A crochet keychain is the project your leftover yarn has been waiting for. It takes very little material, you can finish one in an evening, and it is one of the few crochet makes that works as a gift for someone who doesn't crochet themselves.
Checklist: decide this before you start
- Do you want a small amigurumi figure, a tassel, or something flat like a mini granny square?
- Do you have enough scraps in the same yarn weight, or will you start a fresh ball?
- Which hardware will hold it: a split ring, a lobster clasp or a small carabiner?
- Will you stuff the figure, or keep it flat enough to skip the stuffing?
Which scraps you can use
Most keychains need only 5 to 15 g (about 0.2 to 0.5 oz) of yarn per color, so almost any leftover will do. A cotton yarn such as Durable Coral (100% cotton, 125 m per 50 g) is nice for small amigurumi because it holds its shape and keeps details crisp. If you mix scraps from different balls, keep them close in thickness. A thicker yarn in one part of the figure makes it lopsided.
| Keychain type | Difficulty | Yarn needed | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amigurumi figure | Medium | Small | 1 to 2 hours |
| Tassel | Easy | Minimal | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Mini granny square | Easy | Minimal | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Crocheted cord with a tassel | Easy | Minimal | 20 to 30 minutes |
How to crochet an amigurumi keychain
Most amigurumi keychains start with a magic ring. From there you work in a spiral of single crochet (UK: double crochet), increasing to grow the shape and decreasing to close it: a ball for a head, small tubes for ears or legs. If the magic ring is new to you, our magic ring tutorial walks you through it step by step, and our guide on how to crochet amigurumi covers increases, decreases and stuffing. Use a hook a size or so smaller than the yarn label suggests (for Coral, 2.5 mm or US B/1-C/2), so the stitches are tight and the stuffing doesn't show through.
A simple ball to start with: 6 sc in a magic ring, then 2 sc in every stitch (12), then *1 sc, 2 sc in the next* around (18). Work 3 or 4 rounds of 18 sc, then decrease the same way back down to 6 and close the hole. Add ears, a tail or a face and that ball quickly becomes a character; our guide to crochet Pokémon shows how far you can take simple shapes.
Faster options: a tassel or a mini granny square
Don't feel like making a figure? A tassel is the quickest keychain there is. Wrap yarn about 30 to 40 times around a piece of cardboard 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 in) wide, slide a strand under the top and tie it tight, then wrap a second strand around the "neck" a little lower and cut the loops at the bottom. A mini granny square works just as well: two or three rounds, weave in the ends and you are done. Our guide to granny squares shows the basic rounds, and the basic crochet stitches guide covers every stitch you need for both.
Attaching the key ring
A split ring is the most common way to fix a crocheted figure to a set of keys. It closes firmly, so the figure won't slip off, and you can move it to another bag later. Crochet a small loop of chains at the top of your piece, weave the tail in well, and thread the split ring through that loop. A lobster clasp or a small carabiner goes on the same loop if you want something that clips on and off.
Stuffing: yes or no
A figure this small doesn't always need stuffing. For a flat, sturdy keychain you can simply pull the last round closed. For a round, plump figure, use a small amount of fiberfill and sew the opening shut properly, so nothing pokes out after a few weeks in a pocket.
Frequently asked questions
How much yarn do I need for a crochet keychain?
Plan on 5 to 15 g per color, depending on the design. Most scraps in your yarn basket are more than enough.
What ring should I use for a keychain?
A split ring is the standard because it closes tightly but still opens easily. A lobster clasp or carabiner works too, and makes it easy to move the keychain to a bag or zipper.
Can I crochet a keychain if I've never made amigurumi?
Yes. Start with the simple ball above, or go for a tassel or mini granny square. Those don't need any increases or decreases.
Do I always have to stuff a keychain?
No. A flat or lightly stuffed keychain is often more practical, because it takes up less room in a bag or pocket.
Are crochet keychains good to sell at a craft fair?
They sell well: quick to make, cheap in materials and liked by a wide audience. Do count your time when you set a price, even if the project looks small.
Get started
A keychain is just big enough to try a new technique without spending a whole evening's worth of yarn on it. Once you've made one, the next step up is a flower or a little ornament: our guides to crochet flowers and crochet Christmas ornaments use the same small-scale skills. Grab your scrap bag and start with one.
