How to Crochet an Easy Keychain in Two Styles
I love crochet keychains! They’re easy, they’re functional for everyday use, and they’re quick to make. Crochet keychains are also great way to practice new stitches. That’s why I decided to create a quick and easy addition to the Ocean’s Breath Collection by creating a stunning keychain pattern.
The following is a free pattern available for use on my website, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop. All rights reserved.
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About the Key Chains
When I designed the Ocean’s Breath Key Fobs, I hoped to incorporate some of the lace that the other pieces uses. However, after some trial and error, I found that just the star stitches by themselves made the perfect keychain.
Different Styles
The first style I made was just a simple crochet keychain. It has some star stitches to begin, but then relies on beads and fringe to add personality to it. I feel like this leaves some room for creativity with personalizing each key chain.
The second style I made was a wristlet key fob. This style is a bit more straightforward in the design, but allows you to wear your keys on your wrist. This is one of my favorite styles of key chains. I actually love to make these out of interesting fabric scraps, so I was really excited to try making one with crochet.
Quick, Easy and Functional
I love this third installment of the Ocean’s Breath Collection. It’s a quick and easy project and I think these crochet keychains would be great additions to market setups. On top of all that, they really are functional. Especially if you’re like me and you’re constantly digging in your purse while you’re corralling kiddos.
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About The Ocean’s Breath Collection
This collection was designed to resemble the lacy style of macrame. It all began with the Ocean’s Breath Yoga Bag that incorporated some simple lace and textured star stitches. I then moved onto the Ocean’s Breath Wall Hanging, that used a lot of the same elements with the addition of some beautiful drop stitches. I wanted one more piece that was quick and easy to make, yet still resembled the beautiful macrame style, hence, the Ocean’s Breath Key Fobs.
I have since added a few more pieces to this collection. Check them out by clicking the links below or view the whole Ocean’s Breath Collection.
- Ocean’s Breath Market Bag
- Ocean’s Breath Table Runner and Placemat
- Ocean’s Breath Cardi (coming to the blog soon!)
About the Yarn
I designed these crochet keychains with 100% cotton yarn. I think this is the ideal yarn for the job because its generally more durable than other fibers. This pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, and while you can use whatever yarn you like, I’ll link a few of my favorite worsted cotton yarns.
Making your Crochet Keychains
Crocheting Around the Swivel Clasp
When you’re making the Keychain version of this pattern, you will need to crochet your first row directly onto the clasp. I found these clasps at Hobby Lobby in the sewing section, but you can find them in most craft stores. If you opt to order yours online somewhere, look for Lobster Swivel Clasps.
To attach you work to the hardware, you will insert your hook through the bottom portion of the clasp and wrap your single crochet stitches around the bar. Once you have that first row of stitches added, you can just continue working according to the pattern.
Adding Key Fob Hardware
When you’re making the wristlet version of this pattern, you will be adding the hardware at the end. In addition to the hardware, you will need a set of pliers to do this. You can just use regular pliers, but be careful that you don’t damage that metal hardware when doing it this way. (Tip: Put a bit of hot glue on the clamps of your pliers to keep them from scratch the hardware when you close it.)
I buy most of my key fob hardware from I Love Big Buttons on Etsy. Since I have made several of these, I opted to buy the special pliers that are sold in the shop. They’re definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re going to make a regular habit of making key fobs.
To add the hardware, you will simply place the two ends of the strap inside of the hardware. Be sure to get it all the way in. If it doesn’t get a good grip, the strap can slip out. Once its in there, you will simply clamp the hardware closed.
Fun Finishes for your Keychains
When you’re working on the key chain version, you may want to add fringe or beads to your work. This simple design is just asking for something to spice it up a little.
Adding Tassels and Beads
To add fringe, you will just pull a loop of yarn through a stitch and then pull the yarn tails through the loop. Simply tighten the loop to secure the fringe. Repeat this across the bottom of the keychain.
Once the fringe is added, you can add beads. I found these large wooden beads at the craft store. (Hint: Try to find something with a hole large enough to fit a hook through.) You can add a bead (or more!) by placing a bead on your crochet hook, catching the fringe with the hook and then sliding the bead from the hook to the fringe.
Let’s Get Started…
Materials Needed:
5 – 25 yds of cotton worsted weight yarn
Size G (4.5mm) crochet hook
Tape Measure
Tapestry needle
Scissors
1 1/4” Key Fob hardware or Swivel Lobster Hook hardware
Wooden beads (optional)
Pliers (for Key Fob only)
Finished Measurements:
Key Fob: 1 1/4” wide x 10” (without hardware)
Key Chain: 1 1/4” x 3 1/2” (without hardware or fringe)
Special Stitches
This pattern uses the star stitch. If you need some help with this stitch, check out my blog post with a photo and video tutorial.
Pattern
Wristlet Key Fob
Row 1: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7)
Row 2: Ch 3. Complete a row of 3 star stitches doing the following:
Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 sc st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 sc stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on
hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.
Repeat twice.
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. 2Hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last star stitch. (7)
Row 4-25: Repeat Rows 2-3
Row 26: Sc in each st across. Tie off and weave in ends. (7)
Finishing: Fold the work in half lengthwise with the star stitches facing outward. Place the two ends inside of the key fob hardware and clamp closed with pliers.
Key Chain
Row 1: Sc 7 around the end of the base of the Lobster Swivel Hook. (7)
Row 2: Ch 3 and turn. Complete a row of 3 star stitches doing the following:
Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 sc st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 sc stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on
hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.
Repeat twice.
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. 2Hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last star stitch. (7)
Row 4-11: Repeat Rows 2-3. Tie off and weave in ends.
To Attach Fringe:
1) Cut 7 strands of yarn approximately 16” long each.
2) Fold each strand in half. Insert hook into the first stitch and pull up the center of the strand.
3) Using the hook, pull the two ends of the strand from the back and through the loop you just pulled up. Tighten the loop to secure the fringe.
4) Repeat in each stitch across.
5) Once fringe is added, trim as necessary to make it even.
To Add Beads:
Place bead onto a crochet hook, hook the end of the fringe, and then slide the bead off the hook and onto the fringe. Wrap a piece of yarn around the fringe beneath the bead to hold in place.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this pattern and I’d love to see some of your finished keychains on Instagram. Be sure to tag me @craftingforweeks on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #oceansbreathkeyfobs so I can find all your lovely work. Until next time.
Check out some of my other free accessory patterns too!
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
