Hello, fellow yarn enthusiasts! If you are looking for a quick, quirky, and utterly charming project to add to your handmade collection, you have found it. The crochet cabbage keychain is a delightful little amigurumi piece that turns an everyday vegetable into a whimsical, conversation-starting accessory.
Miniature crochet projects are fantastic because they work up in no time, make wonderful gifts, and are a brilliant way to use up your yarn scraps. Whether you attach it to your everyday keys or use it as a cheerful bag charm, this little leafy creation is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn in light green (for the inner leaves) and dark green (for the outer leaves). Cotton yarn is ideal because it holds its shape firmly.
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm hook to ensure your stitches are tight and the stuffing doesn’t show.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, and scissors.
- Hardware: Keyring and a small jump ring or chain.
- Stuffing: A small amount of polyester fiberfill.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Notes: The core of the cabbage is worked in the round in a continuous spiral without joining. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- The Cabbage Core (Light Green Yarn):
Round 1: Start with a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work an inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat around. (18 sts)
Rounds 4–6: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
Lightly stuff the core with fiberfill.
Round 7: (Sc 1, dec) repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 8: Dec around. (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a short tail to weave closed. - The Outer Leaves (Dark Green Yarn):
To create the ruffled, layered look of a cabbage, we will add outer leaves directly onto the core base.
Attach your dark green yarn to the bottom or middle of the core.
*Ch 3, work 2 double crochet or sc into the same space, sl st to the next stitch to create a small ruffled leaf-like petal.*
Repeat this process staggered around the core for 6 to 8 leaves, creating 2 distinct layers (lower and upper leaves) so the cabbage looks full and wrapped. - Assembly:
Weave in all remaining loose yarn tails securely inside the core. Attach your keyring securely to the top or center of the cabbage using a strong loop of yarn or a metal jump ring threaded firmly through the stitches.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Keep your tension tight: Using a smaller hook than recommended for your yarn weight prevents the fiberfill stuffing from peeking through the gaps.
- Play with shades: Real cabbages feature a wonderful gradient of colors. Try using a pale yellow-green for the very center and a deep forest green for the outermost leaves.
- Secure your hardware: Make sure the yarn loop attaching your keyring is reinforced with a few extra knots or stitches so it won’t pull loose in daily use.
- Care instructions: If your keychain gets dirty, gently hand wash it in warm soapy water and let it air dry completely to maintain its cute round shape.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: