Adorable Cat Keychain Crochet for First-Time Makers

Want to make something cute and fun with yarn? Let me show you how I crochet a simple cat keychain that's absolutely adorable!

This project is easy, perfect for beginners, and only takes a little yarn and time. I love how charming it looks when finished. Follow along with me as I walk you through each step of making this tiny cat!

Step 1: Gather Your Crochet Cat Supplies

Before we start, here's what I use to make this little cat keychain.

To crochet the cat, I prepare:

• Orange and white yarn
• A 2.5 mm crochet hook
• A small amount of stuffing 
• Safety eyes, size 5mm
• A keychain ring
• Yarn needle and glue

These are easy to find and don't cost much. Let's dive in!

Step 2: Crochet the Magic Ring for the Head

We'll start with the cat's head using orange yarn. I make a magic ring and insert my hook. 

Then I pull the yarn through and chain 1. 

Inside the ring, I crochet 6 single crochets (SC), also known as X stitches. 

After that, I pull the ring tight with my fingers. No joining the round here—we'll work in a spiral!

Step 3: Increase to Shape the Cat Head

Now, we build up the round shape of the head by increasing.

Round 2: V Stitch in Every Stitch

I make 2 SC in each stitch from the first round. That's called a V stitch. 

I use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch, so I don't lose my place. At the end of this round, I have 12 stitches.

Round 3: 1 SC, 1 V Stitch Pattern

In this round, I do 1 SC in the first stitch, then 1 V stitch in the next. 

I repeat this pattern all the way around. It helps the head get wider evenly.

Round 4: 2 SC, 1 V Stitch Pattern

Here, I crochet 2 single crochets in the next 2 stitches, then a V stitch in the third. 

I keep doing this pattern to grow the circle nicely.

Round 5: 3 SC, 1 V Stitch Pattern

Next, I do 3 single crochets followed by 1 V stitch. 

This gives a rounder shape, perfect for the cat's head.

Step 4: Add Color Changes for the Cat Body

Now comes the fun part—changing colors to add cute details!

Round 6: Start Color Change to White Yarn

In this round, I crochet 1 SC in each stitch for 14 stitches using orange. 

Then I stop, keep the loop on my hook, and switch to white yarn. I pull the white yarn through to finish the stitch.

I make 1 SC using white. Since I need to switch back to orange, I leave the loop and change color again. 

I carry the white yarn along (called “crocheting over”) to keep it neat. Then, I continue SC in orange to finish the round.

Round 7: Repeat Color Transition

I do 13 SC with orange yarn. 

At the 14th stitch, I stop and switch to white again—I SC two stitches in white. 

Then, I switch back to orange for the rest of the round. 

That stripe is coming along nicely! Then I continue 14 SC stitches in orange to finish the round.

Round 8: Expand White Area Mid-Round

Now, I SC 12 stitches in orange. 

I change to white yarn and crochet 5 stitches. 

Then I go back to orange and finish the round with 13 SC. 

Each round makes the cat's belly look more real!

Step 5: Transition to All White for the Bottom

From this point, the rest of the head is all white.

Round 9: Use Only White Yarn From This Point

I drop the orange yarn and pull up the white yarn. I leave two loops on the hook and finish the stitch with white. 

I let the white yarn lie flat inside the piece to keep it from stretching too much when I stuff it.

I also crochet over the orange yarn so I can trim it later. Then I SC around without increasing—just 1 SC in each stitch.

Step 6: Decrease to Shape the Bottom of the Head

It's time to narrow the shape to close the cat's head.

Round 10: 3 SC, 1 Invisible Decrease (A)

Here I do 3 single crochets, then an invisible decrease (I call it stitch A). 

I repeat 3SC, 1A until the round ends.

Round 11: 2 SC, 1 A Pattern

This time I do 2 single crochets followed by stitch A. 

The shape is closing up now!

Round 12: 1 SC, 1 A Pattern

I crochet 1 SC, then 1 A. 

I keep repeating this to shrink the opening. 

At the end, I leave a long yarn tail to sew the opening shut.

Step 7: Stuff and Sew the Cat Head Closed

Let's add the stuffing and finish off the head. I fill the head with soft stuffing until it's nicely shaped. 

Then, I use my yarn needle to sew through the outer loops of each stitch. As I pull the yarn, the hole closes like magic. I weave the yarn tail into the piece to hide it. 

And now I have a cute round cat head!

Step 8: Attach the Cat Ears

Time to add those little ears!

Where to Place the Ears on the Head

I count from the top and choose rows 3 and 4 as my guide. That's where I place the ears on both sides.

Crochet Each Ear with Orange Yarn

I insert my hook into a stitch on row 4 and pull up orange yarn. 

Then I chain 3 and slip stitch into a stitch on row 3. 

I pull the yarn through and cut it. That's all it takes for one ear!

Sew and Curve the Ears for Realism

Using my needle, I sew the end of the ear slightly curved so it looks more natural. 

I secure it tight and hide the yarn. 

I do the same on the other side. Look at those cute little ears!

Step 9: Add Facial Features to Your Cat

Let's bring our kitty to life!

Glue on the Safety Eyes Evenly

I glue 5mm safety eyes in place. I make sure they are level and spaced evenly. The glue adds extra hold.

Sew Nose and Whiskers

I use black yarn to sew a small triangle nose right in the center.

Then, I add three whiskers on each side. These are just simple stitches—but they make the cat look so lively!

Step 10: Attach the Keyring to Finish

The final step! I take a keyring and attach it to the top of the head. You can thread yarn through or use a metal loop. I tie it tightly and trim any extra yarn. That's it—we're done!

Final Thoughts

This cute cat keychain is such a fun and easy project, isn't it? I love how each step brings the little kitty to life with just some yarn and creativity.

Why not try making one for yourself or as a sweet handmade gift? Grab your hook and some yarn, and enjoy the process—your tiny cat friend is waiting!