Welcome, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a quick, adorable, and deeply satisfying project, you are going to fall head over heels for this crocheted strawberry keychain. Not only is it a fantastic stash-buster that takes just a fraction of your leftover yarn, but it also makes a wonderful handmade gift or a charming bag charm for yourself.
Working up in just an hour or two, this little project is beginner-friendly while still being fun for advanced crafters. Let’s grab our hooks and whip up something sweet!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn in Red (strawberry body), Green (leaves), and a tiny bit of Yellow or White (for embroidered seeds). Cotton yarn is recommended for durability and clean stitch definition.
- Crochet Hook: Size 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm (ensure your hook is small enough to keep the stitches tight so the stuffing doesn’t show).
- Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, and a keychain ring or clasp.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- invdec: Invisible Decrease (sc 2 stitches together through the front loops)
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- Note: The strawberry is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Round 1 (Red): Start with a MR, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
- Round 2: [sc in next st, inc in next st] repeat 3 times. (9 sts)
- Round 3: [sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] repeat 3 times. (12 sts)
- Round 4: [sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st] repeat 3 times. (15 sts)
- Round 5: [sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st] repeat 3 times. (18 sts)
- Round 6: [sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st] repeat 3 times. (21 sts)
- Rounds 7–9: sc in all 21 sts around. (21 sts)
- Round 10: [sc in next 5 sts, invdec] repeat 3 times. (18 sts)
- Round 11: [sc in next st, invdec] repeat 6 times. (12 sts). Start stuffing the strawberry firmly with fiberfill here.
- Round 12 (Green): Switch to green yarn. Work [invdec] 6 times. (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a short tail to close the hole.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Embroider the Seeds: Before closing up the top completely, use your yarn needle and yellow or white yarn to add small, scattered vertical stitches onto the red body for a realistic strawberry look.
- Close the Top: Thread the remaining green tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches and pull tight to close the opening. Weave in all loose ends securely.
- Attach the Hardware: Securely attach your keychain ring or clasp to the top stem of the strawberry using sturdy thread or a jump ring.
- Maintain Even Tension: Keep your stitches nice and snug so the fiberfill doesn’t peek through the gaps of your crochet fabric.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: