Yeehaw! Welcome to one of the most fun, quick, and adorable crochet projects you can make: the Crocheted Cowboy Hat Keychain. Whether you are looking for a charming handmade gift, a brilliant way to use up your yarn scraps, or a cute accessory to clip onto your favorite backpack or set of keys, this little hat is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Best of all, this beginner-friendly project works up in just a single afternoon and lets you practice essential shaping and tension skills. Grab your hooks, and let’s rustle up some crafting fun!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Small amount of sport, DK, or worsted weight cotton yarn (cotton provides the best structure, but acrylic works wonderfully too). Traditional brown, vibrant pink, or classic black are great choices!
- Crochet Hook: Size matching your yarn, or one size down (e.g., a 3.0mm or 3.5mm hook) to create a nice, firm fabric that holds its shape.
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, and scissors.
- Hardware: Keyring, lobster clasp, or swivel hook to attach your finished hat.
- Optional: Small amount of fiberfill stuffing for the crown, and tiny beads, embroidery floss, or a contrasting yarn strand for a hat band.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- Ch: Chain
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Sl st: Slip stitch
- Sc: Single crochet
- Inc: Increase (work 2 sc in the same st)
- Dec: Decrease (work 2 sc together)
- BLO: Back loop only
- Note: Working in the round is continuous unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your first stitch.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Crown (Top of Hat): In a magic ring, work 6 sc. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Work an inc in each st around. (12 sts)
- Round 3: [Sc in next st, inc in next st] repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 4: Working in BLO only, sc in each st around. (18 sts)
- Rounds 5–6: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
- Optional: Lightly stuff the crown now if you want a rounded shape.
- Round 7 (Brim): Working in the Front Loops Only of this round, [sc in next st, inc in next st] repeat around. (27 sts)
- Round 8: Sc in each st around to create the rolled cowboy brim. (27 sts)
- Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing and attaching your hardware. Weave in any loose starting ends.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Firm Tension: Keep your stitches nice and snug. Using a slightly smaller hook than recommended for your yarn weight helps the tiny hat keep its rigid, realistic cowboy shape.
- Shape the Brim: Gently curl the sides of the brim upward with your fingers to give it that authentic cowboy hat curve. You can block it lightly with steam if needed.
- Add a Hat Band: Wrap a contrasting piece of yarn, embroidery floss, or thin ribbon around the base of the crown to give your hat extra personality.
- Secure the Hardware: Thread your long finishing tail through a keyring or swivel clasp, anchor it securely to the top or inside of the crown, and weave in all remaining ends so your keychain withstands daily use.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: