Easy Every Day Crochet Wristlet Keychain Pattern

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It’s summer! And this sometimes means road trips and and of course this means packing a few small projects to make those long drives a little more fun (and a little less endless). A quick project is a must, especially when you’re headed to the beach, the cottage, or just tagging along on errands.

A jute bag with five crocheted keychains in green, gray, yellow, pink, and white—each made using a free crochet keychain pattern—hanging from the handle, displayed against a white background.

That’s where these easy crochet wristlet keychains come in. They’re the perfect way to use up scrap yarn and leftover yarn from your other crochet creations, and they’re made with just single crochet and chain stitches… super simple, even if you’re brand new to crochet.

I used cotton yarn for mine because it holds up well and keeps its shape, but you can play with different colors, yarn weights, or even go for thinner yarn if you want a more delicate look.

Ten easy crocheted wristlet keychains in various colors, each with a silver lobster clasp, are arranged neatly in two rows on a white surface. The keychains display a textured, woven pattern—perfect for trying out a free crochet pattern.

Whether you’re road tripping to your favourite sunny spot, waiting at the airport, or just relaxing at home, this is a quick project you’ll love keeping in your back pocket (or, you know, your project bag).

A jute tote bag with tomatoes and bread sits on a rustic wooden table next to a basket of tomatoes at an outdoor farmers market, where free crochet keychain patterns are also available among the fresh produce in the background.

It’s easy, it’s portable, and it’s one of those fun projects that doesn’t ask for much. Just a little bit of yarn, a crochet hook, and a little time to unwind well and of course a keyring.

Three photos show crocheted wristlet keychains in pastel colors. One image features keychains beside a small purse, yarn, and a crochet hook; one highlights four keychains; the last displays them held in hand—a perfect project for any free crochet pattern fan.
​Scroll down for the free crochet pattern!

Why You’ll Love This Project

I started making these back in April, and didn’t want to stop. They’re such an easy and fun crochet project but also so useful, and they come together so quickly! 

When my son and husband were leaving for Ireland we attached these keychains to their suitcases with their luggage tag.  No guessing whose black suitcase was whose on the conveyor belt.

Crocheted keychains in various colors are arranged in a circle with their metal key rings in the center. Close-up shots on the sides highlight the textured patterns and vibrant colors of each easy keychain.

Then I added one to my key fob and realized how helpful it was to find my keys in my purse. That little crochet piece stands out, even in a messy bag! It’s a fun accessory that’s actually useful and makes a great gift which is always a win in my books.

Three crocheted keychain wristlets in green, tan, and white lie on a white surface next to a ball of tan yarn and a set of keys—perfect for trying out a new free crochet pattern.

Want to Make a Lanyard Instead?

You can easily turn this cute keychain into a full crochet lanyard, the only thing that changes is the length!

Start the exact same way as they wristlet and crochet until it is about 34 to 36 inches long. This gives you a lanyard that’s roughly 17 to 18 inches when folded in half and worn around your neck. 

Nine crocheted keychains in various colors, each with a silver clasp, are arranged in parallel rows on a white background. Discover inspiration for your own creations with these vibrant crochet keychain patterns free to try.

After adjusting the chain length, just follow the exact same steps as you would for the wristlet. Same stitches, same fold, same lobster clasp attachment and thats it!

This is a great way to make great gifts for teachers, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates handmade everyday accessories.

What Kind of Yarn Should You Use?

I made these using worsted weight yarn, specifically cotton yarn and I think they turned out beautifully. Cotton yarn is sturdy and holds its shape, making it great for key chains, zipper pulls, or any item that gets a bit of wear and tear.

A potted green plant sits beside a crochet hook, a ball of beige yarn, and three keychains made using free crochet keychain patterns in green, tan, and cream colors on a white surface.

That said, I’m also excited to make a few with acrylic yarn, especially since fall is coming and I have some warm fall colours tucked away in my stash. These would be beautiful worked up in dk weight yarn, or even a thinner yarn if you’re going for something more delicate.

A collection of crocheted keychains or wristlets in various colors showcases unique crochet keychain patterns, all artfully arranged overlapping on a white background.

This is the perfect way to dive into your stash and try out different colours, various sizes, and whatever type of yarn you’ve been holding onto. Because you only need a bit of yarn, it’s the ultimate stash buster!

What Makes This Stitch So Great?

If you’ve tried my Lacey Headband, you’ll recognize the stitch an easy combo of basic crochet stitches: single crochets and chains. Super beginner-friendly, super relaxing.

It’s one of those easy crochet textures that looks a bit fancier than it is. I use it all the time for simple crochet projects like scarves, dishcloths, and now these cute wristlets.

Be sure to check out all the free crochet patterns using this stitch!

The Perfect Little Gift (Seriously!)

These are great gifts, whether it’s a school gift, party favour, Valentine’s Day token, or a stocking stuffer. Add a lip balm or a little personal touch like a charm, and you’ve got the perfect little gifts that people actually use.

Five crocheted keychain straps in pink, green, beige, white, and gray are arranged in a fan shape on a white background. Each features a silver lobster clasp at the top—perfect for showing off your favorite crochet keychain pattern.

Because it’s such a quick project, you can batch a bunch in one evening they are perfect for craft fairs, holiday season prep, or just stocking your gift drawer.

They’re also a fun project for using up leftover yarn or those new skeins you’ve been dying to play with. I love when a creative idea turns leftover bits into something adorable and useful.

Free Step-by-Step Pattern

As always, I’ve put together a free step-by-step pattern that walks you through the whole process. This easy crochet pattern is perfect for all skill levels, even if you’re brand new or just want a chill easy project to keep your hands busy.

Material list for a crochet project featuring free crochet keychain patterns: includes a 4.00 mm hook, 25 grams worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle, stitch markers, ruler or measuring tape, and lobster claw clasp. Yarn ball graphic in the lower right corner.

What You’ll Need:


A blue circular logo with a white outline illustration of a ball of yarn in the center. The words YARN SUBSTITUTIONS are written in a white circular path around the design, perfect for finding the right yarn for your crochet maple leaf pattern. Free crochet pattern

If you’re making this project and wondering what yarn to use, I’ve got you covered! I almost always reach for worsted weight 100% cotton yarns—they’re durable, absorbent, and hold up beautifully over time. Whether you’re making home decor, accessories, or baby items, these cottons are a great choice.

Bernat Handicrafter Cotton

The Bernat Handicrafter Cotton—thick, sturdy, and great for washcloths, coasters, and more. It has a matte texture and a dense feel, which gives your stitches really nice definition. If you’ve used it before, you know it’s a solid workhorse yarn.

Knit Picks Dishie

Dishie is probably the closest match to Handicrafter in terms of texture and weight. It’s a worsted weight 100% cotton that’s slightly smoother than Handicrafter, but still super durable. It also comes in a huge range of colours.

Lily Sugar’n Cream

Another long-time favourite, is Lily Sugar’n Cream in both weight and texture. It’s also 100% cotton and super sturdy, with a slightly more rustic feel. It works up nicely for everything from dishcloths to baskets and is widely available in stores.

You can’t go wrong with any of these! If you’re not sure what to choose, Knit Picks Dishie is a top pick when people want something super close to Bernat Handicrafter, especially for beginner-friendly projects.


🛒 Where to Buy Cotton Yarn Online

➡️ I’ll link the lobster clasp keyring set I use from Amazon they’re super affordable and give your wristlets that polished, professional look.

🇺🇸 Amazon.com Lobster Clasp
🇨🇦 Amazon.ca Lobster Clasp

Let’s Get Hooking!

So if you’re looking for a quick project that turns a bit of yarn into something functional, beautiful, and very giftable—this is it. Whether you’re prepping for the holiday season, filling your table for craft fairs, or just relaxing on a road trip, this is a go-to easy crochet pattern you’ll come back to again and again.

Happy crocheting and safe travels wherever the summer takes you!

Hugs,
Cyp

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Skill Level 

Beginner

Abbreviations

  • ch – chain
  • sc – single crochet
  • sk – skip 
  • st – stitch
  • sts – stitches
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • rpt – repeat

Gauge

Not required for this design 

Finished Measurements

12” in total length – 6” when folded in half and worn on wrist

Materials Needed

Instructions for Wristlet Keychain

Want to Make a Lanyard Instead?

You can easily turn this cute little wristlet into a full crochet lanyard—the only thing that changes is the length!

Instead of starting with a short chain for a wristlet, simply begin with a longer foundation chain, about 34 to 36 inches long. This will give you a finished lanyard that’s roughly 17 to 18 inches when folded in half and worn around your neck—perfect for holding keys, ID badges, or even mini wallets.

After adjusting the chain length, just follow the exact same steps as you would for the wristlet. Same stitches, same fold, same clasp attachment.  It’s that easy!

Chain 4

Row 1: (Sc, ch 2, sc) in 2nd ch from the hook, skip next st. *(sc, ch 2, sc) in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Repeat until pieces measures 12 inches: (Sc, ch 2, sc) in each ch 2 space. For a total of 2 ch 2 spaces. Ch 1, turn.  Leave long tail of yarn for attaching to wristlet – I left about 16-18”.

How to Add a Lobster Claw Clasp to a Crochet Wristlet Keychain

Once you’ve finished crocheting your wristlet, adding a lobster claw clasp is the final step—and it’s super easy! Here’s how to do it:

What You’ll Need:

  • Your finished crochet wristlet keychain
  • Lobster claw clasp with D-ring
  • Yarn needle or tapestry needle

Step 1: Fold the Wristlet
Fold your crocheted strip in half so the two short ends are touching. Make sure there are no twists in the band.

Step 2: Line up the Flat End of the D-Ring
Line up the straight side of the d-ring beside the short edges. 

Three-step collage showing hands with red nail polish using a yarn needle to sew together pieces of brown crochet fabric up close, demonstrating an easy finishing or joining technique, perfect for keychain projects or following a free crochet pattern.

Step 3: Sew It Closed
Using your yarn needle and matching yarn, sew around the metal ring and through the two short ends of the wristlet together just below the metal ring. Work through both layers securely, creating a tight seam to hold the clasp in place.  

Three close-up panels show hands with red nail polish using a yarn needle to weave in yarn ends on a brown crocheted piece, demonstrating steps you can use when finishing projects like a free crochet pattern for a keychain or wristlet.

I like to go over this seam a few times for extra strength—it’s the part that takes the most stress when pulling.

Step 4: Weave in Your Ends
Once the clasp is secure, weave in your yarn tail and trim any excess yarn.

Step 5: Give It a Tug
Give your clasp a little tug to make sure it’s firmly attached. If it wiggles or feels loose, go back and add a few more stitches. 

Three photos show hands with red nail polish attaching a metal swivel clasp to a crocheted strap using a yarn needle and brown yarn. This step-by-step process is commonly found in free crochet keychain patterns for creating functional accessories.

And that’s it! Now your easy crochet wristlet keychain is ready to clip onto keys, bags, backpacks—or even your suitcase as a DIY luggage tag!

12 Comments

  1. Your clasp looks different than the one that is taking us to Amazon.
    Options?

  2. I used the link you provided for the Lobster Claw and was so excited I made two of the wristlets while I waited for Amazon delivery. Unfortunately what I received is very small. I’m wondering if there’s been a change in the order number. Can you give size measurements of what you used?

  3. I really want to do this!! How do you download it? I could not find anything downloadable that wasn’t a clickbait ad.

  4. I enjoyed your pattern. I think it is very useful. I also appreciate that it’s downloadable. Thanks

  5. Thank you for this free PDF pattern. I think this will be a cute, useful and great way to use up some of my scrap cotton yarn.

  6. These are so cute I’m going to try it out. Thanks for sharing with us.

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