Hello, fellow crafters! Welcome to one of our favorite eco-friendly projects. Today, we are combining upcycling with simple crochet stitches to create a unique, sturdy, and meaningful cross-shaped keychain. By using a recycled tin lid as the hidden base, your crochet work gets built-in structure while giving everyday waste a gorgeous second life.
Whether you want to make a thoughtful handmade gift, a charming bag accessory, or a personal keepsake for your keys, this quick and rewarding stash-busting project is a wonderful way to practice your stitching. Let’s gather our supplies and get crafting!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Recycled tin lid (cleaned thoroughly with any sharp edges smoothed down)
- Small amount of cotton yarn (Sport or DK weight recommended for neat, durable stitches)
- Crochet hook sized appropriately for your yarn (usually 2.5mm to 3.5mm)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Sharp scissors
- Metal keyring or lobster clasp
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- Note 1: Ensure your tin lid is completely clean and safe to handle before beginning.
- Note 2: Maintain a firm, consistent tension so the crochet hugs the metal base securely.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Clean your recycled tin lid and ensure no sharp burrs remain.
- Foundation Round: Join your yarn to the lid and work a round of evenly spaced single crochet (sc) stitches directly around the outer edge of the tin lid until the rim is completely enclosed. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Build the Cross Shape: Working from your covered base, chain a set number of stitches to form the vertical and horizontal extensions of the cross, securing them back into the base structure with sc and sl st rows. Keep your stitch counts symmetrical on opposing arms (e.g., matching lengths for the left and right sides) to ensure a balanced shape.
- Edging: Work a neat round of sc around the entire outer perimeter of the crocheted cross to give it a polished, clean finish. Fasten off, leaving a short tail.
- Weaving Ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in all loose yarn ends securely into the back of the crochet work.
- Attach the Keyring: Create a small reinforced crochet loop or attach a jump ring at the top of the cross, then secure your metal keyring or clasp through it.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Always double-check that your tin lid edges are completely dull or covered by the first round of stitching to prevent scratching.
- Cotton yarn is ideal for this project because it has very little stretch and provides a crisp, professional definition to your stitches.
- If your tin lid has a shiny surface that shows through, use a scrap of yarn to loosely wrap the metal base before starting your crochet stitches for better coverage.
- Feel free to experiment with contrasting yarn colors for the border or add simple embroidered details to personalize your keychain!
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: