Best Dressed Crab and Friends2025-10-09T08:43:16+00:00

Best Dressed Crab and Friends

  • Publishing: Spring 26
  • Pub month: April
  • ISBN-13: 9781784947217
  • Author: Karla Courtney
  • Price: £16.99
  • Binding: PB with flaps
  • No. of pages: 144
  • Dimensions: 235 x 210 mm
  • Colour: Full colour throughout

Best Dressed Crab and Friends features six knitted sea creatures to make, paired with an ocean of outfits to create and dress them in.

This book features six beautifully life-like sea creatures – including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin – each crafted through surprisingly simple-to-follow patterns. But what makes them truly irresistible is their wardrobe. From a crab in a bum bag and puffer vest to a sea turtle with a removable gingerbread shell, these garments are creative, detailed, and designed to be mixed, matched and reimagined.

With 44 individual garments and accessories – including customisable sweaters with colourwork motifs – this collection is rich with personality and playful detail. Each project is paired with clear, accessible patterns and supported by a comprehensive techniques section, plus fun marine facts from renowned scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles. Whether you’re knitting the sea turtle’s oversized, life-like shell – complete with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle – or dressing your puffin in a varsity jacket, you’ll find joy in every stitch.

Created by Karla Courtney – the designer behind the viral sea-creature knitting videos with over 15 million views – this book blends storytelling, style and skill in a way that no other knitting collection does.


Author Information

Karla Courtney
Karla Courtney is an award-winning writer, photographer and knitting pattern designer whose work blends storytelling, humour and a deep love for coastal life. She grew up in Toronto and spent summers in Arnold's Cove, Newfoundland. Her travel writing and photography – often focused on remote and cold regions – has appeared in Qantas Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler (US) and other leading publications. Karla is also known for her creative and accessible knitting designs. Her previous titles include craft books for The Australian Women’s Weekly and two illustrated children’s books: Poppy’s House and Lobsters Can’t Knit. But it’s her quirky sea creatures in sweaters – especially lobsters and crabs – that have taken social media by storm, with over 15 million views across her viral Reels. With Best Dressed Crab and Friends, Karla brings her signature blend of charm, clarity and craft to a joyful new collection.