How to Crochet a Single Crochet Keychain

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Make the chain foundation

Make a slip knot and place it on your hook. Yarn over and insert the hook into the slip knot, then pull through to create your first chain stitch. Continue yarning over and pulling through the loop on your hook until you have a total of 30 chain stitches. Keep your tension even throughout — a consistent chain foundation makes the subsequent single crochet row much easier to work into and gives the finished keychain a neat, uniform appearance.

If you prefer a longer or shorter keychain, adjust your starting chain accordingly. The 30-stitch count produces a finished length of approximately 4 inches, which sits comfortably in a pocket or bag alongside your keys.

Step 2 — Work the first row and connect the band

Insert the crochet hook into the first stitch on both the front and back of your starting chain. Yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook to create a new loop, then yarn over and pull through both remaining loops to complete the single crochet. Continue inserting the hook into each corresponding stitch on the front and back pieces, yarning over and pulling through in the same way for every stitch across the row.

At the end of the first row, insert the hook into the corner stitch on both pieces of fabric. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops to join the two sides at the corner. Continue this joining process across the second row to close the keychain into a flat, two-layer band. This double-layer construction gives the keychain its thickness and durability.

Step 3 — Create the key loop

Using both yarn tails left at the end of the band, chain approximately 30 stitches to form the attachment loop. Keep the tension firm and consistent throughout the chain — a loose loop may not hold securely on a key ring under regular use. Once the chain is complete, pull the yarn through the final loop and trim, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.

Thread the tapestry needle with the remaining tail and weave it back through several stitches of the loop chain in at least two directions before trimming close to the fabric. This anchors the end of the loop and prevents it from unravelling with use.

Step 4 — Attach to keys and finish

Weave in any remaining yarn tails using the tapestry needle, threading each tail through the back of several stitches in at least two directions before trimming. For a neater, more structured finish, block the keychain by soaking it in warm water for 5 minutes, then laying it flat on a towel and allowing it to dry completely before attaching it to your keys.

To attach to a key ring, insert the crocheted loop into the ring and pass the body of the keychain through the loop, pulling firmly to create a lark's-head knot that holds securely. To attach to a single key without a ring, pass the loop through the hole in the key, stretch the loop open, pass the body of the keychain through the loop, and pull tight. Your finished single crochet keychain is ready to use.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to make a crochet keychain?
You will need DK weight yarn in any colour (an acrylic or cotton blend works well), a size H or I crochet hook (5.0mm or 5.5mm depending on your yarn thickness), scissors, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Stitch markers are optional but helpful.

What is the finished size of the crochet single crochet keychain?
The finished keychain measures approximately 10cm (4 inches) long and 2.5cm (1 inch) wide, with a key loop of around 30 stitches. This size fits comfortably on a standard key ring or can be looped directly through the hole in a key.

How do I attach the finished crochet keychain to my keys?
If you have a key ring, insert the crocheted loop into the ring and pass the body of the keychain through the loop, pulling it tight to secure. If you are attaching to a single key, pass the loop through the hole in the key, stretch the loop open, pass the body through, and pull tight. Both methods create a firm lark's-head style attachment.

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