Amigurumi Bunny Keychain Crochet Pattern: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever spotted a tiny crocheted bunny dangling from someone’s bag and thought, I want to make that, you’re in exactly the right place. This amigurumi bunny keychain crochet pattern is beginner-friendly, quick to finish, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making a gift, adding a handmade touch to your accessories, or diving into amigurumi for the first time, this little bunny has everything going for it — it’s small, sweet, and takes only a couple of hours from start to finish.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from the materials list to the finishing touches, with plenty of tips along the way.
What Is Amigurumi?
Before we get into the pattern itself, a quick primer for anyone new to the craft. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals and characters. The word combines the Japanese words ami (knitted or crocheted) and nuigurumi (stuffed doll). These little figures have been popular in Japan since the 1980s and have exploded in popularity worldwide thanks to social media and the handmade crafts community.
Amigurumi pieces are typically worked in continuous rounds rather than joined rounds, which creates a seamless, rounded shape perfect for tiny figures. They’re stuffed with fiberfill and assembled with sewn-on parts. The keychain format takes this beloved craft one step further by making your creation wearable and functional — a little work of art you can actually use every day.
Materials You’ll Need
One of the best things about this pattern is how little you need to get started. Here’s your complete materials list:
Yarn: Size 3 (DK weight) or size 4 (worsted weight) yarn in your chosen body color. Soft cotton or acrylic yarn works beautifully. You’ll also need a small amount of pink yarn for the inner ears and any accent details, and a tiny bit of black yarn or embroidery floss for the face.
Hook: A 2.5mm or 3.5mm crochet hook, depending on your yarn weight. If you’re using worsted weight, a 3.5mm hook is ideal. For DK or sport weight, go with a 2.5mm.
Other supplies:
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Two 6mm or 8mm safety eyes
- A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- A keychain ring (split ring or lobster clasp with a ring)
- Optional: small amount of blush-colored yarn or embroidery floss for cheeks
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
MR — Magic ring (also called magic circle)
ch — Chain
sl st — Slip stitch
sc — Single crochet
inc — Increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch)
dec — Invisible decrease (insert hook through the front loops only of the next two stitches and sc them together)
st(s) — Stitch(es)
BLO — Back loop only
FLO — Front loop only
Working in continuous rounds means you do not join at the end of each round with a slip stitch. Instead, you place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go. This is the standard method for amigurumi and gives you that clean, seamless look.
Finished Size
Using worsted weight yarn and a 3.5mm hook, the finished bunny will measure approximately 3 to 3.5 inches (7.5 to 9 cm) tall, not including the ears. This makes it a perfect size for a keychain — substantial enough to be cute but not so large that it weighs down your bag. If you use DK weight yarn, your bunny will come out slightly smaller and more delicate-looking.
Gauge
Gauge is less critical for amigurumi than for garments, but you do want your stitches to be tight enough that the stuffing doesn’t show through. If you can see white fiberfill peeking through your stitches, try going down a hook size.
The Pattern
Body
Start with your main color yarn.
Round 1: MR, sc 6 into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: Sc 1, inc repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: Sc 2, inc repeat around. (24 sts)
Rounds 5–10: Sc in each st around. (24 sts) — 6 rounds even
At this point, insert your safety eyes between Rounds 6 and 7, about 6 to 7 stitches apart. This is also the time to embroider any nose or mouth details if you prefer to do them before closing up.
Round 11: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (18 sts)
Begin stuffing your bunny firmly. You want it to feel solid but not stretched.
Round 12: Sc 1, dec repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 13: Dec around. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Use your yarn needle to weave through the remaining front loops and pull tight to close. Weave in the end securely.
Head
Using your main color yarn:
Round 1: MR, sc 6 into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: Sc 1, inc repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: Sc 2, inc repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: Sc 3, inc repeat around. (30 sts)
Rounds 6–11: Sc in each st around. (30 sts) — 6 rounds even
Insert safety eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, about 8 stitches apart. Embroider a small nose using black floss or yarn — a simple Y shape or a small triangle works beautifully.
Round 12: Sc 3, dec repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 13: Sc 2, dec repeat around. (18 sts)
Begin stuffing the head firmly.
Round 14: Sc 1, dec repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 15: Dec around. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the opening as before.
Ears (Make 2 outer ears in main color, 2 inner ears in pink)
Outer ear (make 2):
Round 1: MR, sc 4 into the ring. (4 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (8 sts)
Round 3: Sc 1, inc repeat around. (12 sts)
Rounds 4–8: Sc in each st around. (12 sts) — 5 rounds even
Do not stuff. Flatten the ear and sc across the opening to close it (this gives you 6 sts across the base of each ear). Fasten off and leave a long sewing tail.
Inner ear (make 2):
Using pink yarn:
Round 1: MR, sc 4. (4 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (8 sts)
Rounds 3–6: Sc in each st around. (8 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Flatten and use your yarn needle to sew the inner ear onto the front of the outer ear, centering it and leaving a small border of the main color visible all around. This gives that classic bunny look with the pink inner ear detail.
Arms (Make 2)
Using your main color:
Round 1: MR, sc 6. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rounds 3–7: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Do not stuff, or stuff very lightly. Flatten and sc across the opening to close (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail.
Tail
Using white or your main color yarn (or a fluffy white yarn if you have it):
Round 1: MR, sc 6. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 4: Dec around. (6 sts)
Stuff lightly and close. Fasten off with a long sewing tail.
Assembly
This is where your bunny truly comes to life, and the order of assembly makes a big difference in how clean the finished piece looks.
Step 1: Attach the head to the body. Position the head on top of the body, aligning the centers. Using your long sewing tail and yarn needle, stitch around the base of the head, passing through stitches on both the head and the body. Pull snug as you go, making sure the head is centered and secure. You want no gaps between head and body.
Step 2: Attach the ears. Pin the ears to the top of the head before sewing so you can adjust placement. Most crocheters place them in Rounds 2 and 3 of the head, spaced about 6 to 8 stitches apart. Once you’re happy with the positioning, sew each ear down securely, stitching across the base of the ear several times for stability.
Step 3: Attach the arms. The arms typically sit at the sides of the body, just below the head seam. Pin them in place and check that they’re symmetrical before sewing. Stitch across the flattened opening, going through the body stitches to secure.
Step 4: Attach the tail. Sew the pom-pom tail to the center back of the body, slightly toward the bottom. A few passes with your needle in an X pattern will hold it firmly.
Step 5: Add the keychain ring. This is what transforms your adorable amigurumi bunny into a functional accessory. There are a few ways to do this. The simplest method is to cut a short length of yarn (about 4 inches), fold it in half, and loop it through the top of your bunny’s head (between the ears, at the very top) with a slip knot or a lark’s head knot. Thread the looped end through your keychain ring and tie securely. Weave in the ends. Alternatively, you can use a small jump ring or lobster clasp and attach it the same way, giving you a more polished look.
Customization Ideas
One of the joys of making your own amigurumi bunny keychain is that you can personalize it completely. Here are some ideas to make your bunny truly one of a kind:
Color variations: The classic choice is white or cream with pink accents, but consider lavender, pale blue, warm gray, or even bold colors like mustard yellow or terracotta. Pastel tones are especially popular for spring and Easter-themed gifts.
Seasonal themes: Add a tiny crocheted carrot in orange and green yarn, or stitch a little bow around the bunny’s neck using ribbon or a few chains of yarn. For Easter, a small crocheted basket is an adorable addition. For autumn, try a pumpkin-orange body color.
Facial expressions: The placement and style of the eyes and nose change the entire mood of your bunny. Larger safety eyes placed further apart give a wide-eyed, innocent look. Smaller eyes placed closer together create a more classic stuffed animal feel. You can also embroider closed sleepy eyes using a few straight stitches.
Texture: Use a fuzzy or bouclé yarn for an ultra-soft, fluffy bunny. Just keep in mind that it’s harder to see your stitches with textured yarn, so this works better once you’re comfortable with the pattern.
Size variations: Work the same pattern with fingering weight yarn and a 1.75mm hook for a tiny micro-bunny, or scale up with bulky yarn and a 5mm hook for a chunkier version. The micro version makes incredible bag charms and zipper pulls.
Tips for Success
Even a simple pattern has a few places where things can go sideways. Here’s what to watch for as you work through this amigurumi bunny keychain crochet pattern.
Keep your tension consistent. Tight, even stitches are the hallmark of well-made amigurumi. If your tension varies, the finished piece will look uneven. Take breaks if your hands are getting tired — fatigue often leads to loose stitches.
Use stitch markers religiously. It’s very easy to lose track of where a round begins and ends, especially as you’re decreasing and the piece gets smaller. A locking stitch marker in the first stitch of every round will save you from having to count back and recount.
Don’t skip the invisible decrease. The invisible decrease (working through front loops only) makes a huge difference in the appearance of your finished piece. The standard decrease leaves a visible bump on the fabric; the invisible version blends smoothly into the fabric and is well worth the extra fraction of a second it takes.
Stuff firmly and evenly. Add stuffing a little at a time as you decrease, pressing it into the far end of the piece with a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil. Lumpy stuffing leads to a lumpy bunny, and too little stuffing gives you a sad, floppy piece.
Secure your safety eyes before closing up. This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Once the piece is closed, you cannot add safety eyes without reopening the seam. If you’re making these for young children, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes, which can be a choking hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this pattern take to complete? Most crocheters with some experience can finish the entire bunny in two to three hours. If you’re newer to amigurumi, budget an afternoon or two. Once you’ve made one, the second goes much faster.
Can I sell items made from this pattern? Yes! You’re welcome to sell finished bunnies made from this pattern. If you post them online, a credit or tag is always appreciated.
What if I don’t know how to do a magic ring? You can substitute a starting chain instead. Chain 2, then work your round 1 stitches into the second chain from the hook. It’s not quite as seamless as a magic ring, but it works just fine for a small piece like this.
Can I make this without safety eyes? Absolutely. Black French knots made with embroidery floss are charming and completely safe for babies and young children. You can also use small buttons if the piece is for an adult.
A Note on Gifting
Handmade keychains make some of the most personal, thoughtful gifts you can give. They show that you spent time and care on something made specifically for another person. The amigurumi bunny in particular translates across ages — kids love them, teens carry them on their backpacks, and adults attach them to purses and camera bags. Make a batch in different colors and you have birthday gifts, Easter basket fillers, and party favors covered all at once.
Consider packaging your finished bunny in a small cellophane bag with a handwritten tag that says “handmade with love” and the fiber content, especially if the recipient has allergies.
Final Thoughts
This amigurumi bunny keychain crochet pattern is the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with crocheting in the first place. It’s small enough to be approachable, detailed enough to be satisfying, and useful enough that you’ll actually enjoy the finished product every day. The skills you practice here — working in continuous rounds, shaping with increases and decreases, assembling sewn parts — translate directly to every other amigurumi pattern you’ll ever want to make.
So grab your hook, wind up some yarn in your favorite color, and start that magic ring. Your tiny bunny friend is waiting to be made, and once you finish the first one, you’ll almost certainly want to make a whole little family of them.
Happy crocheting!
