Looking for a whimsical crochet project that's guaranteed to make you smile? Meet our adorable hermit crab amigurumi! With its bright orange shell, curious eyes, and charming expression, this little beach dweller captures the playful nature of these fascinating creatures. Just like real hermit crabs that carry their homes on their backs, this crochet version comes complete with its own cozy striped shell. Whether you're a seasoned amigurumi artist or just starting out, I'll guide you through each step with detailed photos and instructions. Ready to create your own pocket-sized beach companion? Let's get started!
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Pin this adorable hermit crab pattern now and bring a piece of the beach to your crochet collection - it's the perfect pocket-sized companion!
Details About Hermit Crab
The finished size is perfect for both display and play - measuring approximately 7 inches (18cm) in width and 5.5 inches (14cm) in height. This makes it just the right size to sit adorably on your desk or bring a smile to a child's face.
When it comes to color combinations, while I chose a bright orange for the crab's body to mimic the vibrant hue of beach-dwelling hermit crabs, don't feel limited! You could try a coral pink, deep red, or even a playful purple - hermit crabs in nature actually come in many fascinating colors. For the shell, I recommend using gentle stripes in soft pastels (like the baby blue, mint green, and cream shown) to create that beachy, coastal vibe. However, you could also go bold with rainbow stripes or keep it natural with sandy beiges and whites.
Remember, the magic of amigurumi is making each creation uniquely yours! Just be sure to use the same yarn weight throughout your project to maintain consistent sizing. Whether you're making this as a gift or keeping it for yourself, this little crab is sure to bring a touch of seaside charm wherever it scuttles!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
I absolutely love using Loopara 5-ply milk cotton yarn for this project - it's perfect for amigurumi thanks to its amazing stitch definition and delightful softness. The yarn's smooth texture really helps showcase those precise crab details while being sturdy enough to maintain shape.
For a classic hermit crab look, I recommend choosing a vibrant orange or warm coral for the body - these colors capture that perfect sun-kissed beach creature vibe. For the shell, try creating gentle stripes using a combination of soft pastels like baby blue, cream, and mint green to evoke those dreamy coastal vibes. You could also experiment with different seaside-inspired palettes - think sandy beiges paired with ocean blues, or playful combinations of coral and seafoam green.
I use a 2.8mm crochet hook with this yarn, which creates tight, secure stitches that prevent any stuffing from showing through. This hook size is perfect for amigurumi as it helps create firm, well-defined shapes while still being comfortable to work with. If you're substituting yarns, remember to choose a hook size that gives you tight, neat stitches - this is crucial for amigurumi!
Materials Needed for Hermit Crab
- Yarn– Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Green 03, Pink 17, Orange 34, Blue 38 and White 61)
- Hook- 2.8mm
- Fiber fill
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Eyeball
- Positioning pin
- Molding strips
- Scissors
- Tweezers
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- dc - double crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- BLO - back loop only
How to Crochet Hermit Crab – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Paw (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 1, work 6 single crochets into the ring. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 1. Work 6 single crochet increases around (12 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 3: Chain 1. Work 12 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 4: Chain 1. Work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 6 times around (18 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 5: Chain 1. Work 18 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 6: Chain 1. Work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times around (24 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 7: Chain 1. Work 24 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 8: Chain 1. Work (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times around (30 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 9-13: Chain 1. Work 30 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 14: Chain 1. Work (3 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times around (24 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 15: Chain 1. Work (2 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times around (18 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 16: Chain 1. Work (single crochet, single crochet decrease) 6 times around (12 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 17-22: Chain 1. Work 12 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Leg (Make 6)
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 1, work 7 single crochets into the ring. Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 2-5: Chain 1. Work 7 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch. Repeat these rounds 3 more times.
Round 6: Chain 1. Work 3 single crochets in first stitch, then 6 single crochets around (9 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 7-10: Chain 1. Work 9 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch. Repeat these rounds 3 more times. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Eye (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 1, work 6 single crochets into the ring. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 1. Work 6 single crochet increases around (12 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 3-11: Chain 1. Work 12 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch. Repeat these rounds 8 more times.
Round 12: Chain 1. Work 3 single crochet increases, 1 single crochet, 3 single crochet decreases, 2 single crochets. Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 13-14: Chain 1. Work 12 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch. Repeat once more. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
How to Crochet the Body
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 1, work 7 single crochets into the ring. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 1. Work 7 single crochet increases around (14 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 3: Chain 1. Work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 7 times around (21 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 4: Chain 1. Work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 7 times around (28 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 5: Chain 1. Work (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 7 times around (35 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 6: Chain 1. Work (4 single crochets, single crochet increase) 7 times around (42 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 7-9: Chain 1. Work 42 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch. Repeat these rounds twice more.
Round 10: Chain 1. Work (4 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 7 times around (35 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 11: Chain 1. Work (3 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 7 times around (28 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 12: Chain 1. Work (2 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 7 times around (21 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 13: Chain 1. Work (single crochet, single crochet decrease) 7 times around (14 stitches). Join with slip stitch. Begin stuffing with fiberfill at this point.
Round 14: Chain 1. Work 7 single crochet decreases around (7 stitches). Join with slip stitch. Fasten off.
How to Crochet the Shell
Round 1: (With white yarn) Create a magic ring. Chain 1, work 6 single crochets into the ring. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 1. Work 6 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 3: Chain 1. Work (single crochet, single crochet increase) 3 times (9 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 4: (With green yarn) Chain 1. Work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times (12 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 5: (With pink yarn) Chain 1. Work (3 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times (15 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 6: (With white yarn) Chain 1. Work (4 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times (18 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 7-8: Chain 1. Work 18 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 9: Chain 1. Work (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times (21 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 10: Chain 1. Work 21 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 11: (With green yarn) Chain 1. Work (6 single crochets, single crochet increase) 3 times (24 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 12: (With pink yarn) Chain 1. Work 24 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 13: (With white yarn) Chain 1. Work 24 slip stitches around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 14: Chain 1. Working in slip stitches: (single crochet, single crochet increase) 12 times (36 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 15: Chain 1. Work 36 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 16: (With green yarn) Chain 1. Work (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times (42 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 17: (With pink yarn) Chain 1. Work (6 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times (48 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 18-21: (With white yarn) Chain 1. Work 48 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 22: Chain 1. Work (6 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times (42 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 23: (With green yarn) Chain 1. Work (5 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times (36 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 24: (With white yarn) Chain 1. Work 36 slip stitches around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 25: Chain 1. Work (2 single crochets, single crochet increase) 12 times (48 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 26: (With green yarn) Chain 1. Work (7 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times (54 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 27: (With pink yarn) Chain 1. Work (8 single crochets, single crochet increase) 6 times (60 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Rounds 28-32: (With white yarn) Chain 1. Work 60 single crochets around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 33: (With pink yarn) Chain 1. Work (8 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times (54 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 34: (With green yarn) Chain 1. Work (7 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times (48 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
Round 35: (With white yarn) Chain 1. Work (6 single crochets, single crochet decrease) 6 times (42 stitches). Join with slip stitch.
How to Crochet the Pom-poms
Step 1: Mark pom-pom positions with stitch markers.
Step 2: Work one single crochet in marked stitch.
Step 3: In the same stitch: Chain 2, work 3 double crochets together, chain 1, pull through all loops on the hook.
Step 4: Make a slip stitch in the corresponding stitch above.
Step 5: On the wrong side, weave in ends and secure with a knot.
Step 6: Repeat for all marked positions.
Tips: Pull tight when joining rounds with slip stitches for cleaner shape definition and details. Use crossed single crochet when possible, as it creates smaller holes than regular single crochet. When changing colors, work the color change in the unfinished stitch of the previous round for smoother transitions and neater details. For the shell's pom-poms, pay attention to insertion and final joining points. Work the pom-poms loosely for a fuller, more rounded appearance.
Crochet Hermit Crab Assemble
Step 1: Prepare orange yarn 41.5 grams and shell piece 24.5 grams.
Step 2: All crochet pieces should be completed before starting assembly.
Step 3: Stuff the shell with fiberfill, keeping it moderately filled.
Step 4: Add fiberfill to all leg pieces.
Step 5: Weave in all body ends and fasten off.
Step 6: Position the shell at an angle on the body, ensuring it covers the maximum area, secure it with stitch markers, and then sew it in place.
Step 7: When sewing the shell, maintain the angled position. You can secure additional points as needed, and then complete the remaining stitches.
Step 8: After sewing is complete, weave in ends and fasten off.
Step 9: Begin eye assembly by inserting wire supports, then locate the proper placement on body.
Step 10: Thread the needle and sew the eyes securely in place. Repeat for the second eye.
Step 11: Eye assembly is now complete.
Step 12: Add a small amount of fiberfill to the paws, take a separate length of orange yarn, fold the paw flat, and sew vertically from row 14 to row 1, creating claw indentations to form a paw shape.
Step 13: After sewing, fasten off, and add more fiberfill until firmly stuffed.
Step 14: Thread the needle and gather the opening, use positioning beads to secure it at the proper location on body.
Step 15: Sew paws in place, noting they should be attached at an angle.
Step 16: Complete sewing, repeat for the other paw.
Step 17: Secure legs with positioning beads, and attach to body, three on each side.
Step 18: Display the completed leg attachment.
Step 19: Attach safety eyes between rows 4-5.
Step 20: Using pink yarn, embroider blush marks between eyes and paws.
Step 21: Using single-strand black yarn, embroider the smiling mouth below eyes.
Step 22: After completing mouth embroidery, add a small amount of glue and adjust the shape with tweezers.
Tips: When attaching the legs, ensure symmetrical placement on both sides for balance. Sew the shell to the body at a slight angle to help the crab stand stably on flat surfaces. When sewing pieces together, first secure a few stitches at wider intervals on both sides, then fill in the remaining spaces with additional stitches. Leave extra length when wrapping wire with yarn for better stability and durability.
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Since our little crab friend is filled with polyester fiberfill, it's best to spot clean only. Use a slightly damp cloth for any dirty spots, and be extra gentle around embroidered features and pom-poms. Allow to air dry completely before playing or displaying. Remember to keep your crab away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading!
Washing Methods
While these amigurumi creations aren't meant for machine washing, you can freshen them up with a soft brush to remove dust. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a small amount of mild detergent mixed with water, apply gently with a cloth, then dab with a clean damp cloth to remove soap. Never soak your crab as this could affect the stuffing and wire structure.
Storage Suggestions
Store your hermit crab in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you need to pack it away, use a breathable fabric bag or box with some tissue paper to help maintain its shape. Avoid compressing or squishing the shell, as this could permanently alter its carefully crafted form. Consider displaying it on a shelf where it won't be squashed by other items – plus, it's too cute to hide away!
What’s Next?
Just finished this adorable hermit crab buddy! Each stitch is filled with love, creating a charming beach friend that never needs a new shell. Share your creation with #CrochetHermitCrab #AmigurumiLove and inspire others on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter. Can't wait to see your unique color combinations!
