Free Crochet Octopus Keychain Pattern for Chic Accessories
Learn to crochet octopus keychain with this pattern featuring step-by-step instructions, perfect for unique gifts and accessories.
Crocheting can be such a delightful way to express creativity! Recently, I worked on this adorable crochet octopus keychain, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. Holding a tiny, squishy octopus made from soft yarns, with little tentacles that curl perfectly—adorable, right? This pattern lets you create a charming ocean-inspired keychain that’s simple enough for beginners and highly customizable. Whether you go for pastel shades for a playful look or bold colors for a more vibrant vibe, the possibilities are endless. The best part is that, It uses basic stitches like single crochets, slip stitches, and increases/decreases, making it an accessible project for new crocheters. Not only will you master some essential stitches in a fun way, but you’ll also create a tiny creature that doubles as a keychain, a charm, or even a cute decoration for your bag.
Cute Crochet Octopus Keychain Pattern for Beginners
With this fun pattern, you’ll start by crocheting its round and huggable body using a magic ring technique. This small but versatile stitch will be your gateway to many future crochet creations like hats, amigurumi, and even crochet baskets. The tentacles are made in a playful curly design, giving the octopus its whimsical look. You’ll also make two little eyelids, eyes, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a mini starfish accessory for some extra charm. Add some stuffing for a nice, rounded shape, and voilà—you’ve made a handmade masterpiece!
Other items you can crochet using this pattern:
- Small ornaments with tentacles, like jellyfish or sea squids.
- Amigurumi animals by adapting the body pattern.
- Keychain-style stars, flowers, or baubles as cute gifts.
- Tiny bag charms for kids or party favors.
This pattern will teach you so much while keeping things light and creative. You’ll sharpen your skills and have a tiny, handmade octopus to treasure. These keychains are also perfect gift ideas—quick and easy to make for birthdays or little surprises for loved ones.
Crochet Octopus Key Charm Pattern
Welcome to this step-by-step crochet pattern for creating adorable octopus key charms! This cute and simple project is perfect for beginners and makes for a charming little gift or accessory. You can personalize it with your favorite colors and make it truly unique. In this pattern, I’ll take you through creating the main body, tentacles, eyes, and a small starfish embellishment.
What you’ll learn from this pattern:
- Magic ring basics for starting circular crochet projects like amigurumi or hats.
- Working in continuous rounds and using markers to keep track of stitches.
- Increasing and decreasing stitches to shape 3D designs like the octopus body.
- Creating decorative curls like the tentacles that can be reused for other embellishments.
- Sewing parts together and weaving in ends for a clean and professional finish.
Skill Level & Terminology
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Terminology: US Crochet Terms
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in your choice of colors (e.g., dark grey color for the body, black and white for the eyes, and green for the starfish)
- Crochet Hook: Suggested size – 3.5 mm (E)
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill for the body
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing pieces together
- Scissors
- Black embroidery thread: For the pupils
Gauge
Gauge is not crucial for this pattern, as the size of the charm can vary depending on your hook size and yarn weight. However, aim for tight stitches to avoid gaps in your work.
Abbreviations
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- inc: Increase (work 2 sc in one stitch)
- dec: Decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
Special Stitch Instructions
- Magic Ring: Create a circle with your yarn, crochet stitches into the loop, and pull the tail tight to close. Ideal for circular pieces.
Finished Size
- The finished octopus charm will measure approximately 2.5 inches tall, not counting the keychain loop.
The Pattern
Step 1: Crochet the Main Body
Round 1:
- Make a magic ring.
- Work 8 sc in the ring. Pull the tail tightly to close the ring. (8 stitches)
Round 2:
- Sl st into the first stitch to fasten off Round 1.
- Ch 1.
- Inc in each stitch around. (16 stitches)
Round 3:
- Sl st into the first stitch to fasten off Round 2.
- Ch 1.
- [1 sc, inc] in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
Round 4:
- Sl st into the first stitch to fasten off Round 3.
- Ch 1.
- [1 sc, inc, 1 sc] in each stitch around. (32 stitches)
Rounds 5–8:
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (32 stitches per round)
Round 9:
- Ch 1.
- [1 sc, dec, 1 sc] in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
Round 10:
- [1 sc, dec] in each stitch around. (16 stitches)
Round 11:
- [dec] around. (8 stitches)
Stuff the body with polyester fiberfill before fully closing the hole.
At this stage, you should have a completed main body. It will resemble a small ball.
Step 2: Crochet the Tentacles
- Only work in the front loops of the next row.
- Sl st in the first stitch.
For each tentacle:
- Ch 20.
- Turn and sl st into the second chain from the hook.
- Work 1 sc in each of the remaining 18 chain stitches to return to the base.
- Sl st into the next stitch on the body.
Repeat this process 7 more times to create a total of 8 tentacles.
Your octopus now has all its cute little tentacles! Don’t forget to leave a long tail for sewing if needed.
Step 3: Crochet the Eyelids
Eyelids:
- Work this step the same way as Round 1 of the body.
- Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into it. Pull the tail to close.
- Repeat once more to create the second eyelid.
Eyes:
- Use white yarn and split it into two strands.
- Make a magic ring.
- Work 6 sc in the ring. Pull the tail to close and fasten off.
- Embroider the pupil onto the eye using black thread.
- Repeat to make the second eye.
Now that you’ve completed the eyes and eyelids, you’re ready to assemble these onto the body!
Step 4: Crochet a Mini Starfish (Optional Embellishment)
- Use green yarn, separated into two strands for a finer look.
- Create a magic ring.
- Work the following for each starfish arm:
- 1 sc in the ring, ch 3.
- Work sl st into the first back bump, then 1 sl st into each of the next two back bumps.
- Return to the ring and sc to begin the next arm.
- Repeat this process four more times to complete all 5 arms.
Pull the tail tightly to close the ring, then fasten off. Use the long tail to sew the starfish onto the octopus.
This starfish is a fun little decoration but optional if you prefer simpler designs!
Assembly & Finishing
- Attach the eyelids and eyes: Sew the eyelids onto the body, ensuring the back side of each eyelid faces outward. Carefully stitch the eyes underneath the eyelids, adjusting for symmetry.
- Sew the tentacles: Ensure all tentacles are even in length and attached to the body firmly.
- Optional embellishments: Attach the mini starfish to the top or side of the octopus’s head.
- Weave in all ends: Secure all loose yarn and thread ends. Trim excess.
- Add a keychain loop: Attach a keyring to the top of the octopus for easy use as a key charm.
Your crochet octopus charm is now complete! Time to admire your adorable creation or gift it to a loved one!
About This Pattern
- How to Start: Begin with a magic ring, work in rounds, and follow the increase-decrease technique to shape the octopus body.
- Main Stitches Used: Single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), magic ring, increase (inc), and decrease (dec).
- Why This Pattern is Great: It’s beginner-friendly, highly customizable, and fun to make. Adjust colors and details to create variations of this adorable charm!
