Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Book Review: Best Dressed Crab and Friends – Knitted Sea Creatures With an Ocean of Outfits

by

I knew I was going to like this book the moment I saw a crab wearing a puffer vest.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends by Karla Courtney is one of those knitting books that’s completely unnecessary in the very best possible way. Do we need knitted sea creatures with entire wardrobes? Probably not. Do I now want a lobster in a sweater sitting on my craft-room shelf? Absolutely.

The book includes patterns for six knitted sea creatures, including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin, along with an impressive 44 little garments and accessories.

And the outfits are where this book really becomes fun.

There’s a crab with a bum bag and puffer vest, a puffin in a varsity jacket and a turtle with interchangeable shells. You can knit pumpkin, strawberry, peppermint, gingerbread and Christmas tree shell designs, so apparently even turtles need seasonal wardrobes now.

There is also an oversized turtle shell with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle, which is both slightly bonkers and rather brilliant.

Plenty of Room to Make Them Your Own

Looking through the preview pages, I particularly like the little colourwork sweater charts. You can follow the designs provided or start mixing colours and motifs to create completely different outfits.

The patterns are supported by a techniques section, photos and charts, so although the finished creatures look quite detailed, the instructions are designed to be approachable.

If knitted animals with wardrobes are already your thing, have a look at our review of Knitted Wild Animal Friends, which includes 12 knitted animals and their clothes.

We’ve also previously reviewed Knitted Animal Friends, another lovely choice if your yarn stash is slowly turning into a miniature knitted zoo.

More Than Just Cute Knitting Patterns

One nice extra is that Best Dressed Crab and Friends also includes marine facts from scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles.

Author Karla Courtney is already known online for her wonderfully quirky knitted sea creatures, with her videos clocking up millions of views, so turning them into a full pattern collection feels like a very natural next step.

What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are the sorts of knitting projects that make people smile.

They’re fun to make, fun to photograph and would make very memorable handmade gifts.

Would I Buy It?

Yes.

Especially for the knitter who already owns plenty of sensible knitting books and needs something a little more playful.

It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys knitted toys, colourwork, novelty knitting or making ridiculously tiny clothes.

And really, if you’ve ever wanted to knit a fashionable crab, this may finally be your moment.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends: Knitted Sea Creatures with an Ocean of Outfits is published by GMC Publications and is due for release on September 8, 2026.

Have you read?

Knit an Adorable Set of Sea Creatures

Amigirumi may be more popular in crochet than it is in knitting; there are certainly more patterns for cute creatures, food and whatever else you can think of in crochet than there are in knitting. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t knit amigurumi or that there aren’t a lot of patterns for fun toys and critters out there that are knit. 

Case in point: this adorable trio of knit sea creatures from Natasha Wildly. 

The pattern includes a turtle, octopus and manta ray, all worked in DK weight yarn. The finished projects are about 10 cm or 4 inches long. You could make them bigger if you want by using heavier yarn and a correspondingly larger knitting needle.

The patterns are rated for beginners, and from the look of the suggested materials they’re all worked flat and seamed. The pattern is described as “a perfect project for those who love small intricate knits” and that contains “useful photos for the tricky bits.”

These would be so cute to knit just as they are, in natural colors or whatever colors you have on hand. A scrappy stripey octopus with legs of different colors would also be cute. You can make them to be toys or make one or two of each critter and turn them into a mobile for an ocean themed baby’s room. 

Of course you could also just knit the turtle for your turtle loving friend. 

Whatever way you go with these, you’re sure to have fun and enjoy seeing what the world of knit amigurumi is like with these cute and easy patterns. 

You can grab your copy of the pattern from Love Crafts.  

If you’re looking for more knit amigurumi patterns, check out these patterns that are all worked in worsted weight yarn, or this collection of Christmas themed amigurumi. 

[Photo: Natasha Wildy via Love Crafts]