Welcome back, yarn friends! If you are looking for a quick, stash-busting project that is equal parts adorable and practical, you are going to love today’s guide. These mini crocheted donut keychains are fantastic for using up scrap yarn, making sweet handmade gifts, or stocking your shop for upcoming craft fairs.
Best of all? They work up in just a few minutes using basic stitches and minimal materials. Let’s grab our hooks and whip up a batch of sweet treats!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Sport or DK weight cotton yarn in Donut color (tan/brown) and Icing color (pink, white, etc.)
- Small scraps of colorful yarn for embroidered sprinkles
- Matching crochet hook (e.g., 2.5mm or 3.0mm to keep stitches tight)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Keychain finding and jump ring
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- inv-dec: invisible decrease
- sl st: slip stitch
- Note: The donut base is worked in continuous rounds without joining, unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your first stitch.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Donut Base: With your donut-colored yarn, ch 12 and join with a sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
- Round 1: Work 1 sc in each chain around (12 sc).
- Round 2: (1 sc, inc) repeat around (18 sc).
- Rounds 3–5: Work 1 sc in each st around (18 sc).
- Round 6: (1 sc, inv-dec) repeat around (12 sc). Stuff lightly with fiberfill before closing.
- Round 7: Work inv-dec 6 times (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and weave it through the front loops of the remaining stitches to pull the hole closed securely.
- Icing: With your icing-colored yarn, ch 12 and join with a sl st. Work [sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc] in the same chain to create drips, skipping and slip-stitching around the ring to fit the top of the donut. Fasten off.
- Assembly: Embroider colorful french knots or straight stitches onto the icing piece for sprinkles. Sew the finished icing securely onto the top of the donut base. Attach your keychain finding using a secure yarn loop or jump ring.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Maintain Tight Tension: Use a crochet hook that is one size smaller than recommended for your yarn weight. This prevents the polyester stuffing from peeking through your stitches.
- Embroider Before Assembly: It is much easier to add your sprinkle details to the icing piece *before* you sew it onto the donut base.
- Secure Your Keyring: Double-check that your keychain attachment is securely anchored through several stitches of the donut so it won’t pull loose with daily use.
- Care Instructions: If your keychain gets dirty, gently hand wash it with mild soap and let it air dry in its natural circular shape.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: