Tiny animal keychains are trending because they’re quick to crochet, easy to personalise, and perfect for using scrap yarn. A striped snake is especially popular because its instantly changing colour adds personality—pastels look sweet, bold colours look sporty, and green tones feel classic.

This pattern is suitable for beginners who know single crochet and basic shaping. It’s also ideal for gifts because it’s lightweight, durable when stitched tightly, and cute in any colourway. Make one as a party favour, stocking stuffer, classroom gift, or craft fair bestseller.

Skill Level

Beginner

Why: The stitches are basic (sc, inc, dec, chains). The only “new” skill is shaping a spiral coil and stuffing the neck lightly, so it stays upright; both are explained clearly.

Finished Size (Approximate)

Using DK or worsted yarn with a tight hook:

• Coil diameter: ~ 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
• Total height (coil to head top): ~ 6–8 cm (2.5–3 in)
• Keychain size overall: small and lightweight

(Size changes with yarn and tension.)

Materials Needed

• Main yarn colour (snake body; e.g., pastel blue, light green, or pink)
• Contrast yarn (for stripes; e.g., white or cream)
• Safety eyes (6 mm) or black yarn/embroidery thread
• Stuffing (fiberfill)
• Crochet hook: 2.5–3.5 mm (smaller than label for tight stitches)
• Needle (tapestry/yarn needle)
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Keychain ring (split ring) or lobster clasp + jump ring

Optional:

• Pink embroidery thread or a tiny bit of pink yarn for blush
• Fabric glue (optional) to lock knots (use sparingly)

 Abbreviations

• MR: Magic Ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in same st)
• dec: Decrease (sc 2 together; invisible decrease recommended)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• ch: Chain
• FO: Fasten off
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only
• st: Stitch
• rnd: Round

 Helpful Notes

• Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise.
• Use a stitch marker to track the first stitch of each round.
• Stuff the head firmly, but keep the neck, and maintain enough ing so it doesn’t bulge or lean.
• Use invisible decreases for a smoother look.
• To keep the coil flat, maintain even tension and avoid accidental increases.

 Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern (Original)

Overview of Construction

1. Crochet a spiral base strip (flat coil)
2. Crochet the neck upward from the coil centre
3. Crochet the head on top (worked in rounds)
4. Add stripes, face details, and the keychain loop

You can make this snake in a single main colour or add simple striped rounds (explained below).

H2: Base Coil (Spiral Body)

This coil is made as a long strip, then rolled into a spiral and stitched down.

Step A: Crochet the coil strip (worked in rows)

Ch 31 (adjust length longer for a bigger coil)

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across [30]
Row 2: ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc 28, inc in last st [32]
Row 3: ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc 30, inc in last st [34]
Row 4: ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc 32, inc in last st [36]
FO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Why this works: Adding increases only at the ends makes the strip gently curve, which helps it naturally roll into a coil.

Step B: Shape and sew the coil

• Start rolling from one short end into a tight spiral (the rolled centre = where the neck will rise).
• Use the long tail to stitch the layers together from the underside:
  • Sew through the strip edges and into the layer beneath at 1–2 cm intervals.
  • Keep it flat and snug (no gaps).
• When finished, weave the tail into the underside and knot securely.

Tip: If the coil feels too floppy for a keychain, you can stitch a small circle of felt underneath (hidden) for extra stability.

 Neck (Worked in Continuous Rounds)

You will crochet the neck directly onto the centre of the coil.

Attach yarn

Insert your hook into a stitch at the centre of the spiral (or between layers), pull up a loop, and begin.

sc 6 evenly around the centre area [6]
(Use the coil fabric as your “foundation,” spacing stitches evenly.)

Rnd 2: inc in each st [12]
Rnd 3: sc around [12]
Rnd 4: (sc 2, dec) x3 [9]
Rnd 5: sc around [9]
Rnd 6: sc around [9]
Start stuffing the neck lightly and evenly.

 (sc 1, dec) x3 [6]
Rnd 8–12: sc around (5 rounds) [6]
Add small bits of stuffing as you go, until firm enough to stand but not bulging.

 Head (Round Shape, worked on top of neck)

Rnd 13: (sc 1, inc) x3 [9]
Rnd 14: (sc 2, inc) x3 [12]
Rnd 15: (sc 3, inc) x3 [15]
Rnd 16: sc around [15]
Insert safety eyes now (see Face Details). Continue stuffing the head firmly.

Rnd 17: (sc 3, dec) x3 [12]
Rnd 18: (sc 2, dec) x3 [9]
Rnd 19: (sc 1, dec) x3 [6]
FO, close opening, weave in end.

 Colour Change Stripes (Beginner-Friendly Options)

You have two easy stripe methods. Choose one:

 Clean stripe rounds (best look)

Change colour at the last yarn-over of the last stitch before the new stripe.

Suggested stripe plan:

• Neck Rnd 5: contrastcolourr (white)
• Neck Rnd 6: maicolouror
• Neck Rnd 8: contrast colour
• Head Rnd 16: contrcolor “a “cap str”pe”)

This keeps stripes minimal and cute.

 Surface stripes (easiest)

After finishing,  contrast yarn to surslip-stitch around the neck in 1–3 lines.

This is great if you dislike changing yarn mid-round.

 Keychain Loop (Top of Head)

Attach yarn at the top centre of the head (or use the final yarn tail).

Ch 10–14 (depending on ring size)
sl st back into the same point to form a loop.
FO and weave in ends securely.

Security tip: Stitch through the base of the loop a few extra times. Keychains get tugged a lot.

 Face Details

Eye Placement

• Place safety eyes between Rnd 15 and Rnd 16 of the head.
• Space them about 3–4 stitches apart (adjust for your preferred expression).
• Keep them slightly toward the front of the head.

Mouth Embroidery

• With black embroidery thread or thin black yarn, stitch:
  • a small curved smile centred under the eyes
  • optionally a ti”y “nose “ot” above the smile

Optional Blush

• Add two small blush marks (pink thread/yarn) under the eyes.
• Keep it subtle: 2–3 tiny stitches per cheek.

 Assembly Instructions

Attaching the head (if you made it separately)

This pattern works head-on-neck in one piece. If you prefer separate pieces:

• Crochet the head and neck separately, then sew the head onto the neck with tight whip stitches.
• Add extra stitches at the front and back for strength.

Shaping the coil neatly

• After sewing the coil, gently press and adjust it so it sits flat.
• If the neck leans, slightly re-stitch the coil centre more tightly and reduce the neck stuffing.

Attaching the keychain loop securely

• After making the chain loop, pass the keychain ring through it.
• Reinforce by stitching the loop base multiple times and weaving the end through several stitches before trimming.

Finishing Tips

• Tight stitches = better durability and less stuffing show-through.
• Weave ends in”a “zigzag p”th” and pull gently to bury them inside.
• If your snadoesn’t stand upright, remove a bit of neck stuffing and add a few anchoring stitches from the neck base into the coil centre.

 Customization Ideas

• Different colours: classic green snake, rainbow stripes, monochrome black/white.
• Pastel versions: pink/white, lavender/cream, baby blue/white (super cute for gifts).
• Holiday themes:
  • red/white/green for winter
  • orange/black for Halloween
• Bigger plush version: use chunky yarn and a larger hook; make the coil strip longer (ch 45+) and add 2–4 more neck rounds.

 Beginner Tips

• Use a stitch marker every round (it preven”s “mysteri”us” shape changes).
• If counting is hard, write each round down and check it off.
• Don’t overstuff the neck. Upright amigurumi looks best with controlled stuffing.
• Practice colour change on a small tube first, you’re new to stripes.

 Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

1. Cowon’tn’t lie flat: your strip may be too tight or uneven. Block it lightly, or re-sew with the spiral flattened.
2. Neck leans or flops: too much stuffing or insufficient anchoring. Remove a bit of stuff, then stitch the neck base into the centre.
3. Head looks pointy: add more stuffing before the final decrease rounds and shape by hand.
4. Visible decrease bumps: switch to invisible decreases and tighten tension slightly.
5. Stripes look jagged: change colour on the last yarn-over of the final stitch before the stripe round.

 Care Instructions

• Spot clean with mild soap and cool water.
• Air dry fully.
• Avoid machine washing (keychain hardware can snag).
• If it becomes squished, reshape the head and coil with your fingers.

 FAQ Section (6 FAQs)

1) Is this easy crochet snake keychain pattern suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, as long as you can single crochet and follow basic increases/decreases. The coil is sewn, not complicated.

2) How do I make the snake stand up straighter?

Stuff the neck lightly but firmly, and add a few anchoring stitches at the neck base into the cocentreter.

3) Can I use embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes?

Absolutely. Embroidered eyes are also more kid-friendly for keychains.

4) What yarn weight is best for a keychain-sized snake?

DK or worsted works great. For extra mini, use sport/cotton and a smaller hook.

5) How do I make the stripes cleaner?

Change yarn on the last yarn-over of the last stitch before the stripe. Keep tension consistent when switching.

6) Can I sell finished snakes made from this pattern? You’re selling finished items; it’s best practice to credit the designer (you) where possible and to price handmade work fairly.

 Conclusion

This cute mini snake keychain is a small project with big personality: a neat coiled body, a tiny upright head, sweet safety eyes, and easy stripes that make every version feel unique. Whether you crochet one for your keys, your bag, or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this easy crochet snake keychain pattern is a fun, beginner-friendly way to create a pocket-sized amigurumi you’ll want to make again and again.