Crochet Keychain Patterns: Four 15-Minute Gifts

1. The tassel (5 minutes)

1. Step 1: Wrap yarn around a 3 in piece of card about 30 times.
2. Step 2: Slide a 10 in length of yarn under the top of the bundle and knot it tightly.
3. Step 3: Cut the loops at the bottom of the card.
4. Step 4: Wrap a second length of yarn tightly around the bundle ¾ in below the top, knot it, and thread the ends down inside the tassel.
5. Step 5: Trim the ends level and attach the keyring through the top loop.

2. Mini ball (10 minutes)

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnds 3–5: Sc in each st around. (12)
4. Rnd 6: Dec 6 times — stuff firmly first. (6)

Close through the front loops, then sew the keyring to the top. It's the crochet ball in miniature.

3. Little heart (15 minutes)

Worked as a flat shape, then doubled.

1. Set-up: Ch 4 and sl st into the first ch to make a ring.
2. Round: Into the ring work: 3 dc, 3 tr, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, 3 tr, 3 dc, ch 1, then sl st into the ring to close. (1 heart)

That ch-1 at the bottom forms the point and the dip at the top forms between the two tr groups. Make two, hold them wrong sides together, and sc around the edge through both layers, slipping a wisp of stuffing in before you close. Attach the ring at the top dip.

4. Five-point star (15 minutes)

1. Rnd 1: 10 sc in a magic ring, sl st to join. (10)
2. Points: *Ch 4, sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the last ch, then sl st into the next 2 sts of the circle.* Repeat from * 4 more times. (5 points)

Fasten off and weave in the ends. For a padded star, make two and join them as for the heart.

Make it your own

• Initials: embroider a letter on the mini ball or heart.
• Bag charms: use a lobster clasp instead of a split ring.
• Party favours: a different colour for each guest.
• Mini versions: shrink the strawberry or mushroom for a keyring.

Common questions

What yarn should I use for keychains?

DK or worsted cotton. Keys are hard on yarn, and cotton stands up to rubbing far better than acrylic, which pills.

How do I attach the keyring securely?

Sew through the crochet and around the ring six or eight times with doubled yarn, then knot and bury the ends inside. A single loop will wear through.

Do they need stuffing?

Only a wisp — enough to stop them going limp. Over-stuffed keychains lose their shape in a pocket.

How much yarn does one use?

Under 10 yd. This is the project for the balls too small to do anything else with.

Perfect stocking fillers, party favours and "thinking of you" gifts. 🔑