This cheeky little crab is made using a yummy aran weight alpaca yarn. He’s made in an interesting way, as he’s worked in the round, knitting every row, but it’s the reverse stocking stitch side that is the right side. Very little shaping is required, and the i-cord technique is also used to make this fun, unique beanie.
Size: Adult (one size)
Materials:
– 1 x 50g ball of Rowan Creative Focus Worsted shade 02055, Carmine.
– Round marker.
– Stuffing or toy filling.
– 2 x stitch holders
– Tapestry needle and short lengths of strong bright red yarn for finishing.
– 2 x small black domed buttons.
Needles:
– 1 pair of 4.5mm (US 7) double-pointed needles.
– 1 pair of 4.5mm (US 7) 40cm/151/2in circular needle.
Tension
20sts and 24 rows to 10cm/4in square over st st using 4.5mm (US 7) needles.
Pattern:
Hat:
Using the 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle cast on 92 sts. Place
marker at end of row.
First round: *k2, p2 rep from * to end. This row sets the 2 x 2 rib.
Work 3 more rounds of 2 x 2 rib.
Change to st st (k each round).
Next round: *k2tog, k44, rep from * to end (90 sts).
Continue in st st until work measures 18cm/7in from cast on edge.
Begin shaping (change to dpns when needed):
Round 1: *k2tog, k16 rep from * to end (85 sts).
Round 2 and every alt round: k to end.
Round 3: *k7, s11, k2tog, psso, k7 rep from * to end (75 sts).
Round 5: *1(6, s11, k2tog, psso, k6 rep from * to end (65 sts).
Round 7: *k5, s11, k2tog, psso, k5 rep from * to end (55 sts).
Round 9: *k4, s11, k2tog, psso, k4 rep from * to end (45 sts).
Round 11: *k3, s11, k2tog, psso, k3 rep from * to end (35 sts).
Round 13: *k2, s11, k2tog, psso, k2 rep from * to end (25 sts).
Round 15: *k1, s11, k2tog, psso, k1 rep from * to end (15 sts).
Round 17: *s11, k2tog, psso, rep from * to end (5 sts).
Bearing in mind that the k side is the WS, thread the yarn through remaining sts and fasten off securely.
Claws (make 2):
Using 2 x 4.5mm (US 7) dpns, cast on 12 sts.
Row 1: k to end.
Row 2: k1, m1, p4, m1, p2, m1, p4, m1, k1 (16 sts).
Row 3: k1, m1, k6, m1, k2, m1, k6, m1, k1 (20 sts).
Row 4: k1, m1, p8, m1, p2, m1, p8, ml, k1 (24 sts).
Work 6 rows of st st.
Place first and last 3 sts onto separate stitch holders or a scrap of yarn.
Row 1: Using the centre 18 sts, k8, k2tog, k8 (17 sts).
Row 2 and alt rows: p to end.
Row 3: k7, s11, k2tog, psso, k7 (15 sts). Row 5: k6, s11, k2tog, psso, k6 (13 sts).
Row 7: k5, s11, k2tog, psso, k5 (11 sts). Cont dec as set until 3 sts remain.
Cast off on WS row.
Place sts on stich holders onto 1 dpn and, using 2 dpns, work 2 rows of i-cord.
Row 3: k2tog, k2, k2tog.
Cast off.
Making up: Weave in all ends.
Block the main body of the hat on a flat surface to eliminate curling.
Sew the side edges of the claws using mattress stitch, stuffing the claw lightly as you work. Using short lengths of bright red yarn, overstitch the black buttons and claws in place, using a mirror and the pictures as a guide.
