In this step-by-step crochet tutorial I show how to make the crab claw crochet stitch. For this stitch you should know how to make a single crochet and a double crochet. The tutorial below shows how to make a front post double crochet working two rows down. To make this stitch you will need at least two colors. The crab claw crochet stitch is a repeat of four rows. The fabric turns out quite dense, it has a beautiful texture and those tiny crab claws formed by front post double crochets look very cute.
For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m, colors: dusty aubergine and nature, and a 2.0 mm hook.
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You can find my other free crochet tutorials for stitches here.
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Good luck!
Photo instructions for the crab claw crochet stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining multiples of six plus five. You will start working in the fourth chain from your hook.
2. So, make a double crochet in the fourth chain from your hook.
3. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 2
4. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch. You will start working in the very first stitch.
5. So, make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
6. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row. The last single crochet should be made in the turning chain.
7. For row 3 you have to change yarn color. So, take the second color yarn and chain one.
8. Then pull the end of the first color yarn to tighten up and secure the second color yarn. The second color yarn is ready to use.
Row 3
9. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch. You will start working in the very first stitch.
10. So, make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
11. Then make two more single crochets in the next two stitches. Next you will make a front post double crochet working two rows down.
12. So, yarn over.
13. Skip the turning chain and two double crochets in the first row, then insert your hook bringing the post of the third double crochet in the first row forward.
14. Yarn over.
15. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
16. Yarn over.
17. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have two loops on your hook.
18. Yarn over.
19. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a front post double crochet working two rows down!
20. Then skip one single crochet that is hiding behind the front post double crochet and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
21. Make another front post double crochet working two rows down (skip one double crochet in the first row and work around the next one).
22. Then skip one stitch that is hiding behind the front post double crochet and make three single crochets in the next three stitches.
23. Make a front post double crochet working two rows down (skip three double crochets in the first row and work around the next one).
24. Skip one stitch that is hiding behind the front post double crochet and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
25. Then make a front post double crochet working two rows down.
26. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row until you have three stitches left.
27. Then make three single crochets in the last three stitches.
28. Chain one.
Row 4
29. Turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch. You will start working in the very first stitch.
30. So, make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
31. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
32. For row 5 change yarn color in the same way as before.
Row 5
33. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a double crochet, so you will start working in the second stitch.
34. So, make a double crochet in the second stitch.
35. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-5 changing yarn color every two rows.
Finished crab claw crochet stitch
36. Done!
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