Mini crochet projects always cheer me up! That's why today, I'm super excited to share how I make this adorable crochet mini bear keychain. It's cute, fun, and perfect as a gift or accessory for your bag.
The best part? It's beginner-friendly and doesn't take long to complete. Let me walk you through every step so you can make one, too!
Contents
Materials You'll Need
Before we jump into the crocheting, let me show you what I use to make this tiny bear.
Here's what I prepare:
- Milk cotton yarn in two colors (beige and dark brown)
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- Stuffing (just a little bit)
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors
- Keychain ring
Got your supplies ready? Let's start with the first leg!
Making the First Leg
We'll begin with the beige yarn and build from the legs upward. This part sets the foundation!
Step 1: Create a Magic Ring
I start with a magic ring, then chain 1.
Step 2: Round 1 – 6 Single Crochets (X Stitches)
Into the ring, I crochet 6 single crochets. These are X-shaped stitches, not the V-shaped ones.
Once all six are in, I pull the yarn to tighten the ring.
Step 3: Round 2 – Crochet in Spiral
In this round, I crochet in a spiral, not a joined round.
- Into the first stitch, I make 1 single crochet and place a stitch marker there.
- Into the second stitch, I do an increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch), also called a V stitch.
Then, I repeat the pattern: 1 single crochet, 1 increase — all the way to the end of the round.
This finishes one leg of the bear!
Now, I cut off the yarn, remove the stitch marker, make a slip stitch into the first stitch to close the round, and set it aside.
Making the Second Leg and Connecting
Let's crochet the second leg the same way and then attach the legs together. This part is slightly more technical, but I'll guide you through it clearly!
Step 4: Crochet Second Leg
I repeat all the steps to make a second leg — but don't cut the yarn this time!
Step 5: Round 3 – Join the Legs Together
- From where I ended the second leg, I make 1 single crochet and place the stitch marker.
- Then I crochet into the next 8 stitches on this leg.
Now, I move to the second leg and:
- Make 1 single crochet in the next stitch
- Then, make 8 more single crochets into the next stitches on that leg.
That completes Round 3.
You'll notice a tiny gap between the legs. I use a sewing needle to stitch that closed, and it looks neat and secure after!
Building the Body
Now that the legs are connected, we'll start building the round little body of this mini bear.
Round 4: Add Increases Again
- I crochet: 1 single crochet, 1 single crochet, then 1 increase.
- This round follows the pattern: 2 single crochets, 1 increase — repeated to the end.
Rounds 5 and 6: No Increases
For both these rounds, I just crochet 1 single crochet in each stitch. It's easy and meditative — I love this part!
Round 7: Arms and Body
Here comes the fun part — giving this bear little arms using bobble stitches!
- I start with 5 single crochets.
- Then I make the bobble stitch:
- Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops, and leave the last loop on the hook
- Repeat that 3 more times (so 4 times total)
- Now I have 5 loops on my hook
- Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops — done!
Next, I make 12 single crochets.
Then, another bobble stitch, just like before.
I finish Round 7 with 5 more single crochets.
Now it's starting to look like a tiny bear!
Rounds 8 to 11: Even Rounds
It's time to add a few more rounds to shape the top of the body. These rounds are straightforward.
- Just 1 single crochet into each stitch, with no increases or decreases.
- I repeat this pattern for four rounds.
It builds up the height of the bear nicely.
Shaping the Head and Stuffing
Before we close up the bear, let's shape the head and fill the body with stuffing.
Round 12: Begin Decreasing
- I crochet: 1 single crochet, 1 single crochet, then an invisible decrease.
- Pattern: 2 single crochets, 1 decrease — repeated until the round ends.
Round 13: More Decreasing
This time, the pattern is: 1 single crochet, 1 decrease — repeat to end.
I remove the stitch marker, pull the yarn up a bit, and start stuffing the body.
I carefully fill both legs evenly and adjust the stuffing with my fingers so the bear stands nicely.
Round 14: Final Decrease Round
In this round, I do 6 decreases to close the body.
Then, I cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
Using my yarn needle, I sew the opening shut, only stitching through the outer loops of the remaining stitches.
The shape looks so cute!
Making and Attaching the Ears
Let's give this bear some ears! These are quick and easy.
Crochet Two Ears
For each ear:
- I make a magic ring, chain 1, and then crochet 6 single crochets into the ring.
- Pull tight, and make a slip stitch into the first stitch.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.
- I use the needle to pull the yarn tail through the first stitch and bring it to the back.
I make two ears like this.
Sew on the Ears
I sew the ears onto the top of the head between rounds 2 and 4. One on each side — they look so symmetrical and sweet!
Finishing the Face
A bear's not complete without its cute little face! This is my favorite part.
Using dark brown yarn, I count down to between rounds 6 and 7 on the head and mark the center.
- I sew the nose right at the center point.
- I place each eye one stitch away from the nose on each side.
After sewing, I hide the yarn ends — now the face is done!
Add the Keychain Ring
For the final step, I attach the keychain ring to the top of the head. I sew it in firmly so it doesn't fall off.
And that's it — my mini bear keychain is finished! Isn't it the cutest thing ever?
In A Nutshell
This little bear always makes me smile, and I hope it brings you just as much joy! Try making one today and add it to your bag, give it as a gift, or hang it in your car.
Did you enjoy this crochet tutorial? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments — I'd love to see your bear buddy!