Learn to Crochet Amigurumi Keychains: 4 Cute Beginner Designs

Learn to Crochet Amigurumi Keychains – Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Crocheting amigurumi keychains is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to start learning crochet. These small projects are perfect for beginners because they are quick to make, require very little yarn, and allow you to practice essential crochet techniques without feeling overwhelmed.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to crochet simple amigurumi keychains using basic stitches and easy shaping methods. This project is ideal if you’re new to amigurumi, looking for a fast handmade gift idea, or want to create small crochet items that are perfect for selling or gifting.

Amigurumi keychains are also a great way to experiment with colors, textures, and cute details while building confidence with your hook. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll understand the basic structure of amigurumi and be ready to create your own adorable crochet keychains.

What Is Amigurumi and Why This Project Is Perfect for Beginners

Amigurumi is the art of crocheting small stuffed figures using basic stitches worked in continuous rounds. Originally from Japan, amigurumi has become popular worldwide because it allows crocheters to create cute characters with simple techniques and a lot of creativity.

This amigurumi keychain project is ideal as a first crochet experience because it uses a small number of stitches and a simple shape that is easy to control. Working on a small project helps beginners focus on stitch tension, counting, and shaping without the pressure of a large or time-consuming piece.

Keychains are also forgiving projects—mistakes are easier to fix, and finishing one quickly gives a great sense of accomplishment. This makes amigurumi keychains a perfect way to build confidence and develop essential crochet skills before moving on to larger amigurumi projects.

Materials Needed

To crochet these amigurumi keychains, you’ll need just a few basic supplies that are easy to find and beginner-friendly.

Cotton yarn (lightweight or medium weight works best for small projects)

Crochet hook slightly smaller than the yarn label recommends (this helps create tight stitches)

Stitch marker or a small piece of contrasting yarn

Yarn needle for sewing and finishing

Polyester fiberfill for light stuffing

Keychain rings or clasps

Scissors

Cotton yarn is especially recommended for amigurumi keychains because it is durable, holds its shape well, and doesn’t stretch too much. Using a smaller hook than usual will help prevent gaps between stitches and give your keychains a neat, professional finish.

Basic Crochet Skills You’ll Use

To complete these amigurumi keychains, you only need a few basic crochet skills. If you already know these techniques, you’ll have no trouble following the pattern. If some of them are new to you, this project is a great way to practice.

Magic ring to start crocheting in the round

Single crochet (sc) as the main stitch

Increase (inc) to shape the amigurumi

Decrease (dec) to close and shape the piece

Working in continuous rounds without turning

Counting stitches to keep the shape even

These fundamental skills are used in most amigurumi patterns, so learning them here will help you confidently move on to more complex crochet projects in the future.

Step-by-Step Pattern

Below you’ll find the complete step-by-step crochet pattern for these amigurumi keychains. The instructions are written using standard crochet abbreviations and worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise.

Head, Body, Arms, and Legs

All four animals share the same base pattern. Only the colors and small details vary.

Head and Body

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

3. 1 single crochet, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (18 stitches).

4. 2 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (24 stitches).

5. 3 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (30 stitches).

6. 4 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (36 stitches).

7–12. 36 single crochets.

13. 4 single crochets, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (30 stitches).

14. 3 single crochets, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (24 stitches).

15. 2 single crochets, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (18 stitches).

16. 1 single crochet, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (12 stitches).

Stuff firmly to shape the head.

Body (worked in one piece)

17–18. 12 single crochets.

19. 1 single crochet, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (18 stitches).

20. 18 single crochets.

21. 2 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (24 stitches).

22. 24 single crochets.

23. 3 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (30 stitches).

24–27. 30 single crochets.

28. 3 single crochets, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (24 stitches).

29. 2 single crochets, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (18 stitches).

30. 1 single crochet, 1 decrease repeat 6 times – (12 stitches).

Stuff firmly.

31. 6 decreases – (6 stitches).

Fasten off and cut the yarn.

Arms (make 2)

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

3. 3 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 3 times – (15 stitches).

4. 15 single crochets.

5. 3 single crochets, 1 decrease repeat 3 times – (12 stitches).

Stuff lightly.

6. 6 decreases – (6 stitches).

Make one arm, fasten off and leave a tail. For the second arm, crochet 15 chains, fasten off and leave a tail.

With a yarn needle, pass the chain through the side of the body where the arms should be, and sew the second arm to the free end of the chain. This way, the arms will be movable.

Legs (make 2)

Work the feet the same way as the arms, but instead of 15 chains, crochet 20 chains. Attach them to the bottom of the body in the same manner.

Details for Each Animal

Chick (yellow yarn)

• Crochet a small beak with orange yarn:

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 3 increases, skip 1 stitch, slip stitch in the next.

Fasten off, weave in ends, and sew to the center of the face.

• Embroider or glue eyes as preferred.

Frog (green yarn)

Eyes (make 2):

• With green yarn:

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

3. 1 single crochet, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (18 stitches).

Fasten off, leave a tail to sew to the sides of the head.

• With white yarn:

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Sew onto the green circles, then embroider or glue eyes in the center.

Cheeks (make 2, pink yarn):

• Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

• Fasten off, weave in ends, and sew to the sides of the face.

• Embroider a smile.

Lamb (white yarn)

Ears (make 2):

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

3. 1 single crochet, 1 increase repeat 6 times – (18 stitches).

Fasten off, leave a tail to sew to the sides of the head.

Curls (head):

From round 1, attach yarn and crochet: 1 single crochet, chain 8, 1 single crochet in next stitch. Repeat until round 9 to form curls.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Embroider mouth, eyes, eyebrows if desired, add blush, and decorate with a small flower.

Tail:

Crochet 5 curls (same as head) and join into a circle.

Bunny (salmon yarn)

Ears (make 2):

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

3. 3 single crochets, 1 increase repeat 3 times – (15 stitches).

4–9. 15 single crochets.

Fasten off, leave a tail to shape and sew to the top of the head.

Embroider mouth, eyes, add blush, and decorate with a flower.

Tail:

1. Work 6 single crochets into a magic ring.

2. 6 increases – (12 stitches).

Stuff lightly.

3. 6 decreases – (6 stitches).

Fasten off, leave a tail to sew.

Keychain option:

Crochet a strip of 35 chains, return with 34 single crochets or slip stitches, and sew to the head to use as a keychain or hanging charm.

Tips for Better Results

To get the best results when crocheting amigurumi keychains, keep these simple tips in mind:

Use tight, even stitches to prevent gaps and keep the stuffing from showing

Choose a smaller hook size than recommended on the yarn label for better stitch definition

Count your stitches at the end of each round to maintain the correct shape

Use a stitch marker to easily track the beginning of each round

Add stuffing gradually and lightly, since keychains are very small projects

Secure the keychain ring firmly with extra stitches or strong yarn to ensure durability

Taking a little extra time with these details will help your amigurumi keychains look neat, professional, and long-lasting. Small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When starting with amigurumi keychains, beginners often make a few common mistakes. Being aware of them will help you improve faster and enjoy the process more.

Crocheting too loosely, which can create gaps between stitches and allow stuffing to show through. Using a smaller hook usually solves this problem.

Losing track of rounds, especially when working in continuous spirals. A stitch marker can make a big difference.

Incorrect stitch count, which can cause the shape to look uneven or misshapen. Always count your stitches at the end of each round.

Overstuffing the piece, making it stiff or difficult to close. Small projects need only a little filling.

Weak attachment of the keychain ring, which can cause it to loosen over time. Reinforce this area with extra stitches or strong thread.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you create cleaner, more professional-looking amigurumi keychains from the start.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about amigurumi keychains is how easy they are to customize. With a few small changes, you can turn the same basic pattern into many unique designs.

Play with colors to create stripes, spots, or themed keychains

Embroider simple facial expressions to give each piece personality

Add small accessories like bows, scarves, or tiny flowers

Adjust the size by using thicker yarn or a slightly larger hook

Create themed sets, such as animals, fruits, or holiday designs

Customizing your amigurumi keychains allows you to express your creativity and makes each piece feel special. These small details are also a great way to make your handmade items stand out as gifts or products for sale.

Spanish Version Available

If you prefer to follow the instructions in Spanish, this pattern is also available in a complete Spanish version. It includes the same step-by-step explanations, clear guidance, and beginner-friendly structure to help you crochet with confidence.

You can find the link to the Spanish version on our Spanish blog, where all the instructions are fully translated and easy to follow.