If you’re looking for a fun, fast, and creative project, learning how to make cute & adorable crochet emoji keychains is the perfect place to start! These tiny accessories are not only charming but also practical and universally loved. Whether you’re creating them as gifts, selling them at craft fairs, or just adding flair to your own keyring or backpack, crochet emoji keychains are ideal for every skill level—from complete beginners to seasoned crafters.
Using a simple crochet pattern, these mini keychains can be made in less than an hour and customized with a wide variety of expressions—from the smiling face to the heart eyes emoji. They’re a wonderful way to practice basic amigurumi techniques, explore color changes, and get creative with facial expressions using embroidery or felt cutouts.
In this tutorial, you’ll discover how to crochet your very own emoji keychain step-by-step, complete with materials list, yarn choices, stuffing tips, measurements, and instructions on how to attach it to a keyring. The best part? You’ll finish with something that brings a smile to everyone’s face—and maybe even go viral online with your handmade emoji flair.

🧶 Materials You Need to Start Your Crochet Emoji Keychain
Before jumping into the pattern, it’s essential to gather your supplies. Because these keychains are small, you won’t need much yarn, but quality and accuracy make a big difference in the final look.
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Yarn Choice
For a standard emoji, choose worsted-weight cotton yarn in bright yellow. Cotton is ideal because it holds shape well and doesn’t fuzz over time. You’ll also need small amounts of black, white, and red yarn (or felt) for the facial features. -
Hook Size
A 3.0 mm or 3.5 mm crochet hook is perfect for tight stitches. You want the fabric firm enough to hold stuffing without gaps, especially for amigurumi-style crochet. -
Other Tools
You’ll need:-
A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidering details
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Stitch marker (optional)
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Scissors
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Polyester stuffing (a small handful)
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Keyring with chain
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Felt and Fabric Glue (Optional)
If you prefer to glue on facial features instead of embroidering them, cut small circles and shapes from colored felt. Fabric glue or hot glue works well. -
Stitching Notes
This crochet pattern is worked in continuous rounds (not joined), so always mark your first stitch to keep count. -
Finished Size
Each emoji keychain will measure approximately 2.5 to 3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in diameter, depending on yarn and hook size.
🪡 Step-by-Step Pattern for Your Crochet Emoji Base
The base of the emoji keychain is a simple flat or slightly stuffed round shape. Think of it like a mini amigurumi ball—only you stop before it gets too spherical.
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Start with a Magic Ring
Begin with a magic ring using yellow yarn. Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull it tight. (6 sts total) -
Round 2: Increase
Work 2 sc in each stitch around. You’ll now have 12 stitches. (12 sts) -
Round 3: More Increases
Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, repeat around. (18 sts) -
Round 4: Even More Increases
Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next, repeat around. (24 sts) -
Rounds 5–7: Maintain Size
Sc in each stitch around for 3 rounds. This creates height and allows for light stuffing. Keep stitches tight. -
Round 8: Begin Decreasing
Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog (decrease), repeat around. (18 sts) Add a small amount of stuffing. -
Round 9: Decrease More
Sc in next stitch, sc2tog, repeat around. (12 sts) Add more stuffing if needed. -
Round 10: Final Round
Sc2tog around to close. Fasten off, use a needle to close the gap and hide the yarn tail inside the ball.
😊 Creating the Emoji Faces: Embroidery or Felt?
Now that you’ve finished the round yellow base of your crochet emoji keychain, it’s time to give it some character. Choose your favorite emoji expression and recreate it with felt or embroidery.
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Smile Emoji
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Use black yarn or felt to make a curved smile.
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Add small white felt circles for eyes or stitch them with white yarn.
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Heart Eyes Emoji
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Cut out two small red felt hearts and glue or stitch them where the eyes go.
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Use black yarn to embroider a wide open smile.
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Winking Emoji
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One eye is a small horizontal black dash, the other a circular felt dot.
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Add a fun grin or tongue for personality.
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Crying-Laughing Emoji
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Embroider blue teardrops coming from each eye using thread or felt.
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Make a sideways laughing mouth using black yarn.
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Attaching Features
Glue or stitch the features carefully so they are secure. Remember, keychains are handled a lot—durability is key. -
Customization Tips
You can even design custom emoji expressions that reflect your mood or initials. Use pink yarn for blush, or sparkly felt for eyes!
🔑 Final Touches: Assembling Your Crochet Emoji Keychain
Your emoji face is now complete—but it’s not a keychain yet! Here’s how to turn it into the perfect on-the-go accessory.
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Add a Keyring Loop
Cut a 3-inch piece of matching yellow yarn. Thread it through the top of the emoji and knot it securely to the chain on your keyring. You can also crochet a chain of 5–6 stitches and attach it as a loop. -
Secure With a Knot
Reinforce the knot with a dab of glue so the yarn doesn’t unravel. This makes it more secure for travel use. -
Alternative Option: Split Ring Insertion
Use a small metal split ring. Insert it directly through a stitch on the emoji. Then connect it to the keyring chain. -
Personalized Tags
Add a name tag or charm to make it even more unique. You can crochet small initials or sew a tiny label onto the back. -
Finishing Touches
Check for any loose ends, snip any visible thread, and give your emoji a quick gentle roll between your hands to smooth it out. -
Ready to Gift or Sell
Package your emoji keychains in a small organza bag or attach to a gift card. They’re perfect for party favors, Etsy shops, or birthday presents.
💡 Tips for Selling, Gifting, and Displaying Crochet Emoji Keychains
You’ve mastered how to make cute & adorable crochet emoji keychains, and now you want to share them with the world. Here are some final tips to maximize their appeal.
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Craft Fair Favorites
Display your emoji keychains in clear jars or hanging on hooks. Create a fun emoji chart so buyers can choose their mood! -
Bulk Orders for Parties
Make sets for birthday favors or classroom rewards. Kids and teens love emoji-themed accessories. -
Add Scent or Essential Oils
Infuse a drop of essential oil into the stuffing before closing the emoji to create a scented keychain. -
Use Scrap Yarn
This project is ideal for using up leftover yarn from other crochet patterns—especially bright colors and small scraps. -
Photo Tips for Online Selling
Take clear, well-lit photos. Place your keychains on neutral backgrounds and show scale by including them with keys or bags. -
Cleaning & Care
Gently hand-wash if needed, and reshape while damp. Advise buyers to avoid soaking the felt or heavily embroidered faces.
Creating crochet emoji keychains is an incredibly fun and rewarding way to enjoy crafting while creating something people instantly recognize and love. Whether you’re new to crochet patterns or looking for your next weekend project, these little cuties offer creativity, practicality, and charm—all in a few stitches.
So grab your yarn, hook, and your favorite emoji for inspiration, and start stitching today! 😊🔑