Searching for a cute christmas keychain crochet free pattern that you can finish before the holidays? This step-by-step christmas keychain crochet free pattern shows you how to crochet a chunky, soft Rudolph-style reindeer with a bright red pom-pom nose, tiny antlers and a sweet stitched forehead. It works as a tree ornament, a bag charm or a gift tag topper, and with a keyring attached it becomes the perfect handmade keychain. Every row is written out below, with photos, so this christmas keychain crochet free pattern is easy to follow even if you are fairly new to amigurumi.
Quick answerThis christmas keychain crochet free pattern makes a crochet reindeer using 3 colors of bulky Baby Snuggle Yarn (Teddy Bear, Soft Sand and Bright Red), a 5.5 mm hook, 8-9 mm safety eyes and fibre fill. You crochet the head, antlers, snout, nose and ears in single crochet, sew them together, and add white forehead “V” stitches. The finished piece measures about 5 x 5 in. Attach a keyring or clasp to the top loop to turn it into a keychain.
What you will find in this post
- Pattern overview and key facts
- Why this christmas keychain crochet free pattern is a favorite
- Materials, tools and abbreviations
- The full christmas keychain crochet free pattern
- How to turn the reindeer into a keychain
- Expert tips
- FAQ
Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern: Overview
Here is a quick snapshot of this christmas keychain crochet free pattern, so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
| Project | Crochet Rudolph reindeer (ornament, bag charm or keychain) |
|---|---|
| Pattern type | Free written pattern with step photos |
| Skill level | Beginner-friendly: magic ring, single crochet, increase, decrease, color change, simple sewing |
| Yarn | Baby Snuggle Yarn (bulky): Teddy Bear, Soft Sand, Bright Red |
| Hook | 5.5 mm |
| Other supplies | 8-9 mm safety eyes, fibre fill, yarn needle, fabric pins |
| Finished size | 5 x 5 in |
| Pieces | Head, 2 antlers (2 parts each), snout, nose, 2 ears |
Why This Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern Is a Favorite
Reindeer are one of the most recognizable Christmas characters, and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is the star of them all. That is exactly why a christmas keychain crochet free pattern with a bright red nose gets so much attention every holiday season. The soft, bulky chenille-style yarn gives the toy a plush, cuddly look, and because the yarn is thick, the pieces work up quickly.
People who search for a simple Christmas keychain crochet free pattern, an easy Christmas keychain crochet free pattern, or a Christmas keychain crochet free pattern for beginners usually want the same things: few pieces, basic stitches and a result that looks store-bought. This christmas keychain crochet free pattern delivers all three. It only uses single crochet, increases and decreases, plus a little color changing on the head to create the brown and cream face markings.
It also makes a lovely handmade gift. Crochet a few in a row and you have stocking stuffers, Secret Santa presents, teacher gifts and craft-fair items. Whichever way you use it, this christmas keychain crochet free pattern is a great way to practice amigurumi techniques while making something festive.
Materials for the Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern
Gather these supplies before you begin your christmas keychain crochet free pattern:
Yarn
- Colour A: Baby Snuggle Yarn in Teddy Bear
- Colour B: Baby Snuggle Yarn in Soft Sand
- Colour C: Baby Snuggle Yarn in Bright Red
Hook and Other Supplies
- 5.5 mm hook
- Safety eyes, 8-9 mm
- Fibre fill
- Yarn needle and fabric pins
- One 12 inch strand of black medium weight yarn (for pulling the eyes in)
- One 16 inch strand of white yarn (for the forehead stitches)
Size
The finished reindeer is 5 x 5 in.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
| mr | Magic ring |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in the same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (2 stitches worked together) |
| [A] / [B] / [C] | Change to or continue with that yarn color |
| x | Repeat the bracketed steps that many times |
Expert tip: Work in a continuous spiral and mark the first stitch of every round. Carry the unused color loosely inside the work when you change between A and B, so the brown and cream pattern on the face stays neat. A neat start makes your whole christmas keychain crochet free pattern look more polished.
Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern: Full Written Instructions
All pieces use a 5.5 mm hook and bulky yarn. The number on the right of each row (after the arrow) is the total stitch count. Follow the christmas keychain crochet free pattern in order: head, antlers, snout, nose, then ears and face details.
1. Head & Eyes – Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern
Start with colour A.
- Row 1: mr, sc 6 → 6
- Row 2: [inc] x6 → 12
- Row 3: [sc, inc] x6 → 18
- Row 4: sc 18 → 18
- Row 5: [sc 2, inc] x6 → 24
- Row 6: [A] sc 12, [B] sc 4, [A] sc 4, [B] sc 4 → 24
- Row 7: [A] sc 11, [B] sc 6, [A] sc 2, [B] sc 5 → 24
- Row 8: [B] sc 1, [A] sc 9, [B] sc 7, [A] sc 2, [B] sc 5 → 24
- Row 9: [B] sc 2, [A] sc 8, [B] sc 14 → 24
- Row 10: [B] sc 2, [A] [dec, sc 2] x2, [B] [dec, sc 2] x3, [dec] x1 → 18
- Row 11: [B] sc 2, [A] sc 6, [B] sc 10 → 18
Start stuffing.
- Row 12: [B] [dec] x1, [A] [sc, dec] x2, [B] [sc, dec] x3, sc 1 → 12
- Row 13: [B] [dec] x6 → 6
How to Set the Eyes
- Before you finish the head, place the safety eyes on Rows 7-8 of the head with 6-7 stitches in between.
- Take one 12” strand of black, medium weight yarn. Using a yarn needle, insert into the corner of one eye. Push the yarn needle from the first eye, over to the second eye.
- Take the strand from the first eye and, using a yarn needle, go down one stitch and insert the hook.
- Push the needle through the head. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other eye. Pull the two strands tight to bring the eyes in. Pull for the desired shape. Tie together, tie off and weave in the ends.
2. Antlers, Snout & Nose
Antlers Part 1 (make 2)
Start with colour B.
- Row 1: mr, sc 6 → 6
- Rows 2-7: sc 6 → 6
Attach antlers to rows 2-4 of the head.
Antlers Part 2 (make 2)
Start with colour B.
- Row 1: mr, sc 4 → 4
- Rows 2-4: sc 4 → 4
Attach to rows 3-5 of antler number 1.
Snout
Start with colour B.
- Row 1: mr, sc 4 → 4
- Row 2: [B] [sc, inc] x1, [A] [sc, inc] x1 → 6
- Row 3: [B] [inc] x3, [A] sc 3 → 9
- Row 4: [B] [sc, inc] x3, [A] sc 3 → 12
Nose
Start with colour C.
- Row 1: mr, sc 6 → 6
- Row 2: [sc 2, inc] x2 → 8
Putting the Antlers and Snout Together
- Make both parts of the antlers.
- Using fabric pins, attach the smaller piece to the larger piece on rows 3-5. Sew on.
- Complete both antlers.
- Create the snout and, using fabric pins, attach the snout to rows 8-11 of the head so the brown lines up with the brown. Sew on using a yarn needle.
- Place the nose on the top of the snout on rows 1-3.
- Using fabric pins, attach the antlers to rows 2-4 on either side. Sew on with a yarn needle.
3. Ears & Face Details
Ears (make 2)
Start with colour A.
- Row 1: mr, sc 6 → 6
- Row 2: [inc] x6 → 12
- Rows 3-5: sc 12 → 12
- Pinch the ear in half. Using a yarn needle, sew the bottom row together.
- Using fabric pins, attach the ears to rows 5-6 directly below the antlers. Sew on using a yarn needle.
Forehead “V” Stitches
- Take a 16” strand of white yarn and insert it into the bottom of row 6, centered on the head between the eyes.
- Insert the needle one row up and one stitch over. Push the needle over two stitches. Pull through.
- Then insert the needle back into the initial spot. Create these “V” shapes throughout the forehead.
Your reindeer is finished! Weave in any remaining ends, check that every part is sewn on securely, and your christmas keychain crochet free pattern project is complete.
How to Turn This Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern Into a Real Keychain
The original pattern shows the reindeer hanging from a ribbon loop, which makes a great ornament. To use this christmas keychain crochet free pattern as a keychain, here are some simple, optional ideas (these steps are extra tips and are not part of the original written pattern):
- Sew a loop of strong yarn or ribbon to the top of the head between the antlers, then thread a metal keyring or a lobster clasp through the loop.
- Knot the loop several times and sew it through the head and into the stuffing so it does not pull out.
- Hang it on a bag zipper, a backpack or a car mirror as a festive charm.
Size note: As written, this christmas keychain crochet free pattern gives a 5 x 5 in reindeer, which is large for a pocket keychain but ideal for a bag charm or ornament. For a smaller keychain, use a thinner yarn and a smaller hook. The finished size will change, and the stitch counts will not need to be altered, but test the shape first.
Safety note: If the toy is for a baby or small child, embroider the eyes instead of using hard safety eyes, and do not give keychains with small parts to children under 3.
Expert Tips for the Best Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern Results
- Use a tight tension. Chunky chenille yarn can stretch, and a firm tension keeps the fibre fill from showing through your christmas keychain crochet free pattern project.
- Go easy on the stuffing. Stuff the head firmly, but add small pieces at a time for a smooth, round shape.
- Pin before sewing. Pin the antlers, snout and ears, then check the face from the front before you sew. Small changes in placement change the whole expression of the reindeer.
- Match the colors. Keep the brown and cream pattern in rows 6-12 aligned with the snout, so the markings flow naturally.
- Make a set. Make several reindeer in the same colors for a matching holiday collection of christmas keychain crochet gifts. They also look great as gift-tag toppers.
- Save the pattern. To keep a copy, use your browser’s print option and choose “Save as PDF”, so you have your own Christmas keychain crochet free pattern PDF to use offline.
FAQ: Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern
Is this christmas keychain crochet free pattern really free?
Yes. The full written pattern with step photos is on this page. You can print it or save it as a PDF using your browser.Is this an easy christmas keychain crochet free pattern for beginners?
It is beginner-friendly. It only uses a magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases and simple color changes, plus basic sewing. Take your time with the face placement.What yarn and hook do I need for this christmas keychain crochet free pattern?
The pattern uses Baby Snuggle Yarn in Teddy Bear, Soft Sand and Bright Red, with a 5.5 mm hook, 8-9 mm safety eyes and fibre fill.How big is the finished crochet reindeer?
As written, the finished piece is about 5 x 5 in.Can I use this pattern as a keychain?
Yes. Attach a loop of yarn or ribbon to the top of the head and thread a keyring or clasp through it. Because the toy is 5 x 5 in, many people use it as a bag charm or ornament as well.Where can I find more crochet keychain patterns free?
Browse the crochet pattern section of this site for more free keychain and ornament ideas.
Final Thoughts on This Christmas Keychain Crochet Free Pattern
This christmas keychain crochet free pattern gives you everything you need: the materials, the abbreviations and every row for the head, antlers, snout, nose and ears, plus finishing details and keychain ideas. It is festive, quick to make and ideal for gifting. Save this christmas keychain crochet free pattern, make a few reindeer in your favorite colors, and share your finished work with fellow crocheters.
Loved this christmas keychain crochet free pattern? Bookmark it, make your first reindeer today and share your finished Rudolph with the crochet community!
Learn more about the craft on Wikipedia: Amigurumi and about the animal on Wikipedia: Reindeer. More projects: free crochet patterns.
