Handmade Free Crochet Octopus Keychain + Tutorial Inspiration

Give your accessories a unique twist by stitching an adorable octopus keychain using a completely free and simple crochet guide loved by crocheters.

While working late one night, my hands found comfort in making a small, soft octopus. Its sensual tentacles and cute face brought instant charm to my dull keychain. Vibrant colors and a plush form make it hard to resist squeezing, and this playful buddy is a favorite for kids who need a gentle fidget toy or students looking for a cheerful backpack addition.

Adorable Free Crochet Octopus Keychain Pattern for Beginners

On my busiest days, a squishy little octopus on my bag has made all the difference. It takes only a bit of yarn and patience to give keys a pop of color and a smile. These tiny amigurumi friends fit right in a palm and double as cute companions and quick gifts for anyone who could use a little joy.

I surprised my niece with a brightly colored octopus charm and saw her anxiety ease as she played with its springy arms. Soft, plump, and easy to attach to any zipper or case, its happy eyes and simple shape bring a sense of calm and style wherever they hang.

About the Designer:

Márcia Souza Crochê is well-known for her welcoming, easy-to-follow tutorials that empower crochet lovers of all levels. With a warm and patient teaching style, she makes even the trickiest patterns feel manageable for anyone who visits her channel.

Crochet Octopus Keychain - Beginner-Friendly Pattern

This adorable amigurumi octopus works up quickly and makes the perfect handmade gift, accessory for your keys, or a cute addition to backpacks and handbags. The simple techniques used in this project make it ideal for those starting out with crochet or amigurumi. Each step is carefully explained, with helpful tips to ensure a satisfying, polished finish. Switch up colors and yarn sizes for endless customization possibilities!

Pattern Basic Points

Key Features

Beginner-focused instructions-easy-to-follow with clear steps.
Made in the round for a seamless look.
Simple spiral tentacles for playful movement.
Customizable size based on yarn and hook used.
Firm, neat finish that's perfect for daily wear as a keychain.

Special Notes

Use the yarn tail from the magic ring to create a sturdy loop for attaching your keychain hardware.
Safety eyes are a choking hazard for young children-embroider the eyes on for a toddler-safe version.
Use cotton yarn for better durability and neat spirals.
Each step is marked with the stitches to use and where to place your increases and decreases.

Skill Level

Beginner
This pattern is designed especially for crocheters who are new to amigurumi techniques. Only basic stitches are used, and everything is explained step by step, making it an ideal project for first-timers.

Materials

Anne yarn (or Amigurumi yarn for a slightly larger octopus)
1.75 mm crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Polyester stuffing (or use fabric/yarn scraps)
A pair of safety eyes (amigurumi eyes)
Keychain ring and a jump ring

Measurements / Sizing

Finished size: Approximately 1.5" to 2" tall (4-5 cm), not including hardware, when made with Anne yarn and a 1.75 mm hook.
The size will increase if you use thicker yarn and a larger hook.

Gauge

Gauge is not especially important for this project, but for reference:

8 stitches x 4 rows = 1 inch in double crochet with suggested materials.

Stitch Abbreviations

MR - magic ring
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
dc - double crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dec - decrease (dc2tog: double crochet 2 together)
st(s) - stitch(es)

Special Stitches

Magic Ring (MR): Adjustable starting loop for crocheting in the round.
dc2tog (Decrease): Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Detailed Pattern

Body

Round 1:

Make a magic ring with a long tail (about one palm's length; you'll use this for the keychain loop later).
Work 12 double crochet (dc) stitches into the ring.
Slip stitch (sl st) to join to first dc.
(Total: 12 dc)

Round 2:

Chain 3, then work 2 dc into each stitch around (increase round).
Slip stitch to join.
(Total: 24 dc)

Keychain Loop

Using the leftover yarn tail from your magic ring, make a secure knot on the inside of the body.
Chain 6 stitches to create the loop.
Secure the end inside the body with a knot and weave in any excess yarn.

Main Body Structure

Rounds 3-5:

Chain 3, then work 1 dc in each stitch around (maintain 24 dc per round).
Slip stitch to join at the end of each round.
Repeat for three rounds to build the body's height.

Round 6 (Decrease):

Chain 3, then [1 dc in next stitch, dc2tog across next two stitches] * repeat around.
End with a slip stitch to join.
(Total: 16 dc)

Round 7:

Chain 3, then 1 dc in each stitch around (16 dc).
Slip stitch to join.

Tentacles

The last round consists of 16 stitches. Create 8 tentacles by working into every other stitch. For each tentacle:

In the next stitch, chain 20.
Skip 2 chains, then work 3 half double crochet (hdc) in each of the next 5 chains to create the spiral.
In the remaining chains, work 1 hdc in each chain up to the tentacle base.
Slip stitch into the next stitch on the body to anchor your tentacle.
Repeat to make a total of 8 tentacles all the way around.

Eyes and Finishing

Attach Eyes:

Insert safety eyes between the last two rounds of the body, leaving about 2-3 stitches between them.

Stuff the Body:

Fill the octopus with polyester stuffing to give it a plump shape. Be careful not to overstuff.

Bottom Closure:

Make a new magic ring with 16 dc, pull tight, and fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Sew this circle neatly to the bottom of the body opening using your tapestry needle, closing the stuffing inside.

Final Assembly

Attach a jump ring to the crocheted loop at the top of your octopus.
Then attach the keychain ring to finish.

Assembly & Finished Size

Your octopus should look chubby and playful, with eight curly tentacles, safely secured eyes, and a sturdy loop for your keychain hardware. Finished size is approximately 1.5"-2" (excluding hardware) if made with suggested materials.

Conclusion

You've just created a charming little Crochet Octopus Keychain that's sure to brighten up your day, or someone else's! This pattern is not only a quick and rewarding project but also teaches fundamental amigurumi skills.