Crab
A red crab with symmetric claws, front view. A 28Γ28 pattern.
Materials Needed
357 beads total Β· 7 colorsTop colors used in this pattern β tap a color to find matching beads:
- Red (B)Γ 162
- Burgundy (800)Γ 61
- Wine (722)Γ 46
- Raspberry (B22)Γ 42
- Dark Gray (I)Γ 36
- Gray (I)Γ 9
- Light Gray (J)Γ 1
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Finish it intoβ¦
Turn your finished piece into something usable β each option needs only one or two extra supplies.
Keychain
Iron, then thread a key ring through an empty corner hole (leave one bead unplaced) and close with pliers.
Get keychain on Amazon βFridge magnet
Iron flat, peel the backing off a craft magnet and stick it on β no glue needed for small pieces.
Get fridge magnet on Amazon βDisplay piece
Iron both sides extra solid, prop it on a mini easel or frame it like pixel art.
Get display piece on Amazon βπ₯ Ironing card
- Size
- 28Γ28
- Beads
- 357
- Heat
- High (cotton/linen)
- Time per side
- 15β25s
- BΓ162
- 800Γ61
- 722Γ46
- B22Γ42
- IΓ36
- IΓ9
Keep the iron moving in circles β never park it in one spot. Cover with parchment paper, iron one side, flip carefully, iron the other.
Fuzzy look? Iron slightly less on the pegboard side, then texture with a towel while still warm.
Colors & Technique: Crab
Color planning comes first on the Crab pattern: sort your Red and Burgundy stock before you start, because those two shades alone account for the majority of the 357-bead count across 7 colors. The 28Γ28 layout means each pegboard row takes roughly 3-4 minutes once you hit a rhythm. Iron both sides and press under a book while cooling so the finished piece stays flat for framing or keychains.
Where It Shines
Where does the Crab pattern fit in a real collection? Its 28Γ28 footprint and 357-bead count place it in the display tier: too detailed for a first project, but a satisfying second or third build. The warm red lead color and 7-color span mean one mid-size jar of each shade covers it with leftovers. Group it with other animals designs on a pegboard wall or shadow box for a rotating exhibit.
How to Make This Pattern β Step by Step
Supplies
- β’28x28 Fuse Bead Pegboard
- β’Ironing Paper
- β’Household Iron
- β’Red Γ 162
- β’Burgundy Γ 61
- β’Wine Γ 46
- 1
Place beads on a 28x28 pegboard according to the pattern grid.
- 2
Cover the design with ironing paper.
- 3
Iron on medium heat for 30-60 seconds with circular motions.
- 4
Flip and iron the other side.
- 5
Let cool under a heavy book.
Ironing Tips
- π‘Medium heat only β too hot and the beads over-melt and lose shape; too cool and they won't fuse.
- π‘Keep the iron moving in slow circles β staying in one spot melts that area flat.
- π‘Iron both sides and press under a heavy book while cooling to keep it flat.
FAQ
How long does the Crab pattern take?βΌ
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