I remember the exact moment this little octopus came to life. I was digging through my stash bin, looking for a scrap of something cheerful, when I found a half-used ball of “Poly Cherry” yarn in a bright coral pink. The soft acrylic-polyester blend had just enough sheen to catch the light, and I knew it would be perfect for a tiny, tactile project. That single color decision turned a simple keychain into a little piece of joy I wanted to carry everywhere.
Yarn and Color Notes
The “Poly Cherry” brand yarn (or any similar acrylic/polyester blend) gives this octopus a smooth, defined stitch and a soft, squishable feel. Because the finished piece is only about 5–7 cm wide, a single skein will make several keychains in different colors. Coral, seafoam green, or a deep navy all work beautifully, but a bright, cheerful shade really makes the tentacles pop. The synthetic fiber also allows you to carefully melt the yarn ends for a clean finish (adults only, please), which is a nice touch for a small accessory that will see daily use.
Project Overview
This crochet octopus keychain is a quick, beginner-friendly amigurumi project. It features a soft, rounded body, eight textured tentacles, and an optional keychain loop and bow. The simple construction uses basic stitches and a two-piece assembly that creates the tentacles as you join the body, so there’s no sewing of tiny pieces. It makes a wonderful handmade gift or a cheerful addition to your own keys or bag.
Materials
- Yarn: “Poly Cherry” brand yarn, or any similar acrylic/polyester yarn (choose colors as desired)
- Hook: Size 4/0 (approx. 2.5 mm) crochet hook
- Lighter (for melting/singeing yarn ends—optional, adults only)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Key ring (to attach, optional)
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project. The main body should lay flat after round 3 and be about palm size. If you crochet tightly, the octopus will be a bit smaller.
Finished Size: Approximate finished size: 5–7 cm in diameter (will vary with yarn used and tension). The keychain loop adds about 6–8 cm in length. Exact dimensions may change based on materials and tension.
Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced Beginner. You should feel comfortable with: Magic ring, Chain (ch), Single crochet (sc), Double crochet (dc), Slip stitch (sl st), and Increasing with double crochets.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- MR – magic ring
- dc inc – double crochet increase (2 dc in 1 st)
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is written in rounds; always join as instructed with a slip stitch.
- Both parts of the body are made identically.
- The pattern uses standard US crochet terms.
- If using synthetic yarn, melt ends with a lighter for a clean finish (for adults only).
- You can swap out the yarn and hook size for a larger or smaller octopus.
Special Stitches
Magic Ring (MR): Form a small loop, hold tail. Insert hook, yarn over and pull up loop, ch 1 (to lock), then crochet into the ring.
Double Crochet Increase (dc inc): Work 2 dc in the same stitch.
Pattern Instructions
1. Main Body (Top & Bottom Sections)
Each piece is worked separately—make two identical circles.
Round 1: Make a magic ring (MR). Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work 11 dc into the ring (for a total of 12 dc). Join with sl st to top of starting ch-3. (12 dc total)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). 1 dc inc (1 dc in same stitch as ch-3—2 in first st). 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc total)
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 1 dc inc in next stitch (2 dc in next stitch). *Repeat from *: 1 dc in next st, 1 dc inc in next st, around. Total: 36 dc. Join with sl st to finish.
Make TWO of these flat circle pieces for the octopus top and bottom!
2. Assembly and Tentacles
Hold the two body pieces together (wrong sides facing in). Join yarn at the edge. Ch 1. Work 1 single crochet (sc) through both layers to start joining.
Repeat the following tentacle sequence four times: Ch 7, then work 3 sc into the next stitch (all through both layers). Continue: Join next segment by ch 7, 3 sc into the next st. Work this tentacle pattern until you have 4 tentacles completed, spaced evenly around.
To finish: Work 10 sc across the remaining section to close the body and finish joining both sides.
3. Keychain Strap
With new yarn at the front edge: Work 6 sc along the edge to provide a base for the strap. Ch 30 (or more for a longer loop). Sl st into the first ch to form the hanging loop. Work 6 more sc along the front edge, then join with 10 sc to secure.
To finish off: Cut yarn and (if desired) carefully melt the ends with a lighter (adults only!) to prevent fraying.
4. Ribbon/Bow Accessory
Make a magic ring. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, sl st into the ring (forms one half of the bow). Repeat this set to form the other half of the bow: Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, sl st into the ring. Tighten the ring. Leave a long tail, then wrap the tail around the center of the bow to create shape. Use the tail to sew or tie the bow onto the octopus.
Assembly
Check that all tentacles are secure and the body is fully closed with even sc along edges. Attach your key ring to the top loop. Sew or tie the bow accessory to the octopus as a cute finishing touch. Your finished octopus keychain should be about 5–7 cm wide, plus the keychain loop.
Tips
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds, especially when working the body circles.
- If you want a slightly larger or smaller octopus, simply change your yarn weight and hook size.
- For a cleaner finish on synthetic yarn, carefully melt the cut ends with a lighter (adults only).
- You can personalize your octopus by adding bead eyes or embroidering a small face.
FAQs
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
Yes, you can swap out the yarn and hook size for a larger or smaller octopus. Just keep in mind that the finished size will change.
Do I have to use a magic ring?
The magic ring is recommended for a tight, closed center, but you can also ch 4 and join to form a ring if you prefer.
How do I keep the tentacles from unraveling?
Weave in your ends securely, or if using synthetic yarn, carefully melt the ends with a lighter (adults only) for a clean, secure finish.
Can I make this without the keychain loop?
Absolutely. Simply omit the keychain strap section, and you’ll have a cute little octopus plushie or bag charm.
What if my tentacles are different lengths?
Try to keep your tension consistent when chaining for the tentacles. If they are slightly uneven, you can gently stretch them to match.
Is this pattern safe for children?
This pattern uses small parts like a key ring and optional melted ends. If making for a young child, skip the key ring and ensure all ends are woven in securely.
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