Did you accidentally chain one too many in your first round and now your circle looks more like a wavy plate than a perfect circle? You are not alone. It is one of the most common beginner mistakes in amigurumi, but here is the secret: these doodle keychains are designed with a messy, colorful aesthetic that actually embraces those little imperfections. Instead of stressing over perfect tension, this project invites you to relax and enjoy the process. Whether you are making them for your keys or as small gifts for friends, the charm lies in their handmade, bite-sized personality. Let’s dive into five adorable designs that are fast to make and forgiving to craft.
Maker Notes
These doodle-inspired keychains are perfect for using up small scraps of cotton, acrylic, or sports yarn. Because they are flat appliques or small 3D shapes, they are incredibly fast projects—ideal for a quick afternoon craft session. I recommend using a 3mm hook to keep the stitches tight, especially if you are using a softer yarn, to ensure your keychains hold their shape over time. The “messy” vibe mentioned in the original design means you don’t need to obsess over hiding every single yarn tail immediately; the final assembly and the addition of the two-colored string tie everything together beautifully. These make wonderful additions to backpacks, bags, or as unique charms for your favorite set of keys.
Project Overview
This collection features five distinct doodle-style keychains: a Star, a Heart, a Miffy-style head, a Flower, and a Two-colored String. The patterns are beginner-friendly and utilize standard crochet techniques. Most components are worked as flat appliques that are then joined together to create a finished charm. The project is designed to be colorful and playful, allowing you to mix and match yarn colors to suit your style.
Materials
- Cotton, Acrylic, or Sports yarn (5ply size) in any colors you prefer
- 3mm crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Darning needle
- Scissors
- Felt cloth (optional, for the flower back)
- Fabric glue (optional, for the flower back)
Gauge and Finished Size
Specific gauge and finished measurements are not provided for these doodle keychains. The charm of this project lies in its bite-sized, handmade nature, so slight variations in size are part of the aesthetic.
Abbreviations
The abbreviations are in US terminology!
- R – round/row
- Ch – chain
- mr – magic ring
- st – stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- dec – decrease
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- slst – slip stitch
- *- repeat
- [] – total stitch count in each round/row
- sk – skip
Important Note: Slst & ch1 are NOT included in total stitch count!
Pattern Notes
For the most effective and time-saving experience, it is recommended to follow along with the accompanying video tutorial while you crochet. The patterns rely on precise joining techniques, so watching the assembly steps can help clarify how the pieces connect.
Pattern Instructions
Star
Start with a magic ring.
- R1 10sc in mr, 1slst [10]
- R2 Ch1, (1sc, 1inc)*5, 1slst [15]
- R3 Ch1, (Ch4, 1sc, 1hdc, 1dc, sk2, 1slst) *5
Cut the yarn and make the 2nd applique. Do not cut the yarn after the 2nd one.
Connecting the Two Pieces (Star)
Place the two appliques together and connect each point with the following pattern:
- (3sc together, 2ch, 3sc together)*5
See the tutorial for a detailed explanation of this joining method.
Heart
Start with a slip knot.
- R1 3ch, 2sc [2]
- R2 Ch1 &turn, 2inc [4]
- R3 Ch1 & turn,1inc, 2sc, 1inc [6]
- R4 Ch1 & turn,1inc, 4sc, 1inc [8]
- R5 Ch1 & turn, 8sc [8]
- R6 Ch1 & turn, 1inc, 6sc, 1inc [10]
- R7 Ch1 & turn, 5sc (crochet only halfway) [5]
- R8 Ch1 & turn, 1dec, 1sc, 1dec [3]
- R9 Ch1 & turn, 1dec, 1sc [1]
Cut the yarn and start again from the stitches we left at R7. See the tutorial for a detailed explanation.
- R1 Ch1, 4sc (leaving 1sc in middle) [4]
- R2 Ch1 & turn, 2dec [2]
Cut the yarn & make another one but do not cut the yarn after the 2nd one! Crochet the two appliques together with sc along the sides.
Miffy
Start with a slip knot and make 5ch.
- R1 Starting from 2nd ch from the hook,1inc, 2sc, 4sc in one, 2sc, 1inc, 1slst [12]
- R2 Ch1, (1sc,1inc) *6, 1slst [18]
- R3 Ch1, (1sc, 1inc, 1sc) *6, 1slst [24]
- R4 Ch1, (3sc, 1inc) *3, 4sc, (Ear: 8ch,1hdc, 5dc), sk2, 2sc, (Ear: 8ch,1hdc, 5dc), sk2, 2sc,1slst
Make two and join them with sc except for the ear part which will be joined with slst.
Flower
Start with a magic ring.
- R1 10sc in mr, 1slst [10]
In the last sc of R1, change to a different color!
- R2 (12ch, sk1, 1slst), (10ch, sk1, 1slst), (12ch, sk1, 1slst), (12ch, sk1, 1slst), (10ch, sk1, 1slst)
- R3 1slst into each ch made in R2
Cut the yarn and weave in the ends!
Two-colored String
The string is made of using chains using the two colors in a different way than how we normally do chains. Then the string is tied to form a knot at the top using the snake knot method. See the tutorial for the string instructions.
Assembly
Once all components are crocheted, assemble your keychain by attaching the chosen doodle (Star, Heart, Miffy, or Flower) to the Two-colored String using the snake knot method at the top. Ensure all yarn tails are secure before attaching to your keyring.
Tips
- Flower Backing Tip: Cut the yarn tails short at the backside of the flower without weaving in, then glue a circle of felt cloth on top of the yarn tails. This way, we can avoid weaving in and can secure the yarn.
- Joining Miffy: Remember to join the two Miffy pieces with single crochet for the face, but use slip stitches for the ears to keep them flat and neat.
- Heart Construction: The heart is made of two halves joined at the center. Be careful to leave the middle stitch unworked in the second half (R1) to create the split for joining.
FAQs
What type of yarn is best for these keychains?
The pattern suggests Cotton, Acrylic, or Sports yarn (5ply size). Cotton is often preferred for amigurumi because it holds its shape well and has less stretch than acrylic, but any yarn in that weight category will work.
Do I need to use a 3mm hook?
A 3mm hook is recommended to ensure tight stitches, which prevents stuffing from showing and keeps the keychain durable. If your yarn is bulky, you may need a slightly larger hook, but be mindful of the final size.
How do I join the two halves of the Heart?
After crocheting both halves, you crochet them together with single crochet (sc) along the sides. The pattern specifies leaving one sc in the middle during the second half’s first round to facilitate this joining.
Can I sell these keychains?
Yes, you are welcome to sell finished items made from these patterns for personal use. However, mass production and selling the patterns themselves are not allowed. Please credit the original designer when sharing your creations.
What is the snake knot method?
The snake knot is a decorative knot often used in macramé and jewelry making. For this project, it is used to tie the two-colored string to the keychain hardware. Refer to the video tutorial for a visual guide on how to execute this knot securely.
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