Keychains are perfect little crochet wins — fast, portable, and endlessly giftable. Below are seven small, beginner-friendly patterns that you can make in about 20 minutes each (once you’re comfortable with the stitches). Each pattern includes materials, abbreviations, exact step-by-step rounds/rows, assembly and finishing notes, and quick variation ideas. I wrote them in US terms and sized to fit comfortably on a keyring (≈1.5–2.5″ finished).
Safety first: these are decorative keychains. If the item will be used by a child under 3, do not attach small plastic safety eyes or tiny buttons — instead embroider eyes and sew all parts extremely securely. Always sew metal hardware with extra passes and hide knots.
General materials & abbreviations (used in all patterns)
Typical materials (pick what you like)
- Yarn: DK / light worsted (category 3–4) or sport for smaller results. Cotton shows stitch definition; acrylic is forgiving.
- Hook: 3.0–3.5 mm (adjust to yarn and desired firmness). Tighter tension → firmer amigurumi.
- Stuffing: small amount polyester fiberfill.
- Notions: tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, small keyring or lobster clasp + short chain or split ring, optional safety eyes (6–8 mm), small button (optional), small felt pieces (optional).
- Optional: tiny bell or bead for charm (securely sewn).
Abbreviations (US)
- MR = magic ring
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = 2 sc in same stitch (increase)
- dec = sc2tog (decrease)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- BLO / FLO = back loop only / front loop only
- … = repeat between asterisks
For all amigurumi: work in continuous rounds (no joining) unless I say otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark round start.
1. Crochet Panda Bear Keychain Pattern
Cute round panda head with black ear patches and embroidered eyes. Approx finished size: ~1.8–2.2″.
Materials
- DK yarn: white main, black contrast (small amounts)
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Small amount fiberfill
- Embroidery thread (black) OR 6 mm safety eyes (if not for small children)
- Keyring / lobster clasp + short chain
Pattern notes: worked mostly in white; add black ear patches and eye patches as small appliqués or surface crochet.
Pattern (head)
- MR, 6 sc in MR — (6)
- inc around — (12)
- sc 1, inc around — (18)
- sc 2, inc around — (24)
- sc 3, inc around — (30)
- sc around for 3 rounds (30 × 3) — gives nice head height
- sc 3, dec around — (24)
- sc 2, dec around — (18)
Insert safety eyes between rounds 5–6 spaced about 6–7 sts apart, or embroider eyes (see note). - sc 1, dec around — (12)
- dec around until closed (finish stuffing before last 6–8 sts). Close with tapestry needle and invisible stitch; weave tail in.
Ears (make 2, black)
- MR, 6 sc in MR — (6)
- inc around — (12)
- sc 1, inc around — (18)
- sc around 1 round, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten slightly and sew to top sides of head.
Eye patches (optional) — black discs
- MR, 6 sc in MR, sl st, fasten off. Sew behind eyes if using safety eyes, or embroider whiskers/nose.
Nose & mouth
- Embroider a small black nose and tiny mouth under the eyes with embroidery thread.
Attach to keyring
- Insert a short chain through top of head (optional: crochet a small loop: ch 6, join to form ring, sew to top), or run a small jump ring through a few top stitches, then attach lobster clasp / keyring. Reinforce with extra stitches and knot inside head.
Finishing tips & variations
- Make a tiny bow under one ear in pink for “panda with a bow.”
- Use felt circles instead of safety eyes for a soft, child-safe option (glue + sew).
2. Crochet Sea-Shell Keychain Pattern
A pretty, flat fan/sea-shell applique — quick and perfect for beach-themed bags. Finished size: ~1.75–2.25″ wide.
Materials
- DK cotton (one or two colors)
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Tapestry needle, optional light starch/stiffener
- Keyring + split ring
Pattern (shell base)
- Ch 8. (If you want a larger shell increase chain length by 2.)
- Row 1: into 2nd ch from hook, sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc — this creates the fan shape. Fasten off. (You can vary: sc/hdc/dc/tr/dc/hdc/sc creates a centered peak.)
- To make it sturdy and detachable, make two identical fans and sew them together around the curved edge, leaving the straight chain edge open for a small lining and a pocket (optional). Stuff very lightly if you want a puffy shell, otherwise leave flat.
Decorative edge
- Work a round of picots or shells along the curved edge: join yarn at one side, (ch 3, sl st) across the peaks or (5 dc in same st, sl st next) for scallops.
Attach keyring
- On the straight (chain) edge, fold so the chain stitches meet, attach with several whipstitches around the folded edge and insert split ring through the folded loop before closing fully. Secure well.
Variations
- Work in variegated yarn for a natural shell color. Lightly starch or stiffen for a crisp look.
3. Crochet Little Star Amigurumi Keychain Pattern
Sweet 5-point star; flat but slightly stuffed for dimension. Finished size: ~1.5–2″.
Materials
- DK yarn (any color)
- Hook: 3.0–3.5 mm
- Small amount stuffing
- Keyring
Pattern (star, worked in joined rounds / flat → stuffed → join)
You’ll make two identical star faces and sew them together.
Star petal (make 2 identical halves)
- Ch 2, work 5 sc into 2nd ch from hook — join to first sc to create a small disk (5 sc).
- Ch 3, sl st into next sc repeat 5 times — form 5 loops (these are points).
- Into each ch-3 loop: work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) to make a point. After 5 points, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Repeat to make 2nd half.
Assembly
- Place halves wrong sides together and whipstitch around, stuffing lightly before completely closed. Leave a small gap to insert the keyring: before finishing, thread a split ring through the stitch at one point (or crochet a small chain loop as attachment and sew it between layers), then finish closing.
Finishing
- Embroider a tiny smiling face with embroidery thread if desired.
Variations
- Make mini sets in rainbow colors and string them on a single keyring for a colorful charm.
4. Crochet Mini Bag Keychain Pattern
A tiny working tote bag — you can open it (tiny pocket) or make it decorative. Finished size: ~2.0–2.5″ tall (bag body).
Materials
- DK cotton (sturdy fabric is nice)
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Small button (optional) and keyring
Pattern (bag rectangular worked flat, then sewn)
- Ch 18 (adjust for desired width). Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook across (17 sc). Turn.
- Rows 2–12: ch 1, sc across (17 sc) — repeat until bag height ~2″ (12 rows is a rough guide).
- Optionally do one row of BLO sc to create a nice top fold.
Create strap
- Make handles: ch 26 (or length you like for tiny strap), attach ends of chain to top corners of rectangle with sl st, or crochet two small straps (ch 8, sc back) and sew to corners.
Make into bag
- Fold rectangle in half (short ends meet) and seam the two sides with sc or whipstitch leaving the top open. If you want a functioning lining, cut a small fabric rectangle and sew inside. Add small button & strap for closure if desired.
Attach keyring
- Sew a short loop of yarn or a small chain to one top corner and attach split ring / lobster clasp securely.
Variation
- Crochet a tiny pompom or scallop trim. Make it a “gift bag” by adding a little crocheted heart stitched to the front.
5. Crochet Mini Octopus Keychain Pattern
Mini octopus is adorable and quick. Finished size: ~1.5–2″ across (body).
Materials
- DK yarn (any color)
- Hook: 3.0–3.5 mm
- Small amount stuffing
- Keyring
Pattern (body)
- MR, 6 sc in MR — (6)
- inc around — (12)
- sc 1, inc around — (18)
- sc 2, inc around — (24)
- sc around for 2 rounds (24 × 2) — shape the head
- sc 2, dec around — (18)
- sc 1, dec around — (12)
Stuff firmly. Finish with dec to close and leave long tail for sewing to body base.
Tentacles (make 8)
- Ch 12 (or 10 for shorter tentacles). Sl st back along chain to create a curly tube (i.e., sl st into each chain back to start). Fasten off leaving long tail. Make 8 of these and sew them evenly into bottom edge of the closed head (stitching into rounds where you closed the body) so they dangle.
Eyes & face
- Embroider eyes with black thread (two small French knots) a few rounds down from the top or sew two tiny beads (safely for adult keychain). Add a smiling mouth if you like.
Attach keyring
- Make a small loop with ch 8, join, and sew to top of head, then attach a split ring/lobster clasp.
Variation
- Make octopus in rainbow or with a tiny hat crocheted from leftover yarn.
6. Crochet Small Coffee Keychain Pattern
A tiny coffee cup + removable cozy sleeve — perfect gift for coffee lovers. Finished size: cup ~1.5″ tall; sleeve ~fits cup.
Materials
- DK cotton: white/cream for cup, brown for coffee, tan for sleeve.
- Hook: 3.0–3.5 mm
- Small stuffing for cup bottom, keyring
Pattern (cup — worked as small cup with bottom base)
Base
- MR, 6 sc in MR — (6)
- inc around — (12)
- sc 1, inc around — (18) — flatten for base
Cup walls
4. Work sc around for 6–8 rounds (18 sc each round) to build height. Change to brown (or leave center empty to represent coffee): before stuffing bottom, you can stuff lightly then continue. At the top, finish with one round of sl st to make a neat rim.
Optional handle
- Attach at side: ch 6, sl st back along chain to create small strap, sew ends to cup side making small loop handle.
Sleeve (cozy)
- Chain 18 and join into loop. Round 1: hdc around (18) — join.
- Round 2–4: hdc around (or sc for denser fabric) until sleeve height ~0.8–1″. Slip sleeve onto cup; you can make it removable by sizing slightly larger than cup. Add a small embroidered coffee bean or little heart to sleeve front.
Attach keyring
- Sew a small loop to the back rim of cup and attach jump ring; or sew sleeve to include a sewn-in loop for keyring.
Variation
- Make a to-go cup with a lid (dc round across top in white) or a foam heart embroidered in top for latte art.
7. Crochet Cat Head Amigurumi Keychain Pattern
A tiny cat head with embroidered whiskers. Finished size: ~1.5–2″.
Materials
- DK yarn (main color + accent for inner ears)
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Small amount stuffing
- Embroidery thread for whiskers & nose
- Keyring
Pattern (head)
- MR, 6 sc in MR — (6)
- inc around — (12)
- sc 1, inc around — (18)
- sc 2, inc around — (24)
- sc around for 3 rounds (24 × 3) — build height
- sc 2, dec around — (18)
- sc 1, dec around — (12) — insert safety eyes here if using (between rounds 4–5)
- dec around to close; stuff firmly and close, weave tail.
Ears (make 2)
- Ch 2, 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook — (4)
- inc in first and last st to form triangle: sc around 6 sts total (work increases on the two sides), or: Row method: ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, then 2 rows decreasing to make triangle. Fasten off and sew to top of head.
Face embroidery
- With pink thread embroider a tiny triangle nose, and three small whisker lines each side with black thread. Optionally add blush with a dot of pale yarn or fabric paint.
Attach keyring
- Crochet a small loop at top: ch 6, join to form ring, sew to top center and add keyring.
Variation
- Add tiny felt ears inside with contrasting fabric. Create cat breeds by changing yarn colors: orange tabby stripes embroidered with surface crochet.
Final assembly & finishing notes (applies to all patterns)
- Stitch tight: Use a slightly smaller hook than recommended for yarn to keep stuffing from showing.
- Secure hardware: When attaching jump rings or chains, sew around that area 6–8 times with strong yarn to anchor; tie multiple knots, weave ends through inside stuffing, and hide them.
- Small parts: For children, embroider eyes, nose, and small details instead of using safety eyes or buttons.
- Lightweight stuffing only: Use very little fiberfill so your keychain stays light and doesn’t weigh down keys.
- Blocking: For flat pieces (shell, star), lightly block to shape if needed. For cotton, a quick steam can help but avoid melting synthetic yarn.
Quick variations & gift ideas
- Make a mini set: 3 matching keychains (cat, star, coffee) in a color theme and gift in a small box.
- Add a bell or name tag: Make personalized initial tag (small round disc) and sew on.
- Use leftover yarn to make dozens — perfect scrapbuster projects for craft markets.
Conclusion
These seven keychain patterns are designed to be quick, portable, and satisfying — perfect for last-minute gifts, shop add-ons, or a small project between larger makes. Start with the one that calls to you (the panda and cat are especially fast and adorable), then experiment with colors, faces, and tiny accessories.
