Easy Crochet Bag Keychain – Beginner Friendly Pattern

If you’ve ever wanted to add a little handmade charm to your everyday accessories, a crochet bag keychain is one of the most satisfying small projects you can make. It’s quick, it’s cute, and it doesn’t require a mountain of yarn or hours of your time. Whether you’re completely new to crochet or you’ve been hooking for years and just want a fun afternoon project, this pattern was designed with you in mind. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to create your very own miniature crochet bag keychain from scratch.

Let’s talk about why this project has become such a beloved staple in the crochet community. Mini bag keychains have been trending across social media for a good reason. They look adorable dangling from tote bags, backpacks, purses, belt loops, and car keys. They make incredibly thoughtful handmade gifts. They’re a perfect way to use up yarn scraps. And because they work up so fast, you can experiment with colors, textures, and styles without committing to a large project. Once you make one, you’ll probably want to make a dozen.

What You’ll Need

Before you pick up your hook, let’s make sure you have everything ready. One of the best things about this project is that the supply list is short and affordable.

Yarn: You can use almost any yarn for this project, but worsted weight yarn (also labeled as a 4 on the yarn skein) is the easiest to work with as a beginner. It’s thick enough that you can clearly see your stitches, which makes the whole process much more manageable. Cotton yarn is a popular choice because it gives the finished bag a nice structure and clean stitch definition. Acrylic yarn works beautifully too, especially if you want a softer finish. You really only need a small amount — a partial skein or even a large scrap piece is more than enough.

Crochet Hook: For worsted weight yarn, a 5mm (US size H/8) hook is a great starting point. If your tension tends to run tight, go up to a 5.5mm or 6mm. If your tension runs loose, try a 4.5mm. The goal is to create a fabric that feels like a little bag — not too open and lacy, but not so stiff it’s hard to work with.

Yarn Needle: You’ll need this to weave in your ends once the bag is finished. A blunt tapestry needle works perfectly.

Scissors: Any pair will do.

Keychain Ring or Lobster Clasp: You can find these at any craft store, or in the jewelry-making section of large retailers. A simple split ring, a swivel keychain clip, or a lobster clasp all work great. If you want a more polished look, opt for a gold or silver metal lobster clasp about 1.5 to 2 inches long.

Optional Embellishments: This is where you can get creative. Mini pom-poms, small buttons, beads, or even a tiny bow can be added to personalize your keychain. You can also crochet a small flower or leaf to stitch onto the front of the bag for extra detail.

Stitches and Abbreviations

This pattern uses only a handful of basic stitches. If you’re brand new to crochet, don’t worry — a quick search for video tutorials on any of these will have you comfortable with them in no time.

ch — chain stitch (the very first thing most crocheters learn)

sl st — slip stitch (used to join rounds and for clean finishing)

sc — single crochet (the backbone of this entire pattern)

sc2tog — single crochet two together (a simple decrease stitch, used to shape the bottom of the bag)

MR — magic ring (also called a magic circle, used to start crocheting in the round without a hole in the center)

If you’re not comfortable with the magic ring yet, you can substitute it by chaining 2 and working your first round of stitches into the second chain from the hook. It’s a perfectly valid beginner-friendly alternative.

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. That means you won’t join each round with a slip stitch — you’ll just keep going in a spiral. Use a stitch marker (or a small piece of contrasting yarn) to mark the first stitch of each round so you don’t lose your place.

Pattern Instructions

Finished Size: Approximately 2.5 inches wide and 3 inches tall (before the strap), which gives it that perfect miniature bag look.

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project. Your finished size may vary slightly depending on your tension, and that’s completely fine.

The Bag Body

Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the ring closed snugly. You will have 6 stitches. (6)

Round 2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. You will have 12 stitches. (12)

Round 3: Sc 1, 2 sc in next st — repeat this pattern all the way around. You will have 18 stitches. (18)

Round 4: Sc 2, 2 sc in next st — repeat all the way around. You will have 24 stitches. (24)

If you want a slightly larger bag, you can continue adding increase rounds in this same pattern. For the standard size described here, 24 stitches gives a great miniature proportion.

Rounds 5 through 15: Work 1 sc in each stitch around, with no increases or decreases. This is the main body of the bag and it will start to look like a little tube or cup as you work. Continue for a total of 11 rounds (or more if you want a taller bag). (24 stitches per round)

At this point, you should have a small, round-bottomed bag shape forming. It should look like a tiny drawstring bag or a little bucket.

The Flap

The flap is what gives this keychain that classic mini purse look. You’ll be working in rows now instead of rounds.

Setup: At the end of your last round, slip stitch into the next stitch and then chain 1 to begin working flat. Count 12 stitches along the top opening of the bag. You’ll be working the flap over these 12 stitches only. The remaining 12 stitches form the back of the bag and stay unworked for now.

Row 1: Sc in each of the 12 stitches. Turn. (12)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (12)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 stitches, sc2tog. Turn. (10)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (10)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 stitches, sc2tog. Turn. (8)

Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (8)

Row 7: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 stitches, sc2tog. Turn. (6)

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Fasten off and leave a tail for finishing if you’d like to add a border. (6)

For a clean, polished edge around the flap, you can go back and work a single crochet border all the way around it. Simply attach your yarn at one corner, work sc stitches evenly along each row end down the side, across the bottom edge of the flap, and back up the other side. Slip stitch to join and fasten off. This step is optional but it gives the bag a noticeably more professional finish.

The Strap

The strap is a simple crocheted chain with a bit of reinforcement to make it sturdy enough to hold up as a keychain attachment point.

Method 1 (Basic Chain Strap): With a new length of yarn, make a chain approximately 20 to 25 chains long. Slip stitch back through each chain to the starting point (this reinforces the strap and gives it a braided, cord-like appearance). Fasten off, leaving long tails on both ends. Attach one end to the top corner of the bag flap side, and the other end to the opposite corner. Weave in ends securely.

Method 2 (Attached Strap): Instead of a separate piece, attach your yarn at one top corner of the bag opening and chain 20 to 25 stitches. Attach this chain to the opposite corner with a slip stitch. For extra strength, slip stitch back through each chain stitch all the way to the beginning. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Once your strap is attached, thread your keychain ring or lobster clasp through the top of the strap. If using a split ring, simply thread the strap loop through it. If using a lobster clasp, attach a short jump ring or small split ring to the strap first, then clip the clasp onto that ring.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all your yarn ends using your tapestry needle. Take a moment to tuck them in carefully and secure them well — this ensures your keychain will hold up to daily use.

If you’d like to add a button closure to the flap, sew a small button onto the front of the bag body (centered, about halfway up). Then, on the tip of the flap, use your yarn needle to create a small loop by stitching yarn back and forth a few times and then wrapping around it tightly. This loop will slip over the button and keep the flap closed, giving your bag a fully functional miniature purse look.

A small pom-pom at the strap or the tip of the flap is another charming option. You can make a mini pom-pom in just a few minutes using your fingers and a small length of yarn, or buy pre-made ones from the craft store.

Tips for Beginners

One of the most common challenges for new crocheters working in the round is keeping track of where each round starts and ends. Using a stitch marker from the very beginning will save you a lot of confusion. If you don’t have a commercial stitch marker, a simple loop of contrasting yarn tied loosely around the first stitch works just as well.

Another tip worth mentioning is about tension. If your bag feels floppy or too open, your tension may be too loose — try a smaller hook. If it feels stiff and hard to push your hook through the stitches, your tension is too tight and you should move up a hook size. The ideal fabric for a mini bag is firm but not rigid, with stitches that are tight enough that the bag holds its shape.

Don’t worry too much about perfection on your first attempt. Crochet is forgiving, and a slightly uneven stitch here and there is barely visible in the finished project. The more you practice, the more consistent your tension will naturally become.

If you’re using a slippery yarn like silk or a bamboo blend, consider switching to cotton for your first try. Cotton has just enough grip that it’s much easier to control as you learn.

Color and Customization Ideas

This is where the real fun begins. Because this project is so small and uses so little yarn, it’s the perfect opportunity to play with color combinations you wouldn’t necessarily commit to in a larger project.

A classic cream or off-white cotton yarn gives a beautiful clean look, especially when paired with a gold lobster clasp. A deep terracotta or rust tone is very on-trend and looks stunning as a keychain. Dusty pink, sage green, or warm camel tones are always popular choices that look good with almost any bag or accessory.

For a more playful look, try working the bag body in one color and switching to a contrasting color for the flap. You can make the border around the flap in a third color for a truly custom effect.

Stripes are surprisingly easy to incorporate. Simply switch colors at the end of any round (carrying the unused yarn up along the inside of the bag or cutting and weaving in ends) and you’ll get cheerful horizontal stripes across the bag body.

If you want to incorporate surface embroidery, a simple daisy stitch, cross stitch, or running stitch worked onto the finished bag with a tapestry needle and a contrasting yarn looks beautiful and adds a folk-art quality to the keychain.

Why Crochet Bag Keychains Make Perfect Gifts

If you’re looking for a last-minute handmade gift idea that feels thoughtful and personal, this is it. A crochet bag keychain can be finished in a single evening, and because you can customize the colors to match the recipient’s style, it feels genuinely made just for them.

They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, back-to-school gifts, teacher appreciation, bridal party favors, or just a little something to make a friend smile. Package several of them together in different colors for a set, or pair one with a gift card or a sweet treat for a lovely little bundle.

Because they’re so inexpensive to make — often just a few dollars in materials — you can make them in bulk without breaking the bank. Many crochet crafters who sell at markets find that mini bag keychains are consistently among their best-selling items, precisely because they’re affordable, charming, and immediately recognizable as handmade.

Caring for Your Crochet Keychain

Since this keychain will likely be handled often, it’s good to know how to care for it. If you used cotton yarn, your keychain is usually machine washable on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag, or you can hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent and lay flat to dry. Acrylic yarn is similarly easy to care for and is quite durable.

If the bag gets slightly misshapen from use, a light spritz of water and gentle reshaping with your fingers while it’s damp is usually all it takes to restore it. You can also lightly steam-block it with an iron held a few inches above the surface if needed.

Final Thoughts

This easy crochet bag keychain pattern is proof that some of the most joyful projects come in the smallest packages. It introduces you to working in the round, shaping a bag from the bottom up, working in flat rows for a flap, and adding functional finishing details — all skills that will serve you well as you continue to grow as a crocheter. And it does all of this in a project you can finish in a single sitting.

Whether you’re making one for yourself or stitching up a whole collection as gifts, there’s something genuinely satisfying about carrying around a tiny bag you made with your own hands. It’s a small thing, but it carries a lot of heart.

Happy hooking, and don’t forget to share your finished keychains — there’s nothing better than seeing how everyone makes this pattern their own.