, 1hdc, 1dc, ch3, 2dc, 4hdc, 2dc, ch3, 1dc, 1hdc, 1sc, make 2 slst, 1sc, 1hdc, 1dc, ch2, 1hdc, 1sc, make 4 slst, 1sc, 1hdc, ch2, 1dc, 1hdc, 1sc, slst, sl st to the joining st.", "raw_text": "Round 4 – The Square TLO for this round . Join new yarn to the 1st sc that sits above the center tr of the right 3-tr group, ch1. 1sc, 1hdc, 1dc, ch3, 2dc, 4hdc, 2dc, ch3, 1dc, 1hdc, 1sc, make 2 slst, 1sc, 1hdc, 1dc, ch2, 1hdc, 1sc, make 4 slst, 1sc, 1hdc, ch2, 1dc, 1hdc, 1sc, slst, sl st to the joining st.", "round_start": 4, "round_end": 4, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-5", "label": "Round 5", "value": "ch3(count as 1dc), dc in remaining sts, (2dc+ch3+2dc) in each corner sp, finish with sl st to the true dc after the first ch3.", "raw_text": "Round 5 ch3(count as 1dc), dc in remaining sts, (2dc+ch3+2dc) in each corner sp, finish with sl st to the true dc after the first ch3.", "round_start": 5, "round_end": 5, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 8, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-6", "label": "Round 6", "value": "Add a Border Join new yarn in any corner, ch3(count as 1dc), 1dc+ch3+2dc in the same st. dc in remaining sts, (2dc+ch3+2dc)in remaining corner sp. Finish with sl st to the top of the first ch3, fasten off.", "raw_text": "Round 6- Add a Border Join new yarn in any corner, ch3(count as 1dc), 1dc+ch3+2dc in the same st. dc in remaining sts, (2dc+ch3+2dc)in remaining corner sp. Finish with sl st to the top of the first ch3, fasten off.", "round_start": 6, "round_end": 6, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 9, "card_type": "important_notes", "code": "important-notes", "title": "Important Notes", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-1", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The sample uses a 3.00mm hook with DK Sport yarn, which is a hook size down from typical DK recommendations — that's intentional. The tighter fabric keeps the TLO legs and claws standing up instead of flopping, and it's what gets you the 3.3-inch finished square. If you size up your hook for comfort, expect a slightly larger, softer square and plan for that across the whole set", "raw_text": "💡 The sample uses a 3.00mm hook with DK Sport yarn, which is a hook size down from typical DK recommendations — that's intentional. The tighter fabric keeps the TLO legs and claws standing up instead of flopping, and it's what gets you the 3.3-inch finished square. If you size up your hook for comfort, expect a slightly larger, softer square and plan for that across the whole set", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-2", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Mark the center treble of each 3-tr group the moment you finish Round 2. Both TLO rounds reference 'the sc above the center tr' as their starting anchor, and those landmarks get harder to find once more rounds are stacked on top. Four small markers now saves fifteen minutes of squinting later", "raw_text": "💡 Mark the center treble of each 3-tr group the moment you finish Round 2. Both TLO rounds reference 'the sc above the center tr' as their starting anchor, and those landmarks get harder to find once more rounds are stacked on top. Four small markers now saves fifteen minutes of squinting later", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-3", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 You need five colors, but only small amounts of most of them — this is a fantastic scrap-buster. Wind mini-bobbins for the crab body, claws, legs, background and border rather than pulling from full skeins, and you'll avoid a tangled pile of five working balls fighting each other on your lap", "raw_text": "💡 You need five colors, but only small amounts of most of them — this is a fantastic scrap-buster. Wind mini-bobbins for the crab body, claws, legs, background and border rather than pulling from full skeins, and you'll avoid a tangled pile of five working balls fighting each other on your lap", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-4", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Leave tails of at least six inches every time you join new yarn for a TLO round. Those joins sit on the surface of the square, so a short tail can work loose and show. Weave each one along the back of the raised section it belongs to, following the direction of the stitches, and it disappears completely", "raw_text": "💡 Leave tails of at least six inches every time you join new yarn for a TLO round. Those joins sit on the surface of the square, so a short tail can work loose and show. Weave each one along the back of the raised section it belongs to, following the direction of the stitches, and it disappears completely", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-5", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The legs are placed six around the body — three on the left, three on the right — joined into the third loop of Round 3 stitches. Before you commit, lay the square flat and place removable markers at all six spots, then step back and look. Symmetry is much easier to fix with markers than with finished legs", "raw_text": "💡 The legs are placed six around the body — three on the left, three on the right — joined into the third loop of Round 3 stitches. Before you commit, lay the square flat and place removable markers at all six spots, then step back and look. Symmetry is much easier to fix with markers than with finished legs", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-6", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The ocean border is genuinely optional. It adds about half an inch per side and a lot of personality, but if you're making these as blanket squares that need to match an existing color scheme, work the plain border in your project color instead — the crab reads just as clearly. Just be consistent across every square so your finished panel measures evenly", "raw_text": "💡 The ocean border is genuinely optional. It adds about half an inch per side and a lot of personality, but if you're making these as blanket squares that need to match an existing color scheme, work the plain border in your project color instead — the crab reads just as clearly. Just be consistent across every square so your finished panel measures evenly", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-7", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Block gently, if at all. A light steam with the iron hovering above the square (never touching, especially with acrylic) relaxes the background without flattening the raised claws and legs. Skip wet blocking with heavy pinning — it will squash exactly the dimension you worked so hard for", "raw_text": "💡 Block gently, if at all. A light steam with the iron hovering above the square (never touching, especially with acrylic) relaxes the background without flattening the raised claws and legs. Skip wet blocking with heavy pinning — it will squash exactly the dimension you worked so hard for", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 10, "card_type": "faq", "code": "faq", "title": "FAQ", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-1", "label": "What does 'TLO' mean in this pattern?", "value": "TLO stands for third loop only — the extra horizontal bar that sits behind the back loop of a stitch, most visible on hdc and dc. Working into it leaves the front and back loops free, so the claw and leg rounds sit raised on top of the square instead of blending into it. Tip the work away from you and you'll spot the strand right away", "raw_text": "TLO stands for third loop only — the extra horizontal bar that sits behind the back loop of a stitch, most visible on hdc and dc. Working into it leaves the front and back loops free, so the claw and leg rounds sit raised on top of the square instead of blending into it. Tip the work away from you and you'll spot the strand right away", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "What does 'TLO' mean in this pattern?", "answer": "TLO stands for third loop only — the extra horizontal bar that sits behind the back loop of a stitch, most visible on hdc and dc. Working into it leaves the front and back loops free, so the claw and leg rounds sit raised on top of the square instead of blending into it. Tip the work away from you and you'll spot the strand right away", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-2", "label": "Can I use worsted weight instead of DK Sport?", "value": "Absolutely — worsted with a 4.00mm hook gives you a square around 4.25 inches instead of 3.3, with no changes to the stitch counts. Just make sure every square in a project uses the same weight and hook, since mixing them will give you panels that don't line up", "raw_text": "Absolutely — worsted with a 4.00mm hook gives you a square around 4.25 inches instead of 3.3, with no changes to the stitch counts. Just make sure every square in a project uses the same weight and hook, since mixing them will give you panels that don't line up", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Can I use worsted weight instead of DK Sport?", "answer": "Absolutely — worsted with a 4.00mm hook gives you a square around 4.25 inches instead of 3.3, with no changes to the stitch counts. Just make sure every square in a project uses the same weight and hook, since mixing them will give you panels that don't line up", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-3", "label": "Do I really need five colors?", "value": "Five is what the sample uses — body, claws, legs, background and border — but you can absolutely go simpler. A two-color version with the whole crab in one shade and everything else in another still reads beautifully, because the third-loop technique creates the definition through texture, not just color contrast", "raw_text": "Five is what the sample uses — body, claws, legs, background and border — but you can absolutely go simpler. A two-color version with the whole crab in one shade and everything else in another still reads beautifully, because the third-loop technique creates the definition through texture, not just color contrast", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Do I really need five colors?", "answer": "Five is what the sample uses — body, claws, legs, background and border — but you can absolutely go simpler. A two-color version with the whole crab in one shade and everything else in another still reads beautifully, because the third-loop technique creates the definition through texture, not just color contrast", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-4", "label": "Why does my square curl instead of lying flat?", "value": "Curling almost always traces back to the sc-increase round, where an increase is needed in every single stitch — miss a few and the fabric cups. Count that round before fastening off, and if it's correct, check that your border corners each have the full (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) to release the tension at the edges", "raw_text": "Curling almost always traces back to the sc-increase round, where an increase is needed in every single stitch — miss a few and the fabric cups. Count that round before fastening off, and if it's correct, check that your border corners each have the full (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) to release the tension at the edges", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Why does my square curl instead of lying flat?", "answer": "Curling almost always traces back to the sc-increase round, where an increase is needed in every single stitch — miss a few and the fabric cups. Count that round before fastening off, and if it's correct, check that your border corners each have the full (2dc + ch3 + 2dc) to release the tension at the edges", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-5", "label": "How do I join these squares into a blanket?", "value": "Because the crab sits raised on the surface, use a flat join along the border rounds — a slip-stitch join or single crochet join through both squares' outer loops works well and keeps the seam low. Join along the last border round only, and keep the raised claws and legs clear of the seam so nothing gets caught or squashed", "raw_text": "Because the crab sits raised on the surface, use a flat join along the border rounds — a slip-stitch join or single crochet join through both squares' outer loops works well and keeps the seam low. Join along the last border round only, and keep the raised claws and legs clear of the seam so nothing gets caught or squashed", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "How do I join these squares into a blanket?", "answer": "Because the crab sits raised on the surface, use a flat join along the border rounds — a slip-stitch join or single crochet join through both squares' outer loops works well and keeps the seam low. Join along the last border round only, and keep the raised claws and legs clear of the seam so nothing gets caught or squashed", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-6", "label": "How long does one square take?", "value": "Plan on two to three hours for your first one, mostly because the TLO joins and claw shaping take a little studying the first time through. Once the placement clicks, most makers get a square done in about ninety minutes, and the legs go fastest of all", "raw_text": "Plan on two to three hours for your first one, mostly because the TLO joins and claw shaping take a little studying the first time through. Once the placement clicks, most makers get a square done in about ninety minutes, and the legs go fastest of all", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "How long does one square take?", "answer": "Plan on two to three hours for your first one, mostly because the TLO joins and claw shaping take a little studying the first time through. Once the placement clicks, most makers get a square done in about ninety minutes, and the legs go fastest of all", "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] } ], "conflicts": [], "validation_warnings": [], "images": [ "data/images/crab-granny-square-hero.webp", "data/images/crab-granny-square-step-2.webp", "data/images/crab-granny-square-step-3.webp", "data/images/crab-granny-square-step-4.webp" ], "source_url": null, "thumbnail_images": [ { "url": "data/images/crab-granny-square-hero.webp", "alt": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif) — photo 1", "is_featured": true } ], "gallery_images": [ { "url": "data/images/crab-granny-square-hero.webp", "alt": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif) — photo 1", "is_featured": true }, { "url": "data/images/crab-granny-square-step-2.webp", "alt": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif) — photo 2", "is_featured": false }, { "url": "data/images/crab-granny-square-step-3.webp", "alt": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif) — photo 3", "is_featured": false }, { "url": "data/images/crab-granny-square-step-4.webp", "alt": "Crab Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern (3.3\" Ocean Motif) — photo 4", "is_featured": false } ], "_sanitized_holiday_count": 0 }