Free Crochet Teddy Bear Lion Keychain Pattern for a Unique Keyring

If you’ve been searching for a creative way to jazz up your keys, bag, or backpack, you’ve come to the right place. This free crochet teddy bear lion keychain pattern combines the adorable roundness of a classic teddy bear with the wild charm of a lion’s mane, creating a tiny amigurumi-style accessory that turns heads wherever you go. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or someone who’s just getting comfortable with their first skein of yarn, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your very own crochet lion keychain from scratch.

The best part? This pattern is completely free, beginner-friendly, and uses only a small amount of yarn, making it the perfect stash-buster project. You can whip one up in an afternoon, and once you make your first one, you’ll want to make a dozen more as gifts for friends and family.

Why Crochet a Keychain?

Crochet keychains and bag charms have surged in popularity over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re small, portable projects that don’t require much yarn or time. They make thoughtful handmade gifts. They’re endlessly customizable in terms of color and size. And they give your everyday accessories a personal, artisan touch that you simply can’t buy in a store.

The teddy bear lion mashup in particular has become a fan favorite in the amigurumi community because it hits that sweet spot between cute and quirky. The lion’s fluffy mane gives this little character so much personality, and working it in a warm golden yellow or a rich toffee brown results in a miniature plush that looks incredibly polished despite being a beginner-level project.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the pattern, gather your supplies. One of the joys of keychain-sized amigurumi is that the material list is short and inexpensive.

Yarn: You’ll need a small amount of worsted weight yarn in three colors. Choose a warm tan or cream for the bear’s body and face, a golden yellow or amber for the lion’s mane, and a tiny bit of dark brown or black for the nose and any accent details. Leftover yarn scraps work perfectly here, and this is a great opportunity to use up odds and ends that aren’t enough for a larger project.

Hook: A 3.5mm (US size E/4) crochet hook is the standard recommendation for this project when using worsted weight yarn. If you tend to crochet loosely, go down to a 3mm hook to keep the stuffing from showing through the stitches.

Stuffing: A small amount of polyester fiberfill. You need barely a tablespoon’s worth to stuff the head of this little lion bear.

Safety eyes: Two 6mm black safety eyes. If you’re making this for a small child, embroider the eyes instead using black yarn for safety reasons.

Keyring hardware: One metal split ring or lobster clasp keyring. You can find these at craft stores, hardware stores, or online in bulk packs for very little money.

Tapestry needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.

Stitch marker: To mark the beginning of each round when working in continuous spirals.

Scissors: A good pair of small scissors makes a real difference when working with small pieces.

Understanding the Basic Stitches

This pattern uses standard amigurumi techniques, so if you’re familiar with crocheting in the round, you’re already halfway there. Here’s a quick rundown of the stitches and abbreviations used throughout.

MR — Magic ring (also called a magic circle). This is the standard starting point for amigurumi pieces because it allows you to close the center hole completely.

ch — Chain stitch

sl st — Slip stitch

sc — Single crochet

inc — Increase. Work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch.

dec — Invisible decrease. Insert your hook through the front loops only of the next two stitches and complete a single crochet. This creates a neater, less visible decrease than the standard decrease method.

BLO — Back loop only

FLO — Front loop only

All pieces in this pattern are worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Place your stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as you go. Do not join rounds with a slip stitch unless the pattern specifically instructs you to.

The Pattern

Part One: The Head and Body

The head of your lion bear is the main piece and the largest part of the project. Everything else — the mane, the ears, and the limbs — attaches to it once it’s complete.

Round 1: Start with your tan or cream yarn. Make a magic ring, then work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the center. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work an inc in every stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: 1 sc, 1 inc — repeat from to around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: 2 sc, 1 inc — repeat from to around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: 3 sc, 1 inc — repeat from to around. (30 stitches)

Rounds 6 through 10: Work 1 sc in each stitch around for five rounds with no increases or decreases. (30 stitches)

At the end of Round 10, attach your safety eyes between Rounds 7 and 8, spacing them about 6 stitches apart. This is the time to position them before you start closing up the head. If you’re embroidering the eyes instead, you’ll add those at the very end.

Round 11: 3 sc, 1 dec — repeat from to around. (24 stitches)

Round 12: 2 sc, 1 dec — repeat from to around. (18 stitches)

Begin stuffing the head now. Use small amounts of fiberfill at a time and push it into place with a pencil or the eraser end of a chopstick. The head should feel firm but not stretched.

Round 13: 1 sc, 1 dec — repeat from to around. (12 stitches)

Round 14: Work a dec in every stitch around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a short tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches with your tapestry needle and pull to close the gap completely. Weave in the end.

Part Two: The Mane

The mane is what transforms this little bear into a lion, and it’s one of the most satisfying parts of the whole project. You’ll work it directly onto the head using your golden yellow or amber yarn, picking up stitches from one of the completed rounds.

Using your golden yarn, join with a slip stitch into any stitch in Round 5 of the completed head. Work all the way around Round 5, placing the following sequence into each stitch: chain 3, then slip stitch back into the same stitch on the head, then move to the next stitch — repeat all the way around the round until you’ve worked every stitch in Round 5.

This creates a ring of little loops that fluff outward around the face, simulating a lion’s mane beautifully. When you finish the round, fasten off and weave in the end on the inside of the piece.

For a fuller, more dramatic mane, you can also work the same looped sequence along Round 6, offset slightly so the second ring of loops fills in behind the first. This adds extra volume and makes the mane look layered and plush. Use slightly longer chains — four chain stitches instead of three — for the outer ring to give it that fluffy, wild edge.

Part Three: The Ears

The ears are small, flat circles that get sewn onto the top of the head just above the mane.

Round 1: Make a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull to close. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work an inc in every stitch around. (12 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Make two ears in your tan or cream yarn. If you’d like to add an inner ear detail, cut a small oval of pink felt and glue it or stitch it to the flat side of each ear before attaching them to the head. This is completely optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.

Position the ears just above the mane at the top of the head, with a small gap between them. Use the long yarn tail to sew each ear securely in place, making sure it doesn’t shift or wobble. Weave in the ends on the inside.

Part Four: The Snout

The snout gives your lion bear its classic teddy bear face and is what makes this design feel so lovably round and plush.

Round 1: Make a magic ring. Work 6 sc. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work an inc in every stitch around. (12 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the snout.

Center the snout on the face between Rounds 7 and 9, positioning it directly below the eyes. Sew it onto the face using the long tail, making sure the edges are fully attached and the snout sits flat and rounded. Once sewn on, use your dark brown or black yarn to embroider a small Y-shaped nose onto the snout. Thread your tapestry needle with a short length of dark yarn, bring it up through the center of the snout, and stitch downward and outward to form the nose and mouth shape. This takes only a few stitches and makes a tremendous difference in the overall expression of the piece.

Part Five: The Arms (Optional)

Tiny arms are optional for a keychain since they can get in the way, but if you’d like them, they’re quick to make and add a lot of character.

Round 1: Make a magic ring. Work 5 sc. (5 stitches)

Round 2: Work an inc in every stitch around. (10 stitches)

Rounds 3 through 5: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (10 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff the arms. Flatten them slightly and sew them onto the sides of the head at approximately Round 10 to 11, angling them slightly downward. Make two.

Part Six: Attaching the Keyring

The simplest and sturdiest method for attaching the keyring is to use a short length of yarn and a split ring.

Cut a piece of yarn about 15 centimeters long in your main body color. Thread both ends through the eye of your tapestry needle and push the needle through the top of the head between the ears, exiting through the other side. Slip the split ring onto the yarn loop, then tie the two yarn ends together in a secure double knot inside the head. Trim any excess and tuck the ends so they’re hidden. The keyring should now be firmly attached at the crown of the head, allowing the lion bear to dangle freely.

Alternatively, you can crochet a small chain loop of about 10 to 12 chains, join it into a ring, and attach it to the top of the head the same way. Slip the metal ring through this crochet loop. Some crafters prefer this method because it looks neater, but both are equally secure.

Color and Customization Ideas

One of the most wonderful things about this pattern is how easily you can customize it to create a whole range of characters and color combinations. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination.

A rust orange mane with a white body creates a striking, vivid lion. A lavender body with a pale pink mane gives you a fantasy lion that feels magical and ethereal. Switching the mane color to a warm chocolate brown and pairing it with a tan body gives you a darker, more dramatic male lion look. You could also skip the mane entirely and focus on the classic teddy bear shape, using different shades to make a polar bear, a panda (using black and white yarn), or a koala.

For seasonal versions, try making the mane in harvest orange for a Halloween keychain or in deep red and gold for a festive winter gift. Adding tiny accessories like a miniature bow tie made from ribbon or a tiny crocheted scarf gives each one a unique personality.

Tips for a Polished Finish

Keep your tension consistent throughout the project. Amigurumi looks its best when the stitches are even and firm enough that the stuffing doesn’t peek through. If you can see white fiberfill between your stitches, your tension is too loose — try going down a hook size.

Invisible decreases make a noticeable difference in the smoothness of the final shape. Standard decreases leave a small bump on the surface of the work, while the invisible decrease technique creates a much cleaner line. Take the extra second to insert through both front loops.

Don’t overstuff. This is a common beginner mistake. Too much stuffing makes the piece feel hard and distorts the shape. Aim for a soft, squeezable feel that still holds its round shape.

When sewing pieces together, use the same yarn color as the piece you’re attaching. This hides your stitches naturally and keeps the finish looking professional.

Gifting and Display Ideas

A crochet lion bear keychain makes an incredibly thoughtful handmade gift for virtually anyone. Children love them as bag charms for their school bags. Adults appreciate them on their key fobs or clipped to a tote bag handle. They make excellent small gifts for birthdays, holiday stockings, teacher appreciation events, or care packages.

If you want to package it nicely, loop the keychain through a small card that reads “handmade with love” and seal it in a small cellophane bag with a ribbon. It looks like something you’d find in a boutique gift shop, and it costs almost nothing to make.

You can also make them in bulk for craft fairs and markets. Because they use so little material and work up quickly once you’ve made your first one, they’re cost-effective to produce and sell, and their cute factor means they tend to go quickly on a display table.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your magic ring keeps coming loose, try using a slip knot start instead. While the magic ring is preferred in most amigurumi patterns for a cleaner center, a slip knot into a small chain ring works just as well for experienced beginners.

If your mane loops look uneven, try working them over a knitting needle or pencil as a spacer to keep all the loops the same height. Slide the needle out when each loop is complete.

If the head doesn’t look round enough, check that your increases are evenly distributed and that you haven’t accidentally skipped a stitch. Counting your stitches at the end of each increase round is always worth the extra few seconds.

Final Thoughts

This free crochet teddy bear lion keychain pattern is proof that great things come in small packages. It’s one of those projects that delivers enormous satisfaction — partly because it comes together so quickly, and partly because the end result is genuinely adorable. The combination of amigurumi’s classic rounded shapes with the lion’s fluffy mane creates a character with so much warmth and personality that it’s hard to make just one.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, as a gift, or to sell at your next craft fair, this pattern gives you a solid foundation that you can build on and customize endlessly. Once you’re comfortable with the basic construction, the possibilities for color combinations, accessories, and variations are practically limitless.

Grab a hook, dig into your yarn stash, and give this little lion bear a home on your keyring. You won’t regret it.