Easy Free Crochet Octopus Keychain Pattern for Beginners

Meet the adorable Crochet Octopus Keychain, a delightful project that’s just right for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. This charming little octopus is not only a joy to make but also a great way to use up that scrap yarn you’ve been saving. With its cute design, it’s perfect for adding a pop of personality to your keys or bag!

This keychain features a soft, squishy feel thanks to the Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft yarn. Each octopus measures approximately 2 inches tall, making it an ideal size for a keychain or a fun keyring accessory. You’ll love the playful texture and vibrant colors you can achieve with simple crochet techniques. Plus, adding safety eyes and cute facial features will give your octopus a personality all its own!

No need to worry if you’re a beginner—this project is beginner-friendly and easy to follow. Its charming vibe makes it an excellent project for a cozy weekend or a quick gift for friends. So grab your hook and your favorite colors, and let’s get crocheting! Your very own crochet octopus keychain is just a few stitches away!

The Crochet Octopus Keychain is an adorable and quick project designed for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike, perfect for using up scrap yarn. Using Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft yarn and a size E/4 (3.5 mm) hook, this simple tutorial leads you step-by-step through creating a charming, squishy octopus that stands approximately 2 inches tall with a fun circumference of 6 inches. With playful textures and the opportunity to personalize it with safety eyes and facial features, your finished crochet octopus keychain is not only a delightful accessory but also a lovely gift idea for friends!

Materials Needed

Gathering the right supplies is an essential first step in creating your delightful Crochet Octopus Keychain. This fun and quick project is perfect for beginners and can also be an excellent way to use up scrap yarn. Let’s explore the materials and tools that will make your crafting experience smooth and enjoyable!

• Yarn: Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft (worsted 4-Medium, 100% acrylic) – This yarn provides a soft texture and vibrant colors, ideal for creating a cute and cuddly octopus.
• Crochet Hook: Size E/4 (3.5 mm) – A perfect size for worsted weight yarn, allowing you to create snug stitches for a well-defined structure.
• Stitch Marker(s): Useful for keeping track of your rounds and ensuring your octopus body remains nicely shaped.
• Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors for cutting yarn ends cleanly, ensuring that your final piece looks polished.
• Stuffing: To give your octopus a plush form, use polyester fiberfill or any stuffing material of your choice.
• Pins: Handy for temporarily holding pieces together while you stitch them, especially when adding facial features or arms.
• Tapestry Needle: Essential for weaving in ends and attaching any embellishments securely.
• Safety Eyes: 8 mm (or a miniature version, 4 mm) – Adding safety eyes brings your octopus to life with adorably expressive features.
• Embroidery Floss: Black (DMC 310) and Pink (DMC 776 or DMC 956) – These colors are optional for adding charming facial details, allowing you to personalize your octopus.
• Embroidery Needle: Optional, but useful for stitching fine details with embroidery floss.
• Dritz Disc Needle Pullers: Optional but can be helpful in pulling strands of yarn through tight spaces easily.
• Chopstick or Similar: Optional, great for pushing stuffing into smaller sections if needed.
• Keychain: This is optional, but if you want to use your octopus as a keychain, be sure to have one ready to attach.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to use various yarns to create unique textures and colors! Just ensure that your chosen yarn is worsted weight to match the gauge for this project, and remember, a beautiful color combination can truly make your octopus pop!

Abbreviations

This pattern is written in standard US terms commonly used in crochet patterns.

• ch: Chain
• dc: Double Crochet
• hdc: Half Double Crochet – Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over again, pull through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
• inc: Increase – Work multiple stitches (usually 2) in the same stitch to increase the stitch count.
• MR: Magic Ring – An adjustable loop used to begin working in the round, allowing for a tight center.
• pc: Puff Stitch – Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a long loop, repeat twice more, then yarn over and pull through all loops on hook.
• rnd: Round
• sc: Single Crochet
• sc2tog: Single Crochet Two Together – A decrease stitch that reduces the stitch count.
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• BLO: Back Loop Only – Indicates to work in the back loop of the stitch only, creating a textured effect.

Body

Let’s start with creating the body of your crochet octopus. This series of rounds will give you the foundation for your adorable keychain buddy!

1. Rnd 1: 6sc in MR. Make a magic ring (MR) and work 6 single crochet (sc) stitches into it. Pull the ring tight to close it. Expected Result: You should have 6 stitches in your first round.
2. Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around. This means you will work 2 single crochet in each of the 6 stitches you just made. Expected Result: After this round, you will have 12 stitches total.
3. Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in next st] 6 times. Alternating between one single crochet and two single crochets increases your stitch count. Expected Result: This round will increase your total to 18 stitches.
4. Rnd 4: Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st, [sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the next st] 5 times. This round continues to build your octopus shape. Expected Result: You will have a total of 24 stitches.
5. Rnd 5: [Sc in the next 3sts, 2sc in the next st] 6 times. You are still increasing but now with a wider spacing. Expected Result: This will give you a total of 30 stitches.
6. Rnds 6-10: Sc in each st around. For these rounds, you will simply crochet one single stitch in each stitch. No increases here! Expected Result: At the end of Round 10, you will still have 30 stitches.
7. Rnd 11: [Sc in the next 3sts, sc2tog] 6 times. Now we begin to decrease to shape the top of your octopus’ body. Expected Result: You should have 24 stitches remaining.
8. Rnd 12: Sc in the next st, sc2tog, [sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog] 5 times, sc in the next st. Continue to decrease your stitch count. Expected Result: You’ll end this round with 18 stitches.
9. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 9 and 10. This step makes your octopus come alive with personality! Professional Tip: Place them evenly on both sides of the octopus for a balanced look.
10. Rnd 13: [Sc in the next 7sts, sc2tog] 2 times. You’re nearly finished with the body! Expected Result: This round should leave you with 16 stitches.
11. Rnd 14: Working in the BLO: [Sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog] 4 times. This round creates a decorative edge for your octopus. Expected Result: The stitch count decreases to 12.
12. Rnd 15: [Sc in the next st, sc2tog] 4 times. You’re refining the shape with this last round. Expected Result: You should finish with only 8 stitches.
13. Fasten off, close the hole. Once you have finished, use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends. Professional Tip: Ensure the closure is tight to avoid stuffing coming out later.

Adding the Arms

It’s time to give your octopus some personality with its arms! You can choose between long curly arms or short stubby arms.

Long Curly Arms

1. Rnd 1: Sl st into the previously marked st, *ch 9, working in the back bars of the ch: 2hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in the next 7ch, sl st in the next 2sts,* repeat. This will create adorable, hanging arms. Professional Tip: Adjust the number of chains if you want longer or shorter curls.
2. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Short Stubby Arms

1. Rnd 1: Sl st into the previously marked st, pc in the same st, [skip the next st, pc in the next st] 7 times, skip the next st, sl st. This gives a different texture and look. Expected Result: You will have a nice bulky feel for the arms.
2. Rnd 2: Ch 1, [Sc2tog] 4 times. Expected Result: This will reduce the stitch count further.
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. This will help you attach the arms to the body.

Add Facial Features

Using embroidery floss, stitch a mouth, cheeks, and any additional details you like to give your octopus character! Professional Tip: Use simple stitches for facial features to maintain a cute appearance.

Add a Keyring

If you’re using a keyring, attach it to the top center of the octopus’ body. This will allow you to easily carry your new creation with you! Expected Result: Your octopus keychain is now ready to make a statement!

Frequently Asked Questions

Gathering your supplies for the Crochet Octopus Keychain is an exciting first step in bringing this charming project to life! The right materials make all the difference, especially when you’re creating something as delightful as this little octopus. Below, you’ll find a list of everything you need to embark on this crochet adventure.

• Yarn: Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft (worsted weight 4-Medium, 100% acrylic) – This soft and durable yarn is perfect for beginners. Its smooth texture allows for easy crocheting, and it comes in a variety of vibrant colors to suit any octopus personality!
• Hook: Crochet Hook, Size E/4 (3.5 mm) – This hook size is ideal for the specified worsted yarn, ensuring that your stitches are neither too tight nor too loose, making it easier to maintain an even gauge.
• Stitch Marker(s): A stitch marker is invaluable in keeping track of your rounds, especially important for shaping the body of your octopus. It can help prevent any miscounting as you crochet!
• Scissors: Necessary for cutting your yarn cleanly. A good pair of craft scissors will give you a clean finish when it’s time to fasten off.
• Stuffing: Use stuffing to give your octopus its adorable, plump shape. Polyester fiberfill is recommended for a soft finish.
• Pins: Pins can be used to hold pieces together while assembling your octopus, especially when adding the arms or any facial features.
• Tapestry Needle: Required for weaving in ends and stitching pieces together neatly, ensuring a polished look.
• Safety Eyes (8 mm): Miniature safety eyes (or 4 mm for a smaller version) will give your octopus a cute and playful expression. Just be sure they are securely attached!
• Embroidery Floss: Black (DMC 310) and Pink (DMC 776 or DMC 956) – These optional colors are a fun way to add decorative facial features like a smile or rosy cheeks to personalize your octopus.
• Embroidery Needle: An optional tool to easily thread the embroidery floss for adding details.
• Dritz Disc Needle Pullers: Optional, but they can ease the process of pulling your embroidery needle through the yarn, especially when you’re working with tight stitches.
• Chopstick or Similar: An optional tool to help with stuffing the octopus if the openings are too small for your fingers.
• Keychain: An optional accessory that allows your octopus to hang nicely on keys or bags, making it a perfect practical gift.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to substitute yarn, ensure it’s the same weight for best results, and don’t be afraid to mix colors! Just remember to check your gauge to maintain the size of your finished octopus.

Congratulations on completing your charming Crochet Octopus Keychain! This delightful creation not only showcases your crochet skills but also brings a touch of whimsy to your everyday items. Don’t forget to share your finished masterpiece with fellow crafters; we’d love to see your unique take on this adorable pattern!

If you loved making this, you should also check out our easy crochet 3D flower, try your hand at this easy crochet flower, or explore our full collection of flower patterns!