Crochet Swan Keychain Pattern with Puff Stitch Body

Wondering how a few puff stitches can become a feathery bird? This crochet swan keychain shows you. Its bumpy body, slim neck and bead eye come together fast, and a metal ring makes it a bag charm for puff-stitch beginners.

This crochet swan keychain is flat, light and very quick to make. Its body is built from soft puff stitches, which give it a bumpy, feathery look. A slim neck stretches up to a small head with a bead eye, and a metal ring on top turns the swan into a keychain. Clip it onto keys or a bag for a graceful touch. It is a nice beginner project if you already know the puff stitch, and it also works as a spring bag charm or an Easter basket filler.

Crochet Swan Keychain Overview

• Construction: First, the body is worked flat, in rows, and grows into a wedge shape. Next, the neck and head are worked as a slim strip.
• Stitches: Also, chain, single crochet, puff stitch, increases and slip stitch.
• Finish: A black bead eye, plus a metal keychain ring with a clasp.
• Estimated finished size: About 8 cm tall and 6 cm wide, using DK or 4-ply cotton and a 2.5 to 3 mm hook. A thicker yarn will make a bigger swan.

Materials for the Crochet Swan Keychain

• Yarn: DK or 4-ply cotton yarn in cream or soft yellow.
• Crochet hook: 2.5 to 3 mm.
• Eye: One small black bead or a 4 mm safety eye.
• Hardware: A keychain ring with a clasp, and a small jump ring.
• Tools: A tapestry needle, scissors and a stitch marker.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• inc – two sc in the same stitch
• sl st – slip stitch
• puff – puff stitch, explained below

How to Make the Puff Stitch for the Crochet Swan Keychain

1. First, yarn over, insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop.
2. Next, repeat this step two more times in the same stitch, so you have 7 loops on the hook.
3. Then yarn over and pull through all the loops.
4. Finally, chain 1 to lock the puff.

In my replay, the loop already on the hook plus 3 pull-ups with a yarn over each gives 1 + 6 = 7 loops, so this closes.

How to Make the Crochet Swan Keychain Step by Step

Step 1: Make the Crochet Swan Keychain Body

The body is worked flat, in rows, and grows into a wedge shape. The first puff makes the tail tip.

1. First, row 1: chain 3 and work 1 puff in the third chain from the hook. Chain 1 and turn. (1 puff)
2. Next, row 2: work (puff, ch 1, puff) in the puff from the last row. Chain 1 and turn. (2 puffs)
3. Then, row 3: work 1 puff in each puff, with ch 1 between, then add 1 extra puff at the end. Chain 1 and turn. (3 puffs)
4. After that, row 4: repeat row 3. (4 puffs)
5. Finally, row 5: repeat row 3. (5 puffs)

For rows 6 and 7, work 1 puff in each gap, with ch 1 between, and add no extra puff at the end. (5 puffs)

The extra puff at the end of each row makes the long edge slope, which forms the chest and the tail point. Note: The pin shows the puffs stacked in slightly uneven rows. If your body looks too wide, stop increasing at 4 puffs and keep working rows with 4 puffs.

Step 2: Make the Neck

Also, the numbers in the list below are steps, not rows.

1. First, attach your yarn at the top corner of the last body row, on the side where the swan’s chest will be.
2. Next, chain 15. Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 14 sc along the chain.
3. Then work a sl st into the body corner to hold the neck in place.

For rows 2 to 5 of the neck, chain 1, turn and work 14 sc across each row. The strip should look like a slim, upright column.

Step 3: Shape the Head and Beak of the Crochet Swan Keychain

6. First, row 6: chain 1, turn and work 10 sc, then inc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc. (16)
7. Next, row 7: chain 1, turn and work 1 sc in each stitch. (16)

In my replay, row 6 uses 10 + 2 + 2 = 14 stitches, which matches the neck, and it gives 10 + 4 + 2 = 16. So this row closes.

Make the Beak

1. First, chain 3.
2. Next, work a sl st in the second chain from the hook, then 1 sc in the next chain.
3. Then work a sl st in the next stitch of the head.
4. Finally, fasten off and weave in the ends.

Note: The beak is a small bump that points to the side. Check the pin and adjust the chains if the beak looks too long.

Step 4: Add the Eye and the Ring

1. First, sew the black bead on the head, about 2 stitches from the beak.
2. Next, pass the jump ring through the top of the head, in a stitch near the center.
3. Then attach the keychain ring to the jump ring and close it with pliers.

Step 5: Finish the Crochet Swan Keychain

1. First, weave in any loose ends.
2. Next, shape the neck gently with your fingers so it curves.
3. Then steam block lightly if you use cotton and want it to lie flat.

Safety Note for the Crochet Swan Keychain

A bead eye and metal rings are small parts, so this keychain is not a toy for young children. Also, sew the bead on firmly and close the rings tightly. 

Bonus Section: Swan Color Pairs for Your Crochet Swan Keychain

Make a set of two or four swans to look like the ones in the pin. For example, try cream and soft yellow, white and pale blue, or blush pink and mint. Also, hang them side by side on a bag, or give each one a different charm.

Tips for the Crochet Swan Keychain

• Learn the puff first: Practice one puff, so you know it makes 7 loops before you pull through.
• Stop at 4 puffs if needed: If the body looks too wide, keep the rows at 4 puffs.
• Mark your rows: A stitch marker helps you track the start of each row.
• Shape the neck by hand: A gentle curve with your fingers gives the swan its graceful look.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Crochet Swan Keychain

What yarn and hook do I need?

Use DK or 4-ply cotton yarn in cream or soft yellow with a 2.5 to 3 mm hook. Also, a thicker yarn will make a bigger swan.

Is the crochet swan keychain good for beginners?

It is a nice beginner project if you already know the puff stitch. However, the body, neck and head are shaped in separate steps, so go slowly. 

How big is the finished swan?

It is about 8 cm tall and 6 cm wide. However, this is an estimate and not a measured size.

How do I make the puff stitch?

Pull up a loop three times in the same stitch, so you have 7 loops on the hook. Then yarn over, pull through all the loops and chain 1.

Can I make a pair of swans?

Yes. Try cream and soft yellow, white and pale blue, or blush pink and mint.

A Graceful Swan for Your Keys: Your Crochet Swan Keychain

Each swan uses only a small amount of yarn, so it is a great way to use up scraps. Make one for yourself and a few more as gifts, and your keys will never look plain again.