Free Crochet Squid Keychain Amigurumi Pattern – Easy Kawaii Mini Squid Tutorial

Materials Needed for This Crochet Squid Keychain Amigurumi Pattern

You will need the following supplies to make this free crochet squid keychain pattern:

• Yarn: DK / light worsted weight cotton-acrylic blend (60% cotton, 40% acrylic) in bright orange – one 100 g ball makes up to 12 keychains
• Crochet Hook: 2 mm (US size 2)
• Safety Eyes: 5 mm (2 pieces)
• Stitch Marker
• Yarn Needle (wool needle)
• Fiberfill Stuffing (acrylic or polyester filling)
• Keychain Ring or lobster clasp with chain
• Optional: Small amount of pink yarn or blush for cheeks

Finished Size: Approximately 8–9 cm (3–3.5 inches) long – perfect mini size for a bag charm or keychain.

Skill Level: Beginner friendly – this easy crochet squid keychain for beginners can be finished in just 1 to 1.5 hours.

Abbreviations (US Terms): MR = Magic Ring sc = Single Crochet inc = Increase (2 sc in the same stitch) dec = Decrease (sc 2 together) sl st = Slip Stitch ch = Chain

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Your Crochet Squid Keychain Amigurumi Pattern

You are now ready to make this cute kawaii squid keychain crochet tutorial. Follow the instructions below at your own pace. You will first crochet the body, then the tentacles, attach everything, and finish with the adorable face.

1. Crochet the Squid Body

Use orange yarn and your 2 mm hook.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring. Crochet 6 single crochet (sc) inside the ring. Pull tight and slip stitch to join. (6 sts)
• Round 2: Chain 1. (1 sc, inc) repeat 3 times. (9 sts)
• Round 3: (2 sc, inc) repeat 4 times. (12 sts)
• Round 4: (3 sc, inc) repeat 3 times. (15 sts)
• Round 5: (2 sc, inc) repeat once, then (4 sc, inc) repeat twice. (18 sts)
• Round 6: (5 sc, inc) repeat 3 times. (21 sts)
• Round 7: (3 sc, inc) repeat once, then (6 sc, inc) repeat twice. (24 sts)
• Round 8: (11 sc, inc) repeat twice. (26 sts)
• Round 9: Crochet 7 sc. Place your stitch marker here. Crochet another 7 sc. (14 sts total in this round – this creates the flat top shape)
• Round 10: (1 sc, inc) repeat around. (21 sts)
• Round 11: (2 sc, inc) repeat around. (28 sts)
• Round 12: 1 sc in each stitch around. (28 sts)
• Round 13: (3 sc, inc) repeat once, then (6 sc, inc) repeat twice. (32 sts)
• Round 14: 1 sc in each stitch around. (32 sts)
• Round 15: (7 sc, inc) repeat 4 times. (36 sts)
• Round 16: 1 sc in each stitch around. (36 sts)
• Round 17: (4 sc, inc) repeat once, then (8 sc, inc) repeat twice. (40 sts)
• Rounds 18–19: 1 sc in each stitch around. (40 sts)

Place the eyes now:

Insert the 5 mm safety eyes between Rounds 18 and 19, with 7 stitches between them.

• Round 20: (3 sc, dec) repeat once, then (6 sc, dec) repeat twice. (35 sts)
• Round 21: (5 sc, dec) repeat 5 times. (30 sts)
• Round 22: (2 sc, dec) repeat once, then (4 sc, dec) repeat 4 times. (25 sts)
• Round 23: (3 sc, dec) repeat 5 times. (20 sts)

Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill, but leave the bottom triangle part lightly stuffed so it stays flat.

• Round 24: (2 sc, dec) repeat 5 times. (15 sts)
• Round 25: (1 sc, dec) repeat 5 times. (10 sts)
• Round 26: Decrease 5 times. (5 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a 15 cm tail. Use your yarn needle to close the opening by sewing through the front loops only. Pull gently to close. Then close the small gap at the bottom with 2–3 stitches. Do not cut the yarn yet — you will use it later to attach the keychain.

2. Crochet the Tentacles (Make 8 tentacles total)

You will make 6 short tentacles and 2 longer tentacles.

Short Tentacles (Make 6)

• Magic ring with 8 sc. Close the ring.
• Take only the front loops and make a sl st.
• Chain 15. Skip the first chain, then 1 sc in each of the next 14 chains.
• Sl st into the next stitch on the base.
• Repeat the same strip 2 more times so you have 3 short tentacles from this base.
• Fasten off, leaving a 8–9 cm tail.

Longer Tentacles (Make 2)

• Magic ring with 8 sc. Close the ring.
• Take only the front loops and make a sl st.
• Chain 20. Skip the first 3 chains, then make 4 double crochet in the next chain.
• Sl st in each remaining chain back to the base.
• Repeat the same long strip once more so you have 2 longer tentacles from this base.
• Fasten off, leaving a tail.

3. Attach the Tentacles to the Body

Pin the tentacle base to the bottom of the squid body (magic ring area). The two longer tentacles should be on the outer sides (one left, one right). Sew the tentacle base securely to the body using the yarn tails. Weave in and hide all ends.

4. Attach the Keychain Ring

Using the long tail you left at the top of the body, sew the keychain ring or lobster clasp very securely with 4–5 stitches at the top center. Tie a knot and hide the yarn inside the body.

5. Embroider the Cute Face

• Eyebrows: With black yarn, embroider two short eyebrows above the eyes (each about 3 stitches long, one row above the eyes).
• Mouth: Between the eyes, embroider a small U-shaped smile (3 stitches wide).
• Cheeks (optional): With pink yarn, make two small blush circles on each side of the eyes by wrapping the yarn twice in the same spot.

You have now completed your very own cute kawaii squid keychain amigurumi! This mini squid keychain amigurumi is the perfect beginner friendly crochet squid bag charm and makes a wonderful handmade gift.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Even though this free crochet squid keychain pattern is quick and beginner-friendly, a few common mistakes can still happen. However, most issues are easy to fix if you catch them early. Here are the most frequent problems you may face while making your cute kawaii squid keychain and simple solutions to help you succeed.

First, many beginners notice that the body shape looks uneven or lumpy. This usually happens when the stuffing is added too quickly or unevenly. To fix this, add small amounts of fiberfill gradually and push it gently into all areas, especially the sides. Additionally, make sure you stuff firmly so your mini squid keychain amigurumi holds a nice rounded shape.

Next, the tentacles may turn out too tight or curled too much. This occurs if your tension is very tight or if you pull the chains too hard. In this case, try to keep a relaxed tension while crocheting the chains. Moreover, you can gently stretch the tentacles after finishing to help them lie flatter.

Finally, the keychain ring may feel loose if it is not sewn with enough stitches. Consequently, always secure it with at least 4–5 tight stitches at the top. By following these tips, you will create a clean and professional-looking easy crochet squid keychain for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You probably have several questions while working on this crochet squid keychain amigurumi pattern. Below are the most common ones with clear answers to help you complete your project smoothly.

Q: Is this a completely free crochet squid keychain pattern?

A: Yes, this entire free crochet squid keychain pattern with step-by-step instructions and video is completely free for you to use and enjoy.

Q: Can beginners really make this cute kawaii squid keychain?

A: Absolutely! This easy crochet squid keychain for beginners is designed for new crocheters. As long as you know basic single crochet, increases, and decreases, you can finish this mini squid keychain amigurumi in just 1 to 1.5 hours.

Q: What size will my finished squid keychain be?

A: Using DK yarn and a 2 mm hook, your kawaii crochet squid keychain will measure about 8–9 cm (3–3.5 inches) long. This makes it the perfect size for a bag charm or keychain.

Q: Can I use a bigger hook or thicker yarn?

A: Yes, you can. However, if you use a larger hook or thicker yarn, your squid will turn out bigger. In that case, remember to adjust the amount of stuffing and use larger safety eyes if needed.

Q: How do I make the tentacles longer or shorter?

A: It is very easy to customize. Simply add or reduce the number of chains in the tentacle instructions. For example, chain 20 for longer tentacles or chain 12 for shorter ones in your beginner friendly crochet squid bag charm.

Q: Is this crochet squid keychain safe for small children?

A: If you embroider the eyes and mouth instead of using safety eyes, yes. However, always supervise young children with handmade toys that have small parts.

Q: How can I attach it to a bag or backpack?

A: You can sew a lobster clasp or keychain ring at the top. Moreover, many people also use it as a cute phone charm or zipper pull for extra fun.

Q: Can I change the color for different sea creatures?

A: Of course! This pattern works great with any color. For instance, you can make a pink squid, blue octopus-style version, or even a purple one to create your own ocean collection.

If you still have questions about this cute kawaii squid keychain crochet tutorial, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to see your finished crochet squid keychain amigurumi!